Way back when...

Of course, blogging is a relatively new thing, but since my intention is to eventually print my blog in book format I'm going to add a few old pictures. Enjoy!

Jacob was 6 weeks old in this picture. Amazing head control, huh?

Christmas 1995

Merry Christmas!

The Mann Family

This is my new family... my in-laws. I really have no idea when these pictures were taken, but I think it was either 1994 or 1995.

Our Wedding

Pictures by Rip Black

Jessica is 3 months old

1995

1994

One of my all time favorite pictures. Ever.

1992

1991

1990

1987

1985

Saturday's Warrior

In 1983, I played the role of Shelly in a local production of Saturday's Warrior in Indianapolis, Indiana.  It was a great opportunity.  I learned a lot, had a lot of fun, and made a lot of friends.

We also took the show on the road.  I think we went to Missouri.  I'm not really sure why Missouri.  But, it was a fun road trip.

Me in 8th Grade

My mom took me shopping for 8th grade.  I'll never forget it.  We bought an entire wardrobe. My Mom taught me how to mix and match the clothes so that I'd have more outfits to wear.  I felt like a superstar that day because we bought so many things from a really nice store.  And, I thought I was pretty stylish in this outfit.

Our Family After 1975

Sunshine

On June 17, 1975, Cynthia Lorene Scott, my sister passed away from the effects of Cystic Fibrosis.  She was known to most people as "Sunshine" for the joy that she brought to the lives of all who associated with her.  Cindy was 9 years old when she passed away.

What I remember most about Cindy is that she would bring home brown grocery bags full of stuff from the hospital.  They were full of things that people would give her.  The best part:  she would share.  Except she wouldn't share her Bugles.

Do you remember these?  Have you ever had them?  My sister didn't have to share her bag of Bugles and so for years whenever I found them in a vending machine I'd buy them just so I could eat the whole bag like she did.  :)

The final days that my sister lived she spent in Riley Children's Hospital.  The last day that she was alive, Joyce and I were at a friend's house, the Wilson's.  My friend Jenny Wilson.  I distinctly remember that when my parents arrived I was downstairs playing.  The Wilson's had a cool antique telephone on their wall.

My Mom said I ran away when we arrived and I didn't want to talk with them.  I don't remember that.  I just remember thinking that Cindy was going to peek around the corner anytime.  Perhaps that's just what I wanted to believe.  I was hoping.

Then I remember seeing my Dad's face.  I remember seeing the heartache on Dad's face and his tears.

As a parent now, I cannot even imagine experiencing the loss of a child. Nor can I imagine having to tell my other children that their sibling has returned home to live with Heavenly Father.  I have tried to imagine it since there have been times when Ryan's health seemed to be heading in that direction.  Just the idea of it is heart wrenching.

Our Family Update

 This first photo was taken of our family in 1973.  The picture was taken by the tree in front of my Grandpa and Grandma Bryant's house.  We were there for a celebration of their 50th Anniversary. 

My mother made these pink dresses for us.  My mother is a very talented seamstress, as was her mother, and as is my daughter.  I don't know if it skipped a generation or not, or if I just haven't taken the time to develop that particular talent.  The things I have made have always turned out beautiful.  I just haven't spent as much time as those talented women have developing their talent in sewing.

Some day I would like to develop that talent.

Family Pictures

This is my Aunt Elsie and her granddaughters, Rhonda and Sheila.  They are, of course, my cousins.  We played together a lot when I would visit Aunt Elsie's house.

This is Aunt Elsie with her husband Uncle Johnny.  This must have been taken years earlier than anytime that I can remember.  Aunt Elsie looks very young here.

This is Brenda, Lisa, Smiley and another one of the Pruitt children.  My uncle and aunt adopted these children.

This is my uncle and aunt, Warner and Glaydell's children.  This family group was taken sometime between 1973-1980.

This is a picture of Glaydell.  I love the smile on her face.   She looks truly happy here.