Michele Holcomb

"slam" books:: circa 1985

As I'm starting to clean out the corners of our home for our (possible) move, I came across some treasured memories from my childhood.

We use to call these "Slam" Books. These types of books, often decorative spiral notebooks or school book papers stapled together, were not in any way, shape or form of slamming others. For a group of 11 year old girls, this was our way of communicating. Our own form of a yearbook. I really have to to thank my mom for holding on to this for the last twenty-five years.

I grew up in a military family. We moved and currently live in California since I was 11 but I will always remember living in Clark Air Force Base, Philippines. This is my birthplace and where my mom's family currently lives. I have such sweet memories of this sun shiny place; playing in the street, riding bikes, going into the abandoned house next door to play with the Ouiji board, running around outside with my brothers & cousins, and buying "pop" from the store down the street. 

We got the news that my Dad wanted to retire in Northern CA and was to be stationed at Travis Air Force Base for a few months. I remember telling my friends and being extremely upset.  I didn't want to leave these group of girls. Who wants to move when you're in the last few months of the 5th grade? Having to make new friends was hard enough.

On my last day of school (along with my autograph book) I was given my most prized possession. My very own "Slam" book filled with words of friendship, love, and acronyms that I don't even remember.

L-Y-L-A-S-S?!

Still don't know what it means. I need to remember to google this.

After reading each and every comment the idea of moving didn't seem so hard anymore. 

Especially...when I got an almost good-bye from Mike C. For a shy little girl like me that comment pretty much sealed the deal. Oh, to be a 11 years old again!

I love this little slice of my life history.  

::Flashback Friday::

[Mom&Dad's Wedding - circa 1970]

Thankful for two wonderful parents who have shown me (& my brothers) what it really means to say "I Do."  

Two people who would sacrifice anything to make sure that we led ful-filling childhoods.

Two people who show their love unconditionally to all that come into their lives.

Two people who understand what determination and hard work will get you.

Two people that taught and continue to teach us the meaning of responsibility.

Two people who will have our backs, no matter what the outcome will be.

Two people who are the most incredible, wonderful and caring parents (& grandparents) in the universe.

Happy 39th Anniversary!

::Flashback Friday::

This class is truly inspiring! I can't believe that 6 weeks have passed by. Not only am I learning so much about the digital side to scrapbooking; i've also been able to look past the events of our lives and focus on storytelling. I've thoroughly enjoyed the process of looking at my families photos and remembering the good and not-so-good times that we've had. Jotting down the stories that I want to tell. Although I have yet to create a page for this class, I am so enjoying Ali's perspective on life. 

The layout below is one that I came across during the first week's assignment. We were to look back at our layouts and jot down what we love about our creations and what we would change. I made this layout in December 2007.

This specific layout really stood out for me. I love these photos about my brothers and I. They were our school pictures taken when we lived in the Philippines. 

What I love:

• Our hair! My brother is going to kill me! It's hilarious but truly a picture of our lives back then. My hair in the photo is the shortest that it's ever been. That is a whole story in itself that I would love to share one day!
• The design of the layout. Totally inspired by one of my favorite scrappers: Michelle Guray (i miss her layouts)!
• The products! Who can resist Making Memories and October Afternoon. I think I may still have some of this in my stash.

What I wish I would've done differently:

• I wish I would have journaled. There are so many directions that I could go in but one that I would've chosen is an Q&A. Possibly some hidden journaling attached to the back of the layout. 

So with that assignment behind me, I move forward with a quest to get my stories told. This weekend I'm hoping to get the first few assignments completed. Wish me luck!

'Til Next Time

::Flashback Friday::

[circa 1980 - Gene's 2nd Birthday]

This boy came along in 1978 to complete our little family of five. He was and continues to be the baby boy of the family. He had the most curliest hair that I remember and if I remember correctly, he cried often. 

Now...because I was the only girl and the middle sister, it was my job to make sure that you were entertained. Well...I should say that I was entertained. Some of my favorite memories that I recall were putting barrettes in your hair; always trying to pick you up; sneaking in your room to sleep cause I was to scared be by myself; watching the Monkees and watching you play basketball.

[circa 1980]

It's crazy to think that you're now 31 years old, have a great career and soon to be married (which by the way, we can't wait to have Patty officially a part of the family- even though you've been around since 8th grade). 

You will always be the little brother that gets so excited about his birthday (so surprised you haven't called to remind me), the brother that puts the whole family in the mood for Christmas (seriously not the same with out you), and the brother that continues to make me laugh my head off whenever we get together. 

So what kind of sister would I be if I didn't take the time to wish you a Happy 31st Birthday on the world wide web. I can't wait for you to publish your first book! I'm sure the dedication will be awesome [wink, wink].

Love you lots! You're big sis',

Chele