GRADUATION!!!

The big celebration has come and gone, but not without great excitement and anticipation prior, tremendous laughter and pride during, and much thankfulness and exhaustion after.

Graduation was fun. I am so proud of the girls and all they have accomplished. The party was a blast and lots of great friends and family joined us in celebrating Ashley and Nicole! I made a slide show and gave the girls photo books of their lives thus far, which I think they loved! The food was awesome-Grandma should open a catering service. I couldn't have done it without her! I mean, who else has slow roasted pulled pork sandwiches at a high school graduation shin dig? Thanks Grandma Carolyn (oh and Grandpa helped too...thanks Big L)!

After everyone went home and the clean up was done (thank you Laurie!), we were exhausted! But it was all worth the smiles on my girls! They deserved every bit of it!

The countdown began several months ago and continues to be posted on our front door. Guests chuckle and ask me if I am counting the days until they leave, but in actuality, it is the girls who began the countdown and keep track of the ever-changing numbers. Although I am eager and excited to see what the future holds for each of my children, as the time closes in on the inevitable move-out dates, I get a little more emotional and know that I will miss my girls when they are gone...but that doesn't mean I don't want them to go :)

Brandon says he won't miss his sisters and is excited about his new freedom, space and food! Dad pointed out that he shouldn't get too excited as now he has both his parents able to devote all of their time and energy on one kid instead of three....look out Brandon :)

....Graduation Weekend!!! (live, live, laugh)

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.

I am Proud of My Kids!

My kids are the best kids in the world. People have often told me that teenagers are difficult and are cause for much worry, heartache, and grief to parents. I believe the exact opposite! I think parents are the source of the grief and heartache! My teens are just who I raised them to be...respectful, loving, kind, and wonderful! I think it's important to listen to my kids without judgement and tell them often that I am proud of them (not their achievements), and to love them unconditionally. They deserve my respect for their decisions and privacy. Most importantly, I try not to manipulate my kids! My kids rock! Check out my Picasa Web Album (My Kids Rock) and you will see how awesome they are for yourself...it's so obvious how much they love life! (Love)