Memories...Of the Way we Were

We've been taking some nostalgic strolls down memory lane lately. In preparation for baby's arrival, we've been doing a lot of sorting and getting rid of stuff. (Once we started in with the painting and organizing, one thing led to another, and there was no stopping.) On Friday we found ourselves surrounded by boxes since Damon decided to take everything out from the closet underneath the stairs. He took the afternoon off just to deal with the massive undertaking. We knew that deep within there were some baby things that we needed to sort through. Even though baby items were our main objective, we found ourselves sorting through almost every box because we were in purging mode. We knew that we HAD to get rid of stuff to make way for the baby stuff that we were bringing home from the McCarragher house. You can not imagine the crap that we have hung on to! Once upon a time it was very important stuff, but now looking at it MANY, MANY years later, I wondered why I had ever hung on to it. In order to make myself feel a little bit better about throwing away (or goodwilling) items that once meant so much, I took some pictures:

An ice cream cone pillow my mom made for my bed when I was a kid:

"I'm a Blue Light Special" t-shirt, made into a pillow:
Buster:
Audrey:
Holly Hobby (missing an arm):
Scary doll:

I also had a FULL box of old t-shirts that I foolishly thought I (or more accurately, I would have my Mom) make into a quilt someday. Now I'm like, 'and then do what with it? Where would I want this hideous quilt displayed?!' So all the t-shirts went bye-bye with the exception of this first one:

Second above is a handpainted (by my mom) beauty, of all of my favorite things - clarinet, music, art supplies, poetry journals. I think it was a birthday gift. Even back then, when I wore alot of strange things, I never wore this shirt! 3rd, an Aquinas school sweatshirt. Below, my Fort Madison Aquinas school friends made me a going away present by signing all their names to a t-shirt in bubble paint. I was bitter about the move to Iowa City for years, and had this shirt hanging on my wall for awhile in my IC bedroom. Next, a braces t-shirt, as if it's not already obvious that you have them, you need a shirt announcing it to everyone?! I don't remember being particularly proud of my braces, in fact they were the bain of my existance for 4 long years, although it is a good way to lose weight. Lastly, my coveted NKOTB shirt. Although these teen idols will always hold a special place in my heart, as witnessed by my rooting for Joey McIntyre when he was on Dancing with the Stars, (see everything DOES always come back to DWTS!) I no longer feel the need to hang onto this shirt. I have been set (somewhat) free!

Above, well... self-explanatory. I remember I was definitely flat...in more ways than one. I was not responsible for the production of this shirt, but I think I probably did wear it, unfortunately!Below, my high school graduation party dress, made my mom.

Next, a culottes outfit I wore to a homecoming dance. Both Damon and I wore ties that year! shudder. And last but not least: vests! One made by my mom, with jean pieces sewn on, the other made my me, with men's ties sewn on. Both have lots of extra pins and bits of jewelry added!

SNEAK PEAK: You all should be eagerly awaiting my next post: Dolls From Around the World!