Monday, May 28, 2018

Memorial Day 2018

We remember those today who paid the ultimate price to keep this great nation of ours free.  I always feel it is important to talk about this with the boys.  They will be the next generation to carry on the sentiment.  It is important for the boys to understand the sacrifice and all that goes into those who serve.  They can form their own opinions, but it starts with being informed.  They know their grandfather served.  And I believe they respect that.

Monday, May 21, 2018

Summer Work 2018

The supermarket era for Caz is over.  It was a good run.  But Star couldn’t give him enough hours.  He needed to make more cash.  Now, it’s off to his Grandfatrher’s favorite hardware store.  That should be fun for all of us.  He starts off with 36 hours a week for the next three weeks.  That’s far more than he ever got per week at Star.  Today, was training day one of two.  Then he is off and running.
     Caz gets that his dollar up here goes farther in Alabama.  He can make more up here over the summer,  and have more spending power when he goes back to school.  Finance and economics learning for my mechanical engineer.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Prom Part Deux - 2018

Second time around in 7 days.  This one has a bit more excitement.  Sure, this prom is at the rival high school over in Marsh Vegas.  But the girl Coco is going with seems special to him.  He won’t talk about girls and relationships much.  Caz was much more open.  But his excitement and mannerisms speak volumes though his silence.
     We had a whirlwind afternoon getting ready.  Coco had his shower and shave time planned down to the minute.  He wanted his hair still wet for the styling session with Demi.  He wanted to be on time for the photo shoot.  He planned the travel time.  He asked that this prom not be a big production.  Yet Demi, Caz and I all went with him for pictures.  Caz was a really good sport.  He went willingly and enthusiastically.  The girl’s family was very nice.  Coco still gets squeamish that her Mom knows him Mom from the gym.
     There is no vehicle procession at Marsh Vegas.  I think that is actually better.  The kids go and park their cars.  The kids line up and then walk the carpet in the gym.  The bleachers on either side are open to the public.  They project the kids up on a big screen.  It’s actually very orderly and nice.  Coco was close to the end.  He and she looked great.  They had big smiles.  He still had one when I picked him up at 1:30 am.  I am happy that he was not driving.  He would have been fine.  It was the number of poor drivers I saw on my way to get him.

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Mother’s Day 2018

Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there.  A special happy day to Demi.  Khaleesi.  Mother of Dragons.  Green Dragons anyway.  You are the best.

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Prom Part 1 -2018

Coco’s first Prom.  Exciting stuff.  And he is actually going to 2 proms this year.  He isn’t even going in a group with his friends.  I think it started out that way but somehow the group spit into smaller groups.  He was really funny about getting the corsage.  He went and got his tux.  It was great that Coco asked his brother to go with him.  I know it was a way around going by himself, but it was still a nice sibling moment.  Kudos to Caz!  He had a long day of travel, flying from Nashfville, enduring delays, sitting in Friday rush hour traffic and then heading out 20 minutes after walking in the door for the first time in 4 months.  Quality brother time. That is special.
     The photo shoots went well.  We only had to make two stops.  The group that went in the limo too pictures at one house, Coco’s date.  That really didn’t take too long.  Then we met the kids at a house on King Caesar road.  One family was very gracious and offered any and all Prom goers to come and take photos by the water.  It was drizzling most of the time but they got some nice group shots of the kids, all the kids.
     It was a shame that the red carpet had to be inside.  The parade of cars dropping the kids off is a lot of the fun.  We got relegated to the 3rd floor.  It was a good thing Demi had the zoom lense on.  Tough angles but she got some good shots.  Fortunately our high school photographer was there on the floor.  She sent out the pictures to everyone.  Our little boy was off to the Auqrium.  A big night.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Big Smile

Coco was ecstatic to get his braces out today!  He wore braces for 33 months.  33 long months.  With the finish line in sight a few weeks ago, he really wanted them off before the Prom.  Correction.  Before the first of two Proms.  It was all up to him these last few weeks.  He had to be disciplined about wearing his bands.  Missioned accomplished.  Demi’s first day home after her vacation was spent at the orthodontist.  And it was worth it!

Friday, May 4, 2018

End of Year 1

Caz took his last exam as a freshman today.  What a fast year.  He is extremely nervous about the results.  He is worried about passing Calculus 2.  He is worried about keeping his scholarship.   I know he has worked hard.
     Now it is off to Huntsville for a week.  He is going to visit with his girlfriend before coming back home.  Can’t wait to see him.