He's got him a high school deeplomaaa!

Oh my gosh... really. I cannot believe my Chan graduated high school. Not that I ever doubted him, not one bit. I am seriously dripping snot and tears as I type this. I guess I'm not good with change, or knowing that he's officially a big kid now and technically doesn't need me anymore. Basically the scissors are hovering near the apron strings and I'm trying to back away... All these years I knew it would hit me HARD when graduation day came. I had him my Senior year and didn't do the whole walk across the stage thing and this was like I graduated right along with him. I just can't believe I won't have to replace another school ID or wash his favorite dress code shorts at midnight or make him his favorite brown bag lunch again and that is making the lump in my throat bigger than it needs to be. I remember every single moment of his first day of kindergarten: he had sausage and pancakes and wore a black and white t-shirt with jeans and these little Payless brand tennis shoes. We even stopped at Sack -n- Save for kleenex because that's a "required" school supply item and I believe we got him an ultra groovy soccer backpack at S&S too. Weird. I was so afraid he was gonna cry and that little fart walked away from me and started coloring and said- "you can go now Mom". Umm, okay. And, he has continued to amaze me ever since- winning 3 spelling bees to reading Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings in 2ND GRADE!! And, man oh man all the neat stories he would write. He has always loved literature and it wasn't until he was 15 that he developed a love of music and guitar. I am just so very happy that I have been able to get to know, teach, and love this kid and love that he teaches me too. I asked my friend Kathi earlier when the lump in my throat would go away and she said never, it just changes as life does and as you experience more and more as you live. Well put. However, I wish mine would simmer down a bit. I'm having a hard time breathing.

Anyway- yesterday was nuts! Typical for us of course but I think it was nuttier than normal. It was a very long day. Starting with Hayden's field day and ending with Chan's graduation. The venue was jampacked and parking was scarce. I ended up parking in a lot but then it started pouring and the attendant ducked for cover, so I never paid, oops. I had Hunter and Cam with me and my mom went in with Chloe and Jon, Hayden, and Chan had gotten there earlier. I was so afraid I was gonna miss him walking in but thankfully I was able to get in there in time. As soon as the music started I stood in amazement and bawled like a baby. And, let's see- I couldn't take my stroller in the stands, my carseat was blocking the aisle and Cam lost patience quick. All in all I was in and out of the stands about ten times. Getting out to leave was insane, I lost my whole family and was shoved many many times. Which, for a feisty redhead was not fun, I tried super hard to maintain my cool.... It was just a crazy night. I drove my mom back to Grand Prairie and scarfed down two Whataburger taquitos in her driveway, the first meal I'd had since noon and it was nearing midnight. Anyway- I am not sure what the future holds for Chan or any of us to be honest. But, I am sorta excited to find out!

about to take their seats for the ceremony


The Graduate!


our family


mama and her baby



the official document

Memories...

My mom informed me the other day that my grandma's old house is for sale. And, I would buy it in a heartbeat if I had the $$. We had so many amazing memories in that house. My grandma (Bertice) was one of the kindest people I have ever known. She drove the yellow Ford pick-up truck (that Jon drives now) until she passed away at the age of 88 in 1997. She welcomed anyone who came to visit with open arms and a full cookie jar. She was just a really neat person with a heart of gold. I still miss her terribly, although it's been 11 years since her passing. I can still remember they way her house smelled and the sound of her voice. The day she passed away is still fresh in my mind. It was July 18th, 1997 (at 6:42 p.m.) that we got the call... I was due to deliver Chloe any day and I had plans that evening to see a movie with my mom- to keep my mind off of the heat and my growing belly. While we were getting ready to go to the theatre my grandma's neighbor called saying her paper was still in the driveway from that morning and that she wasn't answering her phone or door. Highly unusual, but we were being cautiously optimistic, thinking she was ill or that she simply couldn't hear the phone. I offered to go check on her, but my dad said that he would go and that I could tag along. We got there and her dog Bubba was in the yard covered in pollen. You could tell that he was hot, miserable, and confused. He and my grandma were buddies. We began banging on doors and she never came. So, we broke in through her locked screen door and yelled her name all through the house, checking every room. And, that is when we found her, passed away in her bathroom. Seriously one of the saddest most surreal moments of my life. Although I know I couldn't have saved her, I still wish I had called or stopped by to see her that day. She was anxiously awaiting the birth of Chloe. She was as excited as I was that there was a little girl coming to our family. Seeing her house for sale and recognizing the rooms, although they are changed somewhat is so bizarre. Man, I miss her. And, even though it would be strange and a little bit too small for my family to live there, I would so buy that house if money were no object. Just to keep it in the family.

P.S. And, I am sure only my parents and my sisters will appreciate this, but if you are interested go see the pics of her house here.