the history of homecoming

Another last. Tonight marks Colton's last Homecoming Dance. I've always liked this sweet tradition - it's a dress up night, to be sure, but so much more laid back than Prom. And I love that it's for all grades in high school. Colton and Reece have been able to share this memory for the last two years - and I really love that, too.

Freshman Year

Colton was new to Brentwood Academy his freshman year but he jumped in to it all without hesitation. Precious Bailey was his date that year, and she came straight from a cheer competition in Nashville, changing in the car on the drive over and meeting us at the restaurant. Cayce and I got to chauffeur them that year since neither was driving... we loved it - they hated it. And the highlight of that night? Cayce and I picking them up from the dance dressed as Sonny and Cher (Cayce was Cher - I was Sonny). We were coming from a Halloween party and while we probably COULD have changed before we got back to the school, we decided it was more important to remind Colton that he is never too cool, and you should never take yourself too seriously.  Bailey loved it - and Colton will always smile when he thinks about it. NOW he will smile; then, maybe not.

Sophomore year. Well that was the year Colton decided it was more important for him to hang out with Dawson and watch college football together. Dawson had a broken leg and couldn't go to the dance - and Colton being the good and honorable friend that he is, felt he should keep Dawson company that evening. Of course it had nothing to do with the fact that Texas was playing that evening. Or that he was still upset about missing the Texas game while he attended his Freshman Homecoming Dance the year before. No, that would have to do with it at all. In the end, though, he and Dawson had a great time - and Colton had no regrets.

Junior Year

Honestly, I don't remember much of the Junior year festivities. Colton asked a girl who was a year younger than him - and I didn't know her. Cayce went to the junior picture session so I could cover Reece's freshman picture session. So I never even met the date, who's name I cannot remember at the moment. Cute smile, though - I do remember that.

David and Victoria Beckham - Senior Year

And then he was a senior. As we already know, he asked Raleigh (earlier post all about that "ask"). Sweet friends since Colton started at BA. So... seniors do things a little differently. They don't dress up. They dress in costume - as famous couples. Colton and Raleigh? David and Victoria Beckham - and yes, they totally nailed it. The whole evening is really pretty awesome and very fun. The seniors parade through the campus (parents are the parade watchers), and have dinner together as a senior class before the dance. Very, very cool way for a very close class to celebrate their last Homecoming together.

Deckers, Beckhams, Great Gatsby, Titanic, and Life of Pi.

My Homecoming dances were nothing like this. We had a dance - we didn't dress up - and I don't think that many people even came with dates. It was outside, in our school's courtyard - and it wasn't even decorated. I don't remember ever going out with friends before or after the dance. We just showed up at school for the dance, dressed in normal "going out in the 80's" clothes - and danced in groups. We did pair up for the slow songs - but only those who were lucky enough to be asked (I doubt I ever was). I don't have any pictures, which is a good thing because the 80's really weren't all that great of a fashion time for anyone! I do remember, though, that I enjoyed the dances - because I always enjoyed anything social. But I will have to say that I would have loved a Homecoming night like Colton has had these past fours years - particularly this senior year.

Senior Walk

Dancing the night away with friends

Tattoos and all. Temporary, of course.

My boys and their beautiful dates.

Yes, he may have loved this.

rally and bonfire

It's Homecoming Week and it's a year for new beginnings. Thanks to the work and planning of Colton and several other seniors, this year's Bonfire was bigger than ever - and a new tradition was begun... THE RALLY. I will admit, the idea for the Rally was mine, but had it not been for some very awesome seniors, that idea would have stayed just that - a really cool brainstorm that never went anywhere.

And so tonight, after a month of brainstorming, planning, approval meetings, and more approval meetings, THE RALLY debuted with a huge audience, tons of excitement and one of the largest bonfire crowds ever. This was our school's first-ever night time pep rally - complete with cheerleaders, dancers, wing men, pep band and the first ever "Battle of Red and Blue".

The Wing Men may have stolen the show!

The meetings got old, I know, but I am proud of Colton and Caroline, in particular, for sticking with it and seeing it through to the end. Because of their persistence, this year's senior class has just left it's mark on Brentwood Academy by starting a very special tradition that I have no doubt will be enjoyed by many for years and years to come.

First Ever Battle of Red & Blue

Cheerleaders

Academy Dancers

Battle of Red & Blue

Screaming Eagles

Senior FB players get painted up by their moms

Heading down to the Bonfire

Friends who play together stick together.

game five... mba

Let me just get this out of the way right now... We didn't win. For the second year in a row, Montgomery Bell Academy beat Brentwood Academy.

It was a well fought game - from both sides.  We had a chance to win it with a field goal - but our incredible kicker, who hadn't missed a kick all night, succumbed to the pressure. Then, with just a few second left in the game, we were only yards away from the end zone - and the win was once again in our grasp. But the Big Red stopped us. And the victory was theirs.

The football players show some out-of-the-norm emotion
during the MBA Pep Rally

MBA is one of our biggest rivals and this loss was huge. It's crazy but our team and our school isn't used to losing home games. In fact, this was the first regular season home game loss that Colton has been a part of during his high school years. Losing is never easy but it is during times of failure and loss, that we sometimes grow the most. In those times, character has the opportunity to shine. Last night, I saw the Eagles - though broken in mind and spirit - shine. They rallied around one another, supporting and encouraging our kicker, in particular. And within a couple of hours, were already putting the loss behind them and making plans to move forward.

And so, our record changes to 4-1... and that's okay. Go Eagles!

game four... st. x

The three muskateers - they are three pretty awesome young men.
And they might just be beaming a little.

This week's game is home again - against another Catholic high school. But this time, it's St. Xavier, from Ohio. Yes, you read that right. I said O-hi-o. Last year, we traveled the four hours to their school so thankfully, this year was their turn to come to us. I'm quite serious when I say "thankfully".

Papa and Nana rarely miss a game.
In fact, Papa has rarely missed a home game since Colton
started playing high school football his freshman year. 

St. X is good. I mean they are really good. Like nationally ranked good. But we are good, too. And we are ranked nationally - not near as high as St. X - but we ARE somewhere in those rankings. Last year, they beat us. This year?? It went to DOUBLE OVERTIME
and then... oh yes, we DID...  4-0 baby! And just like that, we jumped WAY up in the national rankings. (Though I still can't tell you exactly where that puts us - please just be impressed that I know this much.) Watch the game winning touchdown here: http://youtu.be/hUr0QZyig-U

Cousins Kaycee and Dan Parker in from Union City for the game.
While watching the MS girls line up to take pictures with Colton
after the game, Kaycee commented that she felt like
she was back in Amarillo, watching Cayce after an AHS game.

The highlight of this game, however, wasn't our win (though that was pretty super fantastic). The highlight for me was seeing Dawson back on the field - not in uniform, but on the sidelines... encouraging and leading his team. It's good to have you back Big D - #1 QB you'll always be.

Oh, and did I already mention... 4-0 baby.

college... oh my.

And his first college response is a.... YES!

And I couldn't be more excited that the first response came from mine and Cayce's alma mater. Go Wildcats!

game three... Father Ryan

85 and 31. Best friends in and out of football.

First Pep Rally of the season

It's our third week of the season, and we played Father Ryan High School - a team who caught us off guard last year and basically creamed us. The Eagles are STRONG. The Eagles are TOUGH. The Eagles WIN. MOST of the time, that is. Last year, we didn't even look at Father Ryan as a challenging opponent - that is until... yep, I'll say it again... until they creamed us.

This year, we were ready. It wasn't pretty and if it hadn't been for our incredible defense, we probably wouldn't have pulled it off.

But yeah, it's now 3-0 baby.

homecoming?

"Raleigh, will you go to Homecoming with me?" That's pretty much how it went. He asked, she said yes. The punchline, though, is that he asked her in front of the entire student body at the beginning of the first pep rally of the year.  And so, amongst hoops and hollers, Raleigh, grinning from ear to ear, left the cheerleaders and joined Colton (who, by the way, had a similar smile on his face) and said yes.

Fun? Yes. Embarrassing? Maybe. Memorable? Totally.

As my sixth grader and his buddies observed aloud later that afternoon, "That was a GREAT ask. I mean, how could she say no in front of all those people?!"

Love these two - great friends who will have a great time enjoying their last high school Homecoming together.

my two 85's

Colton's Friday night game

A little over a week ago, the day before Brock's first ever middle school football game, he and his teammates left practice a little early to pick up game day jerseys for the first time. He came home with #85.

My initial thought was that the coaches had issued him that number, thinking it would be cute for him to have the same number as Colton. I was wrong. Brock ASKED for #85.

Melt my heart.

Brock's Saturday morning game

What a blessing it is for these two to be able to experience this year of school together. Brock's first year to play school ball - and Colton's last.

I pray they will both soak in and cherish each and every moment.

And what a fun year for mom and dad to watch from the sidelines... go Eagles!

game two... liberty tech

Our first home game of the season was last night against Liberty Tech. We won again and Colton finally made it onto the field! Our starting quarterback position is now being shared by a sophomore and junior, and the team is moving forward. Dawson had surgery this week, and yet still made it to the game - showing his devotion to team and amazing inner strength.  And did I mention, Colton made it onto the field?

It was a good night.

2-0 baby.

a heartbreaking loss

Moms with their senior boys!

Last night, we played Memphis University School for our first football game of the 2014 season. We won big... but unfortunately, we also lost big. Our starting quarterback took a side hit toward the end of a beautiful run, resulting in a broken ankle. And just like that, our team leader - the best athlete on the field this year - the one who already had offers to play ball from some great colleges and had even more prestigious colleges considering making offers  - is out for the season.  Just like that.

Sophomore Year

Dawson is more than our team's quarterback, he's also one of Colton's close friends, which makes the heartbreak even more real. And he's just one of those really great kids. You know - the kind you want your son to hang out with. The kind who makes good grades, stays out of trouble, works hard, smiles a lot, and stands for something great and honorable.

So now, the question lingers out there... Why? It was the same question Colton pondered for two months over the summer. Why? After years and years of work and focus - just when you are about to see your dream fulfilled - WHY is it taken away? Just. Like. That.

Junior Year Prom

Cecily's Dance Fans 2014

I don't know why. All I can do in times like this is trust. Not in myself - or in others - but in God. In times like this, sometimes all you can do is bow your head, close your eyes, and whisper "I trust you, Lord. I don't understand but I do trust you." And so today, I will pray that Dawson, as well as his family, teammates and loved ones, will trust. And hope. And believe.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

football and mono

He lost 20 pounds during his two months of mono. He slept through all of the "two a days," and missed the remaining summer practices and workouts. He didn't get to play in the preseason scrimmages. But as of last week, Colton is finally cleared of mono and the race is on to gain back the weight, strength and conditioning he lost.

Colton's "ready for football season" Instagram post today.
Alex and Brandon painted "85" on their backs
for every home game last year.  

He's running extra routes and even extra "suicides". (He so does not get that from me.) He's "lifting" regularly, and catching  better than ever before. And he's eating and drinking tons of calories and protein - like a mad man. I've never seen him more focused or motivated. In just 10 days, he has gained back 11 pounds. Seriously.  He feels good and he looks good.  He's not fully back - but he's definitely getting there.

Earlier this summer, Colton was on track - and excited - to be one of the starting receivers in his senior football season. Mono took that away from him. But watching him these last two weeks, I know he won't let this setback define him.

Tomorrow, that senior football season begins. Colton's. Senior. Season. He LOVES football. And he LOVES his team.  And he's ready.  He's ready to pray over the game and the team before anyone else even enters the stadium.  He's ready to put on his uniform and get his game face on.  He's ready to stand on the sidelines and cheer and yell till his voice goes hoarse.

And he's so ready to get on the field - soon, my son.  You've got this - your time is near.

senior survivor

I am backtracking a little today. The Senior Survivor Games actually took place on Sunday, August 3rd, which was BEFORE school started. Which means they took place BEFORE my blog started.  But Senior Survivor was the 1st official activity of the senior year so therefore, we backtrack.

On a hot, sunny Sunday afternoon, this group of students and friends gathered for the very first time as a senior class... and competed against each other to see which group would take the "Survivor 2014" title.  They competed in:  the tug of war, basket carry, slip n slide, cricket spit (yes, you read that right), gross food eating, dodge ball and egg toss.  Normally, Colton would have been ALL OVER these games...  Competitions. School spirit pride. Friends.  These games had "Colton" written all over them.

Dodge Ball

But Colton had mono.  He was on the tail end of it - but nonetheless, it still lingered. So much so, that he didn't want to go to the games because he was tired - I made him go because I knew he would regret not being there.  During the games, he smiled, visited and hugged friends he hadn't seen all summer. But he was unusually quiet and somewhat unattached.  He wasn't able to participate in all of the games due to the risk of rupturing his enlarged spleen.

Egg Toss with Jordan

The two "cripples" anchor their team.

BUT - did I mention he smiled, he laughed, he visited.  He ate canned beets (gross!). He did the cricket spit (double gross!).  I can't say he contributed much in dodge ball or the tug-of-war (too weak and too preoccupied with protecting his spleen) - but at least he did it.  And then came his finest moment - the last event of the day - the egg toss. The two team "cripples" paired up for this event... Jordan had a broken foot and contributed about as much to his team's efforts as Colton did. But cripples have no problem keeping up with an egg. Slowly, teammates and opponents alike sat down as their eggs cracked or busted.  Slowly, the numbers dwindled. And finally, there were just 10 standing - all of whom had been in Physics during their junior year. All of whom learned how to throw and catch eggs during that physics course.  (Yes, they DID learn something!) And so the distance kept growing, and the eggs kept flying, and the numbers kept getting smaller. Colton and Jordan made it to the final four - and ended that game in second place, leading their team to a shocking OVERALL 2nd place finish.

We didn't have activities like this when I was in high school - but then again, I graduated in a class of 750.  I suppose games like these would have been pretty difficult to pull off with those kind of numbers.  My high school experience was great, but I am so thankful that Colton's is so different.  I love that he goes to a small school that does "Senior Survivor" - and the kids get excited to spit crickets and toss eggs.  I love that the teachers come to watch. And the parents. And the kids don't mind. Most of all, I love watching them talk, and hug and laugh.


Enjoy this senior year, my son - this is only the beginning!

a season of lasts

This morning I received an email from a cousin who is reading this blog.  In the email, she said that she didn't think she could keep reading my posts if they were going to make her cry every time she read them.  The posts just remind her, she said, of how fast her own young son is growing up.

The problem is, I don't know HOW to write - without writing with emotion. Because to be completely honest, I am an emotional mess most of the time now.  It seems that everything is a "last"... his last first day of school, last yearbook picture, last year in the church youth group, last football season...

The first day of 1st Grade and
the night after my nightmare .

The night before Colton started 1st grade, I had a nightmare. I dreamt he was getting married and I was at the wedding - but he was only 6 years old.  It was a crazy dream.  And very revealing.  I was completely torn up that my baby was leaving the security of kindergarten and beginning "real school".  He was growing up much faster than I wanted. I remember I cried when I dropped him at his first day of 1st grade.  It was the only time I cried on Colton's first day of school - until this year. 

I am officially in the season of "lasts".  I don't like it but like it or not, it's here. And so, I apologize up front. My writing may bring tears from time to time - I'm sorry, I just can't help it. (Did I mention that I'm in a season of "lasts?!") But despite the emotional roller coaster on which his mother rides, rest assured that Colton will also bring us laughter and joy throughout this season. The boy can't help it. And for that, I am SO thankful.

technology is good?

I love technology. And I hate technology.  It allows me instant access to any information I desire, which is also the reason I detest it... it allows my CHILDREN instant access to any information they desire.  It is utterly addicting. I admit, even I get addicted from time to time. This past weekend, however, it struck me that technology - and social networking - can be GOOD.

Colton spent last night with friends.  Not his "go to" guys, whose group text conversation literally never ends.  Not his group of friends with whom he's grown up with at church.  No, the friends he hung out with on Saturday were friends from middle school - friends he hasn't been in school with since 8th grade.  He has never even lived in the same neighborhood as these boys.  But technology has kept them connected.  Texting, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat.

This 17-year old son of mine has friends from everywhere.  Friends from elementary and middle schools who now live all over the greater Nashville area; friends he has met at track meets, football and basketball games, dances, parties, etc; friends he met while attending Boys' State this past summer, who live in cities around the state of Tennessee; friends from all over the country he has met through a spiritual leadership camp he attends in Texas every summer; and even friends from all over the world he met on solo airplane trips, family vacations, school trips and visits overseas.  Colton is definitely outgoing and has no problem talking to a stranger. In fact, he loves going out of his way to get to know someone new.  For this reason, he always requests to "go potluck" on a roommate at camp each summer - just so he can get to know someone new.  I love that about him.  And then the really cool part? He keeps in touch with most of them - through technology.

They text. They tweet. They instagram. They stay in touch.  So when Colton visits Texas or Louisiana or New York or Honduras or Israel, he almost always knows someone from the area - and will let them know he's there.  And if we are in the city his friend lives in, he contacts them to see if they can get together.

Still friends with most of these boys.
Picture taken Spring 2011.

They played school ball together in '09
and '10, and still go to each other's
games whenever possible.

Saturday night, six friends who haven't all been in school together since May 2011, got together for dinner, sports watching and just hanging out.  Technology makes our world a smaller place.  And I think I like that.