Mom Becomes a Footnote

The kid briefly allows a quick iPhone 5 photo.

This morning didn’t go as I had originally planned.

Today my younger son is on his senior trip to Six Flags in Arlington, about four hours away (on a bus, no less). I figured I would drive him to his high school at 5:30 a.m., and then the Mister and I would pick him up there at midnight. We’d enjoy the short, 10-minute drive home listening to his happy stories.

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

But it wasn’t.

“Stop it, Mom!”

Yesterday the kid came home from school with a short announcement: “I’m going to see if Cody can give me a ride to and from school tomorrow.”

I was stunned. “But what about me?!?” I asked. “I was going to do that.”

“I’d prefer Cody.”

“What am I, an embarrassment?”

“Yes, you are, Mom.”

I blinked back a few tears, trying to recall when he used to think I was swell. Wasn’t that just yesterday?

I remembered back to when my dad would insist on wearing knee socks with his bermuda shorts in public during my teenage years. Now that was an embarrassment! Was I truly in that same category now?

Here’s Cody!

As I watched the boys exit the driveway in Cody’s new truck, I tried to rationalize that it really was the vehicle that made the difference for my son. Isn’t riding in a pickup much cooler than an SUV?

I guess I’m just not ready to admit that I’m joining the Beanie babies, Hot Wheels, and Legos in the discard pile of my beloved baby boy’s youth.

Well, until he needs me to help him with his upcoming senior legacy project!

Time Won’t Stand Still

My #1 son is congratulated by our former principal almost three years ago.

Last night I had one of those “can’t time slow down?” moments.

It happened when my older son and I were talking on the phone about his schedule for fall classes. As in the penultimate semester of his college career at UTSA. As in . . . he’s almost done!

After we hung up, I sat back in my office chair and pondered life’s inevitabilities. Time truly does march on, of course. But does it have to march so darned fast?

That UTSA acceptance letter and high school diploma? I’ve fooled myself into believing they happened sooner than later.

August 2010 at UTSA

Goodness sakes, the memory of moving my son into his dorm still feels fresh.

Yet here we are about three years later with my collegian preparing for a new start after a lifetime of education. It’s a sobering thought.

One son nearing the finish line, the other about to start.

I’m sure I’ll be revisiting these feelings several more times this year. Beginning in June with another high school graduation and at the end of August when that fall semester actually begins . . . for both of my precious sons.

Cue the Kleenex!

That’s Better!

My handsome younger son looks like himself again!

Hopefully, this is the senior photo that will go in the kid’s high school yearbook. We’re both glad the portrait studio cleared up his acne . . . while keeping him a guy!

Too Much Photoshop

My #1 son’s oh-so-handsome senior yearbook photo (2009)

I love this photo of my older son! Even though he’s now a scruffy-bearded college junior, I use this pic as my iPhone’s screensaver. Those beautiful blue eyes are mesmerizing.

So I was looking forward to my younger son having his senior yearbook photo taken last month (he waited until the last minute so he could keep his scruffy beard as long as possible). I couldn’t wait to see my baby boy in his faux tux (the guys wear the dickey formal-wear shirt, bow tie, and jacket, while the gals are stuck with a shapeless drape). It definitely ratchets up the hunk factor.

Will the kid win any best-dressed awards?

As we waited for his turn in front of the camera, I snapped this pic of my younger son with my iPhone. He looked handsome, of course, but I knew the official print would be so much better.  Then the kid asked me if I thought they would touch up his acne for the yearbook photo. I told him they probably were pretty handy with Photoshop and hoped that they would. I know how sensitive all the seniors are about looking their best.

After almost four long weeks, his proofs finally arrived yesterday. What an exciting moment for me as I ripped open the envelope! Would his green-gray eyes be sparkling? Could we see the red highlights in his hair? Would I start imagining him in his prom tuxedo (if he should go)?

Most importantly, did the portrait studio work its magic and make his blemishes disappear?

Quite a change!

Even though the name on the photo was my son’s, he sure looked different.

Methinks the studio was a little heavy-handed with its Photoshop use. But at least his acne was gone!

Sidebar: After I posted the above pic on Facebook, one of my younger son’s friends recognized the beautiful young lady and contacted her. She didn’t have the same experience I had of seeing someone else in her envelope from the portrait studio; she hasn’t gotten her proofs yet. But now she knows where they are!

Senior Struggles

My high school senior is home . . . and he’s mad.

I delayed writing a post today, because trying to get C.J. off to school to start his . . . gulp! . . . senior year was intensely stressful. Even though he’s been fine all summer, he had trouble sleeping last night and felt awful this morning.

Was the nightmare going to begin again?!?

Fortunately, C.J. had promised to give his friend RJ a ride, so off he went in the Fuze. My stomach was in knots all day, especially after he texted me a couple times that he was struggling to stay in class. All I could tell him was to breathe deeply and hang in there.

He returned home grumpy, as much because of chaos in the parking lot as his digestive problems. But he’s willing to see if his anxiety lessens this week, enabling him to continue at his high school.

I am praying that will be the case. And that tomorrow will be a better day for my beloved baby boy in this all-important senior year.

Back to School!

The #2 son (left) and the #1 son

What’s different between the above photo and the one below?

Here we go again!

The answer: Seven years! Oh, and, of course, the outfits. The top photo was taken on the first day of school in 2002 when the #1 son was in fifth grade and #2 was in second. I think that was the last time they ever wore the same clothes!

School started today, and I’m feeling sentimental. This is the first day of #1’s final year in high school, as well as the first day of #2’s first year in high school. I feel like they’re coming and going.

#2 is still sleepy.

Even though we’ve been through this first-day-of-school business for years, it still gets chaotic. Especially since high school starts at 7:30 a.m., and #2 isn’t a morning person at all.

"Stop it, Mom!"

#2 had a big adjustment to make this morning. #1, meanwhile, seemed unaffected by it all. Three years of high school experience will do that to you.

#1 son reads the comics.

Nothing stops #1 from his daily habit of reading the comics first thing when he wakes up. I like making their lunches while they get ready; however, it was more stressful having two to make before they leave (middle school started at 8:50 a.m.).

Making their lunches allows me to put cute notes in their reusable lunch bags. I’m sure this note won’t be embarrassing at all!

"Bye, Mom!"

All too soon it was time for them to pop into our old minivan and drive off to the high school together. With me reminding older brother how he needs to help his younger brother find his first class. It seems like they were at the house this morning, and then they were gone down the street in a flash and a half, the chaos of the early hours still swirling in the air.

Off they go! (1.6-second shutter speed)

Yep, the first day of school always is a blur . . . for kids and moms!