Faux Prom and More Senior Festivities

Back in January after visiting a few prom/bridal shops, Karson found her perfect gown for Junior prom (right here in Bowling Green) at Regiss.  It was gorgeous, fit her perfectly (although my BFF Phyllis did had to alter the straps a bit to make it fit tighter), very inexpensive compared to ones we'd seen, and a unique color.  I was a little concerned we might not be able to find shoes to match locally.  Isaac happened to have a lacrosse match in Tennessee near Rivergate one Saturday.  Because of that, Karson and I were able to run over to DSW Shoes and found the PERFECT color/shoe to match.  We also snagged some hoop earrings from Claire's at Rivergate.

AND the COVID bomb hit, everything was cancelled - school, spring sports, concerts, prom, graduation, everything!  Although I wanted Karson to get to attend her Junior prom, I knew health and safety were paramount to experiences.

A few weeks ago, my other BFF Larie (aka Phyllis's daughter) asked my thoughts on her hosting a faux, small prom which would basically be dinner and pictures.  Karson loved the idea, and I did too so plans were in motion.  The Prom was a week ago Friday.  I'd scheduled hair and makeup for Karson - always fun to get glammed up and ordered a boutonnière for her date Spencer.

Karson and Spencer looked AMAZING unlike the weather which was ominous looking all week.  Larie had gone to all the trouble to set all the tables, chairs, and place settings out for the kids.  When we got to her mother-in-laws place (where the event was taking place), the wind was blowing and stuff was flying everywhere.  It was gorgeous up until the time of the event (5:30) and it was like the floodgates and wind opened up.  The rain was torrential  - it was crazy.  BUT, it eventually let up enough for the kids to get some group pics and enjoy a nice dinner.

We kept everything low contact by disinfecting hands, serving the food, etc.  It was a lovely night and so thankful all the kids got to enjoy their own version of prom.  Very hopeful they'll get to actually experience their Senior prom.

 

Karson's friend Liz Warder scheduled a Senior pics session with Leigh Anne Littlefield Photography a few weeks back.  With all the uncertainty of how school would look like/begin, the girls wanted to get some "first day" pictures where they all looked nice.  I'm glad they did.  With the A/B schedule that's in place, they won't even be going to school on the same days, and it will look very different even when they are there.

Hard to believe they are already SENIORS.  Karson has already applied to two schools and was accepted into the University of Louisville.  We are currently working on resumes, essays and scholarship applications.  It has BEGUN!  Hopeful this year will be full of excitement for all these girls!!!

CLASS OF 2021!!!

Class of 2021 ~ It's Your Time to Shine Bright

I read an article a few weeks ago, and it hit all the points, we, as parents of the Class of 2021, are facing with our High School Seniors.  I remember that pit in my stomach as we dropped little Karson off at Plano on August 5, 2008.  What was in store for her? Was she prepared? How would she handle it all?  She came home that afternoon claiming how much she loved school and couldn't wait to go back.  Through her academic journey, we quickly found out that Karson was extra special.  She'd been gifted with an incredible brain that was/is like a sponge.  Awards piled up, testing was through the roof, she'd be invited to attend 212 Academy for gifted students, she'd participate in the school's academic and quick recall teams, and the list goes on and on and on.  Her G/T teacher pulled me aside one day in the hall and told me how incredible Karson was and that she had the ability to quickly pick up new ideas, and the things she didn't know the answers to, her general intellect would kick in and help her sort out the answers.  Middle and high school have been no different.  She's continued to excel academically, scoring high on her exams, ACT, SAT, AP classes and being accepted into the prestigious Governor's Scholars program this summer.  School is her thing! The questions I had when Karson was an incoming kindergartener are the questions I face today as she enters her Senior year at South..what's in store for her?  Is she prepared? How will she handle this year?  

My answer: I have no doubt she and the class of 2021 will make the most of it!  Yes, it's going to be different, weird, bumpy, unpredictable, but that's LIFE.  As parents, let's look forward to their final year, embrace the moments, and encourage them as much as possible.  Let's not focus on all the things they won't get to do, but focus on LOVING their last year of high school and hugging them a little tighter than usual!

Senior pics, round 1, are complete with the oh-so-talented Erin Denny out of Franklin, KY with The Studio on Main.  Karson and I were pleased. It's such a treat working with someone who makes you feel comfortable, sets up shots beautifully, and gives great instruction.  She did an incredible job with the session.  We plan to do two more sessions - one in the fall and one in the spring.  Heck, we might even do one in the winter if we get snow!  

Cheers Class of 2021!  Let's make it one to remember!

Our Golfing Addict

 Golf has consumed our lives the past two weeks.  Miles managed to secure the 5th man spot on South Warren High School's Varsity golf team.  He's played EVERYWHERE since last Friday...

His first tournament was the Monroe County Falcon Invitational at Hidden Hills where the weather looked sketchy all day.  We had a rain delay playing the last nine holes.  By the time we returned to the course, they would not allow carts which meant we'd have to walk (or run) if another storm popped up.  Miles was in the last group and the flood gates opened up on the last hole.  By the time we made it back to the car, we were absolutely SOAKED.  He played a great first round and had a good attitude despite being wet.  Final score: 83

(Last) Saturday took us to the Somerset Invitation at Eagles Nest Country Club.  The weather was a little spotty but held off most of the day.  This was his first tournament playing with other players (which I learned was normal).  In the Monroe County event, he was with his own team.  He played with a GIANT from Greenwood entering into his Senior year, a sophomore from Glasgow, and a 7th grader from Rock Castle.  Final score: 88

Monday he played at the Gator Invitation at Bowling Green Country Club where we had to wrangle in my parents to help since Matt had teacher orientation, and I had to work.  He played a wonderful round and managed to shoot an 84.  Matt said with the exception of Greenwood's JV players, Miles was the only 13 year old in the tournament (113 players).  He also managed to land at about the 60th spot in overall scoring which is really cool.  Tuesday brought more family reinforcements.  Miles had a tournament at Crosswinds.  We asked Matt's parents if they could assist with that tournament.  He didn't have his best round that day and shot a 91.

Yesterday he had a match in Christian County playing at Western Hills Golf Course.  It's easy to pick up bad habits when you haven't had a lesson recently.  His driving is a little off, so once we slow down, we'll get him a lesson to correct some mistakes he's been making.  I feel so helpless out on the course.  I know I can't coach or help him, but I can see the frustration in his face and body language.  Final score: 87.

Today separated the men from the boys at Heritage Hill in Shepherdsville.  Thankfully he's with Dad today.  Matt said the course was really HARD, and the struggle bus usually hits during the back nine.  He shot a 91.  He'll be staying overnight in Danville and playing Battle of the Bridge tomorrow at Old Bridge Golf Course.  You'd think after all this golf, our little guy would be worn out.  Nope!  He's always putting, chipping or watching golf videos.  In fact last weekend when he played back to back, he was wanting to go to Barren River to play with Pap Colvin and Uncle Seth that Sunday.  Matt had to talk him out of it.  He's addicted, and we're so proud of him.  He has a great attitude (most of the time) and loves his team so much.  

Meet The Deaton Achievers

Featuring...Karson Deaton who had the privilege of attending a modified summer program for the states Governor's Scholars Program at Centre College.  #GSPandemic 

 We had an anxiety filled week leading up to her leaving.  At a family gathering, a friend tested positive for COVID the next day.  Leading up to GSP, Karson had to monitor her symptoms daily and make note of her temperature.  She had no symptoms, but out of precaution, our entire family went and got tested.  Fortunately, we all got negative results.  We dropped her off at Centre on Sunday and picked her up Friday afternoon.

 She had a good time overall but was saddened that the experience wasn't like normal summers.  Memories were made, and honestly, we're thankful for the scholarship that comes with GSP.  In the end, the $$$ is what's nice.

Her home for the week - Ganfield House.  It was TINY.  I can't imagine living there for a full semester or YEAR.  

Karson also received her AP scores this week and got a "3" on both her AP English and AP US History exams.  She plans on taking two WKU Dual Credit classes this fall and continues to chip away at that college credit.  Her plans at this time are to pursue an education in Nursing.  Where she lands depends much on scholarships and financial aide.  She's leaning heavily towards WKU but considering UL as well.  Dr. Paul let her come shadow a procedure with him recently.  I'm hopeful she can do that more often next summer as her long term plans include the possibility of CRNA school.  She looks awfully cute in scrubs.

Miles finished up his Go Golf Tournament series and came in 2nd at Kenny Perry's Country Creek.  The tour championship was in Owensboro the next week.  We weren't able to go because of work, but Pops and Meme were able to take him.  It takes a village!

He's had golf tryouts for SWHS this week and is currently 6th in the standings.  He officially made the team yesterday.  I got tickled because my (booster) friend Christy texted me to ask for his size.  I jokingly asked if youth sizes were available.  Bless his heart, he's still a little guy.  Hope his clothes don't look too big on him =).

Karson had the day off last Sunday, so we took the kids to TopGolf in Nashville.  It's always a quick, fun trip.  They are operating Top Notch too with their guidelines, cleaning procedures and customer protection.  I didn't feel unsafe which is nice since Tennessee is crawling with COVID.