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Tag: Jameson

  • Mr. Optimistic:

    Mr. Optimistic:

    Jameson Earns a Seemingly Unlikely Award

    My grandchildren have thrived at the elementary school they attend. They have been successful at learning, developing relationships and making friends. Chatom Elementary School has been good to them and for them, just like it was to me and their father. So when Sierra and Joey were notified that Jameson would receive an award at an upcoming school assembly, no one was surprised.

    Jameson and Classmate

    There were only two options for that particular month: Student of the Month or the monthly Character Trait of the Month Award. Since the “Character Trait of the Month” was Optimism, we all assumed Jameson would be the student of the month. We believed that optimism was not one of Jameson’s gifts.

    We were wrong.

    When Sierra explained her shock to Jameson’s teacher, Mrs. Redman, she was surprised. She told Sierra that Jameson was the most optimistic student in her class. She indicated that he expresses positive thinking consistently and couldn’t believe Sierra thought otherwise.

    Although Mrs. Redman didn’t initially name the recipient in her presentation, the girl seated next to Jameson pointed to him before the winner was revealed. We listened with pride in our hearts and huge lumps in our throats as Mrs. Redman presented the award. When announced, Jameson walked over to his mother for a big hug before walking down the red carpet to claim his prize.

    Mrs. Redman presents the Optimistic Character Award to Jameson Oliveira

    Jameson’s teacher from last year was moved to tears. She knew, more than most, how far he’d come, and we knew she had a significant influence on his growth and development.

    Jameson’s award was more than just a recognition—it was a powerful lesson for all of us. It reminded us that people, especially children, are constantly growing, evolving, and surprising us in the best ways. Sometimes, the qualities we assume are missing are actually the ones shining the brightest.

    Mr. Optimistic Award

    This experience reinforced the importance of looking beyond our expectations and allowing space for growth. Jameson’s optimism may have been unexpected, but it was always there—waiting for the right moment to be seen. We all witnessed something truly special, thanks to teachers who recognized his potential.

  • Grandkids Getaway 2024

    Grandkids Getaway 2024

    We’ve been traveling a lot the last few months, but we still managed to go on our Grandkid Getaway with Jameson and Charlotte. We squeezed in the trip just before they started the new school year, and it was a great way to celebrate the end of summer.

    We returned to Angels Camp once again, and when we told the kids we were going back, I was amazed at what they remembered from the previous year. They were excited to do some of the same things again, like the frog hunt and looking out for deer. Jameson even remembered our room number.

    Sierra brought the kids to us on Friday afternoon, and we headed up the hill. I kept telling the kids we would see some really big trees, and every time Charlotte spotted a tree, she’d ask, “Are those the really big trees, Granny?” We checked in, unpacked, explored the room, went swimming, and ordered a pizza for dinner.

    On Saturday morning, Jameson woke up at about 5:15 a.m. but graciously waited until 6:00 a.m. before entering our room. We ate a quick breakfast and headed to Calaveras Big Trees before it got too hot. Now Charlotte knew what I meant by really big trees. Our first little hike took us on an incline, and Charlotte complained. We decided to stay on the flat trail, and they were much happier. They had a ball following the map and reading about the different trees on the trail. But they really enjoyed greeting the other park visitors along the way.

    After returning from the state park and an afternoon swim, we traveled to San Andreas to attend Mass at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, where our former pastor (and friend) Fr. Bill McDonald was assigned. He spotted us as he processed in and gave us a shocked look. He then welcomed us by name in his opening remarks. The kids loved it. Hearing our names and the greeting really got their attention. We were also thrilled to see our (All Saints Parish) seminarians Josh and Josue serving at Mass with Fr. Bill.

    Sunday kept a slower pace, with two swim sessions, a movie, games and puzzles. As promised, we went on the frog hunt and even got in some golf practice. The kids enjoy swimming, but their favorite part of these trips is spending time in the room.

    These memories are precious. I tell all of my new-grandparent friends to start these trips early. It doesn’t have to be an exotic location to make it a memorable experience. (Our first overnight trip was to the DoubleTree in Modesto.) They are just happy exploring and spending time with us. I know that won’t always be the case, so I am taking advantage of the time they want to be with us now.

  • Best Day Ever

    Best Day Ever

    I’ve written previously about how great it is to be a grandparent. I am making every effort to soak it all in and stay focused and present whenever we are around them. The older they get, the busier they have become. They have parties, field trips, practice, lessons, playdates, and other activities that take up their time. I know their schedules are only going to get busier.

    I’ve learned from these kids that each event, task, or project has the potential to make it the “best day ever.” I’m sure their criteria for the best day ever will change as they age, but right now, it doesn’t take much to make it a great day.

    Recently, Charlotte and Jameson had a whole series of consecutive best days ever. With Jameson out of school for summer break and Charlotte home full-time after her daycare closed, they are always looking for new things to do. One day, they pulled out the Easy Bake Oven Charlotte received for Christmas. They donned their aprons and got to work, baking a strawberry (flavored) cake. When I asked them if they had fun, they told me it was the “best day ever.”

    They enjoyed their first day of swim lessons. Each one felt confident and brave. They didn’t want the lesson to end and declared it the “best day ever.”

    Later that same week, we attended Turlock’s 4th of July Parade right after the kids finished that day’s swim lesson. It was sweltering, and they were exhausted but excited to see their Uncle Jimmy and Cousin Matt driving their tractors in the parade. (This is always the highlight of every local parade.) They patiently waited and watched until they spotted them. Then they jumped up and down with glee, waving their hands and flags. On the way home, they talked about the parade and stated that this was, indeed, the “best day ever.”

    Experiencing these days with the kids has taught me a valuable lesson. It doesn’t take much to make it the best day ever. It’s not the event that matters; it’s the attitude that makes the difference. Each day has the potential to be the best day ever when we live in the moment. We will find it by examining our schedules and planned activities with a positive attitude and looking for joy. The clock resets each night, and we get the chance to do it again the next day.

    So, what will it take for you to experience the “best day ever?”