So here is a picture of Grandma Santos so everyone who read the earlier post now has a visual as to who I am talking about.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
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About Me
- huneybezzz3
- I am a mother of six of the most awesome kids in the world. My husband works very hard so I can manage to stay at home with all the kids and do the mom thing. I am currently in school and trying to get my nursing degree. Steve continues to be in a great band and loves it.
Santos Family Pic 12/06
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2007
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July
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- CAMP GERONIMO
- HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- He got his hair cut!
- napping NOT !
- Another Maui Post
- HOME FROM MAUI :( !!
- This is the great husband that I get the priviledg...
- MAUI BOUND!!! Tomorrow at 6:45 am my hubby and I a...
- When our house was remodeled this was the ohhhhh s...
- This is a great pic added by Wilma Otherwise Known...
- MADYSON'S FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL
- 1st day at grandma's
- The Trio Is Off To "Camp"
- Grandma Santos
- Getting ready for Grandma's
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July
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20 comments:
Well, Hello Everyone!!!
I am the FABULOUS Grandma Santos!!! I can't believe that Shaundra found the time (once again) to take on a website, however, I'm really glad that she did..........this is a great way to stay in touch. Although, Shaundra didn't need to create a blog for me to know what is going on with her family. She has always, always kept me abreast of everything her children do, say, etc. She's always been very good at making sure this "long distance Grandma" is always in touch with her family. As you can already see, Shaundra has a very special place in my heart. When Shaundra and I became family several years ago, the road was a bit bumpy, but we've both learned & grown together and through the years I can't believe I could love her more, but I do. Like fine wine, she gets better with age. She speaks of her awesome children, but let me tell you that those children are only as awesome as she says they are because of the incredible parenting job that she does. I wish I had a friend like Shaundra when my children were small, she could have taught me an awful lot. As it is, I'm still learning new parenting techniques from her. She is such a sensible, level-headed woman. Okay, I'm gushing..........but anyone reading my comments will just have to get used to it. I love this girl with all my heart. She has definitely enriched my son's life as well as ours. Our only regret is that they live so far from us.
I can't wait for my Arizona kids to get here.......we're all excited and are having a 4th of July BBQ, swim party, visiting, & fireworks kinda day.
My life will be complete when Hunter gets here.......we're all so excited and can't wait!
We hope Steve & Shaundra don't call from Maui and bug us the entire time they're there. We're all very excited for them and can't wait to see pictures and hear their impression of Maui.
Love,
Grandma Wilma
July 2, 2007
Christopher, Alyssa, and Alex arrived safely via SouthWest Airlines today at 12:30 p.m., Of course, as Alex came walking off the plane, she yelled "GRANDMA!!!!" and everyone in the holding area laughed......it was pretty cute. Of course, Christopher & Alyssa are way too cool to make a public statement, so I got a very demure, "Hi Grandma" and a kiss on the cheek.
Ryan (14) went to the airport with me and they all seemed pretty excited to see each other. Even Alex & Ryan appear to be getting along (for the moment).
To give Christopher & Alyssa some "Airport Savy", I asked them to take me from Gate 29 through the entire airport and figure out how to get me outside with Ryan, Alex, and I following about 20 feet behind. You would have thought they were seasoned travellers. They walked confidently through the airport, looking at signs and before you know it, we were outside. That made me feel more comfortable when next year rolls around and they'll travel as unaccompanied minors and have to pretty much navigate the airport on their own, unless Shaundra and I can come up with something really good to convince them they're all under the age of 12. Not sure that's going to work, Alyssa is becoming quite "womanly".
After stopping at In N' Out for quick burgers, we headed back to Walnut Creek. As soon as we pulled into the garage, they pulled their clothes off and hit the pool where I imagine they'll spend a lot of time. They're all in or close to the teen mode and they've got the radio on, girls are lounging on the deck and the boys are cleaning & blowing up a large tube, much like something babies play with with circular, triangular, square cut-outs, etc. It's so large, it's almost like a house and it provided a lot of entertainment hours in the pool last year.
So far.........we're off to a good start!!
More later,
Grandma Wilma
The famous Wilma!! I am so excited to read all your fun comments! You are pretty much the sweetest Mother-in-law I have ever "met"! And I know first hand how much Shuandra talks to you too! She is an amazing woman! Believe me, pretty much everyone wonders how she possibly does it ALL! I wish I was at "Grandma Wilma Camp"!!
Wednesday, July 3, 2007
Julie, what kind words......I love it when people think I'm really nice and haven't figured me out yet!!! You're welcome at "Camp Grandma Wilma" any time. Any friend of Shaundra's is a friend of mine.
For today's happenings..........
Christopher went home with cousin Ryan last night and will be staying there until the morning of 4th of July, so........Alyssa, Alex, and I have been having "girl time". Last night, we popped popcorn, ate chocolate, and watched "Mad Hot Ballroom", a documentary about 5th graders in New York City who come from not such good lives, but learn to ballroom dance, compete against other school and come out on top with super-duper self esteem. The girls and I headed to bed at 11 but sat up another 45 minutes on the bed having "personal girl talk". Having had 3 sons, this can be foreign to me but I am REALLY enjoying their company.
Today, we went to the Mall and spent 3 hours there, browing through all the stores, bought new school outfits, new earrings, new rings (at Claire's, nothing fancy) had Mongolian BBQ for lunch. Headed to WalMart to p/u a few things we needed for the big family BBQ tomorrow, and swam for a few hours. The girls are now in the shower as we HAVE to go to the dollar store!!! I'm really, really getting to know my granddaughters w/o the interference of brothers, cousins parents, etc......think I'll keep em!!!!
WOW! Like I mentioned to Shaunra...Wilma looks fabulous! But their relationship has become one of which we could all want and hope for. I was very moved by Wilma's blog to her...as I knew her, when they had just Critty and Alyssa.
Is that you, Tabitha? Boy, I'm gonna have to really polish my halo with all the nice words you gals are giving me!!! Give a big hug and kiss to Morgan & MacKenzie!!!
July 5, 2007
We had a great 4th of July. For a moment I thought I was in AZ, as it got to 105!!! All the Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins came over for a day of eating, visiting, & swimming. We had an "All American" BBQ with burgers, dogs, baked beans, corn on the cob, watermelon, etc with all the fixin's. Later that night, we all watched the local fireworks show. Cousins Cameron & Jeremy came back to spend the night and everyone fell into exhausted sleep at 11:30 p.m.
July 5, 2007 (afternoon)
Auntie Christina took two days off to spend with the AZ kids, however, when we got up this morning, Alyssa and Alex have pink eye. So, Cameron & Jeremy went sent home right away in the hopes that they don't get it. The boys wanted Christopher to come to their house and spend the night, so once again it's just the girls and I. Everyone got a little bit sunburned yesterday, add the pink eye to it, today was not a good day to spend in the pool. So, the girls and I finished cleaning the house and doing laundry. Before you know it the house was back to the "place for everything and everything in it's place" mentality that I have. I bribed them that if they would help me, we'd go to the 2 pm showing of "Nancy Drew". You should have seen how hard they worked, lol.
Of course, during the movie I fell asleep. Alex woke me up and whispered in my ear, "Grandma, that lady sitting next to you asked me to wake you up and ask you to stop snoring". She said the two ladies in front of me were giggling..........how embarassing is that?????
The girls and and I are going to fix a light supper and swim about 6 p.m........
Before I forget, Auntie Christina ran a 10K yesteday morning and took 1st place for the 2nd time in 2 runs.
Hope everyone had a great 4th!!!!!!!!
Well, I got a little behind in my writings. Saturday was the beginning of "All Stars", so the girls and I went to Pleasanton to watch our favorite ball player (Cameron). Unfortunately, they lost the first game 7-4. It's been many, many years since I was involved in All Stars, but it is an all consuming sport. Unfortunately, we won't get to spend as much time with Cameron and Jeremy because of 2-3 hour practices every night and games all weekend. After the game, Ron, Olivia, Ryan, Blake, Jeff, Christina, Cameron, and Jeremy came over for dinner, swimming and visiting. Everyone went home about 10. Blake's wife, Randi worked until 9 and came over afterwards and they left at 11:30 p.m., the girls watched "Drama Queen", I went to bed and I thought they were never going to get out of bed this morning. Even Alex slept in until 11 a.m.!!
Today, Alyssa, Alex, and McKenna (11 yr old girl next door) went to the water park. They had a ball!!!! This park has been around for awhile, family owned, immaculate and they don't have the 17 foot drops, so they cater to families and small children. It's one of those places that you comfortably can turn your children loose and not worry about them. After the water park, we picked up Christopher and Ryan at Ron & Olivia's house, we all went to FuddRucker's for dinner and back home for a short, but hot Monopoly game.
They kids are going to bed early this evening as we're getting up early for "big kids day" and going to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of beaching and amusement park rides. Santa Cruz operates the oldest wooden roller coaster in the U.S.. They're celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. It's almost like the East Coast version of Coney Island. Lots of fun and lots of hippies and surfers.
Pictures to follow..............
July 10, 2007
The trip to Santa Cruz was a huge success. We got there at 11:30 a.m., and didn't get back home until 10:30 that evening. I was sure someone was going to be sick with all the spinning, turning upside down, shooting you 120' in the air, but glad to report all the hot dogs stayed down!!!
We picked up Hunter at San Francisco Airport yesterday and as he came off the plane he never gave his parent's a backward glance. He was anxious to go to Grandma's and swim. His parents had mentally prepared him very well to be away from them for 8 days. We put floaties on Hunter and kept encouraging him away from the edge of the pool and w/in a half hour, he was out in the middle of the water hanging on to a noodle and happily bobbing around! After dinner, he fell asleep on the couch about 9 p.m.. He and Christopher are the only ones awake as Alyssa told me before she went to bed that she wasn't getting up until noon! If yesterday was any indication, this will be a piece of cake.......he was so good. Of course, Grandma had to teach him her rules and he seemed eager to pitch in and do his part. The time has literally flown and I can't believe that I'll be putting them on a plane next Wednesday to go back home. Kinda makes me sad..........I really, really enjoy their company.
Today, I'm taking Hunter to Pixie Playland so he can ride a roller coaster. It's a small amusement park w/in a large city park that caters to children under the age of 8 and a baseball game this evening.
So far, Shaundra only called once yesterday to let us know they'd arrived safely. I hope they really are able to forget they left a bunch of kids behind, relax, have lots of fun and have the time of their lives on this long awaited trip. They sure deserve it.
Hey Wilma-
Thanks for the updates! I am around these kids so much that it is WAY fun to see what they are up to! Those lucky ducks! I went with Shuandra's parents and the little girls to the Summer Movie Fun movie this am and they seemed to be having a great time (Grandparents and grandkids!) I hope S&S can enjoy their time too, it is hard not to worry about all the kiddos!
Yikes! I spelled Shaundra wrong! Oops!
July 12, 2007
If I had any idea how easy things would be, I would have asked for the kids the entire summer. Hunter, in particular was my biggest worry, but all fears are gone. He has been an absolute sweetheart. He understands "Grandma Rules" and is always ready and willing to do what is asked of him.
Today, we picked up cousins Cameron and Jeremy and went to the Zoo. We were there about 4 hours and the kids were all very excited to be there and all I heard were 6 different voices coming in different directions calling, "Grandma, look at this". It was very rewarding to see the enthusiam and curiosity they all displayed today. We ended the Zoo day at a small amusement park where Hunter rode the "Tiger RollerCoaster". We rode the traum across the Zoo and looked down at the Lions, Tigers, Buffalo, Camels, etc.
After a quick dinner of leftovers, Christopher and Hunter took over the sofa to watch some car shows. Alyssa and Alex disappeared to the bathroom and a tray full of nail polish and a boom box. Kids finally were all in bed by 11 p.m.
Tomorrow, we're going to the Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Factory for a tour and free jelly bean tastings and will go to Cameron's baseball game at 5 p.m. If Cameron's team loses this game, all 4 of them are going to spend the night at Uncle Jeff and Auntie Christina's. If Cameron's team wins, they he's playing every single night through Tuesday and the previous plan won't work.
NEWSFLASH!!!!!!!!!!!! Steven & Shaundra did NOT call today!!!
Julie,
How is it going for Pam and Bill? When I talked with Shaundra a couple of nights ago, it seemed like I had the better end of the deal with 4. Have the girls settled down? I think I'll have to give her a call tomorrow.
As often happens with life, my plans keep changing. While at Cameron's baseball game Friday night, the kids Grandpa asked to have the kids on Monday so he and his wife could take them to San Francisco for the day (Monday). So, we concluded Friday night baseball with dinner and a visit to Uncle Jeff & Auntie Christina's. We stopped at Blockbuster on the way home and rented, "How to eat worms"; "Kicking & Screaming"; and, The last Mimzy". Everyone finally fell into bed about midnight. Tomorrow, Uncle Ron and Auntie Olivia, and Ryan are coming over.
Christopher, Hunter, and I planned to go Saturday morning and buy each of them a new outfit for school, however, the earliest riser was at 10 a.m., and the last two sleepyheads got up at 11:30. Uncle Ron, Auntie Olivia, and Ryan showed up at noon and only one of us were dressed. We ended up spending the day just hanging in the backyard.
When Hunter arrived on Monday, I put a pair of floaties on him and he was a deck hugger and would scream if anyone invaded his space. He has gotten a little braver each day. As of today (Saturday) he jumps in the pool and runs across the backyard, jumps on a boogie board and surfs across the pool!!!! If anyone doesn't believe this, e-mail me at: gmasanny@gmail.com, and I'll send you a little video clip of him in action............hilarious!!
I'm off to bed, my Mother, Dad, and Sis will be coming down from Sacramento by 10 a.m., the rest of the family will show up by noon for a day of visiting, swimming, eating, etc.
As I mentioned earlier, Monday they're going to San Francisco, Tuesday we're finally going to the Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Factory, and try to get Christopher & Hunter some new duds and Wednesday at 6 p.m., I'll be putting my babies on the plane. Alex is quite upset, she feels like she's only been here 3 days and wants to stay longer!!! I am not the least bit tired, I'm happy and fulfilled with my little chitlin's and am really going to have a hard time sending them back to Mom and Dad.
P.S. I also have some really cute pictures if you're interested......
Steve & Shaundra called last night. They'd attended the "Old Lahaina Luau". Steve wasn't particularly anxious to go but Shaundra having not been to Hawaii insisted. It was more than she hoped for, loved the show. Since Steve hadn't been to this particular show in 14 years, obviously, the theatrics had changed and he actually enjoyed it as well and he said the food served was delicious.
They mentioned that they'd go to a beach beyond Kehei and they snorkelled with about twelve 200-300 lb Green Sea Turtles who are people friendly (although you're not allowed to touch. They swam with, under, next to, and around them.
It seems like they've been on the go the entire time and just having a ball. You can tell that this alone time has been good for their relationship; they sounded really happy. Shaundra called today to find out what time the kids were flying home on Wednesday and when I asked if she wanted to talk with the kids, she said, "No". I said, "Oh, you got on Maui time real quick, it's like you forgot you have children back home". She said she couldn't believe that she was able to clear her mind, but she knew the kids were in good hands and she was going to take advantage of this time alone with Steve and not only enjoy but make the most of it. Isn't that great????????
I hope this experience encourages them to just be "Steve & Shaundra", rather than "Mom and Dad".
Well, I somehow missed a couple of days.........do you think it has anything to do with caring for 4-7 children btwn the ages of 5-14? My folks and sister came down for the weekend, so it was lots of swimming, eating, and visiting.....nothing exciting for you reader, but nice for our family.
On Monday, Grandpa and GG (Grandma Gail) Santos took the kids via ferry boat from Oakland to Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. They went to Ripley's Believe It Or Not, saw a 3-D movie, ate lunch at the Rain Forest Cafe and got back at 8 that evening, very tired but happy.
Today (Tuesday) we took Hunter to the Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Factory (finally!!) and he was completely unimpressed with the tour and just kept asking when he was getting the jelly beans, lol. After lunch, we went to the mall and bought Christopher and Hunter new school outfits, came home to swim. Uncle Ron stopped by after work to tell the kids goodbye and Auntie Olivia came over after work and stayed until 8:30p.m. Uncle Jeff, Auntie Christina, Cameron, and Jeremy called as they're in the middle of All Star Games and seem to be on the go from morning to night. We would have loved to have seen them this evening, but we understand. We're starting the 24 hour count down. Ryan, Christopher, Alyssa, and Alex are playing Monopoly. Hunter and I finished watching "The Last Mimzy", again and I've done 3 loads of laundry this evening to prepare for packing tomorrow morning.
This evening while taking Hunter's swim suit off I told him that he was going home tomorrow, I would really miss him and that maybe I could send the other 3 home and he could stay here with me. When I asked if he'd like that, he replied, "No, you yell too much!!!!!"
Shaundra called from San Francisco Airport this evening. They went on a sunset cruise last night which she said was such a fitting way to end the week. Thank Goodness they can't have anymore children.........I suspect this week was pretty romantic!! They had a wonderful time and although anxious to see all of their children, they were sad to leave the island.
This concludes my attempt at daily blogging to fill Shaundra in on her kids whereabout and doings, I'll be back saying hello every now and then. I wish all of you well..............
Oh Wilma, I am sad that you won't be posting anymore! Make sure you still come on a lot and comment on Shaundra's posts! Okay?! You crack me up and just seem like the nicest person! Those kiddos sure are lucky!
Julie,
I'll probably not be able to stay away in spite of my last posting.
I am planning to come out either late September or October as I've been really lagging on the two babies............we'll have to get together.
Good News and Bad News: The bad news is this house feels like the inside of a masoleum, it is so quiet and I am missing my kids so much! Alex has informed her Mom and I that she plans to stay the entire summer next year. Her Mom said, "No, I would miss you too much". Her Grandma said, "Dont' worry Alex, I've got a whole year to work on her and I think we can come up with something that will work for everyone". Is that called "butting in"?
The Good News: Right now Shaunte is in "honeymoon" mode with the kids, so by next year she'll gladly let me have them, lol.
I know she's gonna read this and give me H#$%@#$%........it's okay, I can take it; won't be the first time and probably won't be the last............I LOVE YA SHAUNTE!!!!
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