A little thing called a diploma

Has it really been almost a month since I last posted? 

I'll try to spare you of the thousands of words  that have been stockpiling in my little brain. 

Maybe it's all the words bumping into each other that has caused all my headaches lately!

Well, I had another birthday - 45 is the official count,  but I'm telling everyone I'm 39. 

(I'll blame my forgetfulness on my kids).

That means I've been a mom for 18 years and Oldest Graduated on May 20th with Honors from high school. So it rained and all those people who planned on attending

couldn't because it was held inside. We were only given 5 tickets per student, but

everyone else was able to watch it live via the internet from the comfort of their homes. 

I didn't cry, but bit my lip quite a bit.

 Each student (at church) graduating this year was encouraged to put together a small display that represents their life - We had Oldest handle this and we had to laugh when we saw it. I loved the "Who I am" paper he wrote in 2nd grade: Ambulance Driver, police man, and his best friend was a girl. I'm starting to see he gets his goofy side from both Honey and myself.
See that HUGE trophy on the right?  The band won close to 30 awards in a short 3 weeks, and since we go to church with FOUR rival band directors, Oldest wanted to include it.  Their band is most unique because their band has not had a drum major in 4 years - the only band in Arkansas to do this!!!

Sweet Melissa, or Dancing Queen rolling out the dough

We held a reception/celebration at church.  When I asked Oldest what he wanted (I was thinking fingers foods). Honey and Oldest looked at each other like they'd won the lottery!  PIZZA.  REALLY???  Fixing homemade pizzas for 60+ people was NOT what I had in mind! Gee, who do they think I am?  If it were not for my sister chicks and Honey that gave up their Saturday morning to help me roll out all that dough, assemble, and put it all together, I would have lost it. If I every have to make that many pizzas again, I would want the same group of girlfriends because stepped in, did what  needed to be done without complaint (at least verbally).  They deserve a HUGE thank you! Our 26 large pizzas meal:

•  pepperoni, 
• canadian bacon and pineapple
• supreme
• cheese
• meatlovers
• and a various others that somehow were requested and made
• salad bar (My sweet MIL did this)
• Ice cream bar complete with 
• homemade hot fudge
• bananas
• chopped pecans
• whipped topping
• cherries
• Frosty Ice Cream
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream 
• store bought vanilla ice cream

Miss Amy (The Princess' Mom) who a treasure to me.

Oldest with his yummy cake made by Sara Short from Ft. Smith

Now if we can just get him to write all those thank-you's for the sweet cards and gifts he received.  The most unique, from Eva, was a fire-proof safe!  It was the best idea I've seen  (beside the thoughtful photo album that Honey's parents put together)! We were all impressed by QL who fashioned a twenty and two ones to represent 2011!!! I also stole borrowed her table decorating and ice cream bar ideas from her. She always has the best ideas.

For all my sister chicks!

Only has already decided she is not going to torture me or the family next year and has decided to have a joint reception with her friend "J" (whom Oldest is dating).  They're already planning, but I can wait.

Thank you for sticking with me and checking in with me this last month.  So much more has happened, but I will share that later.  Leave me a note and let me know what has been going on with you please.I'm slowly getting back to blog land.

Living with a WHAT?

There has been so much going on at our house that I completely missed it. 

I was caught completely unaware until someone pointed it out to me. 

Actually, we were at a meeting when it was ANNOUNCED in PUBLIC! 

What could have possibly distracted me from knowing such important news? 

Oldest and "J" went to their first ever prom, 

which turned out to be a first ever date for either of them.

I thought they looked so sweet! 

But that's not the news...

 

We've got a potty chair in the house once again, 

*sigh - I'd forgotten about potty training*

 Honey wants to know how we're supposed to use our toilet with a cute little potty seat on it...

But that's not the news...

I made 9 jars of strawberry Jam

I've never done this before

My family agrees that it is a VERY GOOD THING

But that's not the news...

 

Only and I traveled to Little Rock for a Girls Day Out

to meet Christian author Kaye Dacus

We even got to eat lunch with her!

What a fabulous time we had visiting and asking questions

But that's not the news...

I've been creating, sewing, ripping out, and re-sewing

on a special quilt for a special little baby born with Downs

But that's not the news... 

 I thought for some reason that I needed to try to make Thin Mint cookies, 

just to see if I could.  I can, and they were good,
but it is way too much work. A little too much chocolate in the dough.  
Support the Girl Scouts and save yourself some time.

But that's not the news...

Youngest went on an 18 mile hike last month (in 2 days)

and just returned from a 3-day canoe/camping trip

But that's not the news...

At the Band Banquet last night, it was a great night of reflection and revisiting some great accomplishment. 

Awards were given to many students

Oldest was given two! 

Outstanding Musical Achievement

(he's played the trumpet since he was in 3rd grade)

But that's not the news...

Oldest was voted by his peers as.... 

VBHS 2010 Band Male Hottie!!!  

GASP! 

How could I have NOT known this? 

That's the news! 

I thought I was going to fall on the floor laughing... 

I should have known.

I'm living with a teenage Hottie!!!  

Marching Band sure has changed

When I was in band (flute player here), the uniforms were old, they smelled like moth balls, our formation not straight nor exciting. The funny thing is that some of the bands today are playing some of the same music that we played "way back when" (um, okay, we're talking 25 years for me) and our kids think most of it is cool! Commitment and taking it serious were big issues, but that has changed (at least I hope so!). As a mom, it is natural to want to tell others when their child does something right, and I'm going to take this time to brag about the band that our oldest son in in. I'm actually going to post the complete article, but I sure understand if you don't read it all. Friday, October 24, 2008 8:42 AM CDT

VBHS Band Marches To Victories By Pam Cloud

The Van Buren High School marching band has been racking up awards at several recent competitions. At three area band contests, the band has marched and played its way to the winners circle, according to Ron Smith, VBHS band director. “Those are the only three competitions we’re going to,” said Smith, who is in his eighth year as band director at Van Buren. “It was quite a run, though; we went to three contests within 10 days. That’s a lot.” At the Broken Arrow Invitational on Oct. 11, Van Buren — the only Arkansas marching band invited to perform — placed first in the Class AA division, also taking awards for Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance and Outstanding General Effect in its division. The band took home third-place honors overall, placing behind two Class AAA schools, Tulsa Union and Owasso, Okla., both of which have garnered national recognition. “When you go to Broken Arrow and compete against 30 bands from the southwest — Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma — and to hear them say Union, Owasso and Van Buren in the same sentence, that’s pretty good company to be hanging around with,” he said. The band traveled to Little Rock on Saturday for the Showcase of Bands and brought home 10 trophies. “There were 10 trophies available, and we won all 10 of them,” Smith said, adding that the band competed against 38 other bands at the Little Rock contest. Competing in the 5A division, Van Buren received trophies for Outstanding Percussion Line, Outstanding Color Guard, High Music Performance, High General Effect, High Marching, Class 5A Championship, the Raymond Brandon Award, presented to the “most outstanding band of the day,” Superior Band, Superior Color Guard and Superior Drum Line. Most recently, the band competed at the ASBOA Region II Marching Contest Tuesday at Northside High School. Smith said the band received unanimous Superior ratings, the highest award given at that competition. Smith said the 110 band members have been practicing long hours since the summer months to perfect the show, which includes music from the rock group Evanescence. “From the last week of July to when school started, we were rehearsing about seven hours a day,” Smith said. “When school started, it’s been three hours a day.” Smith credits the band’s success to the extreme talent and dedication of the band members. “It’s really hard for them. They can’t really have a job, and they have to keep up with their studies,” Smith explained. “There’s a lot of sacrifices they have to make to be a part of this organization, but they feel it’s worth it.” The eight-minute show includes two Evanescence songs, “Hello” and “My Immortal.” Smith said the music was custom-written for the VBHS band’s show by Aaron Guidrey, a percussionist from Las Vegas who performs with one of the Cirque du Soleil shows there. “He’s an extremely talented writer,” Smith said. “You can’t just go out and buy that (music) for marching band.” Smith said he’s been blessed with assistance from Darren Davis, band director at Broken Arrow High School, who has helped with visual design of the band’s field work. “It’s amazing to have someone of that stature take an interest in our program and want to help us out and see us be successful,” Smith said. “He’s one of the elite music educators. He’s a genius.” Smith said in the eight years he’s led the band, they’ve had success. “But this by far has been the pinnacle,” he said. “I feel like we’ve really turned a corner this year ... and are on our way to being nationally competitive, which was a goal we set out for eight years ago. “But a coach is only as good as his players,” said Smith. “We’ve got some fantastic kids who are extremely talented and dedicated to the program. “We give every bit of credit to these kids,” he added.

Super Band!

Okay, I'm a mom, so I just have to brag just a bit. This last Saturday, the VB Highschool Band (of which Caleb is part of) went to the 2008 Broken Arrow Invitational, Broken Arrow, OK. Claire and I joined Treasia, a good friend whose son was also in the band, to watch them perform. We're so glad that we did! The weather was perfect and just a slight chill at night. There were 30 bands performing representing 4 states and there were some really impressive. Two bands had a Christian Theme: Jerico and Between Heaven and Earth and the story of each was very clear! The VB Band was the only band that performed without Drum Majors, but that is another story. In the initial Preliminaries, VB placed 4th and took 1st in their AA class, taking 1st in Musical, and Visual Performance, and General Effect. They advanced to Finals Competition (12 bands) and we were just astonished that they placed 3rd!!!!!! Last year they placed 5th, and there were so many really good bands there this year. We loved seeing all the exciting costumes and watching the wonderful formations and songs. What a great way to top off the weekend! Way to go Band!