Always remember

This weekend we celebrated my dad's 72nd birthday.  For his birthday, my sister and I ordered him a custom print with his favorite quote.

Design by: INKTREE PRESS

This is what my dad said to us every morning before we left for school.  A daily reminder of what we are, what we believe and what we are expected to do. 

Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family.
-- Anthony Brandt

Just thought I would share......

Happiest Place on Earth

What does this picture mean?  It means my boys were waiting at the front window for Grandma to pick them up to go camping.  This post could be about how much I will be missing my boys for the next five days but chin up Mama Lou... this post is about going to Grandma's House.

Waiting to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house is like standing in line at Disneyland.  You are ready for fun and excitement but you have to wait.  My boys often stalk around the house for hours with their backpacks on their backs in anticipation.  If you happen to be a parent who has had the ultimate pleasure of waiting with your kids for... let's say, The Toy Story ride.  Then you know what I'm talking about.  Time stands still.  The things around you that are meant to keep your kids entertained FAIL.  Your turn to ride the ride just cannot come soon enough. 

I've learned to not tell my children anything.  Because the sooner you tell them, the longer the wait.

When I got home from Sarah's baby shower today and found the stool in front of the window, my blinds and drapes slightly askew, I knew it.  My boys are off on their ultimate Disneyland. 

p.s. while Patrick's gone who will feed the dogs and tell me how to parent Lauren?  Any volunteers?

Games we play

I've been secretly waiting for the time when the boys were both interested in playing card games.  I come from a family of intense game playing.  My Grandpa Keith taught all of us how to play cards at a very young age.  My mom's second favorite question to ask is: what game do you want to play?   While I was waiting for my wedding to begin I played cards with my cousins.  We like to play games.

Until now, Keith has been too young and wily to play games.  Now we have officially broken the seal.  Candyland has been replaced with UNO, complete with Mom and Dad strategy consultations (To play the high counters or hold them for the perfect moment... that is the question.) 

we love family game night day!

Learning a Lesson

greetings from vacation.... six miles from our house.....

Happy Belated Grandparents Day.  Here's a story that illustrates the joys of grandparenting:

Patrick:  You are so mean Mom.
Me: Good to know.  Why am I mean today?
Patrick:  You make me do chores and all that stuff.
Me: That's part of living in this house, we all pitch in and do our part.
Patrick: Well, I'm just going to go live with Grandpa, then I won't have to do chores.
Me: Don't you think Grandpa made me do chores when I was growing up in his house?
Patrick: Yes, but he learned his lesson.  Now he knows better.
Me: speechless.
Patrick: Maybe someday you will learn your lesson too.
Me: It will probably be the day your first child is born.

Jokey Jokester

Keith's morning comedic routine has three parts.

Part 1:  You are putting on his shoes and socks.  He quietly swipes a sock or a shoe and hides it under his leg.  Ever tried to hide an Ugg boot under your leg?  Doesn't work.  Still funny.

Part 2: On the way to Grandpa's house, at the same spot every day he shouts, "Hey! Mom! Yook at that!"
"What is it Keith?"
"Nofing!  I just kidding!  I made you yook."

Part 3: Chatting with Grandpa, mom is getting ready to leave. 
"Mom, I hafta tell you someting."  That means he needs to whisper in your ear.
"Grandpa spank my bottom!................................................................................ hee hee"
Last night this joke went the other way when Keith called Grandpa and reported that "Mama. Pank. My. Bottom."

All jokes until someone gets hurt. 

This is the Lunchables countdown

I don't know what it is about Lunchables, I just say "No." Patrick asks again and I say "no" again. Well, maybe I do know....

1) They are nasty. I can't get away from my memories of eating them as a child (meat isn't supposed to have holes like that). They were nasty and processed when I was growing up and they are still chock full of artificial ingredients, not to mention more sugar and salt than my kid needs.

2) I enjoy MAKING lunch, it is a trapping of Motherhood and I like it. When Patrick started preschool, packing his lunch was a novelty for me. Partly because it symbolized a milestone and partly because it was part of my mommy routine.

3) They are kind of expensive. If I am going to spend extra money on food I am going to buy filet mignon, sushi, shrimp, artichokes, pomegranates, and other Patrick delicacies. I don't know how much a Mommy Made Lunch costs but I am sure it is cheaper than a Lunchable.

The Lunchable argument wasn't a problem for a long time because my son's freak flag proudly displays a huge piece of cheese with a big "X" through it. And he definitely is not going to eat processed cheese, Brie YES, cheese product NO. Enter peer influence...
And my dad. Okay, so my dad didn't buy my son his first Lunchable, I did, but he is still part of this story. I bribed Patrick with a Lunchable several months ago. I don't remember the context of the bribe but I do remember that he chose Pepperoni Pizza Lunchables (with the Star Wars Clone Wars cross advertising, can't help but appreciate that!).

My dad called me (at the behest of my mom) one night prior to taking on the care of my two boys for a few days.
DAD: "I went to the grocery store in preparation for the boys' visit. I got some things and I need to know if it is okay for the boys to eat it."
Me: What did you get?
DAD: "Well.... let's see, I picked up some Jello."
Me: Jello Pudding or Jello gelatin?
Kevin starts his Bill Cosby Jello Pudding act
DAD: Yes, pudding and I also bought OREOs. Can they eat Oreos?
Me: Yes, that's all fine in moderation.

And then at some point he bought Patrick a Lunchable. I am assuming the little barrister made a compelling argument and pinky promises galore to get the Pizza Lunchable. Then there was something about it being put in the freezer on accident, I wouldn't let Patrick take it when we left so my dad hand-delivered it. And then the Lunchable sat in the refrigerator for 3 whole days as Patrick counted down the days until it was a school-day again and he could take his Lunchable.

That was just a couple of weeks ago and Patrick has been begging for another Lunchable ever since. I finally gave in and bought him THREE (yes, three) lunchables to close out his last three days of Preschool. If one was to visit his first Preschool lunch the comparison would be startling. Gone are the baby carrots, fresh berries, water and baked chips (if you're lucky). This lunch is MAXED OUT, man. Rockstars eat Lunchables right?

Life change: Daddy Robert Style

Tomorrow I will get the best birthday gift EVER! And I didn't even ask for it... well except for HERE and HERE.

My dad's first day of retirement is April 1, 2009. 32 years after he became my father, 29 years, 7 months after he started his job as Dean of Students, he is hanging up his suspenders and racking his bullhorn for the next great adventure.

The ceremony the college put on for him was called, "The End of an Era." For me it could have been called "A reminder of who you are, where you come from and where you should be going." Every morning before we left for school my dad would make sure he told us, "Always remember you're a Fox." We knew what he meant and what was expected. Listening to all of the accolades from so many people (and I know there were more pouting in the back because there wasn't time for them to speak) drove a lot of things home to me. Not the least of which is that I owe my dad so much. Like so many of the students said and wrote, I would not be where I am today if it was not for the leadership and mentorship my father has provided me my whole life.

Because of my dad I strive to:
Focus on the right things (namely the students!)
Innovate the heck out of everything
Set big, clear goals that are imprinted on everything I own
Expect that high achievement and high expectations always go hand in hand

To say that my father is passionate about students and learning and higher education would of course be an understatement. I don't know how many lives my dad changed during his tenure at Fresno City College but it is easily in the thousands. I think that all of those students would agree that Natalie Merchant said it best in Kind and Generous (this just happens to be the father/daughter dance from my wedding, thank you very much).

You've been so kind and generous
I dont know how you keep on giving
For your kindness, I'm in debt to you
For your selflessness, my admiration
For everything you've done, you know I'm bound
I'm bound to thank you for it


Oh, I want to thank you for so many gifts you gave
The love, the tenderness, I wanna thank you
I want to thank you for your generosity, the love
And the honesty that you gave me
I want to thank you show my gratitude
My love, and my respect for you, I want to thank you

This may surprise you

Mom in 1979

The Fox Family

I was 8, my sister was 10, my mother declared that she hates surprise parties. I suppose that she is willing to participate in the surprising but she NEVER wants to be surprised (ever, and don't let your dad even try it). This weekend (23 years later) we exploited the Surprise Party Loophole.

Our mother turned 60 on Friday and one of her sisters, Susan decided that the best way to celebrate was to fly out from Virginia to surprise her. AND my grandma was going to fly out from Iowa. Then it was pile on from there because that is just how we roll, no one wants to miss out. Sharon came from Colorado and our Aunt Bev from Concord... party on.

Surprise Aunt Bev is here!

SURPRISE! GRANDMA IS HERE! you can start crying now.

How to surprise a person who doesn't like surprises and has issues with control:

Rule #1: Start with a grain of truth. She knew we were having family dinner on Friday and an Open House on Saturday. She knew that she wasn't supposed to get involved. That is all she knew.

Rule #2: Don't tell her friends anything. I had to hold my tongue on several occasions but it was worth it. We all know Barb can't keep a secret.

Rule #3: Limit the information that you give your brothers. My first choice: give your brothers no information. That way your sister won't have to have a conversation with your brother Robby like this: "Won't she be suspicious?" That was in reference to whether or not he should clean up his room on Thursday night. And of course while my mom was standing right there.

Rule #4: Make sure your sister is as bossy and organized as possible...then you just have to smile and wave.

Rule #5: Keep the surprises coming. I have never seen my mom as excited as she was when she opened her Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit.

Rule #6: Anticipate some last minute anxiety. My mom was calling her mother to make sure she was still in Iowa the day before her birthday.

Aunt Susan, Grandma Keith, Mom and Aunt Sharon

We had a really great weekend. Mom was happier about turning 60 than she has been about any birthday (sorry, this isn't happening every year). We told Dad that we are only planning a 70th for him in conjunction with his retirement party, so that ain't happening.

Enchiladas and Boom

Oh no! I lost my baby! Where has he gone? Have you seen him?
Peek-a-Boo!

My dad (gotta love him) always asks what the babies are doing and what the toddlers can say. He is around my kids plenty, he has seen them sign, heard them talk, and fully experienced their development. But he still asks, because... well that's just my dad. He likes to hear it explained to him to support his experience (you know I'm right). And he likes to ask questions that he knows the answers to. Anyway, this one is for my dad.

"What words can Keith say?" What can't he say? Here's a few of his favorite words:

1. Momma. Like every toddler, this word is used in many contexts. His father's favorite goes something like this: momma momma momma MOMMA
2. Outside. Isn't he brilliant with a side of OCD.
3. Stop. I like stop (or DOP if you are Keith), it is so much better than the dreaded NO. Keith usually directs it at the dogs.
   
4. Mine. But you knew that one.
5. Silky. Which is tricky because it sounds quite a bit like stinky. Which is another good word (potty training here we come).
6. Apple. We're in the car, there's an orange orchard (or two or sixteen) it goes like this: momma momma momma MOMMA APPLE!!!
7. Football. I really want this bedroom for Keith, he really wants this one. FOOTBALL!!!
8. Up-Down. Possibly the cutest thing he has been saying lately. He uses it when he wants to go upstairs or if he wants you to pick him up. He doesn't say it to have you put him down though, he prefers to just leap out of your arms.
   
9. And of course: Baby, Grandpa, Pop-Pop, Dog, Grandma
   
10. And for our Keith these are essentials: Ow, Hot, Boom and Uh-oh (although I have tried to explain that it isn't "uh-oh" if you do it on purpose.)

You may not think this is funny but someone found it amusing
Patrick's one man show is on the road, coming soon to a Target near you! The ladies think he's hilarious.
Show number one: Michael's After-Christmas Sale Dollar Bin Diving. "Hey Mom! The Cricut! Can we get it?"
Random Michael's Shopper: Seriously? Did he just ask for a Cricut? HAHAHAHAHA.

tip of the iceberg lady.

Show number two: Martin's After-Christmas Sale Much Admiring. "Hey Mom! It's an enchilada! It is beautiful, can we get it?"
ME: It isn't an enchilada, it's an artichoke and there are a million other things in this store I would buy before I bought a fake artichoke.
Random Martin's Shopper: Did he just call it an enchilada? How cute! HAHA.
ME: Yep, funny thing is he would eat an artichoke but he wouldn't touch an enchilada so....
RMS: HAHAHAHAHA
Patrick: Can we have sushi and artichokes for dinner and McDonald's for lunch?
RMS: Ha

because it is tradition, now sit down and enjoy it!

I love Christmas traditions. They are comfortable and familiar. And likely much better in theory than in execution, but I still love them. My top three favorites and a possible new tradition....

The Night Before Christmas
My dad usually reads this to the grandkids on Christmas Eve. It is a particularly enjoyable tradition because Grandpa usually delivers the story in his best affected JEJ. He also gets so into it that he messes up parts of the story. So while the kids are listening to the story (or begging for another cookie) we are having a great time watching Grandpa perform. Can't beat it, I'll sell you a ticket for next year's show.

Fried Mush

"Fried what?!?!"
This is a Keith family tradition. My Grandpa Keith loved having it on Christmas morning. Now my Aunt Susan usually makes the fried mush at Grandma's house in Iowa. In California, we all make it at our own houses before our collective Christmas Day festivities.
Fried mush is cornmeal cooked, chilled and fried. You have to cook it the night before so that affords lots of opportunities to worry about "still having to make the fried mush" on Christmas Eve.
We have ours with butter, freezer strawberry jam, syrup and powdered sugar AND bacon on the side. Most of the family doesn't really care for it, but we all eat it and savor our memories of Iowa Christmases.

Christmas Dinner
Several years ago we collectively decided that we would have non-traditional Christmas dinners. It is kind of fun. After Thanksgiving and all, another serving of mashed potatoes isn't usually at the top of my list. In the past my mom has made Mexican food, grilled pizza and hamburgers. This year we are having an African Christmas dinner. I can't help but think about The Office and the Moroccan Christmas episode. But knowing that my mother doesn't watch The Office..... I'm saving room for Peanut Soup (seriously, I am looking forward to trying it even though I have been complaining. What is Christmas without a complaining child right?).

A New Tradition?
It is now Christmas Eve and I have yet to finish all my wrapping. Usually the tree room is bursting at the seams with gifts at least two weeks before Christmas. This year....
The kids get to open one present on Christmas Eve (luckily Uncle Mike and Auntie Gail came through with that!) and then I am thinking about how exciting would it be to wake up on Christmas morning to Santa gifts and presents under the previously empty tree. See how I turn my procrastination into an opportunity for excitement? I've been doing this for awhile (procrastinating that is).
The other good thing about this tradition? No nagging about opening presents early. Which means that I can't do this so I admit to being a bit torn.


MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.

Happiness Is.....

being a Callahan.

We had a great time at the family reunion last weekend. Patrick's favorite parts were staying at a hotel with our whole family and playing with the Big Boys. It is always fun to catch up with the Aunts and Uncles. We are lucky to have them in our lives.

Patrick and Keith with Grandma and Pop-Pop

The Callahan Men
Cully, Logan, Dan, Sloan, Killian, Timmy, Mike
Keith, Pat, Kevin, Patrick

Some of us are Callahans by blood, some by marriage. And we are adding a new wife! Sierra is engaged to be married to Kevin's cousin Killian! So exciting!
Garnet, Sierra, Rox, Me, Gail


Patrick and Keith had SO much fun with Dan and Garnet's boys. Whoever lands these boys is very lucky. At breakfast Patrick sat next to Killian (all the way on the other side of the table from us). They were coloring and writing their names. Patrick says, "Your last name is Callahan? My last name is Callahan!!!"

Patrick was considering adoption. He loved them so much he even posed in extra pictures.

Little Kevin and Big Kevin. I can't get enough of these two together!

Cousin Fun

Tylee and Taleen on the slide. Patrick getting ready to jump (yeah right). Keith is back there bossing Pop-Pop around.

When girl cousins meet boy cousins we all have our hands full. We got together with Kevin's family for dinner tonight. It was a great time. Kevin brings the boys, Katie supplies the girls and we all watch them have a blast.

UNCLE KEVIN!!!

Kevin and Taleen

Grandma Callahan and Tayler

Aunt Katie with Keith and Taleen. Pop-Pop catching everyone.

More of the same....twenty some odd years later

First let me say this, I love my dad. To know him is to love him. We all love my dad, my husband adores my dad and as I mentioned before my kids think he is pretty cool too. Everyone loves my dad, even random people I work with tell me how they adore my dad.

If you don't know my dad the best way to describe him is a cross between Bill Cosby (well really Cliff Huxtable), James Earl Jones and the Absent-Minded Professor.

He helped with the boys again today. From getting them dressed, fed and off to their respective places this morning to pick-up, afternoon snack, dinner and shower tonight.

My dad has done morning drop-off before. I was still compelled to warn the Preschool Powers That Be that my dad would be responsible for the day. But in my heart I knew he would handle drop-off and pick-up okay.

I still remember my mom giving my dad preschool drop-off responsibility when I was in preschool. He tried to convince me to chew a piece of gum or suck on a peppermint (he loves his peppermint candy) instead of brushing my teeth. That didn't go over so well with 4-year old me. I was bossy and particular (I continue to wonder where Patrick gets it) so he had his hands full.

In retrospect, I should have been a little more specific about the boys' clothes. I didn't see this in person but figured it out on the back end. Keith wore his monkey pj shirt for the day ("His fan club didn't seem to mind" says My Dad). You can see from the picture link, his belly is barely contained by that pj shirt. And Patrick wore Keith's dirty shorts from Wednesday! I am still wondering how my four-year old fit into 12-18 month shorts.

There was also some confusion over the pjs tonight after their shower. I was there by then but didn't correct it. Patrick packed himself 4 pieces of pjs, none of which matched. It worked out well since Keith wore his pjs during the day. So my dad put two of Patrick's pj pieces on Keith. So my 17 month old was wearing 4T pjs. Whatever works right?

Thanks for helping me Dad! I really appreciate your help and I had a good laugh too!

Grandpa (all caps with an exclamation point)

My dad helped me out tonight. I had to go to a meeting (that had slipped my mind given the state my computer is in. i.e., DEAD) at 6:00 so he came over right after work to watch the boys. Patrick was looking forward to it all day. Keith was saying "Grandpa" all afternoon. When he got here they ran out to his car both yelling, "Grandpa! Grandpa!" and doing a little dance. All of the neighbors were staring, wondering what superstar just pulled up in a Chrysler 300 with a mini-fan club!

My boys love my dad. It was definitely a special treat for them to spend a couple of hours with him. They immediately started showing toys and telling him stories. Patrick (my little host) offered him salmon for dinner and invited him to sit down with him to eat. They shared ranch dressing off the same plate.


We have all been trying to convince my dad to retire for about a decade now (or at least it seems). I am implementing the spend more time with the 4-year old and 17 month old who think you hung the stars and the moon strategy. I'll let you know if it works.....


Here is my dear old dad pretending to be Darth Vader. He did a good job remembering some of the lines. He didn't need the voice changer of course.