MarytheKaytheBlog

Friday Flashback: Old Pictures Make Me Sentimental

Today, because I am still hacking up a lung, and because not much exciting happens when you spend an entire week in a sick chair (other than finding a NEW SHOW to watch on Netflix...Scandal!!!), I thought it would be fun to post some old pictures.  

Pay attention...some of you older friends might even see yourselves today!

 

Let's start things off with a bang, shall we?

Oh my.  Is this not the CUTEST Kindergarten class you've EVER seen?  Looking back, I think it is amazing that I continued growing up and going to school with every single person in this picture.  Well, except for sweet Dana Blume, who moved away shortly after this picture.  Can you guess which one is Dana?  I always thought she was SO PRETTY...and I was always jealous of the beauty pageant crowns on her bookshelf.

Can you tell which one is me?  Look for the long-haired version of my Sara Beth...front row, long dress with the white shoes.

Also, one of my BEST FRIENDS through ALL of my growing up years...is Matthew.  Yeah, he's the lady-killer in the Fonzie shirt.  All the girls thought he was SO cool with that shirt, and we'd always get him to act like Fonzie.  I giggle to think...he enjoyed that attention just as much as we enjoyed giving it to him.

And, Mrs. Braswell our teacher?  She was everything you could ever want a Kindergarten teacher to be.  Soft-spoken, loving and kind, creative, and FUN.  

Okay, I'll stop talking about Kindergarten now.  As you can tell, it was a good year for me.  *grin*

 

This next picture is in honor of my little hometown, where they GOT OUT OF SCHOOL this week for SNOW!!!!!  Hooray!!!  Well, not exactly snow.... maybe just the tiniest bit of sleet.  My big sis described it as 1/100th of an inch.  

Oh boy, can I remember the days when we PRAYED for snow...we keep our noses glued to the windows, just BEGGING the snow to come down...  A snow day in my hometown was like a very happy national holiday.  

Needless to say, it did not snow often.

With those dresses and white tights, I suspect this was a Sunday.  I'm sure we couldn't WAIT to get home to sled, make snowmen, and throw snow at each other all afternoon long...or until that sad bit of snow melted.

 

This next picture is in honor of Sara Beth, who JUST THIS WEEK asked me, 

"Mom, what is a station wagon?"

I didn't find that very easy to answer...  Except to say--"It's what our family ALWAYS drove.  The Buick Electra Wagon.  Usually in baby blue."

Is this one a Buick?  I don't really remember this one...I was probably 3 in this picture.

 

My mom doesn't always like when I post pictures of her...But, I've always thought how beautiful she is in this one!  Doesn't she look just like Jackie O?

 

Okay, any Campfire Girls out there?  Did you have this Camp Fire Song Book?  This is the little navy blue song book we always took to Campfire Day Camp at Camp Wotapi.  (Does Camp Wotapi still exist?)  Ah, and Miss Shuff, still leading all her Campfire girls in her 50s and 60s, wearing summery sleeveless camp shirts and knee-length shorts and bright red lipstick, drawn just bigger than her actual lips.  She had the loveliest gravely cigarette-voice Southern drawl.  

Just seeing this book makes me think of the song, "Kookaburra."

Koo-ka-burra sits on an old gum tree...Merry, merry king of the bush is he, Laugh koo-ka-burra, laugh koo-ka-burra, Gay your life must be.  (are you singing along with me??)

 

Ah, and this next picture is in honor of one of my BEST FRIENDS all the way through junior high, high school, and college!!  We actually met on the very first day of 7th grade.  Here we are in our flag corps uniforms. (It was a little windy that day.)  Miss you, Stay-Jack!!!

 

This next (and last) one wasn't that many years ago.  This picture just makes me SMILE...because we were trying so hard to snap a decent family Christmas picture.  We were in FREEZING South Dakota, and my sweet wittle bald baby did not want to smile...  Oh, how I want to rub that little bald head and pinch those wittle cheeks!  (NO!  I am NOT talking about Dave!!!!)  And my darling little blond girl, always grinning and enjoying the fun adventures...

Okay, I'll step off Sentimental Lane now...  Thanks ever so much for indulging me!!

Happy weekend, sweet friends.  If ya need me, I'll be right where I've been all week...sitting in my pitiful sick chair.  

Anybody have more exciting weekend plans than that?

Let's Go Retro...Linky Dinks

Well, hello, ye lads and lasses!  I don't know about you...but I am kind of tired of all the poe-litical talk.  Instead of delivering a very scholarly discussion on the Electoral College and its diminutive algorithmic homonyms, I thought we could have a little FUN today.  (Not that algorithmic homonyms aren't fun, mind you!)

But, let's take a break from our divided country, and chat about things we ALL can agree on!  

Let's chat about The Good Ole' Days!!!  Now, I understand that for some of you, those days may be not quite so far back...  But today--we're talking about the 1970s and 1980s, baby!!!   Come on!  Join me in the FUN!

 

Oh, NOTHING takes me back to my childhood like this.  My sister and I played with this for hours and hours on end.  Sometimes, my big brother would even join in the fun...as King Kong, that is!   Or, when he wanted  to mix things up...Godzilla.

 

When my daughters were younger, I bought them books on tapes and cds because of this little 1960s and 1970s toy--the GE Show 'N Tell Record Player.  I spent hours and hours listening to stories like The Three Bears, Jungle Book, and Robin Hood.

(Click here if you can't view the video below)

 

Speaking of watching things...how many of you looked forward to watching filmstrips in your elementary school library?  I just loved it when Mrs. Reynolds picked me to TURN THE KNOB on the projector.  Remember that?  

(click here if you cannot view the video below)

 

 

These companies sure had GREAT jingles...because (cough cough) 30ish years later I still remember their quirky little tunes.  Do you remember any of them?

Come on!  Sing along!!!

Monchichi

Coke makes ME smile!

Does your bologna have a name?

Who wouldn't want cereal that was magically delicious?

My favorite part is the You think you're really Mr. Groovy part

 

*Sigh*  I'll never forget my 13th birthday--the day I got my OWN phone!  It was aptly named the "Princess" phone.  Just recently I asked my sister if she remembered our "Children's Line" phone number.  I am proud to say that I still remember it--862-5802.  Oh yeah.  Wonder whose number it is now? (Oh, and by the way--it was a BAD IDEA to list our number as "Children's Line" in the phone book.  There are some icky perverts in the world...)

 

 

Okay, enough walking down the misty-eyed memory lane...  But, before I go...Lookie what I found on Pinterest under "Retro"

Source: google.com via Tish on Pinterest

 

Hmm...that sure looks familiar...I think I remember seeing that lovely RETRO fashion on a cool RETRO DUDE...

Smile, honey!  You're the STAR of today's RETRO post!!!!!  Everybody say "Hey, dude!" to this handsome, and 1980s fashionable, fella!

Want to spend a little more time in Retro Land?  Check out my Good Ole' Days Pinterest board!!

Now, go ye forth and enjoy your weekend!  See ya back here on Monday!!

What cool retro stuff do you remember?

I know I'm already over 40 but today I reached a new low

Oh, help me.

I thought this day would never come.

But, evidently, it has sneaked up on me, and here I am:

Ya'll.  Today, I stopped in at the Pendleton store, and I actually LIKED STUFF.  I mean--I liked a LOT of the stuff in there.

And when I say "stuff" I mean--clothes.

Yes, yes, this is the Pendleton store that is famous for its wool.  Thick, knitted wool sweaters of every hue imaginable.  And to match those sweaters, understated dress slacks with forgiving pleats in conservative blacks and navys, and even the racier houndstooth check.

Now, please don't get me wrong.  Pendleton makes wonderful wool products.  They practically set the standards for upscale wool clothing and blankets.

But, what they don't set the standard for? Trendy and fashionable dressing.

Warm? Yes.  Sensible? Yes.  Well-made? Yes.

Fashions for the young and/or young at heart?  Not so much.

As I was browsing through the store, I was just so surprised at how many of the colorful knits, and jackets, and skirts I liked.  Their bright colors and classic lines just drew me in.  I couldn't believe Pendleton had so many GREAT items!  How have I missed shopping here all these years?

And, then it hit me. 

These clothes that I thought so pretty wouldn't appeal one single bit to an...er...ah...Well, to a younger woman, if you must know.  

Dangit.  I'm old.  And now I like old lady clothes.

I guess I shouldn't whine and complain too much...   I mean, the type of item I bought isn't exactly fashion-forward.  I bought a hot pink fleece vest--you know--my signature look for winter.  

And, I gotta tell ya--that fleece vest is everything Pendleton is known for: Warmth, quality, and sensibility.

Gotta run.  I need to stop in at the SAS for some walking shoes to match my new vest.

photo credit

Somebody in my family is REALLY OLD today...

We're talking half-a-century old.

Look and see if you can tell who in my family is celebrating 50 birthdays today...

Here are some hints:

One time he thought he was Superman, and leaped off the ladder...

Yeah, flying didn't turn out too well for that cute little boy.  But, isn't he a sweet thing?

 

Hey *may* at one time could have been called a "hippie."  Or, at least he drove a hippie van...

 

He's always been a true and loyal friend.  In fact, most of his friendships span decades...

And when you're 50, that's a LOT of DECADES!

 

There is a VERY GOOD REASON I fell in love with this dapper young fella...

No, no, no--not JUST for the Coca-Cola love.  (Although, that didn't hurt)

 

And, also not just because he is a collector of cool stuff...  (Well, most some of it is cool)

 

No, I fell in love with the old guy because of his kind servant's heart, his love for fun and adventure, his unwavering loyalty, and his desire to please God.

Please wish my best friend a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!  

Or better yet--a HAPPY HALF-CENTURY!!

Oh, and in case you're wondering...yes, his AARP card DID arrive in the mail!  *grin*

A Cat Fashion Show Kind of Day

The cat fashion world is all abuzz about Snowflake's debut on the...er...catwalk.

Her stylist has been hard at work, creating the perfect looks for her.  Fresh, and original looks that all the hippest kitties will be meowing like crazy to get their paws on.

Let's face it--it's not easy for cats to stay on the cutting edge of fashion.  With all their lounging around, chasing grasshoppers, flicking of tails, and getting up to lie back down in a different position, cats just don't have a whole lot of time for shopping and reading the fashion mags.

That's why we're here!  We're here to help your kitties stay fashionable.  

So, grab a seat, and let your kitty walk all over the desk and in front of your computer screen as Miss Snowflake debuts her newest line of Kitty Fashions!!

 

This first look Snowflake is showing off her superpower side--with her couture fashion cape.  This fashion-forward superhero wear is handmade from the finest of quilted papertowels, and hand-lettered with her monogram: SSF, otherwise known as Super Snow Flake.

And complimenting her superkitty cape is a matching placemat.  All the cool kitties need their bowls of Meow Mix on monogrammed and color-coordinated placemats.  

 

Next up is Snowflake's Fun in the Sun look!  And, boy, can't you see what a GRAND time she's having?  Snowflake just LOVES wearing this carefree hot pink knit halter dress when she's lying in the sun.  It even has a little bit of bling--that no glitzy kitty can resist.  Her friends know she's having FUN in the SUN when she's sporting this hot number.

 

Oh, but what would a kitty fashion show be without the latest Prom looks?  Snowflake is ready to dance the night away in this gold satin number.  The rhinestones scattered along the hem will shimmer as she wags her tail to the beat of the tunes.

 

We've got one more look for those kitties who love to dress up for a night on the town!  Plus, with Halloween right around the corner, kitties all over are already planning their costumes for the big night.  Even the black kitties won't be afraid to come out on Halloween in this mermaid of a dress!  Can't you tell how EXCITED Snowflake is to wiggle her tail for a little Trick-or-Treat?

 

We thought we had one more look for Snowflake to show you...

But, she suddenly decided the fashion show is now over.

Snowflake, come back!  You're NOT supposed to remove the fashions from the photo shoot!

Snowflake???  SNOWFLAKE!!!

Well, that concludes today's Kitty Fashion Show.  Thank you for coming.

 Remember--a kitty who wears clothes...is unique...and...fashionable, of course!

(Very Important Disclaimer:  No clothes were purchased from the "Pet Costume" aisles at Target.  Although I may be a sucker for over-priced hoochie mama clothing for stuffed bears, I am not a sucker, nor supporter of CloFoPETSO ThACAF...Clothes For Pets, Even Though Some Of Them Are Cute And Funny)

21 Years Ago...Wedding Pictures

Take a little journey back in time with me, if you would.  Today Dave and I celebrate 21 years together.  In honor of that celebration, I'd like to re-visit some of our wedding day pictures.

But, first, I must warn you:  The 1990s were in FULL EFFECT.  I'm talking big hair, big floral prints, big flowers.

Oh, but would you LOOK at that sweet, and YOUNG couple?  And, likewise, their YOUNG parents!

 

Oh, and how I love this next picture...my sweet grandmothers.  Boy, were we relieved when my Gram Young wore her pretty church shoes...instead of her big comfy tennis shoes, like she said she was going to wear.  I sure miss my grandmothers...

 

And take a look at these little cutie pies!  Now, they are beautiful grown women...

 

Please take note:  If I die anytime soon, I sure would like to have any of these musicans sing or play at my funeral.  They were AMAZING.   Plus, I loved them dearly.

 All right--BRACE YOURSELVES.  You are now about to enter a FLORAL DANGER ZONE!!!!!!  

Otherwise known as:  My bridesmaids.

Remember--it was the 1990s, when Laura Ashley, and bold floral Waverly prints were the style.  Oh, but each one of these girls was SO DEAR to me.  Even to this day, I love each of these girls dearly.  (Those are my 2 sisters to the left of me)

 

Now, brace yourselves for a whole buncha COOL DUDES.  (That's how we talked in the 90's)

I love these guys like brothers.  Well...one of them I don't love like a brother.  No siree--I love one of them not at ALL like my brother. (Uh, my husband!)

Seriously, Dave has some wonderful friends!

It's a CRYING SHAME these fellas didn't pose for their picture like they way they walked down the aisle. Those crazy guys decided NOT to wear SOCKS.  Well...except for the one who thought it would be funny to wear WHITE TUBE SOCKS.

 

Ah, and here is the whole wedding party.  This picture just makes me feel BLESSED to have such dear friends and family standing up with us that day.

 

This next picture is one of my favorites...  Plus, I really love trying to figure out who everyone is from the back of their heads.

 

This last picture, I leave you with a glimpse of Dave JUST BEFORE he walked out to marry his bride.  

As you can see...Dave was very nervous about getting married, and could think of nothing else before committing his life to me...His thoughts were consumed with the lovely bride about to walk down the aisle and put her hand in his...for rest of eternity...

Yep--Dave was CHOWING DOWN on a burger he had conned one of his friends into running out to purchase.  Even better is the fact that he is eating one of my all-time favorite burgers in town:  A Minute Man burger.

How fitting:  Because in about A MINUTE, he is about to get married.

Happy Anniversary,  My 11 Billion Minute Man!!!  

(Heck yeah I added it up!)

(NO, not in my head, dummy.  I'm a blogger, not a mathematician)

(P.S. For you math NERDS, please do not check my work.  It's approximate.  I cannot be bothered to figure in things like leap years and stuff.) 

(P.P.S. I have nothing else to say.  I just liked the idea of adding a P.P.S.  You can guess why...)

 

All photos in this post are by W.I. Bell Photography

My Feelings about Homeschool: Some Days I Love it, and Some Days I Want to Say: #%@$# !!!

At the Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead school in De Smet, South Dakota

Last week I mentioned I was heading to the Denim Jumper Convention (Also known to some as the Homeschool Convention).  I must admit--the ladies in denim jumpers did not disappoint.  There were jumpers in a whole rainbow of colors and plaids.  There were also lots and lots of long denim skirts, and so many pregnant women and babies in wraps that I was a little afraid.  Not to worry, though.  I did NOT drink the water.

You do understand that I am saying all of this a little tongue in cheek, right?  Because,  although there WERE ladies dressed in denim jumpers, of course, there were also plenty of ladies dressed just like me--rolled up jeans, a 3/4 cardigan, and my Chacos.  (My Spring uniform).

Just like there were differently dressed ladies at the convention, so are there lots of different reasons families choose to homeschool.  Since I get asked all the time about our family's experience and reasons behind our school choices, I thought this would be a good opportunity to explain it a little.

If I had to sum up our family's experience in homeschooling in one sentence, this is what it would be:

I LOVE the RESULT of having homeschooled our daughters, but many times during the homeschool day, I want to yell, scream, nag, hug, cry, run away, drink a Coke, smoke a cigarette, drink whiskey, grin, giggle, jump up and down, or curl into a fetal position. 

In other words, homeschooling has been good for our family, but most days, in the process, I want to toss it out the window and put my daughters on the school bus driving past our house.  Sure, there are wonderful moments I would have otherwise missed out--when one of the girls "gets" a concept.  Those moments I want to jump up and down and squeal for joy.  Or, when I notice pretty handwriting on something and I think, "I DID THAT!!  I taught her how to write!!!"

I know I've mentioned this before, but I pretty much came into homeschooling kicking and screaming.  I went to college to become a high school English teacher--a public school teacher.  My husband went to college to become an elementary math and science teacher.  Both of our families had teachers before us--public school teachers.  My husband and I were both mostly public school taught.  So, why would we want to homeschool--with all of our public school background?

Well, my husband and I are both trained teachers.  Between the two of us, we have all major subjects covered.  Even though I LOVE the act of teaching, it was my husband who first felt strongly that we should homeschool for our daughters' beginning school years.  He felt like our giving them one-on-one instruction at home would give them a solid foundation--educationally and spiritually--for their later years. 

Even though I agreed with Dave's outlook, I had never pictured myself teaching my kids at home.  It took me a while (okay, a WHOLE LOT of ARGUMENTS), to begin exploring what homeschooling could look like for me.

At the end of our discussions (fights), I decided to compromise (give in), and homeschool our girls K-2nd grade.  I would give them 3 years of a solid foundation at home, and then send them off to school in town.

Emotionally, that was all I could handle thinking about.  I knew I could handle 3 years.  After that, we both agreed that if I wanted to continue homeschooling, it would be my decision.  Or, if I wanted to put them into school, it would also be my decision.  At that point, I could NOT have handled thinking that I would homeschool the girls all the way through school.  Dave would have had to put me in the loony bin if that had been the case.  I couldn't even have handled thinking I would homeschool for 7 years--which is what I've done for our oldest.

Dave giving me the reins to decide whether to continue homeschooling after 2nd grade was the best thing he could have done.  Knowing the decision was mine gave me complete freedom to explore what was best educationally and emotionally for the girls each school year--and also to make sure I was really up to the challenge.  If the decision had been partly Dave's at that point, I'm sure I would have felt defensive about any of the decisions, instead of realistic. 

 As Rebecca finished 2nd grade, I decided to keep her home for another year or two mainly because of one thing:  Her little sister.

Because our daughters ended up being much farther apart in years that we'd planned, I felt like keeping Rebecca home another year or two would help them become closer, despite their 4 1/2-year age difference.  When Rebecca was 8, and going into the 3rd grade, Sara Beth, at 3 1/2,  was just beginning to play the same things as her big sister.

In retrospect, having both girls home together has been one of the BEST things we've done in homeschooling.  Now, to be completely honest, having both girls home together has also nearly driven me to CRAZY TOWN.  Those girls fight, and bicker, and tattle, and get on each others' nerves on purpose, and on a daily basis.  However.  I have also gotten to watch Rebecca's nurturing side as she's helped Sara Beth with schoolwork.  I've watched Sara Beth encourage her big sister.  And through the years, I've watched a friendship and dependence on each other blossom, even in spite of all the daily bickering.

 Okay, I've probably lost most of you by now with all my homeschool chatting.  For those that ARE still reading, I'll continue these riveting thoughts another day.  I'd love to tell you some of the best things I've learned along the way, and maybe save you some trouble (or a Zoloft prescription) if ever you decide to embark on the homeschool journey.

Also, if you have any burning homeschool questions, I'd LOVE to answer them in the continuation!

The Denim Jumper Convention: VOTE on which denim jumper I should wear

Well, hello, dearest readers!  It's that time of year again... That time of year when I attend the Denim Jumper Convention--also known to some of the more serious (boring) crowd as "The Homeschool Convention."

But, why would I call it the Homeschool Convention, when Denim Jumper Convention is much more fun to say??

In anticipation of the Denim Jumper Convention this weekend, I was going to write a long post about why I homeschool...or some of the great things that have come out of homeschooling...or about how we homeschool...  But, as homeschooling life typically does to me--I have run out of time.  I've been busy reading Uncle Tom's Cabin to Rebecca (nearly put myself to sleep in Chapter 43!), and helping Sara Beth make a giant posterboard timeline of Moses' life.  Oh, and watching an episode of My Fair Wedding with the girls while we ate Chinese takeout for dinner.  (Because Mama was too tired to cook!)

In lieu of a very scholarly and highly entertaining (I'm sure) post about homeschooling in our family, I am offering you the chance to VOTE on WHICH DENIM JUMPER I should wear this weekend...you know--to the Denim Jumper Convention.  (How many times can I say those words...Denim Jumper Convention?  Ha!  Said 'em again!)

 

Here goes!  Please vote for only ONE choice.  I know these jumpers are VERY DIFFERENT in style...Just pick the one you like best:

Denim Jumper #1  (always a classic...especially when paired with my anklets and Keds.)

 

Denim Jumper #2  (a little racier, as it shows more leg)

Denim Jumper #3  (the embellishments just make it special, don't they?)

Denim Jumper #4  (a little more form-fitting--but don't worry--not too much!)

 

Okay, what do you think?  Which Denim Jumper is the snazziest and most stylish???  I want to be sure to STAND OUT this weekend at the convention.

And while I'm rubbing elbows with my fellow Jumpers, I do hope you fine readers have a wonderful weekend!  I'll be back here on Monday to tell you all about the convention!  Or, feel free to find me chatting about it on The Twitter.

Goodnight, good people.

(Okay, okay...In effort to remain honest...I must confess...I have not owned a denim jumper since 1992, when I sold my last one at a garage sale.  But...I secretly wish they would come back into fashion--they were SO comfortable!)

What exciting things are you doing this weekend?

Senior Prom Memories...Twenty (something) years ago!

Has your town had Senior Prom yet?  Ours is this coming weekend, but we've been seeing girls in pretty satin dresses, and uncomfortable-looking guys in tuxedos around town for a couple of weeks. 

Just this past weekend, on my girls' night out, we ran into a Prom couple--all decked out--and walking into a MOVIE.  Thankfully, I was with my friend Janna, who is not shy about talking to strangers, and she asked them if they'd just been to Prom.  The young couple grinned, and the fellow with the royal blue bowtie puffed up his chest, grinned a cheesy grin, and said, "Yeah, and I PROPOSED to her tonight!" 

My friends and I all looked in amazement at this young couple, this baby couple, who surely didn't seem old enough to be walking into that movie with the uncomfortably long you-know-what kind of scene...much less old enough to be going to the late movie after a Senior Prom!!  But, here they were, grinning and holding hands like young little love birds.  We asked the girl if she said "yes"--to which, she said, "Of course!" and patted her little rounded belly, "I'm due in October!"

All righty, then.  Prom is a little different these days, I guess.

But, back in the glorious 1980s, when I went to Prom, NO ONE was ever pregnant at Prom.  Or, maybe I was just naive.  Okay, probably so. 

But, seeing all the girls in their pretty Prom dresses, always just takes me back.  In honor of all the Prom nostalgia,  I thought I'd share my own Prom pictures.  But first--guess who STILL has her Prom dresses???  Oh, yes I do!!! 

Before I show you the truly retro 80's Prom pictures, I thought it would be fun to have a photo session with my girls.  When I asked if they wanted to try on my Prom dresses, they ran to my bedroom closet before I could even finish the sentence.

I bet their daddy will not like these pictures.  (Sorry, honey!)  I am sure these pictures will conjure up for him visions of shotguns and large redneck men threatening skinny adam's apple boys...already terrified of some certain girls' crazy-eyed daddy.

I hate to say it...but I think my husband will rather enjoy terrifying interested boys ringing our doorbell.  But, I guess daddies do need things to look forward to, don't they?

So, here are our precious darlings that caused their daddy to tell me way back when I was first pregnant with them...  "I sure hope I don't have to go to prison some day because of some boy."

First, I would like to introduce you to Sara Beth, who is modeling her mama's Junior Prom dress of a pastel pink moire taffeta.  This Mrs. Hanry couture dress has a sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps, with a dropped waist cascading into a 2-tiered ruffled tea-length skirt.  The outstanding feature of the dress is the over-sized bow on the back of the dress that Mrs. Hanry herself designed.  This dress is a classic example of the preppy year 1987.

 

Our next model is Rebecca.  Rebecca is modeling a Senior Prom dress of black satin with a black lace overlay, fabrics specially selected from Hancock Fabrics for this very occasion.  This dress is also a Mrs. Hanry couture, featuring a strapless sweetheart neckline of the shiny black satin.  The fitted bodice gathers gently at the waist to fall into a full tea-length skirt with a lace overlay.  This dress also features the dramatic over-sized bow, once again a Mrs. Hanry original design. 

 
 

 
 And without further ado, I present to you...1987, in all of its glory!!!  Please welcome MarytheKay and her dear friend Stacey!  MarytheKay and Stacey met on the first day of junior high, and were the best of friends all the way through high school.  How fitting that we have prom pictures together.  *smile*  (I miss you, StayJack!!!)
Okay, do you see the pink high tops?  Yes, I was very proud of those shoes. Actually...I wore pink dyeable heels (of course), and took the high tops to change into.  Oh yeah--tha's a dancing girl you see there!!!  I am very sad to say that I can't find my Junior Prom picture with my date.  Junior Prom was actually my FAVORITE dance...with none other than John David.  (Little shout out to John David! I'd better shout loudly...I'm pretty sure he doesn't read this blog!)

 

Drum roll for the Senior Prom, folks...  Please help me usher in 1988, in all of its glory...

Sadly, no high tops for this dance.  I am sure you're not looking at my shoes, though.   You're looking at my hair--wondering how in the heck did I get it so tall?  I hate to confess...that is natural cowlick height, baby.  There is a little White Rain to smooth it, but that cowlick is doing all the manual labor.

(My fire engine red fingernails make me giggle a little.  Va Va Va VOOM.  Those nails remind me of my very first professional manicure, earlier that day.  Miss Sheila was so kind to me that morning.) 

Oh!  Forgive me for being so rude!  I would like to introduce you to John David.  By the time Senior Prom rolled around, John David was already an important college boy.  We went to this dance as just friends (note the yellow roses - for friendship).  The fact that he still drove down for the dance, and kept his promise to take me to Senior Prom meant a lot to me, and surely exemplified his integrity.  Now, the fact that he kept looking at his watch all evening did not mean so much...  (Oh, you know you did!!)  But, a girl can't have it all, now can she?

Before I close, I'd like to say that these Prom dances for me were wonderfully and innocently fun.  I know there is a lot of talk these days (and on t.v. shows) about the heightened pressures of Prom night.  That was not my experience at all.  My experience was all about dancing and laughing the night away with a group of good friends.  My prayer for our daughters is that they will be able to have the same innocent and memory-making kind of fun someday.

And, of course, if their dates have anything different in mind...they can consult the scary man in the back seat holding the shotgun.

(*Much of this content is re-posted from last year.)

The Flip Flop Exchange: A FUN Way to Celebrate Spring!

Oh my word, I can hardly contain myself!  I am just sooo excited to tell you about my FAVORITE Spring Party!!!  I mean--picture this:  You've endured a long winter--this year much longer than usual.  You are sick and tired of the brown, dead grass in your yard, the barren branches overhead casting dismal shadows.  One day walking to the mailbox, you SEE it.  That teeny tiny green stalk peeking up from the ground!!! 

 And you feel like cheering.  Right there at the mailbox.  And doing a little jumpy dance.  Wheeeee!  Spring is a comin'!!!

 So, instead of the embarrassing jumpy dance, you know how I like to CELEBRATE Spring's arrival?  With a FLIP FLOP EXCHANGE party!!!

Because, what says SPRING better than a sassy Flip Flop???

 For the past 3 years, a group of my friends has gotten together in late March/early April for a Flip Flop Exchange Party.  It has gotten to be a real highlight for us each year...and has really grown in numbers.  You could use this idea for any women's group--a book club, a church women's group, a group at work, a neighborhood get-together...

 Here's how it works: 

1.  Pick a date.  For us, weeknights work best (free childcare, if Daddy keeps the kids!!)

2.  About 3 weeks ahead of your party date, send a mass e-mail to all the women you even think might be interested.  In your e-mail, tell the ladies about the Flip Flop Exchange idea, tell them the date of the party, and ask if they would like to come.  If they DO want to come, they need to do these things: 

-Reply to you (the party hostess) with your FLIP FLOP size (give closest WHOLE size, since most flip flops don't come in half-sizes)

-Start checking out fun flip flop shops--either in town, or online.  Be looking for a return e-mail, with your secret flip flop pal.

-Once you receive your Flip Flop Pal and her Flip Flop size (our group keeps our pals a secret until the party night), purchase a fun pair of flip flops that fit her personality--spending between $15-20.  (That is the limit our group sets.)

-On the party night, wrap up your flip flops--including a gift receipt (in case they don't fit). 

3.  This year, our Flip Flop Party hostess has really amped up  things.  Each of the attendees is bringing $2 to put towards 2 contests.  The first contest winner is awarded cash for bringing the CUTEST Flip Flops.  The other contest winner is awarded cash for bringing the best PERSONALITY MATCH for her Flip Flop Pal.  (The party attendees will vote on little slips of paper.)

 
4.  I love the contest idea!!!  Because some of the girls coming this year I don't know as well, it will be up to me to find out from others in the group the personality of my Flip Flop Pal...or I can always chat with the hostess, who knows everyone coming.  And WHO doesn't like winning a little CASH in a fun contest???Now, go ye out and planeth some Flip Flop Parties!!!!  I'd love to hear back from ya, if ya do!!!