Let the Prom Drama begin....Like Aurora, her dress keeps changing

[FINFAN]

Good Morning all! Chilly and rainy here today..of course...DS has a track meet!
DD got the paintball certificate, but us stressing that it implied "too much" as they are not boyfriend /girlfriend.( technically...sure seems like it to me, but what do I know) Here's the deal, Open play at paintball is $20 to get in and $10 for paint. To book a party is $200 with a maximum of 10 players...so $20 bucks each, but no extra paint included. ( when my DS had a party their they blew thru $50 of extra paint) I felt to give him the option of at least having SOME paint, she needed to go with the $25 amount...a choice I would have suggested no matter who the gift was for...otherwise it's sort of like getting shoes with no laces....3/4 of a gift. She was freaking so I said to choose what she would like to receive, or give to anyone...she went with the $25...but like I said, is stressing over it. Sigh....I butted in and look where it got her and me. I don't think it looks to overbearing, especially since that is what we spend on gifts...DS was just at a party Sat., and it was a volunteer food packing event, to please donate in lieu of gifts...DS still wanted something for his friend to have to acknowledge turning into a teen (13) so $15 went to the food bank, and the time DS put in helping pack supply bags, and $10 went into a gift. DD has another Bday for a friend in 2 weeks, she bought the gift long ago...a $26 shirt and then charm for her cell phone...total $31...so to me it was a normal price range for a gift. What this basically tells me is how much she likes him...doesn't want to mess things up. She drew a card as she always does, I offered to go over and get a different certiificate for $20...DD can use the other one...but she says no... Uuuugggghhhhhhhh!


Pam

 

[Sandy V.]

Pam, sounds like the $25 certificate is the right amount. She must really like this boy to think about it to this degree!!

The snow has stopped here, but we still have at least 12 inches of it on the ground. DS doesn't have school today, but he's supposed to have a lacrosse game in Denver this afternoon - will be curious to see if that happens. Denver didn't get the large amount of snow that we did.

 

[horseshowmom]

I love reading about the wonderful talents of your riders...DD is just into the basics really...more of a pleasure rider, but did do well in one show...came out with 8 ribbons and 2 Grand Champions for her class/events.

GUess I need to put Prama aside for the next 2 days....ACT testing I just HATE that her college hinges on these tests...her futire is literllay going to be a series of dots on paper...seriously, it blows my mind.

Another question...should we get Art Guys boutonierre at the same plac ehe ordered DD's from to make sure the colors match?

Gotta go, let me know what you guys think! I definitely do NOT think the $25 is too much. I agree with what you said about the shoes/laces. That's about what DD spends on her friends (BF is another story - LOL).


Pam

In our case, horseshowing was just something that DD was "meant" to do (probably kind of like your DD's art). She would have liked to been able to attend a college that had an equestrian team, but it didn't work out. On the flip side, DD has dabbled (very lightly) in drawings and placed in a couple of competitions, but it's not something that she would go far in (her strength is definitely in the horses - even the drawings were of horses ).

It has helped us a lot financially to be able to keep our horses here at home. In fact, we were able to buy the last horse we bought for about $5000 less than he would have normally sold for partly because of it. We're kind of known for not selling our horses when DD moves up to a higher level (we get attached and don't want to take a chance on them falling into unscrupulous hands after they leave us, and since we have the barn/pasture space, we're able to keep them). This horse's previous owner was also very attached to him but couldn't continue to afford the $400/month boarding fee at the barn where they had him (their DD had decided to quit showing). They were pretty sure he would be with us for life (and he will be), so they made us an offer we couldn't refuse. He and DD together turned out to be showstoppers - many ribbons, trophies, buckles, awards, and a trophy saddle. We were very blessed!


You're right, the ACT testing is so important. Has she done all the practice tests that she can? They have them online at www.act.org. Also, does she have access to any workshops? We're way out in the sticks, so many of our kids don't have that opportunity. This year, I was able to write a grant for money to pay ACT trainers to come in and do workshops for the kids who wanted to participate. I'm sure she'll do great - just tell her to get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast (and don't forget her calculator and pencils! ).

I think your idea of getting them at the same place is a good idea (even if he does work there). That way you'll be sure they're "right".

I'm sure he's going to like the birthday gift (good thinking on your part!). I think $25 is a reasonable amount. I agree with your comment about shoes/laces. That's about what DD spends on her friends (BF is another story - LOL).

 

[Sandy V.]

Horseshowmom, I AM coming to Mississippi - pollen or not- as soon as I can get my driveway shoveled out!!

DS was supposed to have ACTs today as well, but the spring snowstorm took care of that.

 

[horseshowmom]

Pam, sounds like the $25 certificate is the right amount. She must really like this boy to think about it to this degree!!

The snow has stopped here, but we still have at least 12 inches of it on the ground. DS doesn't have school today, but he's supposed to have a lacrosse game in Denver this afternoon - will be curious to see if that happens. Denver didn't get the large amount of snow that we did.

Y'all even made our news last night! I can't remember the specific county (I meant to, so I could ask you about it, but my short term memory isn't what it used to be ), but it was a lot of snow (around here 12 inches would be a major blizzard - I don't think I ever remember that much).

 

[FINFAN]

Hey Sandy...12 inches? That hurts. Do you guys have to make up all these snow days? We had to add to our year...orig last day was 6/8...and now it is 6/11...but finals did not get pushed back...( so how many HS kids do you think will be in attendance after the 8th anyway ) Yeah, I bet his game is still on...I think it is easier to add school days than to reschedule sports events..how crazy is that? Is your power good to go now? That would make me crazy...on/off/on /off.
I wonder how Melissa is doing after her trip for her mom....and her liquid refreshments!
Mandy, Hi..nice to see you back...we have deviated from Prama occaisionally..but promspot lloks like a good site. DD has a 1/2 day today and tomorrow...needs to work but should have a few moments tp scan the sight. Thanks!
ElizaB...hope your DD is hanging in there..my DD has long dropped the " chick-clique" of snotty girls as well, DD rides with the guys on the bus as she says the argueing and nastiness o the girls is so irritating and downright stupid. DD says it's demeaning as so many people think all girls are that way. DD hangs with 4 or 5 girls routinely...and then it is mostly guys. She calls herself a "Fringer" ...not in any one certain group, but can be accepted into most...it's funny...the Prep girls as a group have never given DD a second look, but she has many of these girls individually in her classes, and they are friendly enough with her then...maybe a little of that is happening with your DD...not sure if she cares to stay on acceptable terms with the little so and so's, but maybe one on one is an option. Just a thought anyway.
Alrighty then, off to order the flower for Art Guy...DD asked for me to do it...after the paintball issue yesterday I said no way...but she wrote down what she wants, so I guess I can't screw it up too badly!


Pam

 

[horseshowmom]

Horseshowmom, I AM coming to Mississippi - pollen or not- as soon as I can get my driveway shoveled out!!

DS was supposed to have ACTs today as well, but the spring snowstorm took care of that.

Come on down (first chance you get - LOL). We'll grill out and put you on a horse!

Best wishes with his ACT too (if he ever gets there ).

DD's BF's little brother is concerned about his. He's actually been tested as being gifted, BUT he's extremely dyslexic and that affects his ACT scores. I told his mother last weekend that since he has an official ruling, he can register to take the test untimed, so I think she may insist that he do that (he'd rather take it "with everybody else", but I know of wealthy districts where the parents try hard to find ways for their kids to get ruled eligible to do that (to get an edge).

 

[Sandy V.]

Y'all even made our news last night! I can't remember the specific county (I meant to, so I could ask you about it, but my short term memory isn't what it used to be ), but it was a lot of snow (around here 12 inches would be a major blizzard - I don't think I ever remember that much).

I live in northern El Paso County, home of the infamous "Monument Hill". I am in the foothills at 7200 feet - perfect snowmaking elevation!! The odd thing is that 10 miles to the south of us and 10 miles to the north of us, they can have little or no snow, but we get hammered!! When DS graduates from high school, we will be moving someplace lower in elevation and probably further south.

Hey Sandy...12 inches? That hurts. Do you guys have to make up all these snow days? We had to add to our year...orig last day was 6/8...and now it is 6/11...but finals did not get pushed back...( so how many HS kids do you think will be in attendance after the 8th anyway ) Yeah, I bet his game is still on...I think it is easier to add school days than to reschedule sports events..how crazy is that? Is your power good to go now? That would make me crazy...on/off/on /off.
I wonder how Melissa is doing after her trip for her mom....and her liquid refreshments!Pam

DS said that the seniors will have to make up at least one day (they normally get out about a week before everyone else, but he thought that they still had a snow day or two left in reserve. I think these past two days took away their balance, so if they miss any more days, they'll have to make them up. I'm just wondering how they're going to reschedule the ACT - there was supposed to be school today for ONLY the juniors. I'll let someone smarter than me figure it all out.

Yes, thankfully the power is back on and the internet has resumed. It was a very frustrating day yesterday. One step forward, two steps back.

I would prefer that they go ahead and play the lacrosse game today, but they missed practice yesterday, so I'm not sure the coaches will go for that.

Good luck to your DD on the ACT!!!

Come on down (first chance you get - LOL). We'll grill out and put you on a horse!

Best wishes with his ACT too (if he ever gets there ).

DD's BF's little brother is concerned about his. He's actually been tested as being gifted, BUT he's extremely dyslexic and that affects his ACT scores. I told his mother last weekend that since he has an official ruling, he can register to take the test untimed, so I think she may insist that he do that (he'd rather take it "with everybody else", but I know of wealthy districts where the parents try hard to find ways for their kids to get ruled eligible to do that (to get an edge).

Grilling out sounds wonderful . . . the thought of me on a horse could be very interesting. Haven't been on one since we went to Montana for a vacation about 7 or 8 years ago. I am not the most coordinated person you'll ever meet - okay, I'm a klutz!!

DS has already taken the ACT in February. He wants to go to CU-Boulder like his sister, and there are guaranteed admission requirements for instate residents if you have a certain gpa and ACT/SAT score. He has met the requirements to get in, but the CU website talks about what's required for admittance for Fall 2007, and I'm paranoid that they might change them/raise them for Fall 2008, so we made DS take an ACT prep course to raise them a bit.

I agree with you - BF's brother should petition to take the test untimed. It sounds like a classic case of where that would be warranted.

 

[Sandy V.]

Melissa, we hope everything went (relatively) smoothly on your trip to Portland.

 

[mamacatnv]

Melissa, we hope everything went (relatively) smoothly on your trip to Portland.

Hey Thanks, I'm back - I am exhausted and my desk is buried - I will try and catch up with y'all tonight or tomorrow - all went as well as could be expected. Mother got very mad at me which is a good sign since she has been rather zombie like the past 4 months and we recently lowered her meds.

I have no clue what is going on with the prama in my house since I got home too late last night and haven't seen son yet.

Sandy: I stayed with my Aunt and her best friend lives in Colorado Springs - yesterday she was ranting and raving about the snow storm that had her house bound.

 

[Sandy V.]

Glad you're back safely. We'll catch up when you can. Colorado Springs did get hit by snow, although I live 10 miles north and we got it FAR worse. DH and I are buying a power boat and starting a parasailing business in Key West! (only half-joking)

 

[horseshowmom]

MamacatNV - Glad you had a safe trip!

 

[FINFAN]

Glad you're back safely. We'll catch up when you can. Colorado Springs did get hit by snow, although I live 10 miles north and we got it FAR worse. DH and I are buying a power boat and starting a parasailing business in Key West! (only half-joking)

Sandy...TOO FUNNY! I tell DH that all the time only we keep saying Jet Ski business in Fl!
Welcome back Melissa....we'll be here when you con drop by...
DD said ACT's were BRUTAL....and to top it off her bus left before their group was let out... She said they could see it leaving and their instructor was strssing telling them all to hurry...what the heck is that? Luckily I am home and was able to get her and a few others...but what if I wasn't? I was really ticked off. They did not need that stress during the final part of the exam.
DD had a blast at dinner, and get this....DD's fav holiday is Halloween...tops Christmas in this house...so somehowor another it is mentioned at dinner due to the fact that Art Guys family goes all out, turining their basement into a haunted house...HUGE undertaking...not a cutesy deal, but serious professional type stuff. When they heard it was DD's favorite, AND that she loves paintball...I guess she's a keeper for now. Art Guy really liked the paintball certificate and the evening went really well. I was glad since ACT's were a nightmare, and then work after that was a bit hectic.
I found it interesting that DD was talking about helping (if they let her, they said no secrets will be divuldged) at Halloween...that's a long way off, so I guess Prom was the catalyst...and DD is thinking way past that...whether it is subconsiously or what...'casue she is usually very cautious about stuff like this...
and I think we will just try and match the flowers, his mom was a little hesitant to haveus get them at the same place, because Art Guy wants to surprise DD with his choice...and that's fine...we ahvea basic color to go with.
Alright, I will be gone most of the day, so Ladies, keep on , keepin' on....
one more day 'till the weekend!
Hey Melissa, my mom is arriving her mid -May from Fl for some serious medical issues...needs major surgery and we were told she will need family support, so I am right there with you...my Mom really should not even travel, but between a rock and a hard place...so, while I can chat w/y'all I am doing it...life will not be my own in a few weeks!


Pam

 

[Sandy V.]

Well, maybe Pam, we need to coordinate the jet ski and parasailing businesses once we both move to Florida!

Glad that the birthday dinner went well, that ArtGuy liked the birthday gift, and that she found some kindred spirits who love Halloween as much as she does!

And how on earth does the bus leave BEFORE these poor kids finish the test?!?! It isn't as though they don't have enough on their plate!! Since so many Colorado schools missed the ACT date yesterday (it's a state mandate that all juniors take it), the make up day is May 9th. So 2 more weeks.

Also, I hope your mom is okay and makes it through her surgeries successfully.

The lacrosse game got moved to today, so I'll be working frantically to get stuff done so I can go to Denver with DH. DS has made dinner reservations for prom - he told us last night that he is SO excited about going! That may not sound like much, but for a 17 year old boy to confess that much to his parents is a BIG thing.

Have a great day, everyone!!

 

[horseshowmom]

FINFAN - I'd be furious over the bus deal. In our state, almost everybody takes the ACT, but it's on a Saturday, and the kids get themselves there. It starts at 8 a.m. (or maybe 8:30). DD got to bed early the night before, but she was amazed at how some of the kids looked that got there (some actually came in their pajamas ). She said that quite a few didn't have pencils or calculators. She let the girl next to her have one of her pencils, and the girl commented that DD looked like she had a "good supply" . DD said, "You don't know my mother..." (I'd have made a great Boy Scout - Be Prepared! )

Sandy V. - I'm glad your son is looking forward to everything so much. He's going to have a great time.

 

[Sandy V.]

Sandy V. - I'm glad your son is looking forward to everything so much. He's going to have a great time.

Thanks. I think he will too. He's like a colt - all arms and legs (and no butt; lucky kid ). He'll even sit still long enough for me to hug him every once in a while.

I'm "Boy Scout prepared" just like you - drives my children nuts! But I'm just doin' my job as a mom . . .

 

[mamacatnv]

Okay - I have spent the last hour typing a reply only to loose it twice I am going to go to my Word and cut and paste - I shall return later...............

 

[mamacatnv]

Good morning ladies: Thanks for the well wishes
I got a good nights sleep and am starting to feel human again.

Yes, there were lots of liquid refreshments My Auntie(who I stay with) is the bloody mary with breakfast, Vodka tonic with lunch and vodka gimlet with dinner type of gal! I prefer a Vodka Cranberry for breakfast……………..…..Yikes, we went thru a lot of vodka!

I had a German Pancake one morning (with a Vodka Cran ) I had seen a segment on Rachel Ray where she showcased a Portland restaurant and it’s signature German Pancake. We didn’t go to the exact restaurant but I did get one and it was yummy!

Pam:
You and your Mom will be in my prayers. Taking care of a parent and raising a family is a huge juggle, especially when there is some distance involved. I am here if you ever need anything or just to vent, I know what it is like!

Dress, Dress???? Did someone say we have a dress? I think it is beautiful and given your DD’s size I am sure she will be stunning. I would leave her hair down or do a ½ updo – I personally am not fond of most updo’s I don’t think they are the most flattering thing on everyone.

Makeup? Do you have a MAC cosmetics store near you? They will do prom makeup and such for around $30 which they used to apply towards product…ie... a lip gloss and pencil and you are close to getting the makeup for nothing. If you go that route, make sure someone is paying attention to what the makeup artist is doing, they have a tendancy to be “over the top” (my best friend managed a MAC counter here in Reno for several years)

Sandy:
So glad your DS is excited about the Prom – the girls get all gushy but it seems like the guys are supposed to take the sullen "oh if I must route".

Horseshowmom:
I like Sandy am not the most coordinated person on the planet. I have been on a horse twice in my life and both times fell off! I'm pretty much done. My DD's best friends Mom is the director of the equestrian center at UNR. DD loves to go to work with her since she gets to ride. They also have horses of their own that DD is learning how to take care of. She loves it, I think it is smelly I'm a city girl born and bred even if I do now live in the boonies!

ACT’s:
My DS the procrastinator dropped the ball and missed the registration deadline so he will be taking his in June. I think it is awful that the kids were being pressed to finish – I would be on the phone to the district getting them to pay for the retake in June! Our district does not provide any of the transportation, DS will be driving himself. Did any of your kids take the Pre-ACT and if so did they comment on whether they were similar? DS aced the pre and therefore thinks he can ace the actual, we shall see.

He will be taking the SAT on the day of the Prom – it will make for a very long day

Weather:
It is sunny here and starting to warm up so I am passing this weather along to you all – you should start to see it in a day or two.

Parasailing:
We went when we were in Florida in Dec/Jan out on the Gulf Coast near Bradenton. The company we used is run by a family and given what it costs us for a family of 4, I think them folks are making some bucks! Between them they work 7 days a week for 11 months out of the year and then the entire family and crew go to the Bahamas for a month in Mid Jan-Mid Feb. Works for me!

Prama:
DS proudly announced last night that not only does he have his date but he is going to the prom with a group of 6 girls! I told DH they just wanted some arm candy! He is bragging that he has 6 dates! (Lord, help us)

He is wearing solid black with a solid black vest and a gold tie (not bow, just a regular straight tie). The jacket is a longer style with 2 buttons low on the lapels (he is so handsome in it) He says this way he will match with everyone!
They are planning a group picture – DS and his harem, this should be interesting.

Still working out transportation. I told him he could take the mini van but he is not sure he wants to chauffer 6 giggly girls around town. Best friends Land Rover won’t seat them all. Best Friends hubby works for an exotic car dealership, will talk with him to see if he can bring home the big Hummer or something and if he is willing to play chauffer…….. Or maybe a Mercedes sedan for DS and his date leaving the other 5 girls to sort it out – It is all up in the air right now.

His date’s Dad owns a mechanic shop and has done some trade work with a local florist. Dad will take care of the flowers, I will buy the picture packet and the kids are splitting the cost of the tickets $40 ea and will each buy their own dinner if they decide to go to dinner. Still not clear what is provided at the prom. It sounds like it will be snacks and dessert.

I have only read parts of the posts from the last few days – I will attempt to get caught up so I can be an informed poster. I did read something about paint ball, DS loves to play but that is a spendy hobby. All the courses here have closed except for one that is about 40 miles away. When DS was younger one of our friends built a course on their property but it has gone the wayside as the kids have gotten older. My DS is the only one that still plays. He was hoping to find a college with a paintball team!

Now that I have typed most of this 3 times, I must get back to work….

Have a great day and thanks again for the kind thoughts!
Melissa

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Good morning all! Looks like everyone is moving along on Prom and dare I say...weddings? LOL....you know, they say next to a girls wedding Prom is the biggest event ( not sure I agree, but) so these two go hand in hand.
Sandy so glad the limo was still there, our friends son had called and arranged one a few years back, thinking he hasd it all locked up, but forgot the minor detail of a credit card deposit.. yep, Prom rolls around, kids are waiting, no limo...finally they had to hop into various cars as no limos were to be had. We all learned from that one on the block!
Pam

These stories remind me that I was talking to a client here at the office yesterday and he is part-owner in a limo company.

He had a phone call this week from a mom who wanted the Stretch Hummer limo for her daughter's prom in May. He had to decline because it was already booked for that day. This mother could not understand why he wouldn't call the other party and explain to them that it was her daughter's prom and they could use a different vehicle. He explained that they had booked months ago and it was for a wedding. She was quite upset.

Can you say "helicopter mom"?

I thought all of you in your prom worlds would get a kick out of this.

 

[mamacatnv]

These stories remind me that I was talking to a client here at the office yesterday and he is part-owner in a limo company.

He had a phone call this week from a mom who wanted the Stretch Hummer limo for her daughter's prom in May. He had to decline because it was already booked for that day. This mother could not understand why he wouldn't call the other party and explain to them that it was her daughter's prom and they could use a different vehicle. He explained that they had booked months ago and it was for a wedding. She was quite upset.

Can you say "helicopter mom"?

I thought all of you in your prom worlds would get a kick out of this.

Sadly, I bet we all know at least one Mom who fits this scenario! Those Mom's scare me