Backtracking to 1990

We have some really special Christmas pictures here. The year is 1990. We were part of a program that allowed Russian or Ukraine refugees to come to the United States to live. We were their host family. They lived with us for a 2-3 months I believe. They were so excited for the Christmas tradition and the presents they received. You can see the look of pure joy on their faces. Left picture L-R Karen (D for Dysart), Lynda D, Tatyana Chevel, Nicholi Chevel, Neil D and Joseph D. Right picture L-R Lynda D, Tatyana C and Nicholi C.

Tatyana didn't speak English. She carried around a book that translated Russian into American and Mom carried around a book that translated American into Russian. They were able to communicate this way. This is Tatyana helping with the mending.

1992

This was taken in March 1992. Just before I sent in my mission papers. They needed a full length shot and this also happens to be my favorite. For those of you don't know - I received my mission call just before General Conference in April 1992. It was actually that Saturday session in the afternoon that I went to the post office to get my mail. I went to the Texas Houston East Mission and served from July 8 1992 - 16 February 1994. There is a whole "book" dedicated just to my mission journal entries, pictures and letters. I compiled them with Russell's mission journals, pictures and letters as we wrote to each other for 3 1/2 years. I left for my mission in July 1992 - he came home from his in November 1992.

1990 - 1991

Our family portrait in 1990. L-R back row is Jessica, James, Lynda, Candace, Neil. Front row L-R is Dad, Mom holding Joseph, Karen and Becky.

Spring 1991. I took my little sister Becky and little brother Joe to the zoo. I am looking quite overweight here. I will say I worked as head cook for a nursing home and taste-testing the food sure didn't help my figure! Over time - I did manage to lose it though. Whew!

29 June 1991. My birthday. There were some problems going on at home so I opted to spend the day with friends at the beach. I think I might have told my parents where I was going and who I was going with. I don't remember. I just remember turning 20 and feeling very independent. Left to right we have Darice Drollinger, Robin Tanner, me, Sandy McDonald, Darren, Heidi Beck, Delvonna Fisk and Rick Buhler. We were at the Seaside, Oregon beach.

Another fun group shot. Left to right...Darice Drollinger, me, Robin Tanner, Rick Buhler. The bottom picture is me having a fun time in the water. Despite the cloudy, overcast day - the weather was surprisingly calm. The water was very warm. I had a great birthday that year.

1989 - High School Graduation

Well this is my high school graduation. I made it! This is my friend Brian Berglund.

Below and to the right are a couple more friends I had in high school as well. We have Jenny Sah, Adina Birchfield and Lauri Modjeski. I was locker partners with Adina our Junior year and Laurie our Senior year.

My graduation procession partner was Bill. Here we are marching to our seats.

This is one of those "professional" pictures they take at graduation hoping you'll fork over a ton to remember the special day.

After I received my diploma. Here I am with my dad Douglas and my sister Lynda. (She's the one in the wedding pics on my main blog.)

My Aunt Connie came up from Tuscon, Arizona to come to my graduation. Funny thing is...I went to her high school graduation!

Here I am again with my mom Marie (black dress) and my Aunt Pati. She and Uncle Lance flew out from Michigan.

1988 - A visit to Cape Flattery

My Junior year in High School - we went to visit my mom during Spring Break. We took a hike out to Cape Flattery, Neah Bay, Washington where they lived. It really was a beautiful place. There is a lighthouse there to let boats know it's a dangerous area. Whales can be seen here as well.

The red sweater I am wearing - the sleeves were a bit tight under the arms - but my mom made it for me. :) It was toasty warm and perfect to wear on this day!

1987

We had moved from Virginia back to the west. We were in Oregon now. This is my Junior year high school picture.

1984 or 1985 - can't remember

I believe this was on my 12th birthday. We were visiting Mom for the summer and we were down at the beach having a hotdog roast.

This was taken during one of the summer visits to Mom. I didn't label the back of the picture so I am not certain of the year. Oops!