Have I told this before?

I taught Primary yesterday in the Templeton Ward when I brought up the subject of what it was like when I was the same age as the class members. It wasn't all that profound, but when I went Visiting Teaching today, the subject came up again with the Sisters I visited, both being about the same age group that I am in. When the mind gets to working, it is amazing how many things are remembered that might not have been thought about for a long time.

This got me to wondering, have I touched on this before? If I have, forgive me for bringing it up again, but you know when you get to be my age, you forget just about as much as you remember, especially if it has been over 20 minutes. Bear with me!

I don't ever recall the subject of "drugs" in my youth. Oh, I knew about going to the Drug Store and getting medicine when we were sick, but not the "street drugs" like we read, and hear about nearly everyday now. I am sure they must have been around, but our lives were pretty slow paced back then, and I don't believe anyone I knew, or who was close to us had any need of such stimulants. In fact, I don't recall packaged cigaretts when I was little. My Uncle smoked a pipe, or rolled his own from a sack of tobacco and cigarett papers he carried in his shirt pocket. I don't remember Liquor stores or even seeing Beer or the like in the store. In fact, come to think about it I don't recall soft drinks. We usually had lemonade, water or milk. Things were so much different back then. We didn't have a telephone until I was in High School. When we did have one put in, we had a "party line" and share the line with another family. They had
a ring, and we had one. If we picked up the phone and someone was talking, that ment the party
line was in use, and we had to wait our turn to use the phone. Phone numbers were the abbreviatioin of a name (2 letters) followed by 4 numbers. Our "prefix" was Layfatte or LA 6705. I sure felt "big" when we got that phone. Not everyone else in the neighborhood had one.
I think the reason we qualified was due to the work Dad was doing. Mother had a friend in the
PTA - I think she was an officer on the board with Mom. When I would answer the phone she would say "hello, little bird on the line". It was a form of endearment. I thought it was cute at the time, now I am not so sure.

I've talked about Christmas and trips we took, I remember doing that. I have gone over the time I danced, but I am not sure I brought out the trouble I had with the other kids. I was what they called a "speciality act". Toe Dancers weren't all that common even back then. I guess there was just as much jealousy about being a "star" then as there is today. Not that I felt like a "star". One of the girls particularly was a problem. One day when there was a competition for some thing or another, her mother wanted her to win. Personally, I didn't care. While I was waiting for my turn to go on stage, the girl, at the urging of her mother came over and stomped on my foot. It didn't break my foot, but it sure brused it. I went on, but it was sure hard to get through my routine with my foot hurting so badly. I never liked her from then on. In fact I avoided her at every chance when we were on the same program. She was a singer. I couldn't return the favor by stepping on her throat. Come to think of it, that might have been fun at that. (Shame on me!)

Being a kid when I was, sure was a lot more fun that what I see today. We didn't have Radio, which I think I have discussed before. Why we didn't even have a record player - well they were called phonographs back then. When we did get a radio, we also had a record player.
My brother Ralph was out of High School then and he bought what they called the big records. When he had a sad romance, he bought the song "I'll Never Smile Again" and played it until Dad wanted to break it. In fact I think he did. Along came the small records I think they called them
"45" by then we were all old enough to buy what we liked and play music in the evenings. Our
first TV wasn't brought into the home until I was married and had my own home. You know I
didn't know what I missed. Today there are over 100 stations and I can't find very much worth watching. Time to go back to records I guess!

There were no micro waves, dishwashers or automatic washers or dryers. When we did the laundry we had to hang things out on clothes lines in the yard and let them dry. We were careful to hang the colored clothes in shade so they wouldn't bleach out. When I was really small we had a "carpet sweeper". I don't remember when Mom got her first vaccum cleaner. Most of the things the kids of today take for granted weren't even invented back then. We managed just fine. There was a lot more work, but without all the distractions, we seemed to manage to get it all done. Monday was washing, Tuesday was ironing, Wednesday we cleaned the house, Thursday and Friday were days sewing and mending was done along with any shopping that had to be taken care of. Saturday was the "day we got ready for Sunday". Dad usually spent the day in the yard - there was always plenty of yard work to keep us busy. Sunday was a day of rest. I think that is where my Grand Dad brought out the saying: "when I was a boy it was the Holy Sabbath. When I got married it was "the Sabbath". When my kids were little it was "Sunday",
now it is the "week end". Only he spelled it "WEAK END". That about tells it like it is!

I certainly enjoyed going back over that. I suppose I have left out a number of things that would be of interest, but for now that about finishes up what was on my mind. Oh! one other thing - the typewritter was a fairly new invention. When I learned to type it was on a Remington that took pressure to get the keys to hit the ribbon that made the letters show up on the paper, if we needed more than one copy, we used "carbon paper". There weren't copy machines back then. In fact the first duplicator I used was a mimeograph. We had to type on a special paper
they called a "stencil". That was put on a machine with a large drum. The stencil was pulled tight over the drum. When the drum was rotated ink was forced through the stencil and printed on paper. The stencils weren't good for too many copies. Then we had a flat box that was filled with a solid jelly mixture. If you put a printed page on it and let it set, the words would stick to the jelly. When you removed the original you could put another piece of paper over the
jell and transfer the typed or written page. It was not good for too many copies, but it was great because you could keep it at home. Once the jelly held the copy for a length of time, it all turned into colored jelly that could be used again. Pretty primetive, but it sure worked.

"Time marches on" and things get invented which makes everything better, faster and more useable. I don't know when all the changes happened, but they have turned life into a much easier way of doing a great many things. There is a cost for such improvements however. We have learned how to be "lazy". We can now put off until the last minute things we could never have put off before. TV keeps us up to date on world affairs, where we use to have to wait for the newspaper to be delivered. We walked everywhere, but towns have turned into Strip Malls
and Mall complexes where you can shop for everything from soup to nuts without getting out in the rain, or heat of the day. Distance is covered in cars instead of street cars or busses in most areas. Walking is what you do to slim down or help your heart get up to speed so you can slow it down. Track Stars use to run, where today the streets and by ways are full of "runners" trying to get, or keep in shape because they spend way to much time setting in front of the TV. Fast Food has taken the place of "meal time" with the family. Everyone but Dad would set down for breakfast. Each grabbed a lunch box or brown bag with a sandwich, cookies or a piece of pie or cake some fruit and of course the great old thermos of milk. Then in the evening Mom would be found at the stove cooking a well balanced dinner for the family. Everyone sat down together and had a pleasant meal with what else, conversation. Home was home, not a quick stop over between running to and fro.

Sports were played at school, and after school was for doing homework and playing with friends in the neighborhood. A time to have fun and learn how to get along with all ages of kids who lived on the block. In the evening it was common to hear Moms all over the neighborhood call out for the kids to come in for dinner or go to bed. In many places there weren't street lights to play under. We hated the winter because it got dark so early. Oh, and they didn't have "daylight savings time". What ever the season, the clocks stayed the same. Thats why Summer was the best time of the year for the kids. I think the folks liked it too. They had the house to themselves so they could read the evening paper or discuss family things without all the kids in ear shot.

Well it might not seem as if it was all that great, but I have to admit, I reflect back over those days with a great deal of pleasure. I wouldn't want to change my childhood. We didn't know we were poor because no one we knew had it any better than we did. I learned about death when one of my dearest friends was hit and killed by a car when I was 9 years old. She had gone to play with a friend. She was standing on a corner waving goodbye to her friend across the street and stepped off the curb in front of a car that had come to the intersection and was making a turn. The driver didn't see her, and she wasn't watching where she was going. I remember going to her house to pay my respect and finding her mother grieving. Made an impression on me that I still feel very deeply. I have always been careful when crossing streets, and look out
for kids who aren't as careful al they should be, when I am driving.

I learned over the years your friends are here today, and go on into life, usually without being around again. So many, with so few we have the chance to keep in touch with. I suppose that is the way things were ment to be. The reason the Lord gave us memory so we can recall the times and friends we have loved and spent time with. Youth goes by way too fast. I didn't realize that when I had it. Once you have "grown up" you are always "grown up". Youth is something we are given and need to cherish, unfortunately we don't find that out until it is long
gone. Someone my age generally feels youth with all it has is wasted on the young, but the older I get the more I realize the Lord put things in their proper order. When we are young, we can indulge ourselves with having fun, and not worry. We can spend our time doing what we like and becoming all that we can become. One day however, we have to wake up to all the rest of our life. I guess my suggestion is not to waste youth. Don't get caught up in all the "thick of thin things". Everyday has its' very own opportunities. When the day is gone, so are those opportunities. I wasted a lot of time wanting to be "older". I found out it isn't all that it is "cracked up to be". I have found out that saying is very true - "today is a gift, that is why it is called the "present". I never thought about unwrapping each day to see what was hidden inside. I don't suppose any of us do, but it sure would be something worth cultivating while we are still young enough to realize just how great each day can be. Instead of wishing for a Holiday or Vacation to come around, it might be nice to look forward to what tomorrow brings. I guess that is what someone my age looks forward to. The mail in the mail box, the caller on the other end of the telephone ringing. The e-mails that come to my address and of course the time I spend checking out the Blog-us-phere. We can't visit everyone all the time, but just that little
time spent at the other end of the "line" sure can make a day.

My day was made today when the Sisters I Visit Taught told me how much they enjoyed my coming. One is ill with Parkinsons and is barely able to get around now. The other has Rhuematoid Arthritis and has to use a cane to walk around her trailor and a walker when she goes outside. I am older than both of them, and have to thank Father in Heaven that I can do all the things I do. I never thought I would live to be 80 years old, but here I am. If I knew way back then what I know now, I sure would have enjoyed my childhood more. Again, I can see just how wise the Lord was in putting things in their proper order. When I returned from my last Mission I found a saying that goes something like this: "life, live it up, wear it out, use it up, so when the end comes, as come it will, you can let out a sigh of releif and say, WOW I enjoyed the ride". I believe I will be able to say that - the journey has been a great experience, and I do appreciate the contributions you have made to make it so. I love you!

Written this 29th day of June 2009
by Grandma R - Eileen Rosenberg

The Difference Between Then and Now

I woke up this morning remembering what it was like to be a kid way back when. The differences are amazing. I have received e-mails telling about it. Things pointed out were just like it was. We didn't worry about things. We got dirty and the worse thing that could happen to us was we could get "impentago". I am not sure about the spelling, but that "sounds" right.
Washing of ones hands would have helped, but you know how kids are.
They had a "Toy Loan" at Pacific Blvd Grammar School. What a kick that was. We could go in after school and pick out a toy and keep it for a week. Much like you check out Library Books. No one thought about their carrying germs back then. There were few enough toys to go around. Having a place where we could borrow a play thing to enjoy, even for a week, was great to every kid.
Most every kid had a "lunch box". I remember Mom would wash ours out at night and leave them dry on the drain board overnight. We lined them with a napkin and put our sandwiches in "waxed paper". It really didn't keep things as fresh as the plastic bags of today, but then we used what was pretty "modern" way back when. I remember putting Root Beer in my thermos one morning. Really pleased with myself too, I might add. I never dreamed it wasn't a good idea. Half way to school, the thermos blew its' cork and Root Beer was all over my lunch box.
What a mess. I didn't try that again.
There wasn't a cafeteria at Grammar School, if you didn't have a lunch, you could walk to the grocery store a couple blocks away and buy something at the Lunch Counter they had. It seems Lunch Counters in Stores was pretty common back then. In fact in Woolworths on the "Blvd" they had a great Lunch Counter. You could buy Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner there. That use to be a big treat for us kids. Thrifty Drug and Sav On Drug both had Ice Cream Counters, another treat when we were shopping "up town".
We had Home Economic Classes at Junior High School. That was where I learned to sew and cook. My Dad being English was thrilled when I learned how to make Orange Marmalade. I whipped up a batch for him and did some pickles too, as I recall. I remember soaking the cucumbers in a crock in the Laundry Tub before I pickled them. What a great time I had. Once
was enough, I never did that again. I made jam and canned fruit after I got married, but I don't recall making pickles again. Never Marmalade. I don't like it myself.
I joined the Campfire Girls. They were part of the YMCA. Never heard of Girl Scouts until much later. Never joined a troop myself. I enjoyed the Campfire Girls. We did all kinds of crafty things. That was where I learned to knit. I never made anything in the line of clothing, but we made a lot of "hot pads". Later I learned how to knit sweaters. Tried a dress once, but never finished it. They are not fashionable now, but were very expensive back then. Lots of work as well. I never liked to knit things that needed to be put together. Once I found a pattern that knit it all in one piece, I was happy.
It wasn't common back then to have many "bought clothes". Ready made clothing was expensive and family budgets didn't allow for that. Patterns were cheap enough, and fabric was
reasonable as well. At one time flour sacks were used to sew into garments. When flour was needed, Mom would check out all the sacks and pick one that had a nice print on it. Once the flour was used, the sack was washed and the seam let out. One sack would make a little girls dress. Everything was used up then. The depression had extended the frugalness of most families. I never went without, but I wouldn't have dared asked for something. My folks were
good about giving us allowances each week for the chores we did. I don't remember a time when I didn't have a little purse, or some money in it. It never was much, but I had something. More than what a lot of kids had.
When I said I wouldn't have dared asked for anything, I guess I mean there were not a lot of things we saw that could have tempted us to ask. The Christmas I got my first skates, I asked they not be "learner" skates. I wanted "ball bearing" skates. They rolled, and you could go fast.
The sidewalks by our house were pretty broken up from the weather. Hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. The cement didn't fare well with the expansion caused by so much change. Well, I got the skates. Dad fastened them onto my; at first I fell more than I skated for awhile, but when I mastered them, I would watch for the cracks and missing areas in the sidewalk, and I could really go. There was a hill by the house, and I could coast too. What a blast that was. We got a sled one Christmas. Our front yard sloped to the sidewalk and when it snowed, we could coast clear out into the street. Not many cars back then, so it was safe to do
that. In the summer when they would have thunder storms the water would run down hill and the gutters would be full of water. After it had rained for awhile, Mom would let us put on our bathing shoes and suits and we would splash around in the "gutter water". Sounds awful, but
it was great fun. The gutters ran so fast, the dirt was cleared away in no time, so the water was clean, and deep enough to splash each other. I can even remember wearing a bathing cap. I guess Mom didn't want to wash my hair. Well that was what it was like being a kid in Pennsylvania. When we moved to California things were a great deal different, and I have already told you about that.
I am greatful for my childhood. We had to rely on our imagination. I never have been very good at visualization, but I have a great imagination. I have spent hours planning things, even when I knew they would never happen, but the fun of planning and thinking about them - well that is what can make a dull day pretty exciting. I wouldn't trade my childhood for any today. With all the electronic things, and computers, well I believe the kids miss out on discovering just how much fun there is around them everyday.
When Jay and I were first married there was a scam called the pyramid club. We were invited to join. The cost was one dollar. As you asked others to join, you climbed to the top and the payoff would be a large amount of one dollar bills. Jay was a very level headed person. He put in his one dollar and he and I spent many happy hours planning what we could do with our prize when it arrived, which of course it never did. Someone asked him later how he could have fallen for such a scam. He laughed and told them it was the best dollar he had ever spent. He knew it wouldn't work, but it gave us some pretty wonderful times imagining what we could do, if we had the money. We didn't set around fretting over what we couldn't have. All in the way you apply your thoughts. You never get something for nothing, but you can always make something out of nothing if you have a great imagination. That's a fact!

Written this 13th day of June 2009
by: Eileen Rosenberg

Then There Were the Graduations

This time of year has brought my thoughts around to ending one part of life, and beginning another. Never thought about it before, but we do have more than one Graduation. When I was young it was just three. Grammar School, Junior High School and High School - well if you went on the there would be College and that could add one, two and maybe even more. Today there is Graduations from Pre-School, Kindergarten, well you see what I mean. Times change. I prefer to take a look at what I experienced. Traumatic as it was, I guess I learned something!

When we moved to California I went back into First Grade. When I started School in Pennsylvania, I started the First Grade at age 5. That may have been when I started my learning problems? Anyway, they put me in the First Grade, and it was so much different than when I had entered the class room in the East. I had learned so much prior to starting here in California. I may have shut down, and by the time I started up again, I was behind. Who knows? Pacific Blvd Grammar School went to the 6th Grade. Ronald was just three years ahead of me, so we went to the same school. When he graduated, I didn't pay that much attention. When I passed the 6th grade we had a class picture taken. I think there was some kind of a small ceremony when we got our report cards. I just remember how excited I was to be able to go to Gage Avenue Junior High School. It would be a new experience because two Grammar Schools would join in the 7th Grade. Miles Avenue Grammar School was from the "higher rent
district". There more of them than there were of the Pacific Blvd. class. They didn't mix well with us at first. It took awhile before we "fit in". This was my first experience with Graduating.
A new place, new people, new responsibilities - well a whole new life really. The School was much closer to where we lived, so the walk wasn't as far. The hardest part was walking past the High School. The first day was the worst. The Freshman entering High School were being tagged by "upper classman" so they had to pass it on by heckling the 7th Graders going to Gage Avenue. We got use to it, and believe me it made the change from Junior High to High School a lot easier. By then we had hardened enough to just look past it.
Junior High was a time for becoming more responsible. We changed classes. Had a number of new teachers instead of one, and subjects that would mean more home work, tests and reports to be turned in. In other words my mind was more concerned with what was ahead than what any "jerk" yelled as I passed by on my way to School.
The two years in Junior High was time for me to learn how to pace myself. It was a time to get down to the knitty gritty of keeping track of what was needed when and to whom I had to get it.
Throw in a major War and you have a very interesting time. We didn't have to change for PE, for which I was greatful. Our time on the playing field was Co-educational, meaning the boys and girls played the games together. Kick Ball was one of the games we played. It was while playing one day the ball was kicked to me. Unfortunately it jammed the little finger on my left hand and broke my finger. I hurt a lot, but I didn't go to the Nurse. Finally I complained to the teacher and they called Mom and she came down and took me to the Doctor. The next day I returned to school with my finger in a splint. Greatful it was my left hand. At least all I missed was PE for a few weeks. I could do all the rest of my work.
We had councilors from the High School come down and talk to us when we were about finished with our two years at Gage Avenue. I had already made up my mind what I wanted to do, so it was not hard for me. I had no interest in going to College, even though Mom and Dad had hoped I would go. Neither Ralph or Ronald were interested. They had picked the vocation long in advance just as I had. They trained as Printers. I always wanted to work in an Office. I have mentioned Graduation from Gage before, so I won't get into it again.
High School. We wore "beanies". I don't think they were really necessary to tell we were Freshman. Our weak kneed attitude was a dead give away. The High School Campus was huge.
The 1933 earthquake had destroyed a number of the buildings, so there had been a number of "bungalow's" brought on campus. These housed the Music and Art classes. The Manval Arts building had the wood shop, auto shop and print shop plus the School Boiler Room that heated the school. There was a two story building that housed the typing classes, science classes and
the Library. Another two story building that housed the math, calculus, and language classes.
The Cafeteria was a one story building. The administration building had some history, bookkeeping and business machine classes and the Accounting Office, where I spent a good deal of time while I was there. The Gymnasium and Plunge/Pool with all the dressing and shower rooms were across the street with the Tennis Courts, Football Field and other fields behind it.
As I said it was a large campus.
The classes were not scheduled a list of what was offered was posted. Each student would pick what class they wanted for which period of the day and which teacher they wanted for each class. Once you had that all decided, it was up to you to get into that particular class. You had to
"run for it". Best to get there early, and get the most important classes signed up for fast. I think those days were as hectic for the teachers as they were for the students. He or she had to have their books open for each class they taught each day. When any book got filled, he or she would have to post on their door their closed classes. That would mean any student that wanted the class had to re define what classes had to be changed to get into another class teaching that subject. I could drive you mad. At the end of the first day any classes that were not signed off on your list had to be taken to the attendance office where they would remake your schedule. Ralph and Ronald had to go through this every year they were at HPHS. I only had to do it for
two years. After that they School decided it would be better to fill out schedules according to the needs of the Student. If there were problems, then they would adjust them. It was harder on those wanting to fill College requirements than someone like me who had picked a Business Career.
That final year was pretty fun. As I said I only had to go to school half a day. When the Senior activities came up, I was able to attend most of them. I had been in a relationship since my Sophomore year which had ended when I was in the last of my Junior Year. It was bad because I wasn't able to attend with someone. I had to "stag" every activity. Well, maybe it was just as well!
That last day - what a feeling. I had gone to my locker and cleaned everything out. I stood there looking at that locker and wondering what lay ahead. The War was still going on. My brothers were still in the thick of things. I rarely saw my Dad. He went to work before the sun came up and some times he came home after I had gone to bed. War work was demanding on the Aircraft Industry. I walked around the Campus and wondered what life would be like without being part of this environment? Strange how while one door is closing behind you, you can't quite get a grip on what is behind the one that is just opening before you. The rest of my life was out there.

Well I have lived the rest of that life, or I am in the closing days of it anyway. How did it turn out? Pretty good! I met my "soul mate". Had a family who had family who has had a family.
I believe that figures out to my being a Great Grand Mother at this writing. Haven't done to bad. I can still set up and take nourishment, drive my own car, cook my own meals and pay my own bills. At 80 that is doing pretty darn good I would say. Just remember no matter what time of life you are in, no matter how vague things may seem that lie ahead, the "best" still is out there. All we have to do is take each day, one day at a time, and make the very best of it we can.
Our happiness doesn't lie in what someone else can do for us, but in what we can do ourselves. Life is neither boring nor lack lustre. Life is just what we make it everyday. Good or bad, we are the creators of it. What are you doing with yours?

Written this 12 day of June 2009
by: Eileen Rosenberg

I Was A Life Guard

When the Dancing days were over, Swimming became the center of my life. It was a happy day when I learned they had a Swimming Pool at the High School. You will remember we moved next door to Huntington Park High School when I was 8 or 9 years old. It was in the early part of 1938. Ralph was a Senior at the time. Made it easy on him, but a longer walk for Ronald and I.
The Pool was indoors. That ment the Students at the High School could swim anytime of the year. The Pool was open to the public during the Summers or by special arrangements on Saturday. Night time swimming was for Night School classes.
During the Summer their were different times for patrons to use the pool. Nine was for beginner swimmers. Classes were held for all ages. The pool was cleared for regular swimmers such as:
girls only, boys only. These schedules helped keep the roudy boys from splashing the girls for fun. In the afternoon there was swimming for everyone and then again in the evening. The Life Guards had plenty of time to rest in between each session. There was a snack bar where tickets were purchased for each session. Oh, and the price of the ticket furnished one towel. It was nice because they were always warm.
I loved the water. It made me feel free. I couldn't float all that well, but once I learned to swim, I didn't want to float anyway. There were Red Cross and YMCA classes to take to advance my skills. I always signed up for them, and earned everything I could. There were distance swims and finally Junior Life Guard and finally Senior Life Guard.
I can't remember how I was recruited to be one of the Guards my first Summer, but it was pretty exciting for me. I remember I had a Yellow Jantzen Swim Suit. I always seem to have a great tan, so in an indoor pool, I stood out - small that I was. Every Life Guard has a whistle and of course a towel around their neck. That was more for helping struggling swimmers to reach the side of the pool safely. Saved getting wet a good many times I can tell you.
Where the patrons entered the pool area there was a pipe safety guard we sat on to keep an eye on the swimmers. You had to be alert. There were usually four of us on duty when the pool was being used. One stationed at the diving boards, on each side of the pool and at the shallow end.
We would work on Saturday afternoons or evenings if the Pool was rented.
The Mormon Church rented the pool on occasion. I was not a member at the time and was always on my personal guard when they were there. My only information about the Church at that time was they had a lot of wives and wore "funny underwear". Don't ask me how I came by that information. Probably from one of the other Guards. I stayed clear of all the young men. I certainly wasn't interested in becoming another bride for any of them. Not that any of them seemed interested in me anyway, but a girl just couldn't be too careful.
It was while I was guarding I had my first experience with Swim Finns. What a thrill that was.
I borrowed the finns and when I got in the water, I could go sooooo much faster. I never bought a pair for myself ever. I guess it was my same old problem - small feet. When I wore Chloe's I
always wore blisters on the top and sides of my feet from having to belt them up so tight. They were still too big, but they worked.
Brings back some great memories. Of course swimming in a Chlorine Pool bleached us out, so when we were off, we went to the beach to renew our suntan. Guess that wasn't such a great idea. The results of all that tanning is what has caused me to loose the pigmentation in my skin now that I am older. It is also the reason I have had a number of skin cancers removed. We didn't have sun screen back in those days. In fact one way we got such dark tans was we rubbed down with baby oil tinted with iodine. Couldn't have been more dangerous for us, but back then
who knew? Live and learn I guess.
I taught both swimming and diving during that time, and then again during the Winter Night School. There were many happy hours spent at the good old HPHS indoor swimming pool.

written this 12th day of June 2009
by: Eileen Rosenberg

What about this?

When I was born, Mom said I looked like an Indian Papoose. I had jet black hair, and lots of it, I wasn't pink like most new babies, I had dark skin, I guess that was why she thought I looked like an Indian. My eyes were so dark brown you could not see the pupils. I was small - in fact I wore "0" size shoes when I was one year old. I was still wearing infant dresses. I walked when I was 10 months old. Mom said when she set me down and I walked all around people thought I was a midget. Well I guess she was worried that I might be because she took me to the Doctor to have me checked on. She was worried for nothing.

I was under sized all through school. Finding shoes seemed to be the biggest problem for a long time. I don't know if that is why I am a shoe nut now or not. When I was graduating from Jr. High School, every girl in the class was getting her first pair of high heels. With normal feet that was not a problem. For me it was awful. Mom took me to Los Angeles where they sold shoes for the Chinese women who had their feet bound when they were children. Naturally those were too small and the regular shoe stores couldn't fit me. We nearly walked our legs off looking. We finally found a pair, but they were terrible. Didn't have any choice. It was a pair of brown fabric with snake skin trim. Well they did have the toe out, but they were the worse pair of shoes I have ever seen. We hadn't bought my graduation dress, so we had to find something that wouldn't make the shoes stand out too much. We settled on a red two piece suit. I didn't really care for the suit either. One would have to say my Jr High Graduation wasn't the happiest time of my life.

Then again I don't think I fared all that well when I graduated from High School. I was only wearing a size 1 shoe. Still no high heels. I had to settle for a pair of black suede closed toed sling flats. It was horrible. I was one of the shortest girls in the class of 96 and I had to wear FLATS!
I had a black suit with a lovely white blouse. Mom, Dad, Uncle Bill and Aunt Clara took me to a Night Club after Graduation. My first time in a Night Club. The floor show was Pinky Lee. I know that doesn't mean anything these days. He was a left over from the Vaudeville Days. At least the show was clean. We had a wonderful dinner before the Floor Show then there was dancing, but I didn't have a date, so we left fairly early.

So far as math goes, I am a dunce. When I went into High School Ronald told me the best thing to do was get all the required courses out of the way. I did that by taking Art/Music Appreciation as my Elective as a Freshman. That was 10 weeks in a class where you learned all about Art and how to appreciate the good from the bad. It was a great class, and I enjoyed it very much. The second ten weeks we listened to various kinds of music and learned about what instruments we were hearing, and how they effected the overall listening experience. I loved this class as well.

Because I was so poor in math, I decided to take Business Classes and let the machines do the work. That worked well, until I was a Junior. I had to have at least one Math Class to graduate, so I took Basic Math. The teacher was a big guy named Mr. Brewster. He had been a coach for Football at one time, so that might give you some kind of an idea about his size. He worked with me all semester. I am afraid nothing could help. When we got to the end of the second 10 weeks he came over to my desk and said: "Charmaine, I have never had a student in class who has worked any harder than you have. However, you just haven't progressed enough for me to give you a grade fitting your work. You are really doing "F" work, but I realize failing you would only mean you would have to take the class over again, and I don't feel that would do any good. I have therefore decided to give you a "D-". I know it is bringing your GPA down, but it is all I can do." I thanked him for not putting me through that torture all over again. It was sad because both my Brothers were "A" students in all their math classes.

Then all my Required Classes were behind me so when I got to my Senior year, and the War still going, I was able to get a "work permit" which meant I could go to school half a day and work half a day. With all the Business Classes I had taken, I was able to get good paying jobs, which helped me in being placed in a top job after I had graduated.

Lest you think I was stupid. I took every Machine Class they offered. I learned the Bookkeeping Machines, Calculators and of course my favorite the Comptometer. They don't have them anymore. When the ten key adding machine came into being, the Comptometers went out of business. While I was in these classes I had a teacher Mrs. Lord. She was great. I would stay after school to learn more things. She came to me one day for a talk. She told me I was one of the slowest learners she had ever had in class. It took her twice the time to get into my thick head what the other students would grasp quickly. The only difference in them and me was when I "got it", I retained it. She could come back a month later and I would still know how to do it, while the rest of her students would have to be shown over again. I don't know if that meant I was handicapped in some way or not. Back when I was a kid they never considered you
with some sort of a learning disability. You either got it, or you didn't. They never stopped to worry about you unless you caused trouble, and that was never in my nature. I struggled, but I hung in there.

When I graduated Mrs Lord had made arrangements for me to take a job at Owens-Illinois Glass where I met Jay. I could do anything on a machine. When I was working for the Part Time Agencies they sent me to an Envelope Company to work out their bonus figures. When I got there they only had ten key adding machines. I had never worked with one before. To top it off the work was on strips about 8 inches wide but only 1/2 inch deep. They were in stacks and there were thousands of them. First I had to master the machine, which I would say took me about 4 hours. The strips with the figures I had to calculate, were something else. Talk about paper cuts. Well they gave me a small office to my self. I slowly worked out a system of my own on how to handle the slips and get the totals they needed. I was so fast at it they didn't trust me so they had another employee spot check my work. She couldn't find any errors. What they thought would take months to bring to completion I was able to do in about 6 weeks. They hired me. That pretty well tells what happened a number of times.

I took a course at El Rancho High School to be a Switch Board Operator. That was something I
knew would come in handy. It did when I worked for Ravier Ware some months later. They had a small switch board that connected two of their warehouses with the main office. I enjoyed relieving on the Switch Board. They are a thing of the past now, but were pretty common place back in those "good old days".

When ever I had a job, I was a dedicated employee. I'd stay busy, and have great concentration.
I can do most anything, if you show me. I have never been able to work out a pattern or read direction and figure out how it is to be done. Another of my "handicapps". If you show me, and let me work it out while you watch, I can usually pick it up quickly, then work out my own system for doing the work. I have always been fast when I work. I believe that is due to the deep concentration I have. I don't like noise around me. If I get started and am into what I am doing, the noise doesn't usually bother me, but I need quiet to get into the job.

These are just a few of things that I thought might be of interest. You can decide if I was right.

Written this 11th day of June 2009
by Eileen Rosenberg

The History I have Witnessed - written in 2007

I was born 7 Febraury 1929 and the CRASH occured in October 1929.
I was raised with the effects the CRASH brought. There were three of us kids. Dad had to move the family to find work that would keep us fed and clothed. I was born in Ohio so the first move was to Pennsylvania where Dad worked as a machinist. We lived in a two story three bedroom house in Greensburg. I barely remember that house, but I do recall some things that happened while we lived there. A Junk Man with a horse draw wagon drove up and down the town streets yelling his desire to take away any junk people might have. It was his way of making a living. We also had a horse drawn fish wagon that came on Friday. Whether you were Catholic or not, it was the day everyone ate fish. I don't remember a Friday at home when we didn't have fish. There was a Candy Store down the street from our house. We kids would get a nickel, which by the way was a lot of money in the 1930's and we would walk to the store to spend our money. It would take us a great deal of thought and planning to make the nickel get as much candy as we we wanted for the week. Some of the candy was priced at 2 pieces for 1 cent. Others were even 5 pieces for a penny. On very special days they would have 10 pieces for a penny. Each selection was made with careful thought and we would leave the store with a white and red striped bag filled with our treasure. Gum drops, Jelly cowboy hats, papers full of candy "dots", well those are just a few of what we brought home.
The elementary school was back of our house. We had to walk around the block to enter the front door. During the winter that was a long way when there was snow on the ground. The school was a two story brick building. Each room had a "cloak room" where we put our coats or sweaters and boots when the weather was wet or snowy. At the front of the room there was a big black board behind the teachers desk. There were rows of desks that had ink wells in the right hand top corner. The desk had a top that lifted up. That was where we kept our books and pencils with paper. We didn't have "book bags" back in those days. The janitors cleaned the wooden floors with oiled sawdust. It took up the dirt and left the floors oiled and smelling funny. There was a steam heater in the basement that kept the radiators warm when it turned off cold. I remember my first days in school we had a rest time. We put our heads down on our desks and had to be quiet. The blinds were lowered on the big windows so the room was darkened.
In 1933 Dad brought the family to California for a visit. Our Step-grandmother was in the Los Angeles County Hospital - which by the way is still there, in use today. While we were here the
1933 earthquake happened. All the kids were in the street playing when things began to shake.
The telephone poles did a dance, but fortunately didn't fall down. Trying to walk was a mistake.
Mother was cooking dinner when someone, I don't recall who, ran into the kitchen and tried to get her to go down the back steps. She was moved away from the cabinets just as a large can of tomatoes toppled. If she would have been standing where she was it would have hit on the head.
She struggled, not wanting to leave the kitchen. Fortunately things stopped shaking so she was spared a terrible experience on those rickety stairs. That night the family took a walk up into town (Huntington Park). What a site. Much of the false fronts on the buildings was laying in the street along with broken glass from all the store fronts. The street was full of people, no one was trying to loot the stores. Everyone was so shocked at what had happened. The shaking came and went most of the day and night. People were helping those who needed help. One funny, yet not so funny thing happened to a lady living in one of the Apartments where my Grand Parents lived. She was in the bathtub when the quake hit. Bath rooms weren't like they are today. Bathtubs were used, in many cases, as a laundry tub. Most every bathroom had a shelf over the tub where laundry items were kept. On this ladies shelf was a bottle of "bluing". I know we don't see it today, but back then it was put into the laundry to help white things stay white. It was terribly indelible. The bottle toppeled into the bathtub and the poor lady had a portion of her body turn blue. Wasn't funny to her, I'm sure.
Work was hard to find, especially jobs that paid a decent wage. After our visit, Dad decided to take a gamble and bring the family to California where he had learned there was work in the Aircraft Industry - just in its infancy at the time. Most of the household goods were sold off. We had an upright piano and living room furniture and a dining room set. Mom had a treddle sewing maching. I don't recall that being brought. Dad got a small trailor in which the things that could be taken were carefully packed. A trailor hitch was put on the back of the 1930 green Ford two door sedan Dad had. That car had brought us to California in 1933 and here we were heading back in 1935.
When we arrived we moved into a rented house on Malibar Street in Huntington Park. I believe that old place is still standing. Our Grand Parents lived in that house with Mrs. Harrison and her son Percy. When we added our 5, the house was really crowded. Mrs. Harrison had a bedroom, Grand dad and Grand ma had another leaving the third bedroom for Dad, Mother and I. The boys and Percy had beds on the sunporch at the back of the house. In those days it was not unusual for families to live together. Work was scarce and keeping things together took real planning and sacrafices.
Dad found work in Long Beach at the Donald Douglas Aircraft Plant. When things got better with steady work, Dad rented a two bedroom house on 55th Street for our family. A cousin Edmund Smith moved with us at that time. Mom and Dad had one bedroom, the boys and I took the other. The boys slept in a full size bed and I had a "junior bed". We all slept at night in that bedroom then when we got up Mom would "air" the bed then make it up so Edmund could sleep in it during the day. He was working the graveyard shift. The house was next to railroad tracks - we got use to the trains.
The elementary school was about a mile away. Ron and I had to attend there. Ralph was in High School so he had a longer walk every day. Back in those days everyone walked. We had a car, but it set in the driveway most of the time. Dad would tell us to "shake a leg", which ment we were off on a hike up into town. One of the interesting things during that time was when New Cars came out. Every car dealer would rent a big light to shine in the night sky to tell people they could come and see all the new models. We would go in to see the cars - they smelled "funny" like new cars do. Not many could afford cars in those days, but it was such fun to go in a look at them and get a colored booklet that told all about the advantages of owning one. There was Sopp Chevrolet and Park Ford on Pacific Blvd with the Hudson dealer on Slauson Avenue.
Pacific Blvd was home to the shopping in town and the Movie Houses. At the very end was the
"dime struggle". The whole family could see two features, 2 to 3 comics and the Newsreel for 50 cents. The movies were "older" by about 3 to 4 weeks. The next was the Park. It cost 15 cents to see the same amount of movies, comics and newsreel, only they were only 2 weeks old. Next was the California. It cost 25 cents but the movies were new. In fact they had sneak previews once in awhile. What a thrill that was. In the next block was Warner Brothers. They played their own movies that were just released. Both the California and Warner Bros. were posh buildings. At the other end of town was the Lyric. It showed a mixture of pictures and was also 25 cents as I recall. It was too far for us to walk, but great for those who lived that far away.
On Saturdays, when we would mostly attend, they had Serials and the "passing parade". These were in addition to all the other showings. A real buy. They never cleared the theatre after the showing, so you could stay and see the main features over again. Well one was a first run with the second being a "B" picture. They were all good.
None of us had homes as well decorated or furnished at those two theatres. It was a real thrill to go up on the Second floor and set in the lounges or admire yourself at the vanities. The bathrooms were really special. Well we just lived it up at the "show".
When I was 8 years old, our parents purchased a home on Belgrave Avenue, next to the High School. It had been built in 1928 and withstood the 1933 earthquake. In fact it went through a number of other shakes while we lived there. It was only a two bedroom house, but it too had a sun porch where the boys and Edmund slept.
When I was 12 I remember a Sunday Morning when I was laying on the living room floor reading the funny papers. Dad had the radio on listening to the news. The announcement came over that radio telling us the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. I turned and looked at Dad setting in his chair, reading the Sunday Paper. We didn't say a word, we just looked at each other. Ralph was 21 at the time and was working at Northrup Aircraft as I recall and Ronald was still in High School age 17. I am sure none of us realized at that time just what it all would mean to not only our family, but to the entire Country.
Come Monday morning - we all went to school and work like things were normal, but they weren't. All the kids in the classrooms were crying - not knowing what to expect. Some had had family members at Pearl Harbor. One knew his brother had been killed in the attack. We were only in the 7th grade. Too young to be part of any action. Our lives would never, however, be the same. In no time at all there were long lines at the recruiting offices, men wanting to "join up". When the men left to serve, women were recruited to join the War Effort by going to work to replace the men.
We lived near the coast, so an immediate concern of an attack loomed before us. Windows were darkened with "black out curtains". All street lights, sign boards, car head lights, etc. were turned off or modified. Gas rationing soon followed. Cards were issued with stickers placed on windshields to signify what use the car qualified for. Rallies to sell Ward Bonds were common place. Every Movie Theater sold Bonds and Savings Stamps. These were to support the War Effort. The Government issued Food Stamps. Not like those in use today. These were for various commodities. Sugar, Butter, Meat, or other things. When all the stamps were gone, you had to wait for then next issue to be able to buy. All the meat counters were pretty sad looking. If there was any meat it was in small quantities. If you weren't at the markets when it came in,
you had to wait until more was released for public use. Everything "went to war". Even the colors. Lucky Strike Cigaretts had a green package before the war. The familiar saying was "Lucky Strike Green has gone to war". They never did go back to the green package. Leather shoes were a thing of the past. I remember buying a lovely pair of linen shoes with plastic, look like leather trim and cord soles. They were "special". All but for the day I walked in the water with them on. The soles came loose and the shoes fell apart. Silk hose were gone - even the new nylons that we were just learning to wear. All had gone to war for parachutes, or other supplies for the troups. That was when "leg makeup" came into being. It was awful stuff. Streaked on your legs and made you look rediculous. Sun tanned legs seems to be the only option. A new profession was born however. In every 5 and dime on the Blvd. Hose repair stations began to pop up. Take hose in with a run, and they could mend it good as new. I have no idea what the cost was for the service, but I know many women took advantage of it.
As our family was use to walking everywhere, gas rationing only caused problems for Dad getting back and forth to his work. Fortunate for him, he was in War Work, so he qualified for help and they encouraged pooling of rides. Everything seemed to work out.
I remember what it was like. Mother was a Red Cross volunteer so we made bandages for the Armed Services. She was active in the VFW and Navy Mothers, so we were part of the volunteers that kept the local USO Canteen open and staffed. We made sandwiches and snacks for the men on leave. We made beds and kept the area neat and clean so there was a place for the boys to rest when they were in town over night. We attended the functions for the various clubs when they held dances or social for the Service Men.
I remember the day when the War was over. I was walking down Malabar Street on my way home when a lady ran out on her porch and screamed: "the war is over". I stopped walking and stared at her for a moment. She walked back inside and I sat down on a cement wall at the house on the corner. I was happy, I was stunned, I was beside myself. I wasn't sure what I should do, laugh, cry, yell or just set there and enjoy the feeling. Ralph was in the 111th Airborne Division in the South Pacific. Ronald was with the 1st Marine Division also in the Pacific. They would be coming home. Mom would be able to relax and rest. Dad would not have to work all the long hours just to keep things moving for the War Effort. I could return to being a girl again. We all seemed to be forced into being grown ups. I wasn't a kid any more, and would never be again. Edmund had tried to enlist in the RAF but was turned down because he had false teeth from an accident while he was still a young man. The US Army AirCorp took him and he served as well. All came home. We had three blue stars in our window, and we retired that flag with great relief - our boys had all come home.
I believe I have gone over the information about Jay else where so I will not add it here. I have been a part of History that saw the Second World War. I have been envolved in the terrible times of the Korean War and survived the experiences as a mother during the Vietnam War.
Today things are still in an uproar. It appears there are those who have learned nothing from the past. I guess that is why we are seeing History repeating itself. Know this - it does not matter what we are called to face, we can get through it because we have faith, and we live in a country that has held to higher standards. We have helped our fellowman, we have protected the weak and repaired the broken. So long as we remember this country was founded on a belief in God our Eternal Father, and we keep the faith of the Founding Fathers - even when things look bleak, we will survive.

Posted this 8th day of June, 2009
by: Eileen Charmaine Smith Rosenberg

This is for Gower

It wouldn't be fair if I didn't Blog for you too!

Starting at the beginning - I had been with your family quite awhile before you finally arrived. You were taking your time. When your Dad and I took your Mom to the Dr. he said it was time you got here, so he sent us over to the hospital. Keara and I stayed in the waiting room. It was some time before your Dad came to get us. He didn't take a lot of time, just said we could come in now. While he walked swiftly back to the room - with us trying to keep up - we asked, WELL
what did you get? He didn't stop, just kept walking and told us it was a boy. Then we questioned WELL what did he weight. When he replied 10 pounds, we thought he was kidding, only he wasn't. You came with a hefty birth weight. Not that it means much. Children grow with their own essentials.

You were a shock to your Dad. He had not expected he would have boys. He had plans for seven girls. All the way home he kept thinking out loud - this would mean Little League, Pop Warner and so on. I told him he should wait a little while before that would be necessary. It was all pretty mistifying for him.

Shouldn't get ahead of my story though. After you were born, he sat in the large rocking chair holding you. The two of you were staring at each other. I wish I had a picture of it, it was so striking. The look on both of your faces was priceless. It was a very serious moment I can tell you. Choice and special to say the least.

You were a very busy boy. You loved to play and hated to stay still. When your Mother would put you up to the table for lunch you would start in: "no nap" sob sob "no nap". You knew what came after lunch, and you were not interested. The only trouble was you would fall asleep before you finished eating. The old "sand man" was closer than you thought!

The difference in your age and Keara made for hard times for you. I guess she had been alone for so long it was hard to make the adjustment of a sibling.

You were busy in all the things that had worried your Dad in the beginning. I guess boys are always boys. They want to play ball and be active in sports from the get go. You weren't the biggest kid on the team, but you did your part well.

In high school you were active in sports. I think you did swimming as well. I wasn't that envolved with you at that age, so I am not sure. You know more about that. We were pleased you had grown into such a neat young man.

Surprising what comes into a life. You had some good and then some not so good experiences. Which is not unusual. It isn't what comes into our lives, but how we deal with them that makes the difference. You seem to have worked your way through them pretty well. Families are either supportive, or troublesome. I would hope we were more supportive. Having the truth that we are "free agents" is a benefit I believe. It allows for room between adults and children who have to work their own way.

What a lovely addition Tina has made to our family. We are greatful to you for talking her into joining us. The boys are a rich blessing as well. I wish we could spend more time with the family. Such is life. There is always so many things we would love to do, but not enough hours in the day or week to be able to get them done.

Your career is moving forward and we are proud of all you do. Tina is working hard to get her nursing career in gear, and we admire all she does as well. Thank you for being such a good example in the family. Our Grand Children have been a great source of joy and happiness for us. I am sad that Grand Dad was not able to be here to see all that has been accomplished by his
"kids". He would be so proud of all of you.

Going to the Temple with you and seeing you sealed, made our family complete. We thank you for that as well. Once we talked about a "forever family" now we can really be just that. Nothing comes easy, this we know, but we are working to that end. Greatful we have a Grand Dad working for us on the otherside.

Sharing time and being a family become dearer to us as we grow older. Miles between us or circumstances which make togetherness difficult can never dull the love or care we have for all of you. It is only when we love each other and remember just how special each is to the other we find true happiness. Being a Grand Parent is wonderful. I am so pleased you came into our lives. Thank you for being.

I love you Gower - Grandma Rosenberg

Written this 6th day of June 2009

This is for Nemiha

I haven't written a Blog especially for you - so here goes.

I wasn't able to be there when you were born. I was working at the Bank in Anaheim at the time and waited until I got the call you were here before I took time off to come and be of some help with the family. While I was getting ready to come up, I received a call from your Great Grand Mother that Amiee Smith had been born shortly after you arrived. So there were two special
girls that came into the Smith/Rosenberg family on the same day. Our happiness was doubled.

I guess I would have to say you were the fiesty one. When I would put you down for your nap you were not happy. At the time you had a "lullaby bird" on your crib. We would play, "I don't want to go to sleep". I would tell you the "bird" wanted to go to sleep - so you'd kick it. That made it play a tune. When it would quit, I would tell you: "see he wants to sleep". You would kick it again. This would keep up until you both were "quiet". It worked everytime. I don't think I fooled you, I think it was just a great "play time" for you. Whatever.

I don't remember when your parents got the Big Poo Bear. It was being knocked around by you kids and the name stuck. You became "Poo Bear". Funny how those things start and then just hang on. We have all loved it, I hope you have as well?

I believe the best time I had with you - all be it a rough time for you - is when I was able to come and teach you Seminary while you recovered from your accident. Those were special times for me. I don't know how much you learned, but the time with you was so very special to me. Such times are rare, and I am most greatful for the opportunity to share with you some of the things I had learned.

Of all the Grand Children you were the most "outgoing". You could gather a crowd around you in the shortest amount of time I have ever seen. Your time in High School and then again when you attended Cuesta College. I don't think any of us will forget the Show you were in and the dances you perfomed. What a great night that was for all of us. I am not sure your Dad was at much ease when you were being thrown around, but it was a great show.

Then you were off to Utah and your "great adventure". I didn't have much information about those days, but it was when you made stides into the life you are now enjoying. What a chance meeting you had with Lance, and how it changed your life.

Lance has told me neither of you were looking for a relationship at the time. Both had been in a bad relationship before. Whatever the cause of your getting together, or how happenstance it may have seemed, I am greatful for it. It made such a great addition to our family.

When you called to tell us you were engaged, Jay was not doing well. I am sad that Lance did not get to meet or know him. They would have been great friends I am sure. He was happy for you I know.

I was pleased I was able to be with you when you went to the Temple for the first time. It was such a great day for me. Your happiness was apparent. Attending your Sealing Session was a time for family and friends to be together with you and Lance. Taking the pictures was a neat
experience as well.

I appreciated you two coming and helping me when I moved in and then when I moved out of my Apartment in Salt Lake City. Having you with me was so special. The night we went out to celebrate your Anniversary while I was there. Well those were very special times for me and
ones I remember often.

When Phyl and I came to visit after you had AviJae was a fun time as well. We did that twice as I recall. I have so enjoyed your Blog where you keep us updated on what is going on at your house, and how AviJae is growing and becoming such a personality. Things we would miss if it wasn't for the time you spend keeping us up dated. Thanks!

There have been a great many changes around your home since I was there, I may not be able to find you when I come the next time. I hope Map Quest will be brought up to date by then.
The last time it had me going in all the wrong directions. When I did get to where things looked farmiliar, so much building was going on, I drove right past my turn off. Well we made it back on Sunday, so it all worked out.

We have enjoyed our time with you - Grand Dad and I. The years have quickly come and gone. Distance hasn't made much difference in our love and joy in having you - all of you - up there as part of our family. Thank you for the Blog, and for all the things you have added to our lives. You may be a distance away physically, but you are always in our hearts.

I love you Nemiha - Grandma Rosenberg

Written this 6th day of June, 2009

This is for Shayla

I haven't written to you - not a special Blog. I think it is time I did.

It seems like only yesterday that we welcomed you into the family. Such is the way things go in life. Time passes so swiftly, and things happen fast. Our children grow up and then our grand children seem to get taller, and lovely, or handsome before we realize that time has marched on.
I am not sure just how that all happens, I just know it gives us time to reflect back on the things
that have brought us to TODAY!

There were a number of us setting in that waiting room in the hospital. Just waiting to find out that you had arrived, and you were o.k. When we were allowed to come into the room, you were still there. They took you away and cleaned you up and brought you back so we could get a real good look. This was the beginning of our getting to know you.

Your parents were still building the house on Laurel Road at the time. So much was happening.
I am not sure just how your Dad did everything beside work a full shift every night. He was a great example. By the time you came Keara was 10 years old. A great help to your mother I am sure. You probably got to know her better than anyone else in the house. Maybe that is why you have the connection you have today.

When I would come over to spend time, you were so easy to put to sleep. I would walk with you and whisper noises into your ear. You stared at me and before we knew it, you were out like a light. I believe it was because you got tired of trying to make out what I was saying, which was really nothing at all. Each of you grand children hold a special place in your Grand Father and my heart. Thank you for coming into our lives.

You have always been the quiet one. Our reader. The one we loved to watch as you made your own play. The really noticable time was when your family went to the Los Angeles Temple to be sealed. While they were taking pictures out on the steps of the Temple, you amuzed yourself by walking up and down the stairs. I believe you have a picture of that time. It was the favorite one I had of you.

I remember when I took you to your diving lessons. We talked going and coming. It was such fun for me. I am not sure just how it was for you. One on one time with a grand child is so very special. Not enough of it can be had either!

I appreciated your visits when I was in the Mission in Salt Lake City. My first meeting with Curtis too. It was fun to see you and learn what you were doing and how things were going in your life at the time. I felt pretty isolated while I was there. Guess most Missionaries do.

It was a very special privilege to be with you when you received your Endowments in the
St George Temple. To be able to give you a little advice before you entered the Temple so you could relax and enjoy the experience. How greatful I was when they asked Keara and Jeremiah to take their place as witnesses. That ment all of your lovely family members were setting there with you . How very special that was.

The Thanksgiving I was invited to the Farley home. I had such a great day with you and Jenene cooking and setting up for the crowd that came. Nice to see the two of you working together. A
very special bond was being formed. I know you have appreciated that.

I have been so proud of you and Curtis. You have struck out on your own. Left the comfort of family and friends to make a new life, as Curtis has launched forward in a new career. It has been so inspiring to me. Not a lot of kids would be so daring. All in all it seems to have been a great adventure. Trying at times I am sure, but worth the effort in so many ways.

Uncle Paul and I have enjoyed our visits, and hope we will be able to make a few more before our traveling days will be over. Your home is so comfortable and welcoming. It is a pleasure to come and spend the time with you. Of course we think Rufus is such a neat addition to the family. He welcomes us and lets us know we are a happy addition to his life as well. Guess we will have to keep the "chew sticks" coming.

Each of our Grand Children have added so much to our lives. I would not wanted to have lived a life without them. The old saying, if I would have know how great my Grand Children would be, I would have started with them first. Lucky for us life isn't that way. We learn to enjoy our Grand Children because of the time we have had with our Children. For me both experiences have given much to me personally.

They tell us we will pass in this life but once. There are days I am so greatful for that, but when it comes to the four of you Special Additions, I would live the days I have had with you over many times. Thanks for adding so much to our lives, and making our family Complete.

I love you Shayla more than I can ever tell you. Grandma Rosenberg

Written this 6th day of June 2009

Happy Birthday Keara

This morning I decided I would take the time to tell you just how special you are to me. I believe I have written a special Blog to you before, but this one is ment to celebrate your birthday today!

I know you are busy getting your new lawn in, at your new home. I am excited for you because I realize just how much this will mean to you and the entire family. Beside making the new place a bit jazzier. Things are coming together nicely. Everything seems to take so much time and of course money. The nature of things.

As we get older Birthdays seem to become far less important, so far as celebrating goes, but it is always nice to be remembered. It doesn't take flowers, or packages to make us feel that way. It is the many little things people do that help us feel like all the things we do everyday are really appreciated. Funny how we seem to forget that. I guess this is a wake up call for each of us to remember that the everyday things are what bring us to remember on one day each year. What would we do without "each other"?

We teach that "Families are Forever", with that in mind we should be making everyday just a bit better than the last for each other. It doesn't take much time to pick up after ourselves, or to say a simple "thank you" or "excuse me". Manners are not a thing of the past, I believe they are something for "forever". I am sure the Master will appreciate our acknowledging what HE has done for us. Then we should remember what is done for us each day so we are well groomed into paying that kind of appreciation to HIM.

You have been a bright spot in our lives Keara. You know how much your Grand Father thought of you, and how much he loved you. He loved spending time with you, just as I do. Yesterday was such a simple visit, but I enjoyed it long hours after I had returned home. Your thoughtfulness in getting my Blog "dressier". I love it even more now. It has been such fun to put down the many things I have remembered. I hope all your efforts in getting it laid out for me have been worth your trouble. What would we have ever done without you? I am glad I didn't have to experience life without knowing.

I hope you will have a "special day" and that those around you will try just a little harder today to make your Birthday nice and memorable. Your not getting older, you are becoming more dear and lovely everyday.

I love you - Grandma Rosenberg
Written this 6th day of June, 2009