the other night, the 8th graders graduated … and alyssa was there to play in the band for the ceremony (she's 7th grade). she played last year too. i went along, and they let me in without a ticket … because i was "with the band". lol! this year, she told me i couldn't go. but she did ask me to curl her hair before she left. alyssa NEVER wants me to do her hair for anything. and it really doesn't hold a curl for more than 5 minutes anyways. but i was more than happy to do it for her … in exchange for some photos.
and the girl gave me all of about 3 minutes with the camera. seriously. she gave me the typical, posed smile … but i could still see the "really mom? more pictures" look in her eyes. she was in such a hurry to get out of there. luckily, i have my go-to spot in the backyard for photos. it's my comfort zone. i know the lighting, i know where to position them, i know what to set my camera too. and it always works. it's just easy and simple. and i can honestly tell the girls that if they cooperate with me … they'll be done in just a few minutes. which they like!
btw … actions curtiousy of maggie holmes. i used an urban cross action on these.
all the kids in the band were planning on wearing sunglasses for the ceremony. i'm sure they all looked very cool!
about 2 minutes into the photos … she got this look. she thought i was taking too long and worried she was going to be late. so she let me take just a few more … and then she left.
honestly … just told me she was done and went walking out the backyard. lol! i followed her … like the "paparazzi mom" that i am. and then she turned and gave me another famous look. the one that says "you are SO embarrasing". she does this to me when she goes to school in the morning. they walk out the side door and i stand there watching them leave. and she looks back, gives me the look, and then gives me this ever-so-discreet wave to get back in the house before anyone sees. it's kind of funny to be honest.
but i still watch her go. to be sure she gets there safely. although, really … the school is a few houses down and across the street. lol! it's kitty corner from our house. but still. she's my girl and i keep my eye on her as long as i can. and i secretly loved that when she got to the crosswalk … she waited. and waited. and then waited some more. she waited for so many cars to stop and go on their way. she didn't assume they would let her cross or even slow down. cautious? yes. but that made me feel so much better. knowing she listens to me and slows down enough to remember what i've said.
today alyssa finished the 7th grade. she's now officially an 8th grader. came home with 6 more awards yesterday from the last trimester. kind of bummed that they changed the awards ceremony without letting the parents know about it … so i wasn't there to see them. she was one of only 4 kids in the 7th grade to get a perfect 4.0 all year. so proud of her. she also ran for student body president this week. i was surprised when she mentioned wanting to run. but knew it was something she'd be great at. her best friend was running for vice president. they made posters and flyers to hand out. campaigned at recess and lunch. wrote their speeches. and then filmed their speeches live … while they were shown in all the classrooms. and then the voting on wednesday. they found out the winners today .. and i was sad to hear that neither alyssa or her friend made it. turns out, the girls handing out lollipops and cookies in exchange for votes were the winners. coincidence? maybe, maybe not. i can say that my girl is honest … and wasn't about to promise anything that she knew she couldn't do. like when kids asked if she would make recess's longer … or make less homework. anyways, she is fine and said she had a feeling of who would win. but i am so proud of her for trying … and putting herself out there. she put in a great effort and i love her for it.
Laura Vegas 
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