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

[Sandy V.]

Good morning, everyone.

FIL passed away yesterday. It's very sad, but actually a relief because he isn't in pain anymore. The only sore subject is that he was alone when he died, and I'll write more on the subject when I feel up to it . . . Right now I'm too angry and sad to think about it.

Horseshowmom, I thought of you yesterday. Congratulations to your DD on all of her accomplishments and good luck with the scholarship endeavors. I'm very happy that she's coming home today to be with you and your DH. I was up in Boulder helping DD load up a great deal of her belongings to take home from the dorm yesterday. We were about 1/2 way through when we learned of FIL's passing. Obviously, it did put a damper on things (and I hate moving in the first place anyway), but I did go out to lunch with DD and her boyfriend, and that was very pleasant. He is such a nice guy, and of course, my DD is wonderful.

Yes, Melissa, DS's prom is this Saturday. He is getting very excited. We pick up the tux on Friday. Today is haircut day. The limo guy called yesterday to finalize details, but I had too much on my mind to give him the info he needed, so he's calling back on Thursday. Everyone has paid up, so I am happy.

Your friends get to vacation in such great places - I'm jealous!! I think that I would "hate" them too. Glad to see that your DH is realizing that he needs to accrue some major "points" to get back into your good graces!

I think the funeral will be Monday (in Nebraska), so I think that we'll travel back on Sunday and return sometime on Tuesday.

Maleficient13, glad that you've joined us.

Pam - keep us up to date with what's going on in your world. Your DD's prom is this Saturday as well, isn't it? Oh, your carpets are clean now, aren't they? I could use that too. Any more word on your mother? I hope things are going smoothly in that area.

Well, I hope that everyone is well. Will check in throughout the day.

 

[horseshowmom]

Sandy V., I'm really sorry to hear about your FIL. As you said, at least he's out of pain now, but it's still hard to lose someone close.



DD and her BF surprised us last night. After he got out of school (he's a first year teacher at a high school about 30 miles south of her university), he went up to help her get her apartment cleaned up and everything packed in the car. She's just started having a little bit of trouble with her car (hopefully, just the battery but might be the starter), and he wanted to follow her home. They were able to get everything taken care of and got home about 9 p.m.

We were surprised to say the least. Suddenly, the Chihuahua jumped down off the back of the recliner and ran to the door barking. DH jumped up and ran to the back of the house (he was in his t-shirt and underwear ) leaving me to go to the door. Before I could get there, it opened (which concerned me a little bit ) and then we got a "Surprise!" We were glad to see both of them.

Now we're keeping our fingers crossed for the grades (won't know until Sunday night)...

 

[mamacatnv]

Oh Sandy, I am so sorry to hear of FIL passing and that the conditions were not ideal. Prays to you and your family

 

[mamacatnv]

Sandy, sounds like things are moving right along with Prom, is your DS excited? I know this sounds selfish, but I hope FIL plans don't put a damper on DS's activities and that everything works out for all of you.

My DS said on Monday all the kids were still dragging and now they are being immersed in AP exams - those poor kids!
The AP teachers hosted a home made breakfast for all the AP students on Monday to kick off AP exam week. DS said it was really good and of course they liked being treated special He said they had to carefully check their M&M pancakes since Mr. History & Spanish teachers were eating the M&M's and not putting them in the pancakes.

Horseshowmom:
I have all appendages crossed for your DDfor that scholarship. Typical teen, come in the door when least expected! Funny mental picture: DH in his underwear running to the back of the house leaving you and the Chihuahua to defend the realm! geeze, thanks Honey!

One of my son's AP teachers honeymooned at the Atlantis and said it was absolutely the best $$ he ever spent. My friend who went last week, her DH went to a conference in Orlando so his Co. picked up most of the tab for the 1st half of the trip, they left their teen at home and she said her DH found some pretty good room rates at the "beaches" or something which is the Atlantis equivalent of a WDW Value resort. I saw her Monday night and she was raving about it. My DH told me to look it up and get some pricing I told you he was trying to make points. He has always sworn he will not travel outside the country and you do need a passport to go to the Bahamas! I did look it up, the room rates for summer were not bad, it was the food and the airfare to get there that gets ya! Plus, I think you have to fly in one of those small crop duster type planes

Anyone hear from Pam lately? When is her Mother due in?
Pam if you are out there, were thinking about you and missing you.

Hey all, I have a super busy day - hope and pray your days go well. I catch up tomorrow morning. Sandy, here is another

Melissa

 

[ElizaB39]

Wow, so many things going on today and well a few days ago too, but it has been awhile since I posted.

Sandy, my sympathies on the loss of your FIL.

Mamacat, great prom review. Only one pic of the harem? Hmph!
I would also be peeved at my DH, .

Fingers crossed for the scholarship Horseshowmom.

FinfanPam, fingers crossed for the mother moving in activities. I just don't know what I would do. Blessings.

All is quiet on the middle school drama front, for now.

 

[horseshowmom]

All is quiet on the middle school drama front, for now.

Glad to hear it!

 

[FINFAN]

Hi everyone...so sorry I have been MIA, and just a quick post today...
Sandy... so sorry about your FIL, hang in there.
I ahve been thrown a curve ball with my mom's stuff, far more complicated than I thought and scrambling trying ot get things arranged and deal with Prom at the same time and 4, yes 4 track meets and DH gone all week...I don't even know what day this is.
Have to run and wash some clothes for DD as the only clean thing she has is her dress for tonight, nothing to change into..no firm plans for tomorrow and since nothing is concrete many of the kids are not allowed as the folks want to know upfront...(kind of like the chicken or the egg)so our place ends up being the spot after the limo tonight...sure...no problem...I am too tired to care. I figure they can't eat too much as they are hitting every drive thru possible in the Limo after the dance...so a case of pop,water and some chips...good to go.
Just finshed pressing DD's dress and getting disposable camera, filling out picture form ($65) but that is because Art Guy has 2 families so I needed large package for that, and the large package is 2 poses...reg package would be about $45, one pose.
DD is a mess...the curse hit today, ladies, you know what I mean...perfect timing...NOT! No sleep, 3 tests today...got the nails done, no tan, bought make-up but have not had a trial run so this will be interesting. It will be simple as there is no time for glamorous. Florist called yesterday, the VERY specific "black magic' rose DD personally went over to select for his flower, the batch that came in is horrible, must make 2nd choice. This was the final straw, DD lost it. It was the 1 thing she was so happy about ( besides her date) so, 14 florists later I find another newly delivered supply of black magic and hopefully it will look good today when I get it. This means I have to leave DD during her hair apt as the new florist is 20 minutes away, so keeping fingers crossed stylist is good...first time at this place. DD will have to eat while getting her hair done as the reports from our other HS ( they had Prom last Friday at the same banquet hall) were, pizza bites, stale mozzarella sticks and hockey puck chicken nuggets, remeber, tickets are $65 each...you think they could offer better food...no one ate, they were all starving. SO, since DD gets migranes, she will eat during hair.
Well ladies, I scanned the posts over the last week so I know I have left things out, I PROMISE I will update after the weekend....just no more time today...thanks for the kind thoughts on my mom/situation...it's is going to be challenging for sure, and now my Dad is in the picture...another one unalble to travel, be left alone....one day at a time...one day at a time....
IT'S PROM DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

The AP teachers hosted a home made breakfast for all the AP students on Monday to kick off AP exam week. DS said it was really good and of course they liked being treated special He said they had to carefully check their M&M pancakes since Mr. History & Spanish teachers were eating the M&M's and not putting them in the pancakes.

Horseshowmom:
Funny mental picture: DH in his underwear running to the back of the house leaving you and the Chihuahua to defend the realm! geeze, thanks Honey!

Melissa

Frankly, I had the same thoughts about my DH. Especially considering the fact that while I did have on a t-shirt and shorts, I did NOT have on a bra, and I'm more than ample in that area . Not to fear though, the Chihuahua is one tough little joker!

 

[horseshowmom]

DD is a mess...the curse hit today, ladies, you know what I mean...perfect timing...NOT! No sleep, 3 tests today...got the nails done, no tan, bought make-up but have not had a trial run so this will be interesting. It will be simple as there is no time for glamorous.

Florist called yesterday, the VERY specific "black magic' rose DD personally went over to select for his flower, the batch that came in is horrible, must make 2nd choice. This was the final straw, DD lost it. It was the 1 thing she was so happy about ( besides her date) so, 14 florists later I find another newly delivered supply of black magic and hopefully it will look good today when I get it.

DD will have to eat while getting her hair done as the reports from our other HS ( they had Prom last Friday at the same banquet hall) were, pizza bites, stale mozzarella sticks and hockey puck chicken nuggets, remeber, tickets are $65 each...you think they could offer better food...no one ate, they were all starving. SO, since DD gets migranes, she will eat during hair.

Tell your DD that she has our complete sympathy! DD has had that pop up at inopportune times (like major competitions), and it can be a pain (she also used to have the severe headaches, but they're much better now, thank goodness).

I'm also sorry to hear about the rose but am glad you were able to find a replacement. It's always so much worse when everything starts to go wrong at the last minute.

That is outrageous that these kids have to pay that much and that's all they get (even if it were great tasting, that's still a rip-off). For $65, they ought to be better taken care of than that.

I hope everything goes great tonight. DD's BF's little brother has his prom tonight too. They're getting a limo, and DD and BF laughed and said they ought to use it while the kids were in the prom (just ride around). I think little brother vetoed that idea.

Let us know how things go!

 

[mamacatnv]

Good Morning - First I thought I would share this with some great Mom's I have gotten to know in the past couple of months - Lift your glasses for a toast and don't forget the kleenex............Happy Mothers Day


This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in
their arms, wiping up barf laced with Oscar Mayer wieners and cherry
Kool-Aid saying, "It's okay honey, Mommy's here."

Who have sat in rocking chairs for hours on end soothing crying babies who
can't be comforted.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with spit-up in their hair
and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.

For all the mothers who run carpools and make cookies and sew Halloween
costumes. And all the mothers who DON'T.

This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see. And the
mothers who took those babies and gave them homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections are hanging on their
refrigerator doors. A nd for all the mothers who froze their buns on metal
bleachers at football or soccer games instead of watching from the warmth of their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me, Mom?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and mean it.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their kids in the grocery store and
swat them in despair when they stomp their feet and scream for ice cream
before dinner. And for all the mothers who count to ten instead, but realize
how child abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children and explained
all about making babies. And for all the (grand) mothers who wanted to, but
just couldn't find the words.

This is for all the mothers who go hungry, so their children can eat. For
all the mothers who read "Goodnight, Moon" twice a night for a year. And
then read it again. "Just one more time."

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces
before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro
instead.

This is for all the mothers who teach their sons to cook and their daughters
to sink a jump shot.

This is for every mother whose head turns automatically when a little voice
calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at
home or even away at college.

This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomachaches
assuring them they'd be just FINE once they got there, only to get calls
from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up.
Right away.

This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can't find the
words to reach them.

This is for all the step-mothers who raised another woman's child or
children, and gave their time, attention, and love... sometimes totally
unappreciated!

For all the mothers who bite their lips until they bleed when their
14-year-olds dye their hair green.

For all the mothers of the victims of recent school shootings, and the
mothers of those who did the shooting.

For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their
TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.

This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peaceful, and
now pray they come home safely from a war.

What makes a good Mother anyway? Is it patience? Compassion? Broad hips? The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at
the same time? Or is it in her heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time? The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 A.M. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?

The panic, years later, that comes again at 2 A.M. when you just want to
hear their key in the door and know they are safe again in your home? Or the
need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news
of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?

The emotions of motherhood are universal and so our thoughts are for young
mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation...and mature
mothers learning to let go.

For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.

Single mothers and married mothers.

Mothers with money, mothers without.

This is for you all.

For all of us.

Hang in there.

In the end we can only do the best we can.

Tell them every day that we love them.

And pray.



"Home is what catches you when you fall - and we all fall."

 

[mamacatnv]

Pam - 14 florists - you get the Mom of the Day award! Hope the flowers are what DD was looking for. Have a wonderful afternoon getting DD all ready, it all sounds so exciting!
Sounds like you will have a house full of teens tonight, I think you have it covered.
I hope your DD has a great time and can't wait to hear all about it.
Hang in there with all the issues with your parents

Horseshowmom:
Just laughing at the picture of your Chihuahua - grrrrrrrrrr

Sandy: Hope all is well and that things are moving right along for DS's big night. Hope you get a chance to catch up soon, things are probably very hectic for you right now, hang in there

Happy Mothers Day ladies! Cheers....

 

[mamacatnv]

Well, how did it go????????

Sandy, you are probably out of town, update us when you can.

Pam??????????????? Flowers, dresses, tux, events?????????????

Inquiring minds are dying to know.



Did everyone have a nice Mothers Day?

My request of my family was to get the front yard weeded, cleaned up and planted for the summer. Every bone and muscle in my body hurts but the yard looks great, even my fingernails hurt to type.

My DD along with 2 of the neighbor girls planted about 6 flats of flowers (petunias), while DS dug out a small flower/shrub bed and put in a brick barrior, we then planted some annuals & perennials.

DH, who I swear has A.D.D. started a number of things including taking the storm door apart to clean it. He only finished the storm door after I threw a fit! We finished the day at Jack in the Box! I was too tired and grubby to drive into town for dinner.

Great day!

 

[horseshowmom]

I had a great weekend (had my fingers crossed for FINFAN's DD and the prom this weekend ).

We decided to have Mother's Day weekend (instead of just Mother's Day ), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Friday night we (us, DD, and her BF) went to the new Santa Fe Cattle Company that just opened (and LOVED it!). Saturday, DD cleaned the house for me. We picked up Krispy Kreme chocolate covered donuts for breakfast before church, and afterwards, DH, DD, and BF prepared a huge breakfast for me for lunch (my request, I love breakfast ). It was wonderful!

Afterwards, I had a long, luxurious nap. MamacatNV, you make me almost ashamed of myself (almost ).

BF's mother had to work that day , so they didn't go up there until later on in the day after she got off. Then, they had to round up the colts that had gotten out into the big pasture (with DD in flipflops ).

 

[mamacatnv]

I had a great weekend (had my fingers crossed for FINFAN's DD and the prom this weekend ).

Me too, they were crossed so hard they cramped!

We decided to have Mother's Day weekend (instead of just Mother's Day ), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Friday night we (us, DD, and her BF) went to the new Santa Fe Cattle Company that just opened (and LOVED it!).

Is it like a steak place?

Saturday, DD cleaned the house for me.

Does she need my address?

We picked up Krispy Kreme chocolate covered donuts for breakfast before church, and afterwards, DH, DD, and BF prepared a huge breakfast for me for lunch (my request, I love breakfast ). It was wonderful!

Breakfast food is my fav too! I love, love, love Country sausage, sour dough toast and country gravy!

Afterwards, I had a long, luxurious nap. MamacatNV, you make me almost ashamed of myself (almost ).
Then, they had to round up the colts that had gotten out into the big pasture (with DD in flipflops ).

No worries about the nap - remember I am the original member of the Pajama Sunday club! My best friend who lives next door, took 3 naps yesterday! I think overall you were deprived of an additional nap.

Pasture, flip flops, that would so be me! Except, I would be standing around watching someone else chase the big beasts!

 

[FINFAN]

I'm BAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello to all....Prom was a HUGE success!
Where do I begin...first off, again to Sandy, so sorry for your loss, I am thinking of you and sending . I sure hope your DS enjoyed his Prom as much as DD did. I have now witnessed the importance of "who" the group is. 2/3 of DD's group was wild, nutty, insane and it made the night! I picked up her pictures from during the dance...the throw away camera type...OMG...they are hilarious! I can relax knowing that DD has a fun side...and that she is not as "prudish" as she appears. As bad as this sounds, DH and I were getting a little concerned, that she woud be eaten up alive at college, but looks like she can hold her own!
O.K. TIMELEINE:
Grabbed DD from school during 8th period..that is the only time she sees Art Guy, so she was not thrilled, but priorities..that hair was not going into an up-do by itself! Was a little concerned over the whole "must attend all classes" thing, but took the gamble and had DD take the dismissal note signed by the guidance office with her to the dance...just in case.
Now...the issue of the garter is still out there...I had run to Hobby Lobby to one for each of the girls in the group as we figured better to have and not want, than to want and not have. DD caved and decided fine, but then wanted to personalize it for Art Guy...so luckily we pass right by Hobby Lobby from school to Salon...so DD and I bolt in there, she grabs a guitar charm and one that says 2007, some black ribbon and and are off. DD has to quick change into a button blouse from T-shirt so she can not mess the updo, I grab my sewing kit and we are off. Get to the salon, DD heads to her chair, I head to mine and start sewing the garter..felt a little stupid, but what are you gonna do?
LOVED the girl who did the updo...this was our first time to this salon and she was really good, and so nice to talk with and put DD at ease. Charge...$55..around here that is low, so I was extremely pleased. I have photos, but am waiting upon DD's photoshop skills to remove faces...I don't have permission from the other parents to post their kids on here, so you guys will have to fill in the blanks...but as soon as I can I will post.
So, from hair we go to get the flowere...remember the flower? I was so worried that the Black Magic was not really going to be what DD wanted, but she said it was fine...edges were not as dark as she would've liked, but it was a pretty deep red, and very velvety, so we were good to go. SOOOOOO, we get home, DD grabs an egg roll and gets her stuff together...in between I call up, do you have your ID? TICKET? Like, a gazillion times. Finally after tapping my foot forever, I ask does she plan on putting any make-up on? Art Guy will be here in about 15 minutes! So she allows eye lashes to be curled, slightest of black eyeliner, violet/glitter near the corners ( apparently Art Guy likes violet for a real color, for clothes, mostly black) and a little blush. Good thing because there is no time for anything else. She gives the thumbs up on the face and goes to get the dress on. well ladies, out comes a grown up girl, not my normal sweat wearing, goin' fishing, horse riding little artist. I seriously had to do a double take.And then the moment was gone...DING -DONG! Art Guy is here, and does he look sharp! Awesome tux, very hip, and the two look as if they had gone shopping together ! I couldn't have matched them as well as they did, and they did it without knowing!
Art Guys family is so very nice and fun, and Grandma was along..she had been watching Art Guy and his brother while his folks were in Paris ( they had just returned the evening before and were wiped)anyway, his step mom wanted to explain about the flowers...uh-oh...Art Guy loooked so bummed...the deep red ones he had ordered did not come in..sound familiar? And he was so disappointed...so we explained what had happened to us...so there was a cute memory for them. DD's nosegay was beautiful all the same, she loved/loves it...is drying it out for a keepsake.
O.K. Take our photos, and then head to the neightbors where we see the Limo...it is white with a black roof...again, DD and Art Guy are thrilled...it totally matched their outfits!
Girls are giggling, etc., and then one says, I wish we had gotten garters...TA-DAHHHHH...I hand them out, the run into the house to put them on, get the photo of them showing them off ( ahem, one mom was not too thrilled that the heathen in me had just given her DD a garter...but oh well!) DD was so happy that I had grabbed them, I was given a hug! Made my week! Art Guy also enjoyed his little souvineer, but DD took it off and handed it to him, not him getting it on his own.;, they did this after the dance, but typed it here)
Kids hopped into the Limo..and were off!
About 1 a.m. I hear the garage go up, and I was expecting the kids, but they were so silly! Came in carrying White Castles, Steak and Shake, Mc D's. They hung around 'till about 3:30...then slowly one by one departed. Art Guys dad got him sometime between 3:30 and 4...DD was crashing ( remember, she was up at 5:45 for school and the curse) she heads to bed, I head to bed, no sooner does my head hit the pillow and the phone rings..( now keep in mind my mom's health, late night calls are always scary)it was Art Guy.....could he talk to DD...sure...so I have no idea how long that call lasted, I crashed.
Only to be awakened by our next door neighbor having her roof redone! 7 A.M.!!!!!!!! I could not believe it! So I had about 3 hours sleep, and I was not "cheerful", and am not a morning person to be begin with. DD slept 'till Art Guy called, about 11:30 and the plans began for the rest of the weekend. Somewhere along the way DD filled me in that she and Art Guy are offiicial, and she is thrilled...I guess that was the 4 a.m. call I wa enlisted to do the driving for the days activities ( remember, 3 hours sleep, so not so peppy) kids played Whirlyball..it is like bumper cars and a small lacross net, you scoop a ball and toss it itnoto a net like on a basket ball court. They had fun, then BBQ at our house ( again, my house? ) and then off to mini golf and go karts. The the gorup disolved and just DD and Art guy to our house to lay low, video games etc.
So, a success...the kids had a ball, pictures came out really nice...and need to see the ones form the other parents...but so far, looking good.
So, I promise I will have pictures eventually...but DD had a blast, said the best dance ever, said the food was even good...not what they heard it was going to be, but egg rolls, ribs, many of DD's favorites so she did eat.and this was Art Guys first dance ever,( what a way to get thrown into it) he loved it...and she is definitely planning to go again next year. So, DD's first instinct to say no to Jerk and stick to her guns and ask Art Guy...wait, that would be BF now..... .....was right on target. I am so proud of her.
So there you have it...and a Happy Belated Mom's day to all....I caught up on some sleep, repaired DD's black cowboy hat that had gotten beat up...OHHH, Art Guys folks brought him the coolest hat back from Paris, so now he and DD are quite the hat pair. It's fun!
Now I am off to catch up on life before my mom arrives..that is a whole 'nother thread that I just do not have the energy to get into...se is due to arrive Friday, if she can make it. Otherwise my brother will go and get her next week. My Dad is not doing well at all, to me she should just stay and have the surgery in Fl., but we are relaly not sure if she will make it through and I know she desperately wants to see everyone prior to the actual surgery, knowing it may not go well.
O.K. Ladies/Lushettes....Iwill check back to see how you all are doing, Horsehowmom, sound like a great weekend! We ahve put off Mom's day here until my mom arrives, but maybe I will steal some of your celebration, like the chocolate donuts and DD cleaning the house!
Sandy...YOUR TURN! We need the update on DS!
Melissa, any harem photos to share? Like us, fine w/out the faces, but those dresses and tux sounded so glamorous! And thanx for the Mom's day post...loved it!




PAM

 

[Sandy V.]

Well, I am back . . . glad to see that everyone is doing well.

Prom is over (great success) , funeral is over (things went fine), and we are back home now. I haven't cleaned out the car yet or done the laundry, but I'll get to it eventually today. It's more fun to type right now.

Melissa, thanks for sharing the Mother's Day thoughts. That was great!! I can only hope that we get our lawn spruced up, although we DID get things mowed on Saturday as our house was "Prom Picture Central". It wasn't SUPPOSED to be, but I'll explain later as to the turn of events.

Horseshowmom, it sounds like you had a pampered Mother's Day weekend. Good for you! I love breakfast foods too - it's my favorite meal much of the time. You made me smile about the post talking about your DH watching tv in his underwear and "bolting" when the doorbell rang. My DH wears a suit most of the time, so he does the same thing after dinner (he would be horrified if he knew I was telling you this ).

Pam, you did a wonderful job of telling your DD's prom "story". You and Melissa are hard acts to follow, so I can only hope that I can live up to the high expectations set for me. I am so happy for your DD and her new boyfriend! It's so refreshing to have things turn out well. It sounds like everything ran so smoothly and everyone looked so nice. If you can post a picture or two, that would be nice.

Okay, where do I start? Well, let's see. Saturday was a busy day as DH and I had errands to run in the morning. It was a mild and beautiful day, but the sky started getting progressively darker, which didn't bode well for the prom gathering at 4:45 at MY house. Which wasn't supposed to happen. The pictures were supposed to be taken at "M"'s house, who was one of the girls that was riding in the limo. Since my FIL had died, we wanted ONE LESS THING to have to deal with here. Well, "M" and her boyfriend BROKE UP on Thursday morning before Saturday's prom!!! Great. Just great. Well, boyfriend is a distant friend of DS's, and he was the one that paid for the limo, and fortunately he asked another girl on Thursday night and she accepted (yes!) so we still had 6 kids for the limo. Crisis averted. Since I was the one doing all of the arrangements, we just decided to bite the bullet and do pictures here. I had Friday, Monday, and Tuesday off for funeral leave, so I spent Friday cleaning the house so that the dust bunnies wouldn't show in the photos on the stairs in my foyer and living room.

Back to Saturday. DD mowed the lawn while DS mopped the floors and vacuumed (I have trained these two well). DS cleaned out his car and started getting ready around 3:30 or so. It's not as much fun to "dress" a boy - you don't have the hair and nail thing going on and he doesn't want me in the bathroom when he's doing his "primping". But, he did look VERY handsome in his tux (black with black vest and black bow tie). Girlfriend got here about 5 minutes before the others. She looked beautiful - she is Japanese-American with gorgeous dark hair and eyes, and she wore a strapless black dress with silver sequins sewn in rows around the top of her dress (her mother put them on the dress). Had never met the parents; they seemed very nice and were very excited about prom. Plus, the night before, Girlfriend's dad gave DS $100 to help defray prom costs and buy dinner. That was very nice of them!! We started taking the "usual" photos where they are putting corsages on each other. Luckily no blood was spilled. Everyone else arrived shortly thereafter. Meanwhile, the sky is starting to get darker as all of the parents are taking taking photos inside. The limo arrives - black with black top - very nice. Lorenzo, our friendly limo driver, comes to the door just as it starts to lightning and thunder. He gets back into the car just as it starts to POUR. Oh well, so much for any "limo pictures" this year. There is a mad scramble for umbrellas for the couples (fortunately, we find enough for everyone). The kids hug us goodbye and make a mad dash for the limo. DH does run out with them and grabs a few shots of the kids in the limo, so we did get SOMETHING. Another set of parents stayed and we all enjoyed a glass of wine while they waited out the rain.

DS had a wonderful time at the prom. In fact, he told me that it was one of the best nights of his life. Which is a wonderful thing for a parent to hear. They went to Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for dinner in south Denver. DS had crab legs, which is his absolute favorite thing in the world. He was so proud of himself that he didn't spill a SINGLE drop of butter on his tux or shirt! Girlfriend made a "bib" for him, so that helped. After dinner, they headed to the prom, which was a little "slow" when they got there but things picked up shortly. Apparently, at our school, prom goes from 7:30 to 11:30 but kids don't normally show up until around 9:00. Which, considering they pay $50 bucks a couple, I'd want to get my money's worth, but whatever . . .

DS said that the DJ played a lot of good music and they had a great time. Danced a lot. The limo brought the kids back to our house to change clothes DH said he heard them at around 12:30, but they were very quiet so that was a good thing. DS drove himself and Girlfriend to the high school for After-Prom. They played blackjack and other casino games, had their caricatures done, played other midway-like games and DS "won" Girlfriend a large stuffed bunny, which she loved. When After-Prom ended at 5:00 a.m., the group went to Girlfriend's house where her parents made breakfast (better them than me; I am NOT a morning person!!!) DS walked in the door at 6:15, hugged me (I was up making coffee in anticipating of getting on the road to go back to Nebraska for the funeral ), got out of his tux and crawled into bed for a few hours.

The next few hours were a crazy blur. We threw some things into suitcases and our dress clothes in a garment bag and left the house at 9:45 to go to my friend Jeanette's house to drop off DS's tux so she can take it back to the rental place since it won't be open until later today. Now THAT'S a good friend. We folded down one of the seats in the SUV and made DS a bed so he could sleep much of the way. Then we were off on a 9 hour drive back to the funeral.

4 or 5 hours into the trip, DS received a text message from Girlfriend telling him that she had an awesome time last night, that he spoils her, and that she just doesn't deserve him, and that she hopes he gets some rest. Awww . . . what a nice thing to do.

As for the funeral, things went fine. The hardest part for DH was the actual visitation that evening when we first got there, which I completely understand because it really drives home the fact that he's "gone". My dad died when I was 9 and my mom when I was 30 so I detest funerals and I don't go anywhere near the body in the casket, although I know some people need that "closure". (I hope I don't offend anybody who reads this). It was sad and yet healing at the same time. Saw a lot of relatives and family friends that we hadn't seen in a while. Makes you think about your own mortality (hope I'm not being too morbid). DH's nephew is getting married in July, so we're looking forward to going back for a HAPPY reason then.

DS has some awesome friends. All day Monday, they kept texting him and saying things like, "We're sorry and we're thinking about you." What thoughtful kids.

Anyhow, got home mid-day today and decided I could spend some time on the computer instead of doing laundry and hitting the grocery store before the lacrosse banquet tonight. I'm glad I spent the time typing this out, although I did get paranoid about losing it so I typed it in Word just in case!!

I hope that everyone is doing well. I am going to take some time later today to download the photos, so MAYBE I will get one posted later this afternoon.

It's good to be back!! Thank you EVERYONE for the well-wishes and kind thoughts. They are very appreciated. Pam, I hope that everything turns out okay with your parents. I know that it can be very stressful.

 

[mamacatnv]

Sandy & Pam - awesome reports - I am swamped today and don't have time for a detailed post but wanted you both to know I saw them and am glad you are all back safe and sound.

Horseshowmom - Grades? Scholarship?


Back at you all tomorrow

Melissa

 

[FINFAN]

YAY SANDY!!!!!!!! We have the Trifecta now...3 successful Proms!
Yes, I am totally on board with you on the outlook of funerals...fortunately my mom wishes to be cremated, but my Dad, Military and bronze star recipient will have the whole Military service...I can't even think about these things....so back to Prom,
Yes, awesome GF and friends your DS has, and kudos to the dad for the $100!
You did a great job telling us, I cuold picture the scene, downpour and all. Maybe the fact that our skies are derkening right now helped me w/a visual, but I can just see the scramble for the limo, umbrellas, dresses grabbed up...ooohhhh and Pappadeaux...yum! Your DS and my DD get awards, him for no butter and DD for no rib sauce spills! The friend who endured the breakup...wow...that's rough, glad he found a date. DD said someone in her 7th period class was asked right then and there, at about 12:30 p.m. and Prom started at 7...and she said yes! Now that is a girl who has confidence ( and probably an older sister who had a dress, shoes, jewelry...etc.)
The key is they all said they had fun , can't beat that!
Well the skies have opened up...and here I am without a van...it si at it's home away from home...AKA the auto shop...sucking another $600 out of me. DS will get out of school in 5 minutes and be a drowned rat, plus he is deathly afraid of tornadoes/storms...poor kid, I can't pick him up! Ohhh now it is really coming down, I will have to try to get to him at least with an umbrella, the bus stop is pretty far. Bye ladies!

 

[horseshowmom]

Is it like a steak place?

That's exactly what it is - kind of like a Lonestar Steakhouse. The steaks were wonderful! They have buckets of peanuts on the table, and you throw the hulls in the floor.

My mother said something the other day about being in a restaurant like that somewhere in FL (they're retired there and don't usually eat in that kind of restaurant). She couldn't believe that they were supposed to throw the hulls in the floor! She said that she just put hers on the table.

in between I call up, do you have your ID? TICKET? Like, a gazillion times.

I do the same thing!

well ladies, out comes a grown up girl, not my normal sweat wearing, goin' fishing, horse riding little artist. I seriously had to do a double take.And then the moment was gone...DING -DONG! Art Guy is here, and does he look sharp! Awesome tux, very hip, and the two look as if they had gone shopping together !

Sounds wonderful!

O.K. Take our photos, and then head to the neightbors where we see the Limo...it is white with a black roof...again, DD and Art Guy are thrilled...it totally matched their outfits!

After all of her worrying about the dress looking "old"!

Art Guys dad got him sometime between 3:30 and 4...DD was crashing ( remember, she was up at 5:45 for school and the curse) she heads to bed, I head to bed, no sooner does my head hit the pillow and the phone rings..( now keep in mind my mom's health, late night calls are always scary)it was Art Guy.....could he talk to DD...sure...so I have no idea how long that call lasted, I crashed.

Somewhere along the way DD filled me in that she and Art Guy are offiicial, and she is thrilled...I guess that was the 4 a.m. call

Don't you love it! Isn't young love grand?

So, a success...the kids had a ball, pictures came out really nice...and need to see the ones form the other parents...but so far, looking good.
So, I promise I will have pictures eventually...but DD had a blast, said the best dance ever, said the food was even good...not what they heard it was going to be, but egg rolls, ribs, many of DD's favorites so she did eat.and this was Art Guys first dance ever,( what a way to get thrown into it) he loved it...

A resounding success, I would say!

So, DD's first instinct to say no to Jerk and stick to her guns and ask Art Guy...wait, that would be BF now..... .....was right on target. I am so proud of her.

And I'm sure she sees how right she was too! Good for her!

Horseshowmom, You made me smile about the post talking about your DH watching tv in his underwear and "bolting" when the doorbell rang. My DH wears a suit most of the time, so he does the same thing after dinner (he would be horrified if he knew I was telling you this ).

Mine probably wouldn't be too thrilled either, now that you mention it!

But, he did look VERY handsome in his tux (black with black vest and black bow tie). Girlfriend got here about 5 minutes before the others. She looked beautiful - she is Japanese-American with gorgeous dark hair and eyes, and she wore a strapless black dress with silver sequins sewn in rows around the top of her dress (her mother put them on the dress).

Sounds wonderful!

Had never met the parents; they seemed very nice and were very excited about prom. Plus, the night before, Girlfriend's dad gave DS $100 to help defray prom costs and buy dinner. That was very nice of them!!

I agree, that was very considerate of them to thing about it. I'm sure that helped out some. They sound like nice folks!

DS had a wonderful time at the prom. In fact, he told me that it was one of the best nights of his life. Which is a wonderful thing for a parent to hear.

Gotta love that!

As for the funeral, things went fine. The hardest part for DH was the actual visitation that evening when we first got there, which I completely understand because it really drives home the fact that he's "gone". My dad died when I was 9 and my mom when I was 30 so I detest funerals and I don't go anywhere near the body in the casket, although I know some people need that "closure". (I hope I don't offend anybody who reads this).

I try to avoid going near the body myself, so you're not alone. When the people file by the casket at the end of the funeral, I usually discreetly go out the back.

I'm sorry for your DH. My DH's parents are getting pretty old, and I know how hard it will hit him when the time comes. You have my sympathy.

DS has some awesome friends. All day Monday, they kept texting him and saying things like, "We're sorry and we're thinking about you." What thoughtful kids.

Obviously, some good kids!

 

[horseshowmom]

Horseshowmom - Grades? Scholarship?

She got her grades last night, and she got another 4.0 , so that's a 4.0 for the two years she's been in school. All of the professors she contacted enthusiastically agreed to serve as references for the scholarship that she's applying for, so now we have to wait for July (fingers crossed ).