You had Dalton and Edith (Mom and Dad) all to yourself for SIX whole years.  THEN Rachel Sue (ME) came into your world kicking and screaming with her blond hair, cute grin and giggles. Your perfect life of sweetness, prim and proper cuteness was harder for you to maintain, but somehow you did.  Dad did his best to keep me out of your way so you wouldn't be embarassed.  But I defended you to the death (almost) when those tacky boys picked on you on the school bus. 

THREE YEARS after me, we both had to adjust because FIRST SON, John Wesley arrived. John's first years were difficult for the family because he had several sickly years.  You, Janie Mae, were the perfect momma's helper including learning to cook because mother always worked in their businesses.  You took piano lessons, got your first high heeled shoes and fancy formal, was crowned Queen of Choctaw High School, sang a solo in the choir, made all of the honor roles, taught a children's Sunday School Class.  You also spent a semester confined to bed with "Romantic Fever," as it was called then, but kept up with all "A" class work.  John got well and we became buddies to protect you, Janie!  Neither one of us could begin to match your grade, middle, and high school achievement records!

When you were 16, MOM announced that we were getting an unplanned surprise package:  A little baby brother, SECOND SON, that they named Terry Don.  Oh, NO!  Not another one. He has his own story to tell, including matching your achievement records and adding some of his own in college. 

John and I suffered through Bill Kutej's courtship of you and your marriage as best we could.  Bill was taken from all of us one morning on his way to work.  Then two weeks later, Vicki Joe, your first girl, magically arrived.

About one year later your life started over with Wayne Witt, so you left for Louisana.    You left Dalton, Edith, Rachel, John and Terry standing next to SE 29th Street waving and crying .... and finally a few shouts of "Be Happy!  We Love You!"  I had never missed any one like I missed you and Vicki.  (My horse, DUZ, missed Vicki sitting in the saddle with me as he ever so gently walked and pranced in the yard and driveway.  Vicki would laugh, wave at you and giggle.)

Footnote:  First Son, John died of lung cancer at age 58.  He had retired from SW Bell/AT&T and lived in Tulsa with his high school sweetheart who became his wife, Gatha Tucker Attebery.

Well Janie, I was 16 yrs younger and so Mom and Dad let you name me. I was your human doll the first three years of my life and you always called me "Baby Brother". Then you got married and left home without Baby Brother. But then you had 4 beautiful daughters that I got to play with when you came to visit. The years and distance kept us separated but I will always be your "Baby Brother". I am just a bit more difficult to carry. Rest in peace, Sis. ❤️

For the last 30 years Grandma Janie held a Christmas party. It was always on the Sunday before Christmas.  She was famous for her homemade ice cream, divinity and date loaf candy.  Everyone brought a dish to share.  She always had something for everyone, especially, the little ones! Some of the most memorable gifts were her crocheted doilies, hot pads, coasters and many other items.  Everyone looked forward to getting the traditional McDonalds gift coupons.  We always had a fun gift exchange which involved trading and stealing gifts.  We all looked forward to this time of year to be with the family and friends. 

The family plans on continuing the time-honored tradition and it will still be known as "Grandma's Christmas Party".