Perfect Prom

What a production! I only wish I could see the performance! But moms aren't invited.

Like any great performance, it began weeks ago with behind the scenes preparations. First the costumes had to be carefully chosen and purchase (two prom dresses, equally cute but they had to be different). I threw out the idea that maybe they should find a dress that could be worn again, after the prom. The girls are sensible and agreed with my idea...hmm, who'da thunk? So instead of long formal strapless gowns, they decided on knee length, more classic style dresses. Nicole found a black dress and Ashley found a navy one. Great! Done? Nope...

Next the perfect shoes had to be found, which was no easy task. Nicole had to find the perfect color of red heals. Not just any red, but a deep rich red. And of course Ashley needed hot pink pumps. After a thorough search of all stores in the entire Portland Metro area, we ended up special ordering shoes in the perfect color! Whew! Done? Nope...

What else is needed? Accessories! But not just any accessories. The kind of accessories that require going to multiple stores to purchasing bracelets, necklaces and earrings, to match the exact color of the previously purchased shoes, all individually found at different stores. Seriously. Five accessories for two girls were purchased at no less than 5 stores! But the stores failed Ashley and she couldn't find the perfect hot pink and silver sparkly necklace. No problem. We headed to Michael's to purchase the crystal beads and supplies for Mom to craft the needed necklace. All items match perfectly and look great with their dresses and shoes. Done? Nope...

Seems like there's not much more to do except buy nylons, choose nail polish, and figure out hair styles and make up. Last night I helped the girls paint their fingernails and toenails in the perfect shades of polish. Today we finished their nails and began the beautification process! Nicole wanted straight hair and Ashley wanted curly. I helped them style their hair and my job was done until photo time!

The girls headed to a friend's house to finish getting ready with a group of girls who were going to dinner and to the prom in a group of about 20 kids. I met them to take some photos and off they drove.

A lot of time, money and effort went into this Perfect Prom. Ashley and Nicole never once expected anything from me. They were grateful and appreciative of everything I did and helped them do. It was my joy and pleasure to shop for all the "perfects" that they wanted. I am so proud of the beautiful young women they have become. I know they will have a wonderful and memorable time tonight at their prom. I'm lucky to have been a small part of the memory. (Love)

My perfect prom princesses:

WOU Scholarship!

Yay! Coley got a great Presidential Scholarship from Western! It's an academic scholarship that will pay for about %25 of her tuition for four years! Although Coley's scholarship isn't as massive as Ashley's, Brian reminded me that Ashley's college tuition/housing will cost more than Nicole's. And Nicole added that there are more students at Western and more competition for the money than at Eastern -Touche'!

Even though Nicole was offered the scholarship from Western, she hasn't decided where she will go to college. She is also considering UofO and PSU. Hopefully they will offer her academic scholarships as well!

I'm very proud of Nicole. She has worked hard and has always been an excellent student! I know there will be more money coming her way for college very soon. Like Ash, she has written many essays and applied for lots of scholarships. Our next step for Nicole is to revisit the colleges she's interested in and talk to advisors, pick out dorm preferences and make a final decision.

EOU Scholarship!

Yay! Ashley got a great Academic Scholarship to Eastern for almost 50% of her tuition for 4 years! I'm so proud of her! Her hard work has really "paid" off! She has been applying for many scholarships and there are many more she will try for. We can only hope for more money to roll in :)

Ashley, Brian and I visited Eastern Oregon University again this past weekend. Since we were there in August, during the warm part of the year (an understatement), we felt Ashley needed to visit when it was cold (another understatement) so she could see/feel what she would be in for next winter. Ashely made a 10am appointment with the Office of Admissions so we had to leave home at 4:30am to get there on time. We encountered some freezing fog going over the pass, but arrived just a few minutes late.

We took another campus tour, talked to people in various departments, including housing and financial aid, as well as speaking with an advisor. This time we paid better attention to the details! We ate lunch in the student cafeteria (not bad at all) and bought Ash an EOU sweatshirt at the bookstore (school colors: blue and gold -the same as NHS!). It was extremely cold there and snow covered much of the ground. Ashley was excited and so were we! Go Mountaineers!

We drove around the town several times and checked out the area. We even went to a little soda fountain-Hought's 24 Flavors. We got some great drinks there. Bri got an old fashioned soda and Ash and I got shakes that were extremely thick, but very yummy! After checking out the town, we were exhausted and crashed at a local motel, only to wake up to SNOW! We decided to take off early and get back over the pass before the weather worsened. We stopped to visit friends in Hermistion (The Anderson's) and ate lunch before the long trek back home. It was a great introduction to the cold weather and long drive to/from Eastern Oregon for Ashley.

It was a great experience and I think it solidified Ashley's choice in colleges. It was weird for us to just have one of the girls with us on a trip. It's the first time we've ever taken just one of the girls anywhere overnight. I'm glad we did this as it helped us focus on Ashley and this important decision about her future. (Live)