Mr. Bandley Was Right

You know those funny little moments in your life that make a big impression and you will never forget them? Sorry if you are not a Northridge Elementary alum, this story probably isn't as funny if you don't know Mr. Bandley. Just picture a really tall, weird guy, balding, wears glasses, smacks his mouth and rubs it as he talks, rests his hands either slightly inside his pants or in his suspenders, am I painting the picture well enough? Oh look, I found a picture.

I am on the top row, 2nd from the left, cute huh. Anyways, so in 6th grade I was walking down the hall at school, by myself, and Mr. Bandley came up behind me and put his arm around me. He said, "You know, in my experience, those girls that are attractive when they are younger turn out not to be that attractive when they get older. It is the not so attractive girls that really turn out better looking as adults."

I remember thinking what in the world is that supposed to mean? Are you telling me that I am an ugly duckling, but not to worry, some day you will be a swan? Is this supposed to be a compliment?

What a weird thing for a teacher to say to a student. I guess he was just trying to give me a bit of hope. Well I think he was right though, I was a bit of a late bloomer.

7th Grade, lovin the bangs, I bought that sweater with my own money at Shopko, I think it was a rather good investment, don't you? I also love the hair bow, you can't really see it, but it is navy blue and doesn't match at all!

10th Grade, this was right after I got a "Make Over" at relief society with Mary and Ann Johnson. They chopped off like 8 inches of my hair, and I couldn't figure out what to do with short hair. I remember sitting on the school bus the day we got our pictures back. I hated this picture and was complaining about it, my friend, Kelly Dockendorf was sitting by me and she said, "well, look how pretty your eyes are."

Our Engagement Picture, I was only 19! As you can see, this is why Nick wears a goatee. He looks like he is about 16, he has such a baby face. In fact I think I look older than him.

1 year later. No, there is nothing wrong with your monitor, I gained 50 pounds in one year!

Almost 21, I lost most of the weight, just in time to find out I was pregnant with Hallie!

24, I am not sure why I thought I needed to rat my hair up like that. Every picture of me around this time I have a weird lump on the side of my head, somehow I just couldn't see that in the mirror. 25, I love this picture. There was not one we took where both Hallie and Nick were looking at the camera. Like father like daughter. I like my hair too!

27, I also love this picture. This was last year. My mother-in-law does family pictures every year. Last year the photographer didn't show up, but luckily we had brought our camera and someone snapped this picture of us.

28, this one is from the family pictures this year. I really think it turned out great. I love how Avery is looking up at Hayden and you can see Jaxton's beautiful blue eyes.

Moral of the story, want to feel good about the way you look, get out your 7th grade school picture! Although, mine is probably the worst one out there, so it may not do you as much good as it does me! Maybe I am just like Mohanna (I have no idea how to spell it, you know, from Johnny Lingo), I just needed the love of a good man to help me blossom.