Le Cirque...2010

High school for Amanda is in full swing now and this week and weekend has been one that memories are made of. This past week was spirit week and homecoming week at Amanda's school...and she was just overly excited all week. I am going to try and recap this week including the all important homecoming dance that Amanda is in attendance at right now.

The week was filled with spirit week activities and allowed the students to break the mold somewhat and wear things other than uniform. For "A Person in History" day, Amanda dressed up as Laura Ingalls Wilder (thank you Melton girls for loaning her the costume). Before we even left the house, she kept saying I am SO hot! And, on the way to school as she was talking to my dad on the phone, I told her to tell grandpa I was taking her to her "one-room" schoolhouse. And here's what she said, "Grandpa, mom is taking me to my one-room schoolhouse...in her car!" Oh my goodness! Too cute for words. When I was ready to drop her off, she said again how hot she was. I mentioned to her how she always said she wanted to live with Laura Ingalls Wilder did, and I told her this is what they wore all the time. And off she skipped to her class! Okaymaybe she didn't exactly skip, but off she went. Below is my sweet girl as Laura

Spirit Day #3 - Historical

Figure

The rest of the week, Amanda wore her spirit week/homecoming t-shirt, until Friday. Friday was red, white, and blue day (school colors and they are the patriots). So, like any mom would do (right?) I got the supplies to create the attire for the day and stayed up way past my bedtime to get it just right, all for the sake of one day at school and for the love I have for my girl.

RED, WHITE, and BLUE--Go Patriots!!!

Amanda went to the homecoming game last night (October 1) and as her track record would display, she always has to ask someone if her team won the game (hello? you are at a football game..pay attention). So, when she let me know she was ready to be picked up, Larry and I asked if her the team won and she said YES! Well, yay! I kind of laughed and said, "well, did you have to ask someone this time if you won?" What do you think her answer was?? None other than Y E P!! When she was describing the fun she had with her friends she also said something rather cute. She said, ....you know, all the football players don't play at the same time?" Ya think!? Cute nonetheless.

Today was a fun day for Amanda and me. She went to her play rehearsal at school and right after that, it was time for some mommy daughter time. I took her to get her hair fixed up for the homecoming dance tonight. Two hours later...we were on our way, but the transformation of my girl went a little something like this:

Step 1: Wash and pain-stakingly blow-dry all her hair (it's not an easy thing to do; I've done it in the past)

Step 2: Separate and blow dry, comb, and repeat.

Step 3: Start the styling process

Step 4: Transformation into an absolute beauty (brought tears to this momma's eyes)

After Amanda's hair was finished, it was off to the mall to get some shoes, a handbag to carry, and some jewelry...

...and one more stop before heading home...pick up the surprise from Larry and Mom....

The time had finally come to get ready for the big night!!! Of course, more pictures were taken after I helped get her all ready for the evening....

Then it was off to my parent's house. She did not want to go to the dance without showing her grandpa and memaw her all dressed up. And, several of her cousins were there with whom she insisted on having her picture with (she loves all her cousins tremendously!!).

After stopping to show off the dress, we headed to Chili's for dinner..

*A priceless picture! Earlier at the mall, Amanda had said to me that she was really glad that Larry got to share this special moment with her. ( she really does love him!)

...then the time had come to head to the school....

*I would say a few nerves sort of got in the way of her getting out of the car. I finally told her she had to go (took her 20 minutes). Oh how I love this young lady!

Dear Sweet Amanda:

You amaze me young lady. You are growing up so fast right before you mom's eyes. Where did that little girl with pigtails and frilly dresses go? How about the toddler learning to walk? And, the infant who eventually said mama for the first time? God has given me the most precious gift here on this earth - you! It is such a true blessing to be called your mom. I am forever thankful to God for knowing that I would do my very best to raise you - His Princess! It is true what they say, parenting is by far the hardest job ever, but my little lady, I absolutely would not trade it for the world. I very much enjoyed the moments spent today preparing you for this first of many memorable moments to come. Your radiance shown so brightly tonight as you smiled for the camera. You are a young lady in the making, continuing to be formed and fashioned by God's hand, and I am in awe of you and the wonders in you He allows me to be a part of. My sweet Amanda, I pray your evening was all that you dreamed it would be - filled with fun and laughter, good times with friends. Even though your date was upset when he found out he could not go, the best "fill-in" date was indeed with you...God! He held your hand as you walked into the dance area. He wrapped His arms around you as you took those first dance steps. He helped guard your heart - His dwelling place. And all the while you were at the dance, your mom prayed for you and thought of you. As God held your heart tonight, so did He hold mine simultaneously. My Amanda, thank you for being my girl. You're beautiful! Oh yes, and one more thing...my heartstrings were tugged, tears brimmed, and a smile filled my face when I got the text message, right after I dropped you off, from you simply saying, "I Love You."

Love,

Mom