Throwback Thursday: The Year I Was Born

Welcome to the Throwback Thursday link up!

What is Throwback Thursday?

Throwback Thursdays will be a day for you to link up anything from your past. It can be old pictures, old songs, old TV shows, old movies, your childhood crush, what was popular, your favorites, older fashion. Anything goes! Throwback Thursdays will be the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. 

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Rules:

In this link up, we simply ask that you visit your host and guest host. If you like what you see, we'd love to have you follow along. It will also make it easier for you to participate every time if you follow your host.

We also ask that you link back to Just a Small Town Girl in your TT post.

 

Meet our guest host:

I am very excited to have Allie from Tales of a Twenty Something guest hosting Throwback Thursday for the month of February.  Allie is a fellow North Carolinian. She hosts some great link ups herself like Pits and Peaks and Weekly What? The Weekly What? is one of my favorite because you recap your blog week. She's also a great blog to sponsor because she truly cares about helping you grow your blog. You won't regret following along.

Throwback:

This upcoming Monday is kind of an important day. It's my "Golden Birthday." I will turn 25 on the 25th. So, I thought I'd share some things that happened the year I was born.

In 1988:

Ronald Reagan was president.

Gas was $0.91

A movie ticket was $3.50.

Rain Man was the top grossing film.

Other popular movies of the year include: Coming to America, Twins, Die Hard, and Beetlejuice.

Some top songs in 1988 were "Faith" by George Michael, "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Man in the Mirror" by Michael Jackson, "So Emotional" and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" by Whitney Houston, "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns and Roses, "Bad Medicine" by Bon Jovi, and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison.

Popluar TV shows were The Cosby Show, Cheers, Growing Pains, The Golden Girls, and Murder She Wrote. 

Notre Dame won the National Championship in football.

Washington Redskins defeated the Denver Broncos for Super Bowl XXII.

Ping Pong became an Olympic sport.

Doppler radar was invented.

Scattergories was the years most popular toy.

There were several famous people born in 1988 including: Emma Stone, Julianne Hough, Rupert Grint, Rihanna, Adele, Haley Joel Osment, and Michael Cera.

Now that you know when my birthday is, I'd love to know yours as well so that I can help you celebrate. This might be with a shout out on social media, an email, a birthday card, or free advertisement. Just fill out the Google Doc below. 

Now link up your Throwback Thursday post and visit some others as well:

Throwback Thursday {link up}: Senior Year Resume

Welcome to the first Throwback Thursday link up. 

What is Throwback Thursday?

Throwback Thursdays will be a day for you to link up anything from your past. It can be old pictures, old songs, old TV shows, old movies, your childhood crush, what was popular, your favorites, older fashion. Anything goes! Throwback Thursdays will be the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. 

<div align="center"> <a href="http://justasmalltowngirlsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Throwback%20Thursdays" title="Throwback Thursday"><img src="http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/mdhall88/ThrowbackThursday2_zps72b59f4e.jpg" alt="Throwback Thursday" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Rules:

In this link up, we simply ask that you visit your host and guest host. If you like what you see, we'd love to have you follow along. It will also make it easier for you to participate every time if you follow your host.

We also ask that you link back to Just a Small Town Girl in your TT post.

Meet our guest host:

I am very excited to have Kera from Nugget on a Budget guest hosting Throwback Thursday for the month of January. Kera hosts a great link up every Tuesday called On My Mind where you can link up anything that has been on your mind lately. She also co-hosts the Super Sunday Sync blog hop every Sunday. She's super sweet and is always real and honest in her posts. You won't regret following along.

Throwback:

Today, we're not going to be traveling too far back. I'm going to take you back to my senior year of high school.

I keep my school yearbooks at home, so when I went home over Christmas I had fun looking through these.

Today, I'll share with you some of my senior year resume.

I am my senior class president which means I am responsible for organizing future class reunions.

I was also editor of the school yearbook. I loved being involved with the yearbook. We made some great memories in yearbook class.

I was co-captain of the colorguard. Band was a major part of my life in high school. During my senior year we turned into a colorguard/dance line and did a little of both. It was a lot of fun.

I was also involved in various clubs. Including being an officer in a few of them.

At my high school every year, the teachers chose 10 students from the class to be Teacher's Choice. I don't know what their criteria was for choosing. It didn't have to be the best students academically. I think they chose based on what kind of student you were, how you worked, how you behaved in class, etc.

This last one is my proudest achievement from high school. When I first started high school, I set my sights on being valedictorian.

Another girl and myself had GPAs that were so close we were declared co-valedictorians (although mine was higher by just a little). 

As a senior, you also have the option of buying a page towards the back of the yearbook where you can include your own personal pictures and your family can include a message. I had two pages. My family bought one to include pictures of me through the years and I bought one to include pictures of me with my friends through the years. I love pictures.

 

So that's some of the things I was up to my senior year. What activities were you involved in in high school?

Link up your own Throwback post. This link up will be open for a week, so you can squeeze in a fun throwback post when you're ready.

Christmas Throwback {25 Days Link Up}

Posting twice on a Saturday!

(I'm co-hosting A Look Back link up today also!)

Today starts my 25 Days of Christmas link up extravaganza!

For the 1st 25 days of December, I will post about something Christmas related.

You can link up your Christmas related post also.

This link up only has ONE rule:

1. Please link back to my blog in your post.

<div align="center"> <br><a href="http://justasmalltowngirlsblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/25-days-of-christmas.html" title="Just a Small Town Girl"><img src="http://i1164.photobucket.com/albums/q580/mdhall88/25daysofchristmas.png" alt="Just a Small Town Girl" style="border:none;" /></a></div> <br>

Thanks!

These were some items that could be found on my Christmas lists:

1. Beanie Babies- 

These things were HOT back in the day. That surprised picture in the 2nd collage is me getting some "rare" beanie baby. Where are those things now? In a bag in my parents' attic.

2. Barbie Car-

The coolest way to get around your yard or neighborhood was in your pink Barbie car. I rode this thing for a long time...even when I was too big to fit in the seat and had to sit on the back.

3. American Girl dolls and accessories-

My friends and I were all about American Girl dolls. I had 3 dolls and all kinds of accessories. I had 2 of the dolls from the books and then the one pictured was the one that "looked like me." My friends and I even had American Girl parties.

4. CDs-

Do you remember those things before we downloaded our music? Even if you just liked one song, you had to buy the whole CD. CDs were the coolest gift.  One of my first CDs was The Backstreet Boys.

5. Easy Bake Oven-

I had one of these and burnt several things that I tried to "bake." No worries, I've become a better backer since then!

What's one of the things that was on your Christmas list as a child?

I hope you'll link up a Christmas post of your own.

1990 "A Look Back" Link Up {I'm Co-hosting}

I love looking back at old pictures and remembering fun things from my past. So naturally, I loved this link up when I first heard of it. Unfortunately, they were in the early to mid 80's and I wasn't born yet. 

Finally, they have reached years that I was around for! I participated last month and shared some pictures from 1989.

This month, I was asked to help co-host! Of course, I was happy to do so. 

Welcome to the 90's!

I was 2 years old. 

This would be my last year as an only child.

My mom's side of the family is half way complete (in the cousin department). I'm in the middle. The other 2 are my cousins.

This would be the last Christmas that we were a family of 3. (Technically my brother's in this picture.) This was Christmas at my grandparents' house. 

Looks like a big Christmas gift I got was a swing set. 

Enough about me. What else was going on in the world in 1990? You know...things I don't remember because I was only 2. 

Famous people born in 1990: Jennifer Lawrence, Kristen Stewart, Liam Hemsworth, and Emma Watson.

Michael and Jessica are the most popular names.

Home Alone, Pretty Woman, and Ghost were all released.

George H.W. Bush was president.

The Gulf War begins.

Now, it's your turn to link up and join in the fun!

Let's Party Like It's 1989!

My life has been so crazy recently between work and preparing for a Craft & Bake Sale on Saturday. (Which, by the way, if you live in the Raleigh area you should come check out. I'll be selling stuff like this:)

Tonight I have to bake about 120 of the most delicious cookies you've ever tasted.

Anyway...I have been participating in the One Thousand Gifts book club on Thursdays, but I haven't been able to do much reading lately, so I'm falling behind.

Instead, I thought I'd join in with this fun link up today. Covered in Grace does a look back link up where a year is picked and you post pictures and memories from that year. I love looking back, but so far they've been doing years in which I was not born. I am so excited that they've finally reached a time that I have pictures from! 1989! Granted I was just 1 and have no memories of this year, I can participate. I also don't have a lot of pictures because I live 10 hours away from home so I have to work with what I have on my computer-which is not much!

So, here it is. This is me at my 1st birthday with my parents. I had a Winnie-the-Pooh party (the  classic Pooh)

Then, this is my family probably around the same time because I'm wearing my "1st birthday party" dress.

Aren't we cute all matchy-matchy?

Like I said, no memories from this year. I'm sure life was good with no worries or cares. I spent my days at home with my mom playing. Then, my dad would come home from work and we'd probably play too. 

***

I'm not good at keeping secrets for long, so I have to share a little bit.

If you like this post and Covered in Grace's link up, get excited!

I have a link up planned to start in January that involves a lot of looking back. 

(This is the first link up I'm hosting!)

So, break out your old pictures and think back to the things you used to like.

I'll be posting more about this soon because I need your help!

What were you doing in 1989?

Huge Christmas Giveaway Curtesy of Dots and Curlz

In one short week myself and many other bloggers and shop owners will be participating in the Crafter's Dream Christmas Giveaway.

This giveaway will give you the perfect opportunity to win some Christmas gifts for family, friends, or yourself!

You can even get some sneak peeks of what people are giving away by visiting and liking the Facebook page.

Also, I'd love for you to go check out my friend Christie's blog. She's going to be participating in this giveaway as well.

Today, I'd like to introduce you to the shop where I'll be getting my prize to giveaway.

But first, we must go back...

Meet Megan {yep...we share the same awesome name}.

I've known Megan most of my life. We went to elementary, middle, and high school together {that's the great thing about small towns-only one school at each level}. We have many great memories together through the years.

Megan was always the crafty one. You could depend on her to have great ideas for how to decorate our class' Homecoming float or anything else that we needed to be creative for.

She also is great at networking and selling. She was our yearbook's business editor during our senior year.

 

 So, it only seemed natural that she started up a little business called Dots and Curlz.

 

She makes all kinds of cute things. Most notably wooden door hangers that can be personalized any way you want. 

Check out the cute keychain she made me. Mine is the one in the bottom right hand corner.

I would strongly encourage you to check out Dots and Curlz facebook page and I hope it will get you as excited as I am for this giveaway. If you just can't wait for the giveaway, I'm sure Megan would be happy to make something up for you now!

Be sure to check back on October 21 for the start of the giveaway and to see what Megan has made up to give away.

I'll leave you today with more pictures of the things you can find at Dots and Curlz.

If I Could Write a Letter to Me...

Dear younger Megan,

There are so many things you worry about and think are important that really aren't. Enjoy each day as it comes at you. Make some great memories. Don't be so concerned with what people think of you. Be true to yourself.

In a few years, you won't remember what you were mad at someone about or why you're not talking to one of your friends. Don't concern yourself with those petty things. They don't matter! Work on being a good and true friend. Positive and encouraging friendships centered around Christ are the ones that are most beneficial to you. They are the ones that will last. As much as you don't want to believe it, you will grow apart from most of your friends. They will still be important to you, but your lives will move in different directions. Enjoy the time you have and leave the drama behind.

Don't focus so much of your time and energy on boys. Dating is fun, but it can also cause you to miss out on some things. None of those boys you date in high school are "the one." You definitely can learn some things from each relationship, so I'm not suggesting you avoid them. Just don't let them consume you. Don't let them break your heart. The one that you end up with is worth the wait. Take each relationship as a learning experience.

Speaking of "the one," you meet him in high school, but you're not ready for each other then. God will bring you together at the right time. It will be at a time when you least expect it. He will change your life for the better. He will challenge you, so be ready for it. He's everything you could have dreamed of in a husband. I have to warn you, though, you will have some bumpy roads. You're strong and you can make it through them. Know that marriage is not a fairy tale and it's not all about feelings. It's the merging of two lives to form one. Learn to be less selfish and to control your temper. This will help you when those rough times come.

Enjoy every minute spent with your family. Your time with most of your grandparents will be too short. You will miss them terribly when they're gone. You will wish they were there with you for those major life events. Tell them how much you love them every chance you get. Never miss an opportunity to make a memory with them. Family memories are the most precious and they're the ones who will always be there for you. Your family will be your rock during hard times. Fight with your parents less. They love you and would do anything for you. They're protecting you from the evil that is out there in the world and one day you will appreciate it. Spend some quality time with your brother. You need to be a good influence and role model.

 

Work on your relationship with God now. It will make your life easier as you get older. Read your Bible and pray every day. God's word should be on your heart and mind. Live your life by the Spirit with your mind set on Heavenly things, not earthly things. Don't wait until you're older to truly understand what being a follower of Christ means. Don't waste your teenage years. You can have a positive impact on your friends and classmates. Learn the joy in giving. Realize that there is so much suffering in the world and there are so many people who have so much less than you.

You're going to get through those hard times even when things seem hopeless. Your life is going to go in a direction you never would have expected. Keep God first. Be selfless in your marriage. Know the value of your family. Treasure your friendships. Enjoy each day as the gift that it is.

Your older but probably not much wiser self,

Megan

2 Years Ago...

I married my best friend, my soul mate, the one I had been waiting for my whole life.

All the planning and the preparations were over. This was the day.

It flashed by in a blur. If I didn't have the pictures, I wouldn't remember all the details.

We chose to see each other before the wedding. I am so glad I did this for many reasons:

1. It made the moment of the "reveal" special because it was just the two of us. (My photographer took a few pictures and then left for a little while.)

2. It made the ceremony itself less nerve racking. 

3. We were able to get ALL our pictures done before the wedding. This freed us up to go immediately to the reception and enjoy the party. 

4. We were able to hang out together before our ceremony with our friends and family. 

5. We were able to go somewhere alone to pray together before our ceremony.

6. Not seeing each other before the ceremony is simply a human made tradition. If you choose to participate in it, that's fine. It's also fine if you don't. I've never known of someone to get divorced and claim the reason as "I saw the bride before the wedding ceremony."

We were then able to relax, have fun, and take our time taking plenty of pictures together.

Candid shot

Our families get along wonderfully which is such a blessing. 

We had a rose for each of our grandparents that had passed away and were not able to be with us on our big day.

Lee's family

My family

My Meemaw

Our wedding party consisted of some of our "old" friends we've had our entire life and some of our "new" friends we met more recently. We also had my brother, Lee's sister, and our niece and nephew as part of our wedding party. They are each very special to us and we're glad they were able to be a part of our wedding.

We tried to keep our ceremony focused on God and how he blessed us in our individual lives, how he brought us together, and how we want him to be central in our marriage.

 

Then, we had a fun reception full of food, music, dancing, and a photo booth.

I can't believe it's been 2 years!