My Years Reflection 2006

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

2006:  This year was all about exploration.  The boys started really exploring the world around them.  They also exhibited a lot more distinct personalities.

Page 1:  Every September-October a farm close to our house would hold a big Harvest festival with petting zoo, hay mazes, hayrides, food, and farm equipment demos.  The boys loved going every year.  In 2006, the highlight was definitely the petting zoo. 

Page 2:  Look how much everyone is growing!

Page 3:  I just love how I dressed the boys alike for Christmas even though no one can tell them apart.  A part of me things I did this on purpose just to mess with people.

My Years Reflection 2005

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

2005:  This year was all about college.  Knocking out those classes so I could (eventually graduate).

Page 1:  Two of my brothers, Cole and Dustyn, graduated from high school!  Woot!  Very excited for both of them.

Page 2: Adorable pics of the boys.  But my real reason for this page was to show off my awesome geekiness.  Yup, those are my college report cards.  I am such a geek that I have kept all of these little pieces of paper that were mailed to my house and I even scrapbooked them!

My Years Reflection 2004

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

2004:  Life was all about getting a routine this year.  I was in college, the boys were growing, and we were forging our own path.

Page 1:  So grown-up in their 1-year-old photos.  We had a great little party for them where they played with the cake and icing, but didn't really eat it.  To this day, Alex doesn't eat cake, but Nick will definitely indulge.

Page 2: By summer, we were ready to start exploring the world.  These pics are from our first trips to the zoo.  They absolutely loved it.  Look at those smiles!

Page 3:  More zoo trips (we eventually bought an anual family pass, much cheaper!).  This time Annika and family were down from Chicago.  I absolutely adore the pic of Annika holding Alex's hand.

Page 4:  The boys first real Christmas.  They loved shredding the wrapping paper. 

My Years Reflection 2003

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

2003:  Even bigger changes this year!  Well, okay two big changes...

Page 1:  The only picture of me pregnant (actually there are a few others, but I was only 3-4 months so not obvious).  The only sonogram pictures I recieved.  Baby A turned out to be Alex and Baby B was Nick.

Page 2:  Initial pictures of the boys.  They were so tiny (5.6 and 5.0).  To be honest, they kind of looked like aliens with their crazy long fingers and toes and teeny tiny bodies.  I especially love the shot of Nick screaming...  he would get all red and open his mouth really wide, but didn't really let out much sound.

Page 3:  At three months old, we traveled to Naperville, IL, to visit with my dad.  While there, Alex rolled over for the first time, they boy started laughing, and we found out that Annika was going to have a new sibling (turned out to be a boy, Ian).  Annika was so helpful, entertaining the boys and even holding their little hands during car rides. 

Page 4:  Six months old and major changes.  The boys and I moved into our own apartment and I started back at college (albeit the local college IPFW). 

A New Adventure on the Horizon...

Big changes are coming! 

Seemingly out of the blue, J was offered a position with a company all the way across the country in San Jose, CA.  Last weekend we flew out for his indepth interviews and my house hunting.  I also got to spend some time driving around and hitting the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.  On Saturday we drove to Sonoma Valley to enjoy some great wine.  We flew back home on Sunday and then waited.

Today, he recieved the official offer and took the job.  So now the complicated prt of packing and moving begins.  I have to quit my job.  He has to official quit his current job.  We have to determine the logistics of moving.  We have to make some decisions about housing (have a few options we like).  I have to tell everyone about the move.  And we have to the hands-on packing (I feel like I'll be doing a huge amount of this). 

But we get to move to California!  Goodbye bitter winds and snow, hello palm trees, moderate temps, and sunny days.  Now I really need a pair of prescriptions sunglasses or laser eye surgery.  I'm sure I'll have more updates soon.  Wish us luck! 

My Years Reflection 2002

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

2002: Big changes abound...

Page 1:  My mom got married.  It was a small ceremony attended by close family and friends.  And then she held a smallish reception with cake and snacks.  I loved that myself my two new stepbrothers were the sole attendants and well wore blue-gray clothing. 

Page 2:  Annika was growing up.  Six months already.  She lived (and still lives) in Chicago, but we had a great time playing at a summer visit. 

Page 3: On Christmas Day, my Great Grandma Helen celebrated her 95th birthday.   We held a huge party at her retirement home.  I just loved her cakes: one showing a pic of her now and one showing a pic of her as a little girl.  (Btw...  You can't tell because there are no pictures, but I was 6 months pregnant at the party)

Page 4:  Christmas with family.  Some great pics of Annika, Cole, and Mallory.

My Years Reflection 2001

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

2001: Life at college is sweet!

Page 1:  The ladies of Schmidt-Wilson 7th floor know how to have a good time.  Like our impromptu hall picnics, or dancing in the rain, or Chinese and movie nights, or weekly Dawson's Creek viewing parties.  We had such a good time our first year at college. 

Page 2: Noon -- Beth and I are listening to K105 driving through town.  We here an announcement for a free Rascal Flatts concert that night and a signing at one of the Walmarts.  2pm -- We head to Walmart, meet the guys, and get pics.  6pm -- We line up outside the outdoor theater hoping to get in.  We get in, get seats, and see a great concert.  10pm -- Beth and I both head to our 3rd shift jobs.  The best day of the summer!

Page 3: In August, I moved out of the dorms and into an off-campus apartment with three roommates.  It was fun, but a lot of work.  We got a taste of freedom and all the hassles that come with it. 

Page 4:  By Christmas, I was spending the holidays with the family and meeting my new little sister (well, sorta sister) Annika Jo.  She's now 10-years-old!  I can't believe it!

My Years Reflection 2000

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

2000:  I graduated high school and entered college.  I became a legal adult.  Such changes abound!

Page 1:  My eighteenth birthday parties with the family and with friends at Joe's Crab Shack.  I even had to stand on a chair and spell my name while doing a cheer.  So embarrassing, but at least the food was good.

Page 2: Senior prom.  My friend Kassi and my dates both ditched us days before, so we just went with friends.  Check out my pink dress...  never thought I would wear pink to prom. 

Page 3: Graduation, finally!  Now off to bigger and better things.

Page 4: Some new friends at Ball State University.  I loved our hall decorations! 

My Years Reflection 1999

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1999:  My seventeenth year!  Near the end of high school and still finding my way.

Page 1:  Check out my amazing birthday tiara... Love it!  My friend Shannon threw my birthday party at her house  We had party hats, cake, presents, and tons of gummi bears.

Page 2: Toward the end of the spring semester, the English/Social Studies students traveled to Stratford and Toronto, Canada to visit the sites and see some plays.  These pictures were taken at the top of the CN Tower. Note the crazy winds!

Page 3:  Another school dance, this time winter Semi-Formal.  I went with Jenny, her boyfriend Thomas, and friend Corey.  I loved my gray shiny dress.  And you can't see, but I wore some awesome 4 inch shiny grey mules.

Page 4:  Christmas vacation.  Some friends and I spent the night at Beth's house making cookies and engaging in general silliness.

My Years Reflection 1998

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1998:  I enjoyed this year... branching out into my own.

Page 1: I was invited to travel with fellow English/Social Studies students to Washington, D.C. I loved every minute of it.  We saw some great sights.  We momentarily got lost (but found our way back by using the Washington Monument).  We had some fun adventures.

Page 2:  Sweet sixteen party.  We had karaoke, food, and presents.  Great friends came and helped me celebrate.

Page 3:  Every year, the Snider theater department held a year-end drama banquet.  It was a time to have a bit of fun, complete with roasting of the seniors and cake.  Everyone loves cake!

Page 4:  Another summer stock production.  This time I was strictly back stage crew.  At the end of the production, we took a one day trip to Chicago to see The Phantom of the Opera and Sheer Madness (improv). We had a great time and I got a Headband Buddy!

My Years Reflection 1997

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1997: Overall a really great year.  Great friends, great events.

Page 1:  Just a few of the friends I made freshman year of high school.  So goofy!

Page 2:  I passed driver's ed and here are the certificates to prove it.  I even mastered those stupid 1950s driving simulators...  didn't think it was possible.

Page 3:  I participated in my first theatre production during the summer of 1997.  I played a chorus member in Oklahoma right along side my friend Beth.  After that, I decided that back stage was more fun than front stage.

Page 4:  I also attended my first school dance.  I went to Semi Formal with a group of friends including Jenny, Crystal, and Rachel.

My Years Reflection 1996

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1996:  Eighth grade to high school.  A year of adjustments and new beginnings.

Page 1:  My fourteenth birthday at Bear Creek Farms.  I always loved dinner and a show for my parties.

Page 2:  I joined the first ever Lane Middle School Pom Pom squad and loved it!  We learned routines and then performed at half-time of the basketball games.  I can even remember at least half of the routine for the school song.  The only thing I wasn't a fan of...  those short cheerleader skirts.  So drafty!

My Years Reflection 1995

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1995:  Seventh to eighth grade.  Such a tumultuous time in my life.  I can definitely say that this wasn't one my favorite years, but I had some great friends to lean on.

Page 1: Lots of crazy friends.  I'm still in touch with a few of them even today.

Page 2:  Scenes from the last day of seventh grade.  We were definitely a crazy bunch.

Page 3:  Spending Christmas with my brother and sister.  They are getting so big!

My Years Reflection 1994

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1984:  Twelve years old.  Sixth to seventh grade.  Parents got divorced.  Mom and I moved to a new house.  Uncle Curt moved in with us.  We all moved back to Indiana at the end of the year.  Crazy crazy year!

Page 1:  Here is our little house in St. Petersburg.  I loved my large room, the cute little living room, and our covered back porch.  Plus, I made a friend in Becky my next door neighbor.

 

Page 2: As the fall semester ended, we made the decision to move back to Indiana.  I had to get pics and addresses of all my friends before I left.

 

Page 3:  Back in Indiana for Christmas.  I reconnected with my friend Angie.  I got a new apartment to live in.  And my dog, Milkdud was right there with me.  But we had to give him up...  Our apartment was too small and he was alone too much.  Fortunately a nice farm family adopted him.

My Years Reflection 1993

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1993:  This was a life-changing year.  I entered middle school and moved states away.

Page 1:  My father's job transferred him to Florida.  We moved at the end of my fifth grade year to St. Petersburg, Florida.  Such an adventure.

Page 2:  Scenes from my life in Florida.  Notice the tans and the pelicans.  The St. Petersburg pier was full of pelicans.

Page 3:  One of favorite places to visit in Florida was Busch Gardens.  I loved the rides and the animals, especially the Clydesdale horses.  Such beautiful creatures.

My Years Reflection 1992

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1992: 10 Years Old!  Finally I did double digits.  This was a big year for me.  I started branching out of my little family life and into the big world.

Page 1: In the summer, I attended my first sleep-away camp: Camp Potawotamie.  It wasn't the best experience in my life, but I mostly enjoyed my stay there.  I took gymnastics, arts and crafts, and archery.  I stayed in the Shawnee cabin with four other girls and high school aged counselor.  I braved the leech filled lake and dirty communal bathrooms.  I enjoyed the bug juice at breakfast each morning.  I even lived through two tornado scares that damaged buildings in the town closest to camp.  It was an interesting week.

Page 2:  Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays.  Throughout elementary school, my family would host a big weenie roast the night of.  One of the adults (usually my dad) would take the kids around the neighborhood.  Then we would all come back for hot cider, hot dogs, and candy.  For this year, my great grandma made me an awesome poodle skirt that I accessorized with a pink cat sweatshirp, saddle shoes, and a pink ribbon.Loved it!

Page 3: Somehow I never mentioned that I have a half-brother and half-sister.  I found these pics of these and love how they coordinate with the paper and embellishements.  Cole and Mallory are 5 and 8 years younger than me.  I don't see much of them as I live 10 hours away, but we get together when I'm in town.

My Years Reflection 1991

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1991:  Nine years old... I'm almost to preteen status.  I got into more extracurriculars this year and even picked the ones I wanted.  My twin boys will be nine this year.  I hope they have as great of a year as I did.

Page 1: Every year my great-grandma's neighbor Iola would let my cousin Nelson and I decorate her tree with Easter eggs.  It was our little ritual.  After decorating, we usually got candy and pop for troubles.  It was a great trade for a nine year old.

Page 2:  I did poms and baton with one of the local schools.  I loved learning the routines.  These are pictures from one of our recitals.  My favorite song to perform was Rock Around the Clock.  So much fun!  The trophies were for participation and a solo I performed to New Kids on the Block.  That's right I liked 1980s boys bands!

My Years Reflection 1990

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1990:  Eight years old... and my life is spent going to school and hanging out with friends.  I lived on a coul-de-sac at the very end.  My great grandma Helen lived right next door.  Her garage became a meeting place for neighborhood children.  It was the perfect hangout for elementary students.

Page 1:  My best friend in third grade Alice Tung.  She lived with her mother, father, grandma, and sister Nina two streets over.  I was finally given permission to travel to and from her house by myself.  Such freedom!    On a side out, check out those pink glasses.  Awesome!

 

Page 2:  Christmas was always spent in three different places.  Eve night we would travel to Great Aunt Alys' house for dinner, presents, and celebration of Great Grandma Helen's birthday.  Obviously, Christmas Morning was spent at my own house opening presents.  And Christmas Day we traveled to my dad's family for dinner and more presents.  Always so much fun!

My Years Reflection 1989

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1989:  Seven years old.  Making some great school friends.  Tackling the first grade.  I got it all under control.  But for some reason I can't find many pictures at all.

 

Page 1: Those glasses are just atrocious and that collar is huge.  But it's still the 80s so I forgive it.  I had to include these great pictures of my dog.  He was adorable when just a puppy.  If only he had stayed that way.

My Years Reflection 1988

It's my 30th birthday year.  As part of my celebrations, I thought I would take my birthday month to reflect on my life.  To help, I am using some of my scrapbooked pages to illustrate my life.  For each year, I've chosen a few pages to highlight that year.  I hope you enjoy my look back as much as I do.

1988: I'm six years old.  Microsoft released Windows 2.1. The Iran-Iraq War ends.  The Summer Olympics are held in Seoul, South Korea.  NASA resumes space shuttle flights with Discovery.  George H.W. Bush defeats Michael Dukakis in the Presidential Election.  --  I only remember the space shuttle flight, we watched all of the lift-offs at school.  To be fair, I was six!

Page 1:  I started school!  Look at me, in my popped collar (not on purpose) and teddy bear sweater vest.  I am ready for the big world of kindergarten.  As part of our first homework assignment, we had to fill out our autobiography.  Most of us couldn't really write yet, so I dictated the information to my dad.  Of special note is the future career plans: "a checkout girl at Scotts (local grocery store chain)."  I always thought it would be fun to scan the food and take money.  High aspirations I know, but hey I was six.  The funny part is that in high school I was a checkout girl at Scotts!  Too funny! 

 

Page 2: Check out my birthday crown!  I loved  that little thing made of paper.  It made me feel so special.  The other picture I love is of my cat.  Yup I had a cat, for about 3 days.  She was found as a stray by my mom's workplace.  She took the cat home.  Unfortunately the cat had many things wrong including parasites.  It died three days later.  We buried the cat out back in what become our creepy little pet semetary complete with the cat, hamsters, and many many angel fish (too big to flush).