Nostalgia of sorts ...

It seems that I have a tendency to run across old photos. Maybe it's because I'm trying to find something and I stumble over a box of photos. I am not like my sister who is about the most organized person in the world when it comes to photos. She has photograph albums for each of her children and each of the years of their lives. She has photograph albums of her life with Allen -- okay, Allen, it would take loads of albums to keep up with your life! LOL!! She is just about finished transferring her hundreds (it seems) of videotapes to DVD's -- and how fun to watch some of those in the process! Jene' is now a junior at Olivet majoring in Nursing. I think that she was well on her way to being a movie producer (or writing plays) when she was just about 10 or 11! I was there on a couple occasions when she and Shara and others (Potter children, maybe) put on a 'play'. What lengths they went to!!

I found an old photo of my mother, dad and Don Wardlaw. How my mind went flying back over time! I remember staying with Don and Etta Mae. I believe they only had two children at that time. It is the only time I remember wanting to stay home from school and telling them I was sick. I probably was .. but just missed my parents! I really don't remember if they made me go to school or if they felt sorry for me at the time! I was in Don's sister's wedding -- I think Marilyn Cook and I were candlelighters! That was an honor for us! And it's neat to keep up with these friends across the years.

This photo was taken in front of the church my dad pastord in Noblesville, Indiana, I believe. How many years ago was this?? I don't have a clue -- but it has been a long time. It is also hard to believe that of the three of them, only one remains here. The other two are celebrating in heaven! What a legacy!!

Heredity ... Environment? Who knows or cares??

It seems that every time our family (even extended family) gets together, the cameras come out and so do the crazy poses. It doesn't matter who it is .... if there's a camera, you will most definitely hear, "Crazy picture." Just as soon as those words are uttered, you can be sure everyone has taken up some sort of a crazy stance -- for the most part. So, I thought I'd share just a few of those photos here.

Way back about the time my brother, Tim, got married, the sons-in-law decided to have some fun with my mother! As you can see, she knows there is some craziness going on behind her. Over the years, you'd see some pretty funny expressions on her face as she knew she'd probably been 'had' by somebody acting up behind her!

So much for having a serious family, huh? But, we do have lots of fun ... usually!

Oh, and I added one of Rachel's latest, too!!

I think I'll unpack!!

After traveling all over the country during this income tax season, it seems that I can actually unpack and stay home for ... well, all of about a week! I'm almost afraid to unpack -- I won't know how to operate except out of a suitcase!

However, I will be glad to pack up for a couple trips next week. One is to IHC for 1-1/2 days. Since the 15th falls on Tuesday, it seems that I will be rather limited in my travels! So, I will catch an early flight on Wednesday and make my way to Ohio. I am glad that my room at the Crowne Plaza is already secured -- and paid for!! On Thursday night, I will go back to Rachel's so we can catch another early flight on Friday morning. I'm really looking forward to that weekend. Rachel is coming to Florida for a few days during which Roxanne, Sandi, Rachel and I will head to Orlando for a two night/ three day girls' away weekend. What fun!! Most of it will just be 'take it easy' time but we have opted for a dinner night out at The Melting Pot. What a place to go -- you need a whole evening to enjoy it fully! The last time I was at the one there in Orlando, Roxanne and Sandi were with me. We laughed through most of the dinner since our waiter seemed to provide amusing entertainment. What did he do? I don't remember at all! All Iknow is that we thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

We're adding Rachel to the mix so who knows what will happen. All I know is that I'm glad we are in Orlando where no one knows us!!

By the way, the photo was taken the last time we were at the Melting Pot! Scary, huh???

Happy Birthday, little brother!!

My youngest brother, Thad, has a birthday tomorrow!! While he may be the youngest, he is probably the tallest. So, I look up to him to have a conversation. Thad doesn't have any children but he is a great uncle to all of his nieces and nephews!! He loves to be with them and they know they have a special place in his heart and always will!! Love ya, Thad!! He's on my lap in the first photo and with Teri's children recently.