The Journey to FortyTen

Ghosts of Holidays Past

2009-12-01T21:35:00.003-05:00

In the spirit of the season I have decided to use the month of December to portray the Ghosts of Christmas & Hanukkah past and sometimes the "way, way past". Some are sweet, some are cranky and some are funny - but all are special to me.

This picture was in the first batch of group holiday pictures..... a reject from our first (now infamous)family Christmas card. I do not think that you can tell that all but Brent were awakened just in time for the picture. Elf hats can work wonders on bed head! Everyone was a great sport including Ellie the dog and Austin (it is hard to be cool in a pointed hat) ....even Brent was cooperative until the last shot! Although this was not the shot we used - it was my favorite! He had that great Grinch look that he was feeling from his tiny heart - actually I think he was channeling the feelings of his brother and sisters!

Our Christmas card that year was a CD compiled of family favorites. Each member got to choose two of their best-loved songs to include on the CD. I look back now and think how interesting their choices were. It took a long time to make it but it was worth the effort - it turned out great! Every time I listen to it - I remember that day and SMILE!

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T14:36:00.002-05:00

I think Brent says it all!

Joan Faye

2009-11-24T00:39:00.000-05:00

As a mother of three AND as a mother of an only child (he’s 8 - his siblings are 22, 24 & 28).....I now have insight as to why I spent so much time with the Wilson family. For my mom to get an opportunity to unload one of her three kids was like winning the lottery and for Joan’s mom to be able to “get” a kid with no strings to be a playmate for an only child is like winning the same. I slept over lots of nights, went to the races with them (Go #22 Bud Elliott!) I even went with the family on their vacations. They treated me just like a member of their family. I think I was the real winner - it was like getting two families for the price of one! (And I was a kid - I didn’t have to pay for anything!)

How many “nice” words does it take to make up for posting one “bad” picture? I remember this day as if it just happened. Joan and I were at my house and I had just gotten my new dance leotard and tights. The first picture that we posed for had me wearing the leotard - you know the “cool” part and Joan wearing the tights and red shirt. We were in my mom’s bedroom making happy, silly faces in the mirror - it was so much fun!!! Then........we had to switch..... WHAT? WHY? My mom said that to be fair. It was Joan’s turn to wear the really “cool” part. As you can see in the picture I did not take it very well - what an ass I was. Joan had been really happy for me when I got to wear the leotard - but I could not do the same for her.....I am sure that I got in trouble for acting that way and more than likely I had to apologize. If I did say it I am sure that I did not really mean it - but I do now....I’m sorry Joan. However, I am not sorry for posting the picture - it is hilarious.

Today is her birthday! I want to wish my oldest (as in length of time) friend Joan Faye a very Happy Birthday and thank her for always being a good friend even when I wasn’t.

This Is It

2009-11-23T14:23:00.000-05:00

This is it. This is how I start my journey to fortyten.

This was my official school picture in the first grade. It was taken on a Wednesday. How can I be so sure after 43 years? I had ballet after school on Wednesdays. The dress was a dark green and black tartan plaid – you would be able to see that for yourself IF there had been full color pictures – "back in the day". I wore my ballet leotard under the dress…..even then I was working smarter not harder! I have lots of great memories buried from first grade, however here are just a few of the most memorable.

I was always mesmerized watching my teacher, Mrs Hutchinson, put her lipstick on in the classroom – it was just like watching a movie star.

Wayne Rivers cried everyday for his maaaaama. I felt badly for him and I must confess it really stressed me out. Thanks, Wayne - now I know when my need for Ativan truly started.

Wayne was a crybaby but he was hot. The girls would try to kiss his hand while he was drinking at the water fountain. I wonder how often that happens now?

We drew names for a classroom Christmas gift exchange. I had Juliet Crichton's name. She unwrapped her gift - it was a pipe! What? My mom bought a kid a pipe? They called my mom and she quickly brought the correct gift – a really cute Santa Claus necklace! In the end Juliet said she would rather have the pipe.

Everyday I drive by Emporia Elementary and can see my classroom from my car. And every time I do - I smile. It reminds me that life would be much better if we all had a six hour work day, recess, lunch with friends, an afternoon nap, playtime, parties for every holiday and most of the summer off........hey wait a minute - I do! What a great life! - No wonder I am so happy!