If it wasn't obvious to me before that I can't stop the march of time, it's REALLY evident today. As Claire and I plan our route for the numerous grad parties that dot our landscape this afternoon and evening, and as I watched our 'Senior Salute' this morning in church, one fact is painfully, GLARINGLY, obvious and clear: next year, baby. It's Claire's turn.
This isn't my first rodeo. Claire's brother, Brendan, graduated in 2010. He, of course, is a totally different kid. Quiet and instrospective, happy to while away the hours on multiple computer screens in his room, his senior year was pretty low key. I mean, as far as senior years go. Brendan went to the career center and majored in web design, so his activities revolved around competitions in those areas. Plus, he was a DACC rep, going to other high schools and extoling the virtues of a technical education to younger kids. When he wasn't at school, he worked at Meijer. That's it. Those were his activities. He didn't want to go to his senior prom, and getting him to go to graduation was like pulling teeth. He would have been perfectly happy not having a grad party, but we insisted.
Brendan's celebration was a laid back party on a Sunday afternoon at our house. We had a cookout, and guests could go swimming. We didn't have a huge turnout, but Brendan had a small circle of friends, so it was perfect.
Flash forward almost 4 years. Claire is a mirror opposite of her brother. Exuberant, outgoing, involved in just about everything her high school has to offer.....we are anticipating not only a senior year that takes our breath away, but a grad party that's, um, just a hair bigger than Brendan's. Like, we don't think we can have THIS one at the house!
Just writing that last paragraph made me sweat.
So, how will we deal with the stress? Start planning NOW. Today, when Claire and I make our rounds, we'll be doing 'cake testing'.....seeing which delectable, frosting covered baked good rocks her socks? What kinds of appetizers look good, taste great, and involve minimal prep? What decorations are 'must haves?' How many pictures can we display without our guests' eyes glazing over? You know, the basics.
When I have all this down on paper, that's one less thing I'll need to stress about. I know there are some parents that can wait until the last minute and pull off the party of the century, but they also may lose half their hair, and their kids may not be speaking to them. Yeah, I'd rather not go that route.
So anyway, to our many friends who graduated yesterday, and are preparing to graduate: Congratulations! Can't wait to hug you in person!
And, see you next year at Claire's party :)
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