Flashback Friday - Presents

Linda hosts this every week. Christmas has been the theme. Lights. School programs. Parties. This week she wants to know about our Christmas memories related to presents. I'm also joining JAVA over at Never Growing Old for her wonderful FOLLOW FRIDAY 40 and OVER.

When did you open Christmas presents when you were growing up? Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? If you traveled, did your parents take the gifts, or did you open them early or late? Did your parents have Santa leave presents? Were they wrapped or unwrapped? Did you have stockings? What was generally in those? Were gifts simple and practical or more extravagant? Did you give presents to your parents and siblings? Were they homemade or purchased? If purchased, did you pay with your own money or did your parents pay? What are memories of special gifts you received? Did you ever peek and find out what your gifts were ahead of time? Did presents gradually appear under the tree in the days leading up to Christmas and were you allowed to touch/shake them?

There are many memories over the years. Whether we were at home or celebrating with relatives far away, we always opened gifts Christmas morning. I have lived all my life away from family. Some years we stayed at home. Other years we traveled to family.

I still remember the excitement of waking up before dawn to see what Santa had brought. We were not allowed to go near the tree until everyone was up. My dad, bless his heart, would have been up late putting together this toy or that bicycle. He knew we were excited to get to the gifts. But seriously. Who wants to get up after only a meager few hours of sleep. Of course, as we got older we slept in later. At least till it was actually dawn. lol

One year I accidentally found the gift hiding place. I was 12 or 13. I couldn't help myself when I ran across them. I looked. It was the most disappointing Christmas ever. There were no surprises. I think that's part of the excitement of Christmas. The suspense. I was not allowed to handle any gift under the tree. Whether it had my name on it or someone else's. I reached a point where I had an uncanny ability to guess the package contents.

This photo is clearly from Christmas past. We are at my grandparents house. My mom's parents. My brother, me, my uncle Larry, and my aunt Carla in front of the tree. Carla and I are five months apart. Crazy isn't it? My mom and grandma were pregnant at the same time. Carla and I grew up more like cousins or sisters. Anyway. Clearly, we've already opened our gifts. I'm the two and a half year old with the death grip on the doll. It looks like my uncle Larry scored big with what look like skis. Carla has a Suzy Goose. I don't even know what that is. There are two big trucks and several stuffed animals too.

Thank you so much for reminiscing with me. Do you have a Christmas present past to share? Leave me a comment or hop on over to Mocha with Linda and link up.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Luke 1:46-47; 49 (NKJV) ⁴⁶ And Mary said: “ My soul magnifies the Lord, ⁴⁷ And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. ⁴⁹ For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name.

Flashback Friday - Let's Do the Monster Mash

Halloween. Do you celebrate it? Participate? Dread it? Avoid it? I have mixed feelings about it. But that's not what this post is about. Linda at Mocha with Linda wants to know about our childhood memories of Halloween. Here's her prompt:

What  was Halloween like when you were growing up? Did your family participate? If not, was there a substitute activity? Did your school or church have a fall festival or carnival? Were there stipulations regarding costumes? What sorts of activities did they have? What about Halloween parties? Have you ever bobbed for apples or been on a hayride? What are your memories of "haunted houses"? (I'm not referring to the ultra-scary, secular ones, just the fun kid ones, with bowls of grapes and cold spaghetti!) If you went trick-or-treating, what were the rules, both for trick-or-treating and for candy consumption? What types of costumes did you wear? Were they store-bought or homemade? Did you carve a jack-o-lantern? How are your children's experiences similar or different to yours? And the most important question: Do you like candy corn? What is your favorite (and least favorite!) Halloween candy?

When I grew up, we didn't worry about the predators and lunatics who derived pleasure from hurting small children. Not as much as we worry today. Rarely was there a report of a razor blade in a popcorn ball or a drug injected into Halloween candy. That type of activity was reserved for large metropolitan cities not small rural towns.

I remember my brother and I going out trick or treating together. The rules? We had to stay together. That was it. We went everywhere. By ourselves. For more than two hours. Crazy right? Not back then. We would come home with a brown paper grocery bag half full of candy, apples, and popcorn balls. We loved it.
Tomorrow, I'm taking the grand-boy and niece trick or treating to a few of the local businesses downtown and the mall. No door-to-door trick or treating in neighborhoods where you don't know the residents. How the times have changed.

Another big change. We came up with our own costumes with clothes we already had. We didn't wear store bought outfits. We didn't carry plastic pumpkins to put our loot in either. Those grocery sacks worked just fine and held more goodies.

My favorite treat was the popcorn balls. Do people still make them? That sounds so good. Maybe I'll make some for the grand-boy and niece this weekend and teach them to do the mash:


What about you? How did you participate in Halloween? If you'd like to join in on the fun, hop on over to Linda's and join in the fun. Have a scary but safe Halloween weekend. Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting. 

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Deuteronomy 18:10 (NKJV) There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,

Flashback Friday - Me? A Bibliophile?

Exactly what is a bibliophile? At first glance, I might think it refers to a person who studies the Bible extensively. Nope. According to Dictionary.com, a bibliophile is a person who "loves or collects books, esp. as examples of fine or unusual printing, binding, or the like." Yes. That can be said of me. I do love books and am thankful I can now read books on line and save bookshelf space. Actually, I think I'm more a reader. "A person who reads."

I'm joining Mocha with Linda this week and Follow Friday 40 and Over with JAVA at Never Growing Old.

Here's Linda's prompt: Did you like to read when you were a child? What were your favorite genres, books or series? Did you read books because of the author or because of the title/plot? Did you own many books? Did your school distribute the Scholastic book orders (or some other type)? Did you visit the library often? Was there a summer reading program when you were young, and did you participate? Do you have any particular memories of your school libraries? What were your favorites and least favorites among the classics (the ones high school English teachers assign!)? If you didn't like reading, do you like it more today than you did then?

My interest in reading changed dramatically when I was in grade school. Probably first or second grade. My teacher was a wonderful "out loud" reader. She brought stories to life. She brought characters to life. When she read to us during story time, she became the cast of characters. She was very animated in her body language and speech. In my mind's eye, I could "see" the farm, the pig, the goose, the spider. I could "feel" their excitement, their curiosity, their sadness. The book? Charlotte's Web by E. B. White.
Over the years, the genres of books I chose has changed. I used to be so hung up on science fiction. Then it was mysteries. For a short time, I read romance novels. Now? I enjoy a book that has adventure with a little mystery, and romance mixed in.

I still go to the library. I love going to the library. I am so blessed to have two library systems available to me. The public library system which today is so different than when I was growing up. Nowadays, I can get a book from any library in their affiliated system. I also have access to the university library system. Which is similar to the public library system only any university library in the state. Pretty stinkin cool if you ask me. Oh the resources available! lol.

My goal is to get the grand-boy more interested in reading. His generation has their nose stuck in video games via the X-Box or Wii, or PS3 or DS or they are in front of the TV watching some politically correct programming that has in-your-face "diverse" lifestyles. That's all I'm going to say about that!
Reading is knowledge. Knowledge is power.

What are some of your favorite books? Do you have a particular genre that you lean towards? Maybe you're not a reader. Please leave me a comment or join in at Mocha with Linda.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV) ³Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Flashback Friday - Back in the Day

This weeks prompt is to tell you about my TV memories. Specifically,  "Tell about TV when you were growing up. Did your family have a TV? Was it color or b&w? How many TVs did your family have? Did you have one in your room? Did your family leave the TV on most of the day or turn it on for specific programs? Was the TV on or off when you ate meals as a family? Were there rules about watching TV? What were your favorite shows? Are there any particular memories you have of TV in your younger years?"
 
 Some of my fondest memories of the TV in our home revolve around helping my dad fix it. Now, believe me. I wasn't all that much help. My "job" was to hold a big mirror in front of the TV, facing the screen and towards the back where my dad was working. He would make adjustments then look at the mirror to see what was happening on the screen. Had there been any improvement? Any changes? Nope. Try again. Make more adjustments. Look again.

Of course, as a youngster/youth this job was very boring for me. I'd move the mirror around, fidget, daydream....."Susan!" Oh yeah. I'm supposed to be holding the mirror so my dad can see. Sorry. ahaha!
There were so many show I enjoyed watching. Comedy. Drama. Fantasy. Who remembers Gidget? Man from U.N.C.L.E.? The Smother's Brothers? The Monkees? I Dream of Jeannie?

I'm still a Sally Field fan. I watched her in The Flying Nun too. I sometimes watch her current show, Brothers and Sisters, but there is so much content in it that I don't agree with I either just turn it off or don't watch at all. Isn't that how it is with many of today's shows? Hopefully, this fall season will be better.  What are some of the shows you are looking forward to this fall?

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting. If you'd like to join in, hop on over to Mocha with Linda and Never Growing Old to link up. Have a fabulous weekend.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Isaiah 46:4 (NKJV) Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Flashback Friday - More School Days

Continuing with the back-to-school theme. . . .

What type of extra-curricular school activities did you participate in during your school days? Clubs? Spelling bees or other contests? Cheerleader or drill team? Sports? Journalism? Choir or theater? Were there any memorable events related to those? Did you receive any awards? Were football games a big deal at your school? Did you usually attend - and was it with a group or as a date? What was Homecoming like?

 Well, for me this is the first back-to-school theme I'm participating in. Unlike others, school was not always the best of experiences for me. I was an average student. We moved the summer between 7th and 8th grade. I'm not talking across town. We moved across the state. Literally from one side to the other. I knew no one. In a town of about 1500, everyone knew everyone. Well, except me and my family.
Eighth grade is kind of a blur of just getting familiar with the area, students, routine, new home, new parent, new siblings. My dad had remarried the year before so there were lots of adjustments. Seriously. No wonder my school years are kind of a blur.
Anywhoo, I participated in sports which I love and made a couple of really good friends. One gal in particular I'm still in contact with to this day. Which sport? I'm so glad you asked. lol. I played basketball. Crazy I know. That was during a time when girls played half court. I played defense and was a good rebounder. Yep. My scrawny pencil thin legs could JUMP for that ball.
Oh....flashback!!! I had the leading role in our senior play. Now....what was the name of that play??? *sigh I don't remember. But I do remember tryouts and one of the reasons I got the part was because my voice carried so well. Just call me "big mouth." lol. Really! You could barely hear the other girl read her lines who tried out for the same part.
Yep, I dated and went to prom. I dated a boy from a different school and went to both our proms. Seriously, in a town of only 1500 people there wasn't a wide selection....if you know what I mean. My best friend and I both dated boys from another school. She's still married to that guy.
Here's a pic of the high school I attend. Nope. No photos of me. Trust me. It's better this way.

If you'd like to join in with your own flashback, post your own memories then just hop on over to Mocha with Linda's and link up. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a fabulous weekend.
I'm also linking up with this group this week. They look like a fun group.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 16:8 (NKJV) I have set the LORD always before me;  Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

Flashback Friday - VBS

Mocha With Linda hosts a weekly meme called Flashback Friday. She’ll post a question every Thursday, and then Friday we can link our answers up on her site. Her church is in the middle of VBS this week which has brought back some memories from her childhood experiences with VBS and other church-related activities.

Did your family attend church when you were growing up? What are your earliest memories of church? Did you attend VBS (Vacation Bible School) when you were young? Sunday School? Other church activities? Was faith a Sunday-only thing or did it impact your life and the things you did? If faith and church were not a part of your growing-up years, when and how did you begin and what drew you to God?

A couple of cautionary notes. . . As far as I can tell, the overwhelming majority of my blog readers are Christian believers. This flashback is not intended to bring judgment on anyone's past or present experiences, nor is it meant to prompt theological debates or discussions of denominational differences.

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My parents divorced when I was very young. My dad was awarded custody of three children under 8. Can you imagine? That was practically unheard of back in the early 60s. I don't recall going to church as a family, and I can count on one hand the number of times I remember being in a church as a child after they divorced. Really, I wish my dad had seen the value in attending church for us, rather than seeing no value in it for him.

I have one particular memory of VBS as a youth. But other than the refreshments, I don't recall much about it. The church was nice. The people were nice. The other children were nice. The message? No clue.

It it not until much later in my adult life that I have memories of VBS. My in-laws always took my daughter along with the other grandchildren to church and VBS. My involvement (before I met Jesus)? I attended the program. Saw all their crafts. Listened to them sing. Their programs were precious and laughable. Really. Some of them were real hams on stage. Others fidgeted and couldn't remember the words to the songs. Then Jesus and I met F2F. Church and VBS have not been the same since. I see Him in their sweet faces. They are so eager to learn about Him and meet Him and share His story.  

As I look back, I can pinpoint specific instances and times when God was at work on my heart. Drawing me to Him. I am so thankful He did not give up on me. He is patient and kind and faithful. Have you met Jesus F2F? Let me encourage you to seek Him today, This Day. He is waiting for you with open, loving arms.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV) And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Flashback Friday - Grief

Editor's Note: I haven't been posting or commenting much this week. My final is tomorrow and I've got a huge project to finish by the end of next week. I'll be back on my regular schedule soon. Thanks for stopping by.

Kind of a morbid subject don't you think? Linda at Mocha with Linda has given this prompt because one of our dear blogging friends grieves the loss of a sweet friend. Here is her question of the week:

While I don't want this to be a gloomy or painful Flashback Friday, I thought it would be interesting to reflect on how we experienced grief in our early years.

How old were you (approximately) when you attended your first funeral? Did your parents shield you from death and grief or was it viewed as a natural part of life? Did you experience any significant loss(es) in your growing up years? What were your early impressions of death and dying? And while I do not intend this in any irreverent way, are there any amusing memories associated with a death or funeral? If you have kids, how have you handled this subject with them? Feel free to share as vulnerably or as shallowly as you want!

I'm taking a little different spin. -- Death surrounds us almost daily. We hear about it on the news. It may be a soldier fighting in Afghanistan who is killed in battle. There is an accident on the freeway that has taken the life of a family. It might be the passing of a dear friend. What ever the situation, it is never easy to lose someone to death.

Yet, for those who have accepted Christ, death is just the beginning of an eternal life with Him. He conquered death for us. I think Rick said it better than I can:

May the passing of your dear one be lessened by knowing that you will see them again in heaven when you rejoice and praise Jesus together. If you're not sure about your eternal destiny, accept Jesus today, This Day!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 10:9 (NIV) That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Flashback Friday - Easter

It's Flashback Friday with Linda at Mocha with Linda. With Easter rapidly approaching, what better time to reflect back on how families celebrated.

What was Easter like when you were little? For example, did you receive a basket with toys and candy? Was the Easter Bunny part of your family's celebration? Did your family integrate both secular and spiritual aspects of the day? Did you dye Easter eggs. . . .and did your family eat them afterwards? Did you usually get a new outfit? (Post a picture if you have one!) Does any Easter stand out particularly? You might also share how your Easter today is similar or different to your childhood. 


Honestly, I don't have many vivid memories of Easter celebrations. There are fleeting mind pictures of a new dress, new shoes, even an Easter hat but it's difficult to put those pieces together into a recognizable story. Most of my remembrances are from Easters celebrated with my daughter. Coloring eggs. Filling plastic eggs with candy and other goodies. My then SIL and I would combine forces for our children to make it a more festive event. 

The family Easter egg hunt was always after church. Wouldn't want to get those new clothes soiled. lol. After the first egg hunt and pictures had been taken, we'd change clothes, eat dinner (yes at mid-day....lunch for most people), and the children would take turns re-hiding the eggs for more hunts. Well, after the plastic eggs had been relieved of their treasures. 

What about you? What memories do you have of Easter celebrations? Please join us at Linda's spot, Mocha with Linda. 


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 15:13 (NKJV) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Flashback Friday Debut - 3/12/10

Mocha With Linda is starting a new meme that sounds like fun -- Flashback Friday will give us a chance to swap stories about specific times/experiences in our lives. You can join the party by posting your flashback on Friday and then linking up over at Linda's blog.

This week's Flash Back:  How and when did you learn to drive? Do you have any particular memories associated with getting your driver license? How old were you when you got your first car and what was it? Who paid for it?

Driver's education was part of the school curriculum. It was so exciting when you finally enrolled for it. And also a little scary. You never knew who you were going to get stuck with. Most of my classmates were farm kids. They were already experienced in driving tractors, trucks, and other farm implements. Then there were the not so experienced drivers. Some had been driving on their permits for some time. Others had never been behind the wheel. Scary!

There were always five of us in the car. The teacher and four students. On the passenger side, the teacher had his own steering wheel,  brake, and gas pedal. Just in case he had to help the student behind the wheel. Or save us from being a statistic. I don't remember which of my classmates were assigned to my car, but overall it was a pretty uneventful experience. I still remember the fear of having to parallel park for the first time. Oh the agony of it all. lol.

If you didn't pass the class, you didn't get your driver's license. I still remember walking out of the DMV with my new license. It was a liberating feeling.


I was 20 when I bought my first car. It was a Ford Torino. Gold and black.  My second car was a Chevy Camaro. Baby Blue. Yep, I was into muscle cars. Still am! lol. 

Thanks to Linda for hosting this new meme. If you'd like to play along....you know what to do.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Peter 1:4 (NIV) Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.