Well, after this weekend, it is really sinking in that in just 4 weeks we will be done with school. And in just 5 weeks from this past Saturday, we will be watching our oldest daughter walk across a stage at the large University at Albany sports center where her high school graduation will take place (because our high school doesn't have a big enough auditorium to graduate 458 students) plus fit all the parents or extended family who may join. I am thankful to work for the district and will have reserved seating rather than having to sit on bleachers...there are some perks to this job!
Courtney had her Senior Prom this past Friday evening and although the weather was raining one minute and sunny the next, they all had a great time. It was pouring rain when we left the house to meet at her friend's for pictures. By the time the girls got to Albany and to "the Egg" where the Prom was being held (a large convention center/performing arts center), the sun was out and things were great. It was not too hot nor too chilly. Just cloudy. And the rain held off all evening after that!!
Here are a couple of pics:
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| The Egg and Empire Plaza Albany NY |
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| SENIORS!! Courtney and friends: Shauna, Caroline Prom 20 May 2011 The Egg, Albany |
Courtney is secretary of LIFE club at her high school (Living in Faith Everyday, the Christian club on campus) and her friend Blake is president. (see pic below). The girl in the middle of the above pic, Shauna, is the treasurer of the club. My husband and I have felt very blessed that our daughter has some good Christian friends to go with to Prom.
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| Courtney and her friend Blake the president of LIFE club |
For some reason, the Junior Prom is a much bigger deal at her school than the Senior Prom is....and although it was fun to talk to the other moms gathering at her friend Kelsey's house, and seeing the 6 girls in their gowns, there was definitely more excitement last year. Maybe it's because last year she was with her whole group of Christian friends who go to the school, and they all had dates and had the limo...this year there was a lot of "drama" involved in whose house the pics were going to be at, and if they were going with guys or just meeting the guys there (they met them there). And one girl has been dubbed "not nice" and "too controlling".....ah.....teen girls....they have these moments of wanting to be done with high school and move on to college and new friends, yet they are like best friends and can't imagine saying "good bye" in a few weeks.....
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| SENIOR PROM PICS AT KELSEY's l-r: Sammi, Courtney, Caroline, Shauna, Kelsey, Karissa 20 May 2011 |
I think this year was a bit "bittersweet". The girls know that this is the last huge event before graduation. (not everyone is in the Orchestra or another performance group). So, although the Concert is the last organized event, and the French Club students have their trip to Quebec at the end of this week, (Courtney leaves on Thurs), the Prom is the last huge deal where almost everyone shows up for at least a little while. Courtney and her friends ended up staying the entire time, although they didn't have a post prom party. (I wasn't gonna host another one...last year was enough!). And I could see the maturity that came with this year's prom. Every girl just wanted to go home to sleep.....and get ready for the huge projects and oral presentations that are due in French 5, Film Criticism and other classes this week.
Yes, my eyes were a bit misty as I watched her get in the car with her friends and the mom who was driving them down. (none of us wanted our daughters to drive that night....the parking area down there isn't the best). My youngest daughter was with me and she reminded me that in just 5 years, SHE will be going to her junior prom......and that made me realize that although there are ups and downs with parenting...especially with parenting teens (I found these years very challenging), it is worth it. Looking at my 12 year old's face as she oohed and ahhed over the 17 year olds' gowns and shoes....and looking at the smiles and confidence of my oldest and her friends, makes me grateful. Grateful to be their mom. Grateful to have a group of mom friends who are going through the same transitions we are, grateful to have a Savior who will protect our girls as we place them in His Hands....and grateful that Prom is over!!
for five years anyway........
1 comment:
Oh that last year goes so fast, doesn't it? Courtney looks lovely as does all her friends. It's so great that she's had a great group of friends to go through high school with.
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