we are having a garage sale this weekend.
which means pulling boxes and boxes from our yucky basement.
and then i found this.
Category Archives: Uncategorizedwe are having a garage sale this weekend. which means pulling boxes and boxes from our yucky basement. and then i found this. oh yeah!
a box of high school treasures.
this has been boxed up since 1994.
i don't recall the ribbons…swim team maybe?
notice there is only one blue ribbon.
and a journal? ugh. i dread peeking in there.
a Seventeen from 1993…all about prom…what else?
my letter. with no pins. i got it for cheerleading.
our high school newspaper…the Keystone.
a high quality piece of literature.
and check that picture of my mom at the top.
nice.
digging deeper into the box…
a medal for safety? WHAT? i have no clue where i would have gotten that.
a graduation annoucement.
and oh my goodness.
do you see that yellow box?!
top secret notes.
passed everyday of high school.
i started reading them…and man it is crazy.
there were notes from boys.
even some from craig!
notes from my closest friends (all about pizza hut and going shopping).
and some from the totally cool upperclassmen that i worshiped.
after an hour or so of reading here is what i realized:
1. i was boy crazy…and so were my friends.
2. i was such a brat…broke one boy's heart…
and apparently told a big lie about someone kissing someone that never happened. ???
3. my own daughter is normal.
the notes i read of lauren's (yep i read them) are just like these!
pretty funny stuff.
i'm going to go read some more.
talby caught 2 toads at sean's golf lessons. by herself. which provides hours of entertainment…for us. for the toads…not so much. he got away.
she was so nervous trying to catch him again…screaming and running.
hilarious.
i wish i had sound to go with this picture.
caught him!
back to the hello kitty bug box for you mr. toad.
eeewwwwww!
that's just nasty.
but at least she's not a squeamish girly girl.
annie's toad is on the run again.
sean caught 2 more after golf.
we made a toad world in the dining room.
it's always a good day when toads are involved.
at least it seems to be true for me.
Incredible pictures. Scary toad. UNBELIEVABLE! Love that photo of your daughter kissing that frog. Even though it grosses me out, it is a magical fairytale photo! Frame it! Any princes yet? What a great day to spend a summer day, and it wasn’t even on the list! WOW! You have some GREAT shots there! Seriously!!! I am not so much into nature, but am “working on that” for my kids’ sake! I hate for them to go through life and never catch a toad (or lizard in our case!!) or have those great memories!! It is so sweet to see two such beautiful little girls playing with little critters! what are you going to feed these new toads of yours!?!?!? 🙂 You looked THRILLED to have a toad on your head :)! And the kitty bug box is priceless. THe poor male toad (he looks male to me…) was probably so embarassed that THAT’S why he kept trying to escape! Your family is just so cute. I give you huge points for things you let them do. Bugs, snakes, lizards and frogs were not my cup of tea. When I used to sub, one of the teachers had a tarantula for the class pet. (goosebumps as I type the word) They had to move him out of the room before I would go in to teach. My daughter wanted to take it to 4th grade show and tell and she and Dad had to take it up to his office and then to school. I would have never been able to stay in the house with it there. You are such a good mom and you can really tell the kids get to experience everything with you. They are really lucky! the picture of your daughter kissing the frog is just remarkable. talk about a picture saying a thousand words. it’s just a story waiting to happen. well, i love your blog. it’s one of my favorites to read although i don’t know how i stumbled upon it. now that i’m commenting i might as well tell you i love the pictures of your home too. keep up the good creative work, girl! Wow! A frog day afternoon… love it. ~Jill 🙂 Hey there! what great shots…AGAIN!! Oh that was fun…I felt like I was there…screaming…and running…and stuffing toads in bug boxes…Great !! there are a ton of toads every night in the summer hanging out around the church, up next to the building. Feel free to bring your tribe by if you want more 🙂 I’m talking BIG ones too! oops! I meant “thank” you again! Hey Meg! Hey, I’ve been following your blog for a while, but have never commented (that I can remember!. Okay, those toads are cute,I never thought I would say that Hmmm… And did you darken your hair I like it if you did or maybe it’s that picture! Josiah went searching for toads today. It was a bust here. Maybe tomorrow. If the torrential rain didn’t wash them all away. The picture of your little girl (almost) kissing the toad is way too cute. You need to save that for when she gets married you have that picture and a picture of her hubby and say that she kissed the toad and got her prince charming,,,,Can you tell I don't have girls…. How funny! I can just imagine the squealing involved! What a fun day! sean says out of the blue: "why do womans get new hairdo's?
then they show them off.
new hairdos is just a big waste of money…
it's just going to grow back and they have to do it all again!"
craig replies:
"AMEN sean."
I just want to point out that of all of the people in your household and their featured hairstyles, Sean and Scott are the only ones who seem to have a high maintenance hairdo. (please reference the April 30th posting titled “Knuckleheads”) Seems to me that that style would require a LOT of touch ups!! I daresay Sean may be the proverbial “pot.” 🙂 LOL That’s a male’s thinking for you! I took my son shopping with me, and he wanted to leave so badly. I went into a shoe store, and he said- oh no! That’s even worse! LOL He’s 7. That was funny!!! WHAT!!! A cute post with NO fantastic picture??? Im going thru “whatever” withdrawal..lol i even say “amen sean”. don’t you just love how they observe and interpret things. Too funny. I read it aloud to my hubby…he audibly laughed. That’s hilarious! My hubby was in agreement with yours, what does he know? BTW, I loved all the pics of your house. I love the look of an older home and all its charm and character-you did a fantastic job decorating! What a male, logical, thinker. That is so funny! And that he’s aware that we “show them off.” LOL hahahahaha…I cant do a thing but laugh at that…. “womans”… Oh my goodness that is so funny and true! wow a guys thinking for once LOL… the pool is all set up.
annie liked it better when it was a few inches instead of 4 feet.
even though the water is ice cold they were still swimming today.
now i am ready for some heat (without all the stickiness)
so while they swim…
i can lay in the sun in my chair.
nothing better in the heat of the summer… awwwwwwe! canon balllllll! Hey Meg! I’m with Dana, I want to know what kind of pool that is – it looks like SO much fun! I also have two boys! Hey Meg~ We’ve been talking about getting a pool for the summer, and my husband and I just looked at one at Sam’s that looks like yours. Have you had it awhile? Any pros or cons you could share? Upkeep? Expenses after initial purchase? We have too rough boys (8 & almost 10)– and are worried about durability. I know you have boys, too, so I thought I’d ask your opinion. Are you kidding, Meg! You are SO my friend, in the flesh or not. I don’t know if I am going to go private, I think I am going to clear the last names from my blog first (including a new address) and see how I feel then. I am really willing to try whatever it takes to keep it public, because I love it so. But, if I did go private, you WOULD be invited for sure. 😉 That picture is so magical and certainly frame-worthy! Hi Meg! Julie at Joy’s Hope sent me your way not too long ago to check out a recipe and I am back again today! I have been peeping into all of the lives of those who left me comments on my ribbon giveaway and am having so much fun learning who is visiting my blog and where they are from! cute picture – glad it is warm enough for your kids to do that. we are getting there. today and tomorrow – high 70’s. enjoy your weekend. We have a pool similar to that only smaller. We are awaiting our inground pool…along with our new house…for next Summer! So, for now, this totally serves its purpose! My kids LOOOOOVVVVE this pool! (And I can sit in the shade and read about all the things I want for my new house 😉 ENJOY! terrific photograph- like totally 🙂 Really, Meg, your pictures are coming to life! Have fun in that pool,is it new? it sure looks like it… I just got caught up on your glorious posts (and pictures). Everything you do looks like fun…wish I could take my kids along with you guys and hang out, too!! o ya, super cute pic of you in the kitchen omg!! this makes me want to put up our pool…and yes, a few inches of water would be oh so fun. We have that pool too (just not as deep) but can’t put it up for a couple more weeks. Can’t wait for the kids to play for hours and hours in there! It saves the summer in my opinion.Enjoy your summer chair, I have one too :o)Ahhhhh……. laying in your chain, in the sun…now that’s the best! one more…. Looks like fun to me!! 🙂 You take the best pictures ever. I am just catching up on your last few blog entries and the pics look great. I LOVE how they are always so bright and colorful. how could we not get this funky poncho we found at the antique store?
annie and talby's reflection in my glasses while
i was painting annie's toenails.
we had some girlie time in the yard…
giggling, dancing around and painting nails.
as crazy as i feel with this new routine of summer…
i see these pictures and think
"what is my problem?"
they are lovely little girls.
i am so lucky to get these moments together.
great girly time! please, please tell me that you photoshopped each and every one of your photos to make them so stinking awesome….or is it straight from the camera…..????? Awesome pictures! OMG LOVE YOUR BLOG!!! 🙂 Agreed – lovely! Ditto on all the above! You have a great talent for photography…do you do it professionally?? I love the picture of you and your daughter laying on the ground. That funky poncho was worth every single penny just for the two pictures you took with it! Summery and gorgeous. You are such a cute family. Love the glittery flip flops. meg I love the clover shot. Might use it for a painting. It fits right in with my whole LARGE ABSTRACT WEEDS/FLOWERS/STEMS/VINES thing that I’m doing. You inspire me. 🙂 I love that picture of you and Talby. So sweet! And how is that you can make even weeds look good photographed? No fair! 🙂 GREAT pics! What a fun Mom you are! I must say, a little jealous I’ll never have toenails (other than my own to paint 🙁 My boys might run far away if I made an attempt to paint their’s!) But…I’ll just keep lovin’ your pics! Thanks for the email! I’m also at The Amy Clan blog 🙂 But I don’t update or do cute posts like you do 🙂 more gorgeous pics…LOVE the poncho I know those little girls are adoring their mama! Seing those pictures make me wish I was Annie and Talby! :0) Oh my gosh, that poncho is superb, what a treasure! Love the picture of you and Talby… and your glasses one. You have such a great eye and an amazing ability to make the everyday things look extraordinary. Wow, what beautiful photos. I adore the picture of you looking at your sweet little Talby. The colors in the poncho make those pictures amazing! What a fun find! I love love love your blog. You must feel incredibly blessed. You are all precious! 🙂 what a great find… that poncho is too cute! Ahhh Meg….that was a great visual trip…you have a great eye….and sparkly flip flops…what could be better?? I’ll tell ya…oodles and oodles of time with our kiddos…they are growin a mile a minute…we are gonna want these moments back…so let’s make the moments ROCK(message to all moms) meg, your pictures are just beautiful. absolutely love the one of you and talby (right?) laying on the ground. precious!!! i am different – i have always loved having my kids home during summer vacation. love no schedule, love having them in and out of the house, love hearing them play outside. enjoy this time, because in no time you’ll be wishing they were around. if you like to go to Demo Derbies. i wish i could say "craig makes me go" or "the kids love it so i have to take them"
but the truth is…i love the demo derby.
it's very redneck…
lots of cowboy hats, tatoos and 'git-r-done' kind of talk.
it's small town fun at it's best.
about 6 cars come into the arena at a time
and smash each other up till only 2 left running.
then the winning 2 from each group go another round for the big winner.
$600 first place…not too shabby.
she won her group…girl power!
then the poor thing got out of her car to celebrate
and her whole behind was hanging out the back of her pants.
i guess she couldn't feel it from the adrenaline rush from her big win.
talby saw the tractors coming and with big eyes asked
"are they going to fight now?"
oh and it's LOUD.
really loud.
i am surprised that i enjoy this.
but it's just fun to watch cars smash together.
and get stuck and figure out how to get un-stuck.
the mud flying at you is fun too.
and then there are yummy treats too.
i really wanted a funnel cake but i resisted.
sean got to use the porta-potties…that's always fun.
at least i get to go for a few more years and use the kids as an excuse.
i said on the way home "maybe i'll drive in it next year"
the kids were mortified.
it would be pretty embarrassing because as soon as a car would come near me
i'd duck my head and scream!
not really the mentality needed for a demo derby driver.
but just think of the sparkly pink car i could drive!
i bet if i'd have given you 100 guesses
you wouldn't have guessed i'd post about that!
hope you had a wonderful holiday.
trying to tell my kid about Memorial Day i got all teary eyed.
we are so blessed.
I. LOVE. the demo derby. The big county fair one is the best. Great people watching place too. How fun!! My boys would’ve been in heaven! ~Jill 🙂 Now that’s some funny stuff! I always tell the story of how I married into this crazy family that goes tractor-pulling. It’s so hillbilly, but I secretly love it. Wow! My son would want to join your family in a heartbeat! He & his daddy go to the “monster jam” every January the last couple years now, so this would be right up his alley. I really love the picture of the flags in this picture. So beautiful, standing there like that! That brought back memories of going to the derby with my cousins – in Nebraska – and we would wear big fake barbed wire tattoos on our arms! We thought we were so funny! My brother (14 years older than me) use to do these when I was growing up. His was called “The Crash up Kid”. I think that may explain my adult hearing loss…. :). Hubby drove in a derby a few years back…funniest thing I ever watched….I think you should do it….I’ll whip you up a whole bunch of pleated fabric blossoms that you can tack all over….. wowzeers….I would never have taken you for the demo derby type!! i think it would stress me out…i would have to be reassured every few moments that there were no injuries. beautiful picture of the flags by the way…very touching. have a great week! I don’t think I would have pegged you for a Demolition Derby Dame, but it is a delightful surprise! I can’t talk. I have a secret, shameful interest in sumo wrestling. I guess it is the human equivalent of the demo derby. 🙂 Oh my goodness I love the smash~ em~ derbys nope, never would have seen you or your cultured little small town family at the demo car thingy.lol I believe we call that “smash up derby” here in Canada , I went once with a boyfriend long long ago , it was so much fun , that’s just good clean fun ya’ll. I love the ol’ demo derby. I have not seen one since I was a redneck kid! “and in the #22 car – mash em up meg” i am so happy to be gardening again. i love it so much….
i dread it around april but by the end of may i am ready!
i think half of the reason i like it is the quietness.
usually i am alone.
but at the same time i can hear what's going on around me with the kids.
and to see something grow so beautiful from just a seed….
so amazing.
and humbling.
my parents have always had lovely yards.
my dad is obsessed with trees and my mom loves flowers.
my grandmother always had interesting and different plants in her yard.
i remember strawberries, grandpa's gourds and bamboo by the sandbox.
i am grateful to have grown up with a love for gardening.
but i never even touched a plant till i was 24.
except when i HAD to water my mom's flowers as a chore.
when we bought our first house craig's mom helped me plant my first plants.
and i was hooked.
and all that stuff i'd been watching all my life became real to me.
it was so clear why they loved it.
i love that we…my parents and sister, my grandmother & craig's mom
all enjoy this same simple hobby.
to watch my grandmother go through my entire yard asking questions
or giving facts…makes me full of joy.
to see my parents' yard overflow with curly willow and birds & butterflies…joy!
thank you for that.
here is a peek into our first garden in illinois.
silver lace vine
it was mislabeled at the flea market…what a great mistake.
i put it on the arbor craig built me
and it grew up over the roof the first year!
purple coneflower, black eyed susan, bee balm, hollyhocks and tickseed.
and huge sunflowers.
oh i miss this little yard.
it was full of evergreen bushes when we moved in.
jenny and her mom were so helpful too.
sharing plants and answering lots and lots of questions.
in my yard now…
most of the peonies are now down on the ground…it rained really hard.
but inside they look and smell lovely.
i know i know, enough with the peonies!
but like i told you…they will be gone for 11 more months.
i cut 3 huge vases full and you could barely tell i had touched the bushes.
if you do plant some…
they do take a few years to get really healthy and bloom well.
i am feeling hopeful for this years garden.
i think it's going to be a good one.
everything is coming up so nicely.
and a friend gave me my first tomato plants!
we'll see how that goes.
I just discovered your blog today and saw this picture with your floral pillow (beautiful flowers by the way) I have been in search of the perfect fabric and there it sits on your chair or sofa. Do you know the name of that fabric or any ideas where I can find a few yards or the order the pillows? Thanks for your time. You are so blessed with a lovely family and home. Im so jealous – I love peonies! (And my yard is way too small to have a cutting garden). I just have to buy my flowers from the local shop but they don’t look half as nice as your fresh ones. Oh my goodness, those have to smell like heaven! Wow! You are a far better gardener than myself, but I nodded my head at how great it is to do it and to feel that connection with the earth and the people in your life. Oh my gosh, what a gorgeous yard/garden you had in Illinois! I dream of such a lovely yard, but don’t have a clue where to even start! lol The picture of the peonies on the table by the fan looks like it’s out of a Better Homes and Gardens magazine!! You inspired me to bring in my pitiful rain soaked peonies to enjoy for a few days! By the way, I’m a friend of Frank and Amy who are friends with Russ and Jenn. You have a beautiful green thumb, my dear!! Love your garden history… love your garden now!! You’ve turned me into a freak for peonies. They are gorgeous!! Have fun with your garden. 🙂 ~Jill oh to live somewhere green. az is beautiful in its own way, but nothing like the photos you have shown. i would LOVE to garden– to REALLY garden. until a time when i can . . . i will read your blog and drool over the beautiful landscapes you share. Lovely post. Your pictures are gorgeous. good luck with the tomato plants. i love your peonies – you can post pictures of them whenever you want – they are just beautiful. i am getting some the next time i go to the nursery or home depot. and that little old fan – so cute!!! I could stare at the picture of your garden forever! I just want to get lost in it! That English garden overflowing with wildflowers look is just what I’m after. I’m only two summers into my house, so I’m still waiting for everything to fill in—but I hope it turns out as lovely as yours! And your peonies are gorgeous! Fresh flowers whenever you want are a definite plus for having a great garden! What beautiful peonies! By the way, I’m Staci from The Amy Clan–Brian and Staci–came from Emily’s blog. I made your chicken pot pie tonight! YUMMY! I must say I’ve been looking at those pics of your home you have posted and your house is MAGNIFICENT! What a beautiful home and beautiful family! Oh Meg. You just send pangs of jealously through me! I can’t wait to have a yard and garden with lots of sun!! Right now all we have is shade/part sun so I am having to learn to garden opposite of what I usually want…black eyed susans, cone flower, sun flower…one day. 🙂 Gorgeous and dreamy. Makes me want to go outside and dig. I haven’t in so long. Thanks for the inspiration. Oooh Meg…I love that first photo of the peonies with the little antique fan nearby….nice !! |
|
Nicole - I’m seventeen and currently on a youth exchange..
We still write notes.
I threw out my Love notes before I left for my exchange.. I regret that now.
they were so cute..
Memories = D
Texting is overrated!!
Chaos-Jamie - I found my box the other day too. Yikes. Teenage angst is scary. Scarier still when I know I have to repeat it again with my kids!
traci - what a treasure you found. i would have sat around reading all those and not got a darn thing done for the sale.
lorel - When I read this, like Jennifer P. I thought of the texting teens, but how weird/sad it will be for them that there won’t be any notes to go back and read years later to remind them that their children are normal too.
Jennifer P. - Do you not agree, oh fellow high school letter writer, that we would have been just like those crazy-thumbed teenage texters we probably both roll our eyes at :P?!
Jenn - Meg – I also have a box of stuff like that from HS and College – the notes I think are the best to read. I always laugh at what I thought was the most important thing in the world at that time – it was all about me, boy crazy and can’t forget the drama. Caught our teenager on the phone the other night at 2:30 AM! According to her she was “Needed” by her friend and she was “Saving the World” for her 🙂
southernseven - I have all the letters that my hubbie sent from Marine Corp bootcamp(between my 11th and 12th grade ) and when he was in Desert Storm. I was 22 when he went to Desert Storm and daughter was 4 months when he left. They are funny to read, and heart filling also to remember how scared I was that he would not come back. Isn’t it so sweet to revel in the memories a moment. I have a tape my brother made when I was 5. My dad left that year. My brother got a tape recorder for Christmas and taped the call from my dad Christmas morning. I told him everything that I got for Christmas. Then he taped my Grandmaw and mom talking while making dressing and dinner. My mom died when I was 17 and granmother died later so it is so precious. Just to be able to hear their voices.
Jill - I just thought about all of my high school notes recently. I think I chunked them many years ago. We folded them a certain way and you would pull a little corner sticking out. I think I could still fold one. I’m going to try right now. 🙂 ~Jill
Staci - Man–how great! Everyone is finding little boxes of treasure! Maybe it’s a good thing my Mom tossed mine 🙁 ?? Sounds like you’ll be up late doin’ a little reading! Have fun!
Allikayesmama - Oh! When I go through those old notes it makes me feel all weirdly old! And I don’t blame you for reading your daughter’s letters! I probably will do the same thing! And I KNEW my mom read mine! :0)
April - Oh Meg, that is great stuff…I kept not one letter…why did I toss all of that stuff…probably some teenage angst that caused me to toss it all…..DRAMA !!
kristin - oh, i have a box like this in our loft…i have to be in the right mood to go through it.
but i think i should when naomi is a teenager….thanks for that perspetive…
Lee Ann - My mom just brought me “my box” that’s been at her house all these years. Fun to look through. Lauren is normal. It’s fun for me to watch…..knowing my girls will be there someday.
Liz - This is too funny. I would KILL for all my notes from highschool. But I burned them… too scared mom would read them while I was at college. 🙂
mom - Darn-I had stuff to bring to your garage sale. I thought you were going to let me know when it was so I could bring it.
Wondered where that picture of me ended up! Glad you kept those notes – I remember reading a few of them and they were funny and scary to me! Better hide them from Lauren!
And is the $2 bill from Grandpa O?
traci - how fun are memories!! But mostly you realize your teen daughter is “normal”. Im almost there with my almost 12 yr. old and OH BOY are pre-hormonal girls A MESS!!!
danelle - Oh oh oh! I wish I had kept my notes too. That box looks like so much fun to go through. Have fun!