Senior Year Flew by in a Flash

It is six days away from Nathaniel's high school graduation. I am filled with all sorts of emotions, but have contained them well thus far. I am amazed at how fast this year went by (and almost 18 years for that matter). Far too fast for this mother, as I reflect on the trials and great memories that the year provided. 

The challenges of a young man wanting independence....horrible physics projects....a first girlfriend....choosing a college...finishing a fourth year of swim...prom...and soon graduation. Of course there are many events that I have left out....too many car accidents...earning Eagle Scout Rank....good grades...etc.

I do know that I did a good job as a mother, as Nathan is prepared to go off to college and start a whole new adventure. He has proven (even with many of his opinions, views and political statements) that he has good morals and a decent work ethic thus far. My son has made me rise up to be a better person. He has taught me what unconditional love and learning is all about. And I hope that he has learned and seen these traits from me.

Some pictures throughout the year

 The guys painting their senior parking spots

 

 One of my favorite senior pictures

 Yes...my way too serious son does act goofy once in awhile

 Nathan and Pam at Transiberian Orchestra (Christmas time)

 

 A hooky day at the Fossil Rim Animal Park

 First two acceptance letters...and then he ended up choosing a state school

Mom twisted his arm to play in the snow with me

Prom with long time friend Isaac (and girlfriends)

And soon a whole new journey will begin for a very doting mom and a great young man!

Dysplastic Nevus

Disclaimer: Nathan made me pinky promise him that I would not post this on my blog. This will be my first pinky promise break. So if you should see Nathan, don't mention that you saw this on my blog.

A couple of weeks ago, I took Nathan to his dermatologist as his acne medications wasn't working. After mentioning how bad his back was a few times, the nurse practitioner took a peak at his back. Upon looking, she replied, how long has this cancerous looking mole been here? What....hmmm....I don't know. It was biopsied that day and then she prepared Nathan that he might have to come back for a bigger sample to be removed. Sure enough, the lab results came back and the appointment was scheduled.

Today, the nurse practitioner removed about a two inch section and placed five sutures. Lab results to come back next week and sutures out in two weeks.

A view after the lidocaine and dye were injected

all stitched up

Dysplastic Nevi are usually detected in youth, however, it can be detected at all ages. Other than the age range, Nathan did not fall into the typical categories. There is a lot of controversy with dermatologists on diagnosis, treatments and follow up plans. For more information you can click the link provided:
http://www.dysplasticnevus.net/2009/07/29/dysplastic-nevi-prevention-guidelines/

Sweet Sixteen

Blowing out her 16 candles

Dominique, Raven, Hunter and Ashley
The family gathered at moms house today (a day early) to celebrate Hunter turning sixteen. A few of her friends came also came over and the girls were all pleasant. Mom made lasagna and salad. Sally bought a yummy chocolate cake (a rare moment as she always bakes them). Hunter blew out all the candles in one breath...better than my lungs will allow. She opened her gifts....and I am not sure what she got from everyone else. I do know that Hunter did not seem impressed with my gift {tear}. I bought her sixteen different items....everything from a cool cup, cutesy note pads, picture frames and a matchbox car.  Either way...my intent was good....and I still love her.

Happy birthday Hunter!

May you survive this next year with some lovely memories.

Time Capsule Opened

Mr Ketchum and the time capsule (or trunk)

the kids that showed up 

Nathan and Mr Ketchum
Nathan is about 6 ft. It doesn't show here

During Nathans 8th grade year, he had Mr Ketchum for his history class. Mr Ketchum was a first year teacher with a unique teaching style. During this school term, the kids went on a scavenger hunt, helped the teacher propose to his wife, made music cassette tapes.....and filled a time capsule (along with many other assignments) . This capsule was to be opened before graduation their senior year.

This weekend, about 50 or so kids showed up to open the time capsule and claim their belongings. Nathan let me tag along and actually get a picture of two.

They filled out a survey and here is a sample of the questions with the then and now:

Shoes you wore today:  then-black vans  now-black flip flops
where and why do you want to go to college: then- Cambridge, the highest rated school in the world
now- University of Houston (never gave us the reason for decision).
What will be your first car: then-something cheap   now-76 Chevy Nova
Biggest argument with your parents and over what: then-video game limits    now-curfew and computer limits

Mothers Day

Today

Mothers Day 2007 with our sweet little Miranda

Mothers Day is always a day that is bittersweet to me. A day to reflect over my life plan that was not fulfilled. Also a day to be joyous for the blessing that I did receive. I try to keep my thoughts of Miranda to myself. But it is very sad to me knowing that my once little girl will never even know that I was apart of her life. This year, again, was especially happy and sad all in one. I awoke realizing that this was my last official mothers day that Nathaniel would still be all mine. This is so selfish sounding I know....but this year....I wanted him all to myself. Steve even offered to come home early from his study session and go eat with us. Normally I would have been thrilled. Not this year...I didn't say no...I just didn't say yes. But secretly I did not want to share our son. Steve must have sensed something as he opted to not come home. In a few short months, I will have to start sharing Nathaniel... with life... and the activities/commitments that come with it.

our chocolate mousse cheesecake
a little blurry as Nathan didn't have the i phone focused.

So today, it was me and my child, together at our two people table at the Cheesecake Factory. And it was meant to be....front row parking and no wait for a party of two. A wine crusted chicken plate for Nate and a jumbalaya shrimp dish for me. Followed by a very tasty cheesecake shared by the two of us. All this equaled a very lovely evening.

Prom Time

Senior Prom  

Tonight was Central High Schools prom, which was held at the Gaylord hotel in Grapevine. I was so excited to see the kids get dressed up. Neither Nathan or Pam wanted to drive (and the party bus was full), so originally, Steve and I were going to drive them. Then last night, they decided to ride with their friends Isaac and Brittani. I was a bit bummed, as I was looking forward to sneaking a peek of all the kids in prom dress. Sappy...I know...but its the truth. Tonight will be the first time that Nathan has never really had a curfew....and I am totally not sure how I feel about this. The plan...prom and then Main Event for laser tag. I so wish that I was there to sneak a picture of them all running around with guns in their fancy attire. 

Tonight was Central High Schools prom, which was held at the Gaylord hotel in Grapevine. I was so excited to see the kids get dressed up. Neither Nathan or Pam wanted to drive (and the party bus was full), so originally, Steve and I were going to drive them. Then last night, they decided to ride with their friends Isaac and Brittani. I was a bit bummed, as I was looking forward to sneaking a peek of all the kids in prom dress. Sappy...I know...but its the truth. Tonight will be the first time that Nathan has never really had a curfew....and I am totally not sure how I feel about this. The plan...prom and then Main Event for laser tag. I so wish that I was there to sneak a picture of them all running around with guns in their fancy attire.

A typical Nathan look....but oh so handsome tonight

Pam was girlie and pretty
Nathan's talented grandma made the dress that Pam picked out

Great picture!
The girls may come and go...but these two have been friends for 7 or 8 years

All about Diego

Yesterday, Steve and I took Diego out to celebrate his turning eight. We went miniature golfing and took a turn racing with the go carts. Diego won golf with the highest score {wink} and Aunt Kelly lost with the lowest score {boohoo}. Sadly Uncle Steve beat us on the go karts. All in all, we wore the boy out and had a great time. On the drive home, Diego asked if "on the night before I turn nine, can we do this again?"

Sally had the family over after church this evening for a fajita dinner in honor of Diego's birthday. It was a nice afternoon and Diego was happy to have everyone come over for him.