January 30, 2011

Memory Lane Mondays - Five In The Family...

Do you have memories of your family gathering around the dinner table when you were a child? Before we ate, we always said grace. It was nothing long, organized or flowery - just a simple expression of thanks for the warm food before us. My mum told us that when our family was young with our sole provider (my father) in college, we were sustained many evenings by venison or pot pies. To this day, she prefers not to eat either, while I still I love both.

I'm the eldest of six kids in our family. Until the younger the kids were born (a sister in 1965 to lead the next three), we were only "Five in the Family". My mum, dad, me, my sister and my brother.

This photo was taken on Thanksgiving Day, 1959. (Don't you just love those glasses my dad was wearing?) I would have been five years old (I'm the one - head down - to the left of my mum.); my little sister was four, and my brother would have been seven months old, having been born in April of 1959. I love that, even as a baby, Mum helped my little brother hold his tiny hands together for grace so that he could learn the concept of gratitude at an early age.
I remember reading this book as a kid. "Five in the Family". I thinking about the fact that we, too, were a family of five. The book was part of the Dick and Jane learning series written by Doroth Baruch and Elizabeth Montgomery.

I read the books over and over when I was little. I still have a copy of the book (copyrighted in 1954 - my birth year), and I think I'm going to sit down and read it all over again this week. I know it's going to be a wonderful read down Memory Lane.
Does this book hold memories for you, too? I have an extra copy that I'd like to share with one lucky Memory Lane Mondays participant. Once you've written your story, be sure to come back here and link to the party.

On Friday, I'll go to the Random Number Generator and select the name of one lucky participant to win their own copy of "Five In The Family". (Sorry, but this drawing is only for those who write their own Memory Lane Monday post and link back to here to the party before Friday.)
I'll be hosting this party the last Monday of every month in 2011. You're welcome to join the party and share your special memories, old or new. Be sure to come back and link to this post to participate.

You're also free to use my button for your sidebar or your posts. And, if you don't care to write, I hope you'll still visit me, as well as the other contributors, to read this weeks' and future stories. I can't wait to tell you my next one about our "jeep"!

13 comments:

  1. Donna
    What a great story you wrote for us to enjoy. This is such a great picture of all of you. I love it.
    I was wondering who took it for you. You know me I think of things like that. haha
    My story is not a good memory but one that I will not ever forget.
    Looking forward to re-reading your story and seeing all the others.
    Love
    Maggie

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  2. Lovely memory. I enjoyed looking at the photo. If, like my family, yours only used their camera on special occassions, you won't have loads like this. It makes them all the more special.
    I don't think we had this book in the UK. I learned to read with Janet and John, which I'm sure was along the same lines. xx

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  3. How wonderful to start such a great "party"... Memory Lane Mondays. I'll be posting as soon as I get a couple more cups of coffee down me. I love this type of postings as my favorite topic is family life from the past.
    Have a GREAT week.
    Karen
    Ladybug Creek

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  4. This was fun! I loved reading your story and seeing your photos. In fact, your story helped trigger one of my "book" memories that I was writing about. Thanks for hosting!

    Blessings!
    Nita Jo

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  5. I am having a "Monday"... The first link was incorrect and only took you to my Sunday Scribblings posts.

    I am so sorry. My second link should take you to my Memory Lane post. *blushing*

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  6. This is a beautiful story...You and I are exactly the same age AND I do believe we had that same kitchen set! We only had by brother and I in the family and Mom and Dad were "GEMS"... We lived simply but I never knew WANT, and in my eyes I had a perfect childhood...Thank you for your memories, which brought mine along for your ride!
    Hugs to you,
    Donna

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  7. a very special trip down memory lane, love the look of that book. Nice to have found your blog, Catherine

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  8. What a great memory to share with us today...and the picture is awesome...a day captured in time. I have something for you on my blos ! ! Have a great day !

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  9. Awww,, Donna ... what a wonderful picture & memories. So love the 'blessings' ... just precious wonderful moments to treasure. Love that table ...

    Have not seen this book before.

    Would you remind me next month to join you ... this will be great fun.

    Have a beautiful day ~
    TTFN ~
    Hugs, Marydon

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  10. Thank you for the lovely memory, now i look forward to going to everyone's memories. :)

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  11. Beautiful memories, thank you so much for sharing them and your family with all of us!

    Hugs to you, my friend!
    Anne

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  12. Donna, I had hoped to join in the fun...I have memories of the family dinners....
    Yesterday was just a crazy day, I will try to get it done today.
    Love that book, I remember it but I don't think I ever had a copy.
    Hugs,
    Mags
    xx

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  13. Donna, I have posted a story. Maybe not as sweet as yours but that's OK. I love old photos and memories. I don't remember reading Dick and Jane but have always wanted one of their books!!

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna