Gray Gray Double Digits May 9, 2013

It was okay that Grayson's birthday fell on a school day because they had a fun field trip that day to Red Butte Garden's. I took the babies during the day down to the Riverwoods to visit the Beehive Bazaar. I ran into some trouble when I got back in the car, I couldn't find my keys! I searched and searched and went back inside to look. It ended up taking Graham's prayer and faith for us to find them wedged in the seat moments later. This put me late heading up the canyon and I knew Grayson would be home already. When he got home and found the doors locked he panicked he suddenly felt soooo thirsty and hungry and bored! He was in such a panic he couldn't remember the hose was right there and that he had left over lunch in his back pack. He also forgot that usually when he gets home from school he immediately starts playing basketball for an hour. Instead he went to the neighbors to ring the bell and tell his sad tales too. In all his furry he also forgot the spare key hidden outside. Instead he bent the screen trying to get into the house. 

He sure had a busy and eventful TWENTY minutes till I got home.

I think my trip was still worth it because I found this terrarium that I have enjoyed as a centerpiece.

Little Callie stated a few days before Grayson's birthday that she wanted to get him a soccer ball. I thought this was a fine idea, just fine. We went to King's to pick one out. She was so excited about it and was able to keep the surprise a secret. However, on Grayson's birthday she could hold the secret no longer and whispered to Grayson what was wrapped in the odd shaped package. During breakfast he confessed that she had told him it was a ball, She loudly corrected, "No, it's a SOCCER ball."

Grayson's dream dinner was to go to Taco Bell and get Doritos Locos Tacos. That kid is loco for tacos and can eat the better part of a 12 pack. Matt noticed a "Now Hiring" sign. Since Katrina is looking for a "real" job he told her about it and she called to set up an interview. As she was leaving I said, "I hope you get the job!" She said, "I hope I don't!"

 In a repeat of last year, Grayson wanted to go to Holiday Lanes. This is fine with me since it's easier than a friend party would be and we are guaranteed a good time. I love when Matt puts Guns n' Roses on the Juke box. I love eating hard ice cream on the leather stools. I love people watching the most unique characters I've ever seen. Our local bowling alley is old and horribly old fashioned and I hope they never change a thing. 

Chocolate on Chocolate, that is how Grayson rolls on his birthday.

Back at home we were finally all together since the girls were done being busy for the day. We were all finally done being busy for the day. It had been a doozy. Ava had a Dr. apt and I had a scout meeting. We felt badly we didn't get to see Mallerie perform her social dance at the HS. Oh well she had specifically said, "Please don't come." Sounds like an UNvitation to me.

We sang happy birthday before Grayson blew out his ten candles but we weren't the only ones who sang to him that day. My parents had a cheery message on the answering machine as well. As I played the message I called Grayson in to listen. He said, "I already heard it, they were singing to me when I was locked out of the house." Poor thing, and here it was his birthday...

These times are sacred to me; at home with my family while we all live under one roof.

We enjoyed watching Grayson open a few more gifts at the end of the day.

Love you Gray Gray. You will do great things. You have a determination that I have never seen in anyone.You are sure in who you are, what you like, what you don't like, and who you want to be. You WILL do great things. 

Promenade April 27, 2013

Jr Prom is usually a big deal no matter where you live, but here in Heber it is especially a big deal because it also includes the Promenade. Matt kept saying what an odd word he thought that was. I finally said, "It's not thaaaat odd." Then I realized he was pronouncing it "PromenOG."

We were in a bit of a time crunch to find a dress for Katrina. One day I got on-line and saw that there were even fewer dresses to choose from than I originally thought. I texted her a picture of one I thought was pretty. She said she liked it okay but wanted to keep looking.

I went with my motherly instincts and ordered the dress anyway! The next weekend she came home with a dress in hand that she had borrowed from a freind's neighbor that she was excited about. A few days later I asked her to try it on for us. She was in her room forever so I sent Ava to fetch her. Ava came up to report tht Katrina no longer wanted to wear the dress. I told Kat to come up anyway. She didn't think the cream colored dress did anything for her skin color. I crossed my fingers that the dress I ordered would come soon since the dance was the following weekend. The next day while she was at an FBLA conference it came. It was prettier out of the box than even I thought it would be so I texted her again, "We can keep looking but don't rule out the JCPenney dress because it came today and is so pretty!" She was surprised I had ordered it but excited to come home and try it on. It looked great on her and best of all it was LONG. She could still wear heels and have it touch the ground. She thought it was a tad boxy in the bust. But since I am my mother's daughter and knew what I needed to do, add DARTS.

I loved looking at it hanging in my room as we added accessories and played with different jewlery. She found a nude pair of shoes here in town. I suggested a nude lip as well. She said, "I hate nude lips. I will be wearing RED." I liked that she could tell me what she did and didn't like. I also liked that I could text her pictures while I was out and about. I texted her some necklaces. They were a no-go. I texted some eyeshadow, "I like it!" 

She opted to have her hair done professionally even though I know Mallerie and Ava could have pulled off the same effect. I stopped by the salon after I picked up the boutonniere to show her. I was surprised at how emotional the whole event was for me. I teared up at the floral counter! I didn't expect it. I guess not only because this is a big deal but because it signals how old she is getting. I decided to call my mom and invite her to that nights festivites. 

Her date was Rishi Rasmussen who is also a Junior at WHS. He was gussied in his tux and looked rather dashing I thought. When my mom saw him at the High School she declared he was the best looking guy there. Weather or not Katrina was thrilled to go with him she never let on. I respected that she only acted thankful and graceful. 

The Promenade was held in the Nest at the HS. We couldn't decide where to sit. Matt was already seated up close but I worried we wouldn't be able to see once the floor was full of dancers. We moved across the gym to the other side. Then we saw Katrina and she told us that if we stayed there we would only see her back. She pointed to where she would be dancing and it was where we had just moved from! Matt doesn't get to hear it very often so I will say it now, "Matt was right." We moved a third time and were able to see just fine. They introduced about 15 couples at a time and then each took their place on the dance floor. The choreographed dance had been practiced by all of them the week before and ended with each date handing a rose to their gal. It was sweet. At the end the Dad's were invited onto to the floor to dance as well. Callie couldn't resist and was down on the floor in no time dancing with Katrina and Matt. 

Callie had also stood in-between Katrina and Rishi as they exchanged corsage and boutonniere. There she stood sandwiched between them with her head cocked back. Here she is sandwiched again. Ava has always been a mini Katrina. In looks, not so much personality. 

When Katrina was trying to decide on a dress I had her try on my Prom dress. It fit her like a glove and I thought it was so lovely on her. Mallerie however became a laughing hyena till I had to say, "That is enough!" Katrina said she would get too hot in long sleeves. Otherwise...

 1994

All dolled up with SOMEplace to go!

 Katrina always looks lovely but looked especially gorgeous on this night. 

I was pleased inside that I was able to be part of this occasion in the days leading up to it as well as the night of. 

Dinner was provided by the parents of one of the boys, Tate. They also ate in his lovely backyard.

In her group were her two of her besties: Hazel and Liz and their dates. She got ready at Liz's house and said she was just going to leave from there. I said, "I don't think so!" How could I have her picked up somewhere else and miss the whole thing. No way. 

The actual PROM was held at the Zermatt Resort in Midway.

She truly had a wonderful time. 

And you know what, Katrina deserved it. She is beautiful inside and out.

***

I couldn't help but snap a photo as I left the HS of this limousine sports car. Matt saw another set up where a red carpet was rolled out. Yowsa.