Family Dinner Jan 2011

Mentally, I’ve made some goals for the New Year, but that is dangerous because at my age the brain deteriorates and it may be hard to keep on top of my goals. But, so be it. For more than 20 years now I’ve kept a day planner in order to plan each day and to set goals. It was very effective during those years of international work before retirement. But now, my day planning is not like it used to be, so I’m looking for a different devise to keep track of appointments and record significant events that occur only on occasions.
A recent event that occurred here in Charbonneau was the visit of our son, David and his wife, Taunya, from Utah. Since he is my oldest, I tend to rely upon him for advise and help in matters relating to technology. He has been of great help and their visit was much appreciated. Taunya worked here in our home most of the time she was here in cleaning the house from stem to stern; another great blessing to us both.
On Sunday, January 16, the family, all of our children and their spouses were invited to a family dinner to become better acquainted and catch up on family news. We prepared the meal which included a prime rib roast, a gratin potatoes, brussell sprouts, and a slaw salad, all very nutritious but not very fancy. Of course, rolls were on the menu courtesy yours truly. It was a delightful occasion and the first time we were all together since our 60th wedding anniversary.
In addition to all of our children being present, our granddaughter, Jennifer and her husband Terry and their two children, Ethyn and Natasha (newly born) as well as Blake, Kathleen’s son. In this blog are some of the photos taken during and after the dinner which you may find interesting especially as to how we are all appearing at middle aged people.
History takes place in all our lives and it is up to us to record it for future generations.

Remembering Parents

I got to thinking about letters, which no one writes any more, and how letters are often used to remember events, circumstances, things that have happened in the past that need to be expressed or that you remember most about someone else. I would like to issue a challenge to all of you that read this blog to pick up on this idea and express some things that you remember most about your parents or your in-law parents or both. Some of your parents are living and some are not, it doesn’t matter. But, what I would like you to do is to contribute your expressions by using this blog page. Don’t put it into a “comment”. You each have the privilege of an author, so make it your blog as an author to my Family History Blog. I’ll begin this by expressing the things I remember most about my parents.

My father, Royal Harvard Brooks, married my Mother 26 may 1926 in Riverside, California. The problem with my remembrance of my father is that my acquaintance with him was only over a period of 6 years. My first recollections of anyone occurred when I was about 6 years old and my father and Mother divorced when I was 12 years old. After the divorce I have no remembrance of a relationship with him.

However, I remember that my father was a generous man. He took me to his used auto parts business at one time. The business was one in which he purchased autos that would not run or were considered as junk cars and then the parts were removed and sold as parts to restore or fix used cars. To illustrate his generosity, I remember that persons would come into the business seeking an auto part and he would answer, “ yes, the part is out there on _________, help yourself.” They would bring in the part to pay for it and if they had no money or wanted to pay later. “That’s Ok, pay me when you can”. No records were kept and eventually, the business failed. Another example: When family or friends came to visit, you would not leave without a gift of some kind for you to take home. It might be canned fruit, canned tuna, a box of oranges, or whatever he had on hand, but you would always leave with something.

My Mother Hazel Vanessa Gibson

If there ever was a saintly women, she was that person in deed and personality. In my previous blog I copied a letter from her to me where she extolled my virtues. I never took sufficient opportunities to express how I felt toward her like I should have. I have published her autobiography which some of you have read. The greatest remembrance I have of her is her great desire to keep the family together and to maintain relationships with each other. Her sacrifice for me and my siblings was constant. She always found ways for me and my siblings to have close relationships with the extended family. Our trips to the beach in southern California were always highlights. Chop suey at Grandma Gibson’s house made by Uncle Jim, bar-b-que’s at Aunty Martha and Uncle Jim’s home, gardening with Uncle Bill on Sunnyslope, all of this occurred because of her unselfishness in making my childhood such an enjoyable experience. After I was married, she was very generous in helping us get established. Our first purchased home was obtained because of her generosity to us. She is gone to the other side of the veil now and I miss her and the ability to share confidences with her.

Think back my authors! Do yourself a favor.

RHB

First post on Grandpa's Blog!

I didn't realize we could post here. I thought I'd share a quick family photo of Andrew (11) Benjamin (8) and Nicholas (7 mo). You can check out our family happenings here. We had a great Christmas and hope you all did too.

Happy New Year!
Love - Charlet Mallett & Family