Three posts in one: Prom, Life is Good, and FINALLY!

2008 Senior Prom

Last night was the Senior Prom. Alyssa went with a group of friends, choosing not to have a date, but rather to enjoy the evening with everyone in her class. She's funny like that - no date just for appearance sake. She'd rather go solo than spend the night with someone she didn't like in the dating sense. I was proud of her for going alone - I don't know if I would have had the courage to do that when I was in high school.

It seems like this spring has been  All About Alyssa, and to a degree, that is true. Being a senior is not only a big deal (and a lot of work) for the senior, but it is also a big deal (and a lot of work) for the mom. I keep telling myself that this happens only once and that I will survive the stress and the crazy days of activity and frenzy - and as the temperatures reached almost 100 degrees yesterday, with a humidity level of what felt like a bazillion degrees, I kept reminding myself that the heat would serve as an added memory to Prom Day as we dealt with the manicure, the pedicure, the hair and the make up, all of which I was just sure would wilt and melt in the heat.

But when all was said and done, Alyssa's Senior Prom was a success and my beautiful daughter looked every bit the mature young woman she has grown to be. I was a tad bit overcome with emotion as I helped her prepare for her final high school prom. The thought foremost in my mind was that I hoped she was able to create last minute memories with the friends she will soon be saying good-bye to. I think she had fun... at least that is the impression I got this morning. Her hair is still "up" today, meaning it didn't fall apart in the heat; her make up is gone, but it still looked fresh (and only a tiny bit shiny) when she returned home after the dance. So all in all, I'm saying hooray! We did it. One more senior activity behind us and one more memory to place in the treasure box inside my heart.

Here is a peek at her dress and hair before the big event:

And this:

I love this picture of Alyssa and her friends. They look so happy and carefree. If I didn't know the inside scoop (the mean girl story), I would not have any inkling that weeks of drama and stress ensued leading up the the Senior Prom. And if a picture is worth a thousand words, I think it is safe to say that the girls were able to put the drama behind them as they had the time of their life the night of the dance.

Life is Good!

YEE-HAW! My mom arrives tomorrow [:smiley face:]. I've, i.e., the house, has been ready for her since Friday, in spite of the fact that my week went to hell in a hand-basket as we weathered a storm and no power, an entire day of medical appointments, and another day of errands that seemed to never end in the oppressive heat and humidity. It's a wonder I got anything done at all, because, after all... it was Prom Week, and for those who have never had a high school senior, know this: everything stops as the world revolves around the student attending the prom, thus, anything else on the agenda becomes secondary. It's a wonder I didn't strangle said senior, and it's a true miracle that Alyssa and I managed to make it through the week with only one or two snipes!

I am so excited to see my mom. She will be here for an entire week before the rest of the family begin to arrive. Our plans for those days include lunches, shopping, lots of chatting and playing, in addition to a Senior Awards Assembly and a "secret" banquet given by the Ruritan Club honoring Alyssa and other students receiving scholarships (Alyssa does not yet know she has won this scholarship - thus, the secret).

And FINALLY...

Some may remember that Alyssa was in a car accident last October - an accident that totaled my SUV. Since that time we have been a four driver family with only one car. To say it's been a trial would not begin to express the test this has been on my patience. Not a day has gone by that someone has not asked me if I've replaced the MDX (my friends knowing that the level of my patience was being sorely tested). And for the past six months, my answer has been, "that's a bad subject."

Well... I am pleased to announce that as of yesterday (the day that Alyssa foolishly thought was all about her, but turned into to being quite a lot about ME!), I am now the proud owner of a Ruby Red 2005 Volvo S60. And although I usually don't get all worked up about material things, this is one material thing that I am thrilled with. I've been happy dancing for the past 24 hours, and every time I see the car in the garage, or drive it [on sometimes unnecessary errands], I have to pinch myself in order to believe that I FINALLY have a new car. One thing I can now say unequivocally is that it was worth the wait - I am having a love affair with my new car. Once my mom arrives, I will ask her to take a picture of me and Ruby Red so I can post it as part of this long awaited celebration.

In looking back over the last few days and weeks, I can't believe that it's here... Alyssa's graduation - the event that will reunite my extended family once again; the event that I've been preparing for since September. I still find it hard to believe that *I* am the parent of a senior. And I can't get over the fact that my little girl is all grown up. I keep wondering where the time went... how did it pass so quickly... and what am I going to do when she leaves for college?

These are questions I will probably be asking for the next year. And since I don't think the answers will be forthcoming for quite some time, I have decided to sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment because tomorrow kicks off the BIG EVENT!

Comments

[Tiffany]

Congrats to Alyssa on prom (she looked beautiful!), graduation & the scholarship!!! Great job, Mom!!! ;-) Kelly, I am glad you finally got your new car too. :-D Can't wait to see the pics.

[Carla S.]

Kelly, I'm so glad Alyssa's senior year is ending on such a high note. She is stunning! A few weeks ago I thought I saw your son John in the city...had to get close to decide it wasn't him! Enjoy your time with your mom and I can't wait to see the pix of your new ride!! I miss you!

[KIP]

Good for you, getting a new car, you certainly deserve it kiddo!! Your daughter looks georgous too! Have a wonderful time with your mom as I know you've been looking forward to it for a long time. Hugs.

Kip

[Heather]

Loving the dresses! And while I did homecoming the way Alyssa and her friends did, no way did I have the courage to do prom that way. I asked a good friend of mine who was already in college to be my date for the evening -- and we had a good time.

So hoping you guys are having a great time visiting. ..can't wait to hear about Alyssa's award!

[slammie]

Alyssa and her friends are gorgeous in their dresses! Good for them for going to prom to have fun! Congratulations to her on her award (does she not read your blog?!? LOL)!!!! YAY for your new ride! Can't wait to see a picture!

Tell your mom to bring you some of our weather! I'm DONE with it!

[Kirsten]

Okay, I have to tell you, I remember that accident, and I shared it with my (just started driving at that time so it scared me) son. Good story for him to read, and luckily it had a somewhat happy ending - finally a new car! Mama visits are always good...and what a beautiful group of girls!

[Donna]

Happy, Happy, Happy,!!!! I'm so glad you have had such a good week, humidity, heat, power and all. Alyssa looks absolutely lovely and the girls together look wonderful! I agree, I don't know if I'd have the same where with all to go to the prom alone. In my day I don't think it was even a option! I'm happy girls and guys can do it this way today. Have a wonderful time with your mom and family. Don't even worry about the blog - just have fun and relax!

P.S.- Can't wait to see the car! I'd love a red car of my very own! - Very jealous ;-)

[Helena]

Fun! Their dresses look so cool and summery.

When my sister (Betsey) was graduating from college, we had this big "it's all about me" joke going on. Later when we were up in Victoria we found a T-shirt that said "It's all about ME" so she bought it. Ha.

[adrienne]

Congrats!!!! Alyssa is beautiful! Did you get my email??

[Brandy]

Alyssa and the girls all look so pretty. I note the patterned prom dresses - that must be a "new" thing. When I went to prom, our dresses stopped just short of being full on evening gowns. That was a FEW years ago, though. ;) And I must say, their dresses are much less likely to look as dated. I cringe now looking back at those old pics of myself.

[becky]

Congratulations on the new car. Alyssa is a beautiful (both in and out) girl. You have done a wonderful job. Congratulations to Alyssa on the solarship that's awesome.

[May]

hugs and happy times dear friend. :) Alyssa is so very beautiful- and I couldn't be more thrilled for you with your mom coming + new car. Overload of joy, and how wonderful!