 | 2 Jun 10 |
Normally I don’t talk about my kids online much beyond the generic “mom” type stuff, but I’m making an exception today.
See, today is my middle daughter Haley’s 18th birthday. She’s all growed up, as she used to say when she was really little, when that’s all she wanted was to be…big. Eighteen years ago we went from one kid to two–two kids in diapers no less. The pregnancy was harder with her than with our first daughter. I had high blood pressure, gestational diabetes (although it was undiagnosed by my quack doctor at the time) and I was on half days at work/bed rest from the fifth month of pregnancy on. So when the due date May 22nd rolled around…I was ready for the kid to vacate the premises. I say kid, because we had no idea if “it” was a boy or a girl. I had bouts of false labor which led me to the hospital, which led the doctor who knew what the hell he was doing, to tell me…my baby was breach. Long story short, I ended up having a C-section in the middle of the night, and we were all shocked when our beautiful and perfect baby girl weighed in at ten pounds, two ounces.
Uh-huh. A ten pound baby. A ten day over due breach baby. Yes, I expect great gifts on Mother’s Day from my daughters and threaten to show my C-section scars (I have two, daughter #3 required me to go under the knife too.)
So today starts the first of many milestones for the month of June for our Haley. Her legal birthday is today, she graduates from Rapid City Central High School on Sunday Summa Cum Laude with a 3.9 GPA, and then the following Sunday she heads to Mobile, Alabama, for the America’s Junior Miss Scholarship program, where she will be representing our great state as South Dakota’s Junior Miss.
We are extremely proud of her, as well as feeling a little weepy, a little melancholy because when Haley heads to college in August (Univ. of South Alabama, where she has received a full tuition, four year academic scholarship) we will be back to being a one kiddo at home family again. Just like we were on June 1st, 1992, the day before she finally made an appearance in our lives. I scarcely remember that time, to be honest.
I’m not going to brag on her any more besides to show this picture, because it sums her up so perfectly. Every year the Duck Tape Corporation has a “Stuck At Prom” contest, and gives scholarships to high school seniors who make their prom clothes…out of Duck Tape. So when Haley announced that she planned to make her prom dress, as well as her date’s tux, out of duck tape, well, I wasn’t surprised because it was just something Haley would do. She’s artistic, way more visually artistic than I could ever hope to be. And it shows-yes, she made every piece of these outfits herself -
Portraits by Russell LLoyd Jensen/Sage Studios.
(There is voting for the best Duct Tape Prom Outfits that starts June 7th, if you’re so inclined to vote for her on that day — that would be way cool – STUCK AT PROM WEBSITE )
And in addition to celebrating that this week, Lorelei James has a new print release! SHOULDA BEEN A COWBOY, book 7 in my Rough Riders series, is officially out in print as of yesterday!
So leave a comment about your prom dress, or your birthday, or your child birth experience, or just even to say hi and I will have Haley choose a random commenter for a signed copy of this book!
© 2010, Lori G. Armstrong. All rights reserved.
Lori G. Armstrong left the firearms industry in 2000. Her first mystery novel, BLOOD TIES, published in 2005, was nominated in 2006 for a Shamus Award for Best First Novel by the Private Eye Writers of America. The second book in the Julie Collins mystery series, HALLOWED GROUND, released Nov. 2006, was nominated for a 2007 Shamus Award for Best Paperback Original, a Daphne du Maurier Award and won the 2007 WILLA Cather Literary Award for Best Original Softcover Fiction. SHALLOW GRAVE, released in Nov. 2007, was nominated for a 2008 High Plains Book Award, a Daphne du Maurier Award and was a finalist for the 2008 WILLA Cather Literary Award. The fourth book, SNOW BLIND, released in Oct. 2008, won the 2009 Shamus Award, from the Private Eye Writers of America, for Best Paperback Original. Lori is a proud fourth generation South Dakotan and lives in Rapid City with her family.
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[...] Milestones Post at Murder She Writes [...]
by Lori Armstrong » Blog Archive » Milestones Post June 2nd, 2010 at 8:19 amThe years go so quick, you have a very talented daughter and I hope she had a wonderful day. The prom dress looks amazing, would never have guess it was made of duct tape. Enjoy your busy month with her before she goes off to uni.
by Amanda June 2nd, 2010 at 9:55 pmI love the duct tape wear!!!! Lord, and the cover! Wow!
by Debra Webb June 2nd, 2010 at 8:22 amThanks, Debra – I LOVE my Rough Rider covers because they are so unique
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 9:29 amKnow all about the C-Section. I didn’t have a due date and when I called the Hosp. They said that there was 13 people on the list and I wasn’t one of them, but if I wanted to, I could come in and they would check me out! I ended up chattering and freezing to death on the Operating table before the drugs finally kicked in, so I could sleep thru it. The Dr kept telling me “it” was a girl and I kept telling him it was a boy! Nick was the new years baby, 1-2-83.
by Tiss June 2nd, 2010 at 8:32 amCongrats to Haley!!!!!!!!! U Go Girl!!!
Good Luck to U in Alabama, representing our great state of SD!!!!
Congrats on the coming 4 years of college. Your parents are going to miss you, even if u are only a phone call away.
May God Bless you and your parents, and other siblings.
Looking forward to your mother’s great books!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Tiss, I too, was surprised at how damn cold the operating room was, as it was my first surgical experience.
And Haley definitely won’t need to take her snow board to Alabama with her!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 9:31 amI like her outfits, I can’t believe that is duct tape!!! She’s pretty awesome.
by Tiss June 2nd, 2010 at 1:28 pmI have to say looking at that picture I am impressed by her, those outfits look great!! I will mark it down on the calendar and go vote for her. I remember my prom and I did not like any of the dresses in the stores so my mom made one for me. I loved it! I wish she would have passed on the her creative side to me and knowledge of how to make stuff like that. I wish her luck in college! My son is growing up so fast and before I know it he will be off to school as well. Time flies.
by Paige Purnell June 2nd, 2010 at 8:35 amPaige, I’ll have to admit, when she said making her prom dress my first thought was great! We won’t have to buy one – LOL
The sewing gene skipped me too, as did the craft gene, but all my daughters got it…from my mom
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 9:32 amOh my goodness! The prom outfits are fabulous. Haley is so talented.
Good luck to Haley on the Junior Miss pageant and congrats on the full ride scholarship. I know ya’ll are so proud of her accomplishments.
As far as pregnancy, I too ended up with a C-section but at 30 weeks along. Toxemia was the cause and I had been in the hospital for 5 weeks. At 3 lbs 2 oz, he was a tiny baby but made it through 7 weeks in the hospital before he came home. But that was almost 23 years ago!
by Barb June 2nd, 2010 at 8:38 amIsn’t that funny, Barb, that Haley was almost three times the size of your son? We always joked she was a twin and she ate the other baby – for some reason she’s never found humor in that…
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 9:33 amOMG! Love the prom outfits! I can’t wait to show them to my daughter, who keeps trying to talk me into buying her tie dye duct tape! I may have to relent, though she has quite a few years before prom.
Awesome outfits!!! We will definitely be voting!
by Susan R June 2nd, 2010 at 8:39 amSusan, definitely you should buy her the duck tape, and show her the website with all the amazingly cool clothes these high school kids made. It absolutely boggles my mind.
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 9:34 amShe did see some of the outfits at the local craft store at the duct tape display. They even had 2 sample bags there. My only concern is I think she wants it to use on her friends and not to make cool stuff!
by Susan R June 2nd, 2010 at 11:58 amSusan, if she wants to use it on her friends maybe she has a career as a mystery writer
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:10 pmAh how they do grow. It’s really tough for me because when I deploy, it seems like my boys have snuck away a grew up on me. It’s a little scary each time because I can’t keep them in the little box I have for them. I am pretty much forced to let them express themselves and make (well meant) mistakes and be individuals.
This parenting gig sucks somedays.
The Infamous Michael
by The Infamous Michael June 2nd, 2010 at 8:41 amMr. Infamous Michael, another HUGE congrats to you and Mishell on the birth of Prince Declan last week, I have a baby gift for you –hey, I never get to buy boy clothes — and I SWEAR it will go in the mail next week (along with the socks I owe you)
A belated Happy Memorial Day to you too, and I hope it’s a while before you get deployed again…so you can see those boys grow up.
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 9:37 amHave just had the women in my office surrounding my desk to see this prom picture. What an amazing job she did! And I will definitely be going to vote next week.
Congrats to you and Haley and it’s amazing how fast time goes by, isn’t it?
by Karen Olson June 2nd, 2010 at 9:09 amThanks for stopping by, Karen! Didn’t your niece enter this duck tape prom dress contest one year too?
I know about the time flying thing…when I think she had just joined the teen years when we met at Bouchercon…and now she’s almost out of them…and your Julia is in them
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 9:38 amHappy Birthday, Haley. And I would so wear those pants…any day of the week…
by Jeff Shelby June 2nd, 2010 at 9:10 amI know, cool pants with little yellow duckies on them, right?
Although her date said they were sweaty…I don’t think they lasted long after the dance ended — and I mean that in a totally clean, PG way
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 9:40 amHaley is such a beautiful, talented girl. I was astonished at how she was able to utilize duct tape, of all things, to make those colorlful, lovely outfits.
I hope her date knows how lucky he is.
by Helen Chapman June 2nd, 2010 at 9:15 amThanks Helen, she really does have a unique way of looking at things, which is totally different than how I look at things, and we butt heads
but she’s an awesome kid and we couldn’t be prouder!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 9:41 amKelly graduated 8th grade last night. Not as big as night school, but I cried. (Not there, not even before or after, but when I got home and saw her and realized how proud I am of her, and then I started crying and had to assure her they were happy tears.)
Haley is beautiful, fun, talented, and she has great parents. You should be proud, and you’ll miss her, but you’ll be happy for her too because you know she’s going to be okay in this world. You’ve done a fine job.
by Allison Brennan June 2nd, 2010 at 9:16 amCongrats to Kelly — and mom and dad — you now have another high schooler!
Tessa graduates from 8th grade on Friday, Allison, and I”m sure I’ll cry, probably in public because it’s going to be such an emotional week.
I am looking on the happy side about Haley going to Alabama, because she’s worked hard to get the grades, but I will miss her like crazy and I”m sure we’ll head down south frequently to visit.
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 9:44 amWhat a remarkable young lady! Congratulations on doing something very right, Lori. You must be a hella mom and I suspect you have a fabulous, stable, happy, loving home.
As the mother of a boy who just turned 17 (and wore Dad’s Armani tux to the prom), I am all kinds of impressed!
And I don’t even want to talk about 14 months from now when he goes to college. I’ll be bereft, and I told him so. He just laughed and said, “You? Dad’s gonna need counseling.” So true.
Congrats and HAPPY BIRTHDAY HALEY!!!
by Roxanne St. Claire June 2nd, 2010 at 9:42 amThanks, Rocki. Although Haley will be the second one to go to college, it won’t be easier. Our oldest is in Laramie, WY which is only about 5 hours away. So it’s not like we can hop in the car and go visit Haley any old time we want — I do suspect our airfare bills will go way up
The hardest to be hit this go around will be the youngest, who will be at home by herself without her sisters for the first time in her life. The girls are extremely close and Tessa already started crying when we set a firm date for when we pack Haley up for college…
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 9:57 amOh, Lori! What an intelligent, talented and beautiful girl! May her life be charmed! That prom picture should be in a magazine. I have my calendar marked to go vote!
The Only graduated, with honors, with her BA this May and starts her MA this summer. She turned into a delightful, talented, and amazing young woman despite my best efforts.
When labor started, my OB was getting night flying hours in for his pilot’s license. Her dad, Lawyer Guy, was scheduled to argue in front of the State Supreme Court that morning (labor went from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.). He has the order signed by all the justices granting a continuance framed on his office wall.
Many congratulations to your family!
by Silver James June 2nd, 2010 at 9:47 amSilver, woman, you crack me up — and congrats on The Only’s accomplishments!
I think it’s hilarious that hubby framed the continuance.
Haley and I are polar opposites in so many ways, but it drives her insane that I know her thought processes better than she does
ah, the power of being the mom!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:00 amWow. Just, Wow! You are so blessed to have three beautiful daughters. Congratulations to Haley. She is certainly an impressive young lady. Her prom outfits are wonderful and I wish her the best of luck in the contest, the pagent, and in her new life at college. It makes having 10-pound babies worthwhile, doesn’t it?
by GSM June 2nd, 2010 at 9:48 amThanks, we are so blessed, I never take that for granted any day, and yes, all 10 pounds were worth it!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:01 amYour daughter is so amazing
by Becky Johnson June 2nd, 2010 at 10:06 amThank you, Becky, we think so too
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:06 amYour daughter is so beautiful. Amazing outfits. Love them! I am very excited about SBAC. I have it on my Kindle, but will also grab the print for my bookshelf.
by Becky Johnson June 2nd, 2010 at 10:07 amI will say, Becky, that the cover looks great in print – and I’m thrilled you get both versions!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:11 amWow your daughter is extremely talented. A big congrats to her on the scholarship. You should be very proud of her. Like you my boys both like to late, my oldest son was born after 26 hours a of labor and 9 days past his due date, his brother however came in a mere 6 hours and only 5 days late. UGH of course his quick arrival assured me that i’d get no epidural, nothing like an au natural birth.
by Jenn L June 2nd, 2010 at 10:14 amJenn, our first daughter was 2 weeks early, so, I guess two weeks late, makes it all even out.
Because Haley was 10 pounds, my OB wouldn’t let me go more than 2 days over my due date with Daughter #3, so we scheduled her birthday
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 11:15 amCongratulations! You must be so proud. What an accomplished and talented young lady.
I was also due on the 22nd of May, and my son made his appearance today, June 2. (and I thought 8.5 lbs was big!)
by Lori June 2nd, 2010 at 10:16 amMust be something in the air, huh Lori? May 22nd, with a birthday June 2nd…and we’re both named…Lori. Your son’s name isn’t…Haley by chance? LOL
Happy Birthday to your son, how old is he?
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 11:37 amWow! What an awesome dress and suit! Damn, that young woman is so freaking talented and gorgeous. Tell her I hope all her dreams come true.
I had relatively easy births for both boys. (They never read these comments, so I can deny this later.) We induced for Luke (something like 18 hours, I think, but I don’t remember–I just remember it hurt like hell to go from no labor to the sudden throes of minute long contractions, a minute apart.) We lost his heartbeat twice, they slapped oxygen on me and when we did finally get to delivery, he hadn’t moved down far enough. The anesthesiologist stood behind me and pushed… I had bruises in the shape of his hands for a week. That was hysterical.
I apparently was in labor with Jacob all day that day and hadn’t realized it because it hadn’t hurt. I was comparing it to the contractions I’d had for Luke and with Jake, I was merely uncomfortable. When my water broke at my parent’s house, my dad freaked out (he will deny that) and drove me to the hospital–an easy one hour drive made in 15 minutes. At one point, he passed people with oncoming traffic (in a curve). By the time I got there, when they took my blood pressure, they thought I was having a stroke. When Jake showed up just a couple of hours later, he popped out so fast, the doctor went to the floor to catch him. (I’m not kidding — Carl thought he was going to hit the floor.) But I never had any pain.
Now, they’re all grown and responsible and employed and I find I *really* like this time. They’re at the point where we’re friends and we enjoy each other and always do things together, so the memories of yesteryear–all the growing up angst–pales in comparison to how good the times are now. So there’s good stuff to look forward to.
by toni mcgee causey June 2nd, 2010 at 10:25 amThanks, Toni, she’s looking forward to living down south – her “AJM MOM” called on Sunday and she has one of the thickest accents Haley had ever heard
so it’ll be interesting to see if she comes home with a drawl, y’all!
Your boys are quite accomplished too, as you and I have chatted about many times, there is something to be said for having your family early in life, so you can enjoy them as adults.
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 11:17 amWow. I think that one word can sum it all up. Just wow.
You have one awesome, beautiful, creative, smart daughter. (I’m sure the other two are just as wonderful.) I can’t believe she made such great clothes for prom. And a full scholarship! My best friend’s daughter is heading to college this fall and I’ve been listening to all the money problems she’s dealing with. My kids, the two that went to college, knew the deal was they paid half and I paid half. To have a daughter do full scholarship is a miracle. Make sure you sign-up for an airline with frequent flier miles! Or, plan lots of cool roadtrips and throw some book signings in there so you can write it off on your taxes.
Terri
by Terri June 2nd, 2010 at 10:27 amThanks Terri, all three girls are very talented, they get it from their father – LOL – and we’re thrilled Haley got the scholarship. Our oldest daughter will be starting nursing school in the fall and she also just received another academic scholarship, which is a godsend in these crazy economic times..
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 11:19 amMy prom dresses were never that cool looking -what a neat design! Very impressive.
by Bailey June 2nd, 2010 at 10:33 amBailey, what you can’t see on the dress, is she made a lace up bodice in the back. With duck tape. It is truly an amazing dress, and she had a great time making it!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 11:20 amShe’s beautiful, Lori, wow. And those outfits are amazing and thoroughly impressive.
by Angela James June 2nd, 2010 at 10:35 amHey Angie! Thanks for coming by — and for being my editor on Shoulda Been A Cowboy
I wish I had a better picture of the back of the dress, with the lace up corset and the front as she created that bodice…from a paper pattern she just whipped up.
Really. The craft gene skipped me.
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 11:22 amBest prom outfits ever! Rock on Haley, and good luck at America’s Junior Miss!
Congrats to Lori, too, for raising such an awesome kid.
by Jaci Burton June 2nd, 2010 at 10:37 amThanks Jaci – we’re proud of the kid, we can’t claim all parental credit for her, she’s been very driven since she was one year old and she was swinging on the porch railing before she could even walk
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 11:26 amBest. Outfits. EVAH!
Not only the creativity, but the *patience* required for assembly… Awesome! And impressive!
by ms bookjunkie June 2nd, 2010 at 10:39 amShe has way more patience than I do, and I think it shows LOL
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 11:26 amI do love me some cowboys and love the cover on this book! Sorry I didn’t go to prom! Can’t say I had really special birthdays! Child birth is not a pleasent thing to talk about, but new babies are awesome!
by Quilt Lady June 2nd, 2010 at 10:54 amI love babies, always have, I love them even more these days when I can snuggle them…and then hand them right back to mom or dad!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 11:28 amAwwwww, that Haley is terrific – if I didn’t already know it, the duct tape dress did the trick! Well done, you parents, raising her to go out and conquer the world.
I too had a ten pound baby girl. I think that makes you and me some kinda awesome too, Lori!
by sophie littlefield June 2nd, 2010 at 11:09 amViva la ten pounders, Sophie! I knew we had a lot more in common than we discovered at RT
Thanks for the kudos, she’s a great kid and we’re blessed not only with her, but her sisters.
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 11:29 amCan I just say I LOVE the green and yellow thing? It’s Brazil’s flag colors and just totally fits now that the World Cup (yay!!) is coming up. I want one of those!
My birthday was last Saturday! I turned 22. I LOVE birthdays. They’re the very best! Happy Birthday, Haley, I hope you have a great day!
by Barbie June 2nd, 2010 at 11:15 amHappy Belated Birthday, Barbie — and I love me some Brazilian cowboys, as you know
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 11:29 amI know???
by Barbie June 2nd, 2010 at 11:51 amOne of the heroes in my Rough Rider books, and featured in Rough, Raw, and Ready is a Brazilian cowboy named Edgard
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 12:15 pmReally?? I’ll have to check out that one!! (Call it Cultural Curiosity)…
Now I’m even more curious! Thank you very much, hmpf!
by Barbie June 2nd, 2010 at 12:18 pmthat is quite an amazing story, for quite an amazing mom and daughter. congrats ont he milestone and the wonderous duck tape outfit! that is truly clever!
my pregancy story: it took me 11 years to get pregnant and besides being 36, high risk, and having multiple “issues” (I won’t go into all those awesome conditions I was plagued with during my pregnancy), she was 1 week early and delivered via c-section. since I had the very first doctor who received his medical degree delivering my baby, I had the old-fasioned variety c-section (47 staples from stomach to you-know-where). regardless, my gift is my beautiful daughter who just turned 8 last month and is the light of my life.
anyway, happy birthday and congrats on all the successes…now and in the future.
by kris June 2nd, 2010 at 11:47 amKris, it’s all worth it in the end, and a belated happy birthday to the light of your life
— thanks for stopping by!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 12:16 pmOn Alabama accents–
We spent 2 years in Alabama (I’m from MA) and there was one guy that I absolutely could not understand a word he said and at one point I asked one of the life-long Alabamians (?) to translate for me….to which he replied “I can’t understand a word he says either!”.
Also, I highly recommend Jim and Nick’s for great barbeque!
Lastly, forgot to mention how much I LOVE your books!!!
by kris gilson June 2nd, 2010 at 2:44 pmWhen we lived in TX I came back with a southern drawl after only a year. I have a helluva time understanding some people from North Carolina!
thanks Kris, and I am ALWAYS looking for barbecue because we don’t have anything good around here…and I’m glad you’re loving the books
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:12 pmLori! Congratulations on your beautiful, talented, amazing daughter! I LOVE that duct tape dress and tux. I will go vote!
Haley has a tremendously bright future in front of her–you did a great job with her!
by Jen Lyon June 2nd, 2010 at 11:55 amSorry, Jen, I didn’t hit reply here, but answered you below…you’d think I’d have a grasp on this by now. sigh.
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 1:22 pmWhat a talented and lovely young lady you have raised.
June is my husband’s birthday and our wedding anniversary. He always said he wouldn’t get married until his 25th birthday, so we got married two days later. LOL
by Jill James June 2nd, 2010 at 12:08 pmYes, Jill, those two days make such a difference, don’t they? Hee hee. We got married in July and my birthday is in July but we have 2 June babies — thanks for the comment
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 1:23 pmI watched her making that and disassembling a broken umbrella for the “skirt” and I thought…this kid has a great future! Thanks for thinking so too, Jen
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 12:17 pmWow, your daughter is absolutely pretty!
I so muhc love the dress she’s wearing, absolutely great!
Oh my, 18 years now. I’m always saying: When you’re having kids, see them growing, you can see how fast time is running in your life.
I had problems with my 1st pregnancy. Leoni made it really hard for me and I had to lay the last 5 month every damn day long.
Lara was way easier but she gave me super heavy labors. I woke up at 2 AM with strong pains, hubby just caught me, put me in the car and drove to the clinic. Just 2 min after we run into the delivery room(?) she’s born. 5 min later and I’d gave her life at the street.
Anyway, Happy Happy Birthday Haley!! All the best for you!
by Sabine June 2nd, 2010 at 12:52 pmAlles Gute zum Geburtstag!!
Wish you’re having a great day!!
Ooh, thanks Sabine for the birthday wishes in German!
None of my labors progressed that fast, but I was in transition with Haley when they gave me the shot that stopped labor and wheeled me into the operating room.
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 1:25 pmWe were given duck tape and a a trash bag at summer camp a few years ago, and each unit had to make an outfit, and then a model walked the runway. It was remarkable how good some were (and how bad others were!). That is awesome! And her dates really gets some special kudos because not just any guy would go for that. Love it! Congratuations to all of you!
by Robin Lang June 2nd, 2010 at 1:19 pmI agree, Robin, if I had to make something out of duck tape…it would look like a trash bag, so I’m amazed every time I look at the picture.
Haley’s date was a good sport, and he didn’t even have to buy her a corsage, as she made their flowers too, in addition to her purse!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 1:26 pmLori, you and your family must be SO proud–your daughter is gorgeous inside AND out! Plus she’s inherited all that awesome creativity! Hooray for you!!
by Fedora June 2nd, 2010 at 1:42 pmThanks Fedora, we are busting our buttons — and it’s so cool to see the different path her creativity is taking from mine
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 2:16 pmCongratulations on all your daughter’s accomplishments. She is a beautiful girl. I love the outfits she created. She is super talented.
by CrystalGB June 2nd, 2010 at 2:33 pmThank you Crystal!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 2:51 pmHappy Birthday to Haley. Never been through childbirth, but was in the delivery room when my cousin gave birth. All she wanted was the epidural and I was hoping to get some, too.
by Jane June 2nd, 2010 at 2:46 pmTo be honest, Jane, I think it’d be easier to be giving birth, than be in the hospital room watching it!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 2:51 pmWhat an amazing young woman! She’s beautiful and creative and it sounds like she has a big heart as well. How proud you must be! I can’t tell you how impressed I am by her fabulous prom wardrobe. What an imagination!
I’m sure she will do so well in the Junior Miss pageant and it will surely be something she remembers for a lifetime.
Then off on the full scholarship. Wow! Congratulations to you guys!
by Laura Griffin June 2nd, 2010 at 3:35 pmThanks Laura, she’s just excited to participate in the Junior Miss program and get to see where she’s going to school
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 5:27 pmShe’s lovely, smart and talented. I admire her drive & determination.. Good luck in the Jr. Miss Pageant!
by Ivy June 2nd, 2010 at 5:34 pmMy 1st was breach, his legs frogged, they’d have broken them if they’d delivered normally so emergency c-section. That was when they discovered the cord around his neck & ..He was premmie too..5lbs 3oz…My last 2 were VBAC’s…Love em to pieces though…
Thanks, Ivy!
That’s awesome you were able to deliver after a C-section. With daughter #3 my doc said he’d let me try, since I’d had success with daughter #1, but because of the size of Haley, he wouldn’t let me go 2 days past my due date. So we scheduled the C-section, and he told me if I delivered before then…well good
But I didn’t.
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 5:40 pmNone of mine were that big…I can understand another c-section. You have 3 girls, I had 3 boys. Probably for the best, hubby would’ve spoiled her horribly…I’m just happy they’re all healthy & whole…I forgot previously…Happy Bday Haley..
by Ivy June 2nd, 2010 at 6:14 pmI agree Ivy, but it’s strange when you have all the same sex kids people are like…when are you going to try for a boy? I’m like, excuse me, when are you gonna try and get some manners!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:14 pmI’m done! There are no pink ones floating in there…Yes, some people are just rude. Many aren’t raised w/ manners anymore, it’s unfortunate & sad really.
by Ivy June 3rd, 2010 at 8:27 pmThe dress is great! I don’t think that I could make one. LOL not enough patience to make it look good. My prom dress was lime green and short. I had a lot of fun getting all dolled up for the night.
My birthday is actually coming up. June 8th. Be the big 2-0!! LOL not too exciting but still exciting to be out of the teens. Gonna spend it with my sister and my mom. Probably do the whole girly day.
Never been through childbirth. Hopefully not going to happen anytime soon, since I’m still in college, but I do want a big family. Hoping that I can have a couple at the same time so I don’t have to do multiple births. LOL!
by Alicia L. June 2nd, 2010 at 5:45 pmYes, Alicia, you save the childbirth experience for MUCH later in life and have a great and carefree birthday!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:15 pmThat is an awesome prom outfit, I especially like the ducky details on her date’s pants. I’m not artistically talented myself, but it always impresses me what people can create. I hope she does well in the contest!
by Jennifer D. June 2nd, 2010 at 6:39 pmBeautiful looking girl you have there Lorelei, no wonder you are so proud of her and all of her achievements.
by Sabine H June 2nd, 2010 at 6:51 pmWe don’t do proms, so I never had a prom dress, but the Duck Tape dress and accompanying tux and accessories are just great – love the gumboots!! Can she make a pair for me? LOL!! We need them in HK at the moment – raining cats and dogs, but no ducks!
Sabine, it’s raining today and she’s not wearing them…nor is she using the umbrella, it’s all cosmetic
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:16 pmBirthday wishes and major congrats to Haley! And congrats to you, Lori, and your whole family. The 3.9 GPA, Summa Cum-Laude graduation, full ride scholorship, and SD Junior Miss going on to national competition are all equally impressive. However, those prom outfits are works of art! You can see the thought that was put into every little detail and accessory. I especially love the dress; it’s well constructed and has a little bit of whimsey. I’ll add the voting site to my bookmarks, because those outfits definitely deserve a prize!
by Katy M June 2nd, 2010 at 7:03 pmI wore a full length satin pale pink spaghetti strap dress to my prom. Bleh, I cringe thinking about it. I didn’t like it then either, but it was my own fault for putting dress shopping off until the last minute.
Katy, my prom dresses are very dated too, those “gunny sax” type from the early 80′s – my daughters used them for dress up clothes, I have no earthly idea why I saved them!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:17 pmI know just how you feel. My daughter turned 18 in January and we are going through end of the year/graduation events now and while I think I’m handling it pretty well I feel kind of strange.
A little strange and sad and a lot proud. She is my oldest so this is my first transition and…It’s just harder than I thought it would be.
Love the prom outfits! Outstanding.
by Eliza June 2nd, 2010 at 8:30 pmHey Eliza, thanks for stopping by! Great seeing you at RT — even though it was mostly in the bar (you and Kendra are bad influences on me
Congrats to you on reaching your own milestone with your daughter! It doesn’t get easier, however
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:18 pmHappy Birthday, Haley! The prom outfits are AWESOME!!! Sounds like Haley does her parents proud. But then she does have awesome parent.
June is a busy month for me too, 26th anniversary on the 9th and my birthday on the 19th.
Luckily, I didn’t have to have a C-Section, but I did have 3 weeks of bedrest before my son was born.
by Rhonda Wolf June 2nd, 2010 at 8:31 pmRhonda it’s hard to believe a year has passed since you were talking about your 25th anniversary…I so wish I was meeting you at Lori Foster’s this weekend!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:19 pmTime flies, doesn’t it?
I wish you were too! I am sharing a room with Barb, so it should be a blast. I’m so excited for Haley and that is definitely where you need to be. We will all be cheering her on.
by Rhonda Wolf June 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 amYou guys stay out of the bar…or at least if you do go to the bar, knock back a drink as if I was there with you!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 9:30 amWow, My middle child was 10 lbs 2 oz too. When the Doctor started talking about a C-section after 15 hours of labor I said, “hell no” and put EVRYTHING into pushing! The worst part of it is the staff congratulating the doctor on the delivery. Yep, congrating the Doctor?! I had to point out to everyone that I did the real work! LOl
by Susan Straup-bell June 2nd, 2010 at 9:54 pmSusan, another ten pounder – wahoo! The doctor actually tried to turn her in the hospital, when I was in transition…and there were like 30 people in there with us because no one had seen an OB try and turn a 42 week baby. It didn’t work. Her head popped right back where she wanted it.
That’s when we opted for the C-Section
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:21 pmTo be young again!!! **sigh** I love that prom dress, it kicks my dress butt… Labor pains… well I think I must not have felt alot of pain cause my kids are 14 months apart. But now that they are pre teens the pains are starting to come along!!!
I wish Haley a very Happy Birthday and best of luck with the contest. You are truly blessed..
by Angela Pascoe June 2nd, 2010 at 9:54 pmI think labor pains are something that are awful at the time, but easily forgotten when you see that sweet face, or else we’d all have just one kid, right?
Thanks for stopping by Angela!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:22 pmHappy Brithday Haley! Gotta love a sister Gemini! Oh what fun prom must have been. I love that dress! So creative! I too was born breach but my momma wasn’t lucky enough to get a c-section. I was a single-footling and one foot was hanging out of you know where. Ouch I do have to feel for my mom. They didn’t know and she didn’t have much of a choice. Which is why I ended up with hip-dysplasia, 5 surgeries before I was 5 and 3 hip replacement on my right and 1 on my left.
by Lisa G. June 2nd, 2010 at 10:16 pmI was able to have children but probably should have had 5. Though I truly believe God had plans for me and them. My first 2 daughters were born before my first hips replacement. They weighed 8 1/2 pounds each. My only baby boy was 7lbs 3. My twin girls ( identical) were 6 1/2 pounds each, born 2 weeks early by c-section. I was so big with them, My stomach was 60 inches around at 6 months. I was on bedrest. At 38 weeks, my body couldn’t handle anymore. My Dr. was afraid my artifical hip was going to break, one twin was coming transverse so in we went for a c-section. My kids were good babies and great kids over-all. They had to do more then the average child because they had a mother with a physical handicap. I am so proud of them for being the kids there were and the young adults they are now.
My Birthday is Sunday, June 6. I will have one more year left before the big 50. Yuck! My Anniversary is Monday, June 7. This is our 25 Anniversary and I can’t believe it’s been that long.
Haley, enjoy your day and I wish you the best of everything!
Okay, Lisa, you WIN the childbirth history story, my God woman, you are amazing to go through that so many times!
Thanks so much for sharing this! And happy birthday on Sunday and Happy Anniversary on Monday!!
by Lori Armstrong June 2nd, 2010 at 10:24 pm[...] MILESTONES – Murder She Writes Blog Post [...]
by LoreleiJames.com » Blog Archive » Chance to win signed copy of Shoulda Been A Cowboy! June 2nd, 2010 at 11:12 pmHappy Birthday Hailey!!
My birthday happens to fall on Halloween, so I’ve gone through phases in my life when I really liked it, and really just hated it.
As a little kid, my neighbors would give me presents when I trick-or-teated, which rocked… But after my 10th costume party, complete with ghost themes and cards with pumpkins, I really started to hate that no one ever cared to seperate my b-day from the Holiday. Then I got to college, and suddenly the costume parties were fun again!
PS: OMG the duct tape prom outfits rock!! I had a guy friend who lived in my dorm in college that made duct tape stuff, and he made a bunch of us photo frame. I still treasure it to this day!
by Nicole S. June 2nd, 2010 at 11:52 pmNicole, I often wondered what it’d be like to have a birthday on a holiday…
cool about the duck tape frame
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 7:50 amanother Gemini!
Happy Birthday Haley.
by Jessica June 2nd, 2010 at 11:55 pmThanks Jessica, I am glad she wasn’t twins
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 7:50 amLovely photos of your daughter! They both look like they were having a great time when that photo was taken.
Nancy E.
by Nancy Everitt June 3rd, 2010 at 12:09 amNancy, they did have a great time, but she had an “under dress” to take off because she couldn’t ride in a car wearing that.
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 7:51 amYour daughter sounds as amazing as you! I sure the other two daughters are just as amazing.
Your Rough Riders series are one of the few series that remain on my shelves. They even stand up well to rereading! I already have SBAC on kindle, but of course I also must have it in print!
by Bridget Werbin June 3rd, 2010 at 12:13 amBridget – YAY that I’m on your keeper shelf! I’m honored – and thrilled you love the series so much
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 7:54 amI just wanted to say that I love your books. I hated my prom, the guy I went with was a jerk so I wouldn’t want to relive the experience. Wow, I like the duct tape prom theme.
Thank you for the opportunity. Take care!
by Neptali June 3rd, 2010 at 12:47 amNeptali, I’ve heard prom horror stories, luckily that never happened to me or our girls — and I’m so happy you love the books!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 7:57 amThose are such phenomenal prom outfits. Your daughter sounds really cool and talented. Good luck to her at college and happy birthday!! Thanks for sharing with us.
by Valerie Cozart June 3rd, 2010 at 1:06 amThank you for stopping by, Valerie!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 7:58 amOMG! I am beyond impressed with those duct tape outfits! Wow.
by Karin Tabke June 3rd, 2010 at 1:54 amI am too, Karin!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 7:58 amHappy birthday, Hailey
Considering the fact that I can’t duct tape a box closed without sticking myself and ten different items in the room to the box I can’t believe the amazing job she did on those clothes.
Both of my girls were breech. The youngest is 5 months old and the oldest starts first grade in September. I should probably be able to think of something sweet/funny/sentimental to say about that monumental event coming up…but I’m in denial
because there’s no way my baby is old enough to be going off to brave the education system. No way 
Congrats on the print release of another great RR book.
by Heidi June 3rd, 2010 at 3:45 amTwo breach babies? Ugh. Our third one was breach at one time, but she flipped around!
That’s probably why I’m so impressed with the dress, because I cannot close up a box to save my life either!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 8:00 amHappy Birthday Haley!! The duct tape outfits are Amazing!! And big congrats on the fantastic grades and scholarship.
My prom was on my 18th birthday. My mom had a dress made for me and it was beautiful. I loved the fact that it was custom made and no other girl would be wearing one like it. It was a fun night.
by savonna June 3rd, 2010 at 4:13 amSavonna, no one else had a dress like Haley’s either! Cool thing that your mom did!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 8:02 amWow! Duck tape prom outfits. Love that idea. Wishing your daughter a wonderful birthday and successful college career.
by Gina Gordon June 3rd, 2010 at 5:09 amThanks Gina!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 8:02 amI know all about c-sections. Was told how much easier they were. Yeah right. I had an emergency one. They got me in really fast. Gave me my spinal block (which I was ready to jump off of the table from). I’m claustrophobic so when they tied me to the table I wasn’t really comfortable. Then they did the “Do you feel this…do you feel this?”. Of course I didn’t. A minute later I said I felt a stinging sensation on my rt side. It was my incision!!!!! Spinal block didn’t take all the way. Went down hill from there. We always planned on having three children. The c-section was for number two. That was it for me!! This baby factory closed immediately. LOL. But despite all of the problems I was blessed w/a beautiful baby girl.
Loooooooove the prom outfits. Can’t wait to show them to my daughters. Very creative.
Can not wait to get my hands on the book. I believe that I was meant to RR girl in another life.
by Kelly June 3rd, 2010 at 5:58 amKelly, I had a reaction to the anesthetic with daughter #3 and didn’t get to see her for almost 4 hours after I had her.
Heck, you can be a RR girl now…while you’re reading the books
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 8:04 amWow! 10 pounds? Mine with both c-section and 9 1/2 pounds… But, both of mine were early!
I LOVE the dress. It is funky, fun and stylish without being risque- perfect for a teenager. Great job!
Love the books- keep ‘em coming.
by Sarah C June 3rd, 2010 at 6:31 am9 1/2 pounds is plenty big, Sarah.
Thanks for coming by and I’m happy you’re liking the books!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 8:05 amThat outfit is AWESOME! Congrats on all the accomplishments.
by Teri June 3rd, 2010 at 8:19 amThank you Teri!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 8:36 amI understand what you went through with the c-section stuff. I had two, also. Both my boys were under 8 pounds though. I am proud of them both and know how your feeling with only one at home. My boys are 7 years apart and are like night and day. I have just recently found out that I am to become a grandma this summer and don’t feel that my oldest is old enough to have kids. (He’s 22.) I guess as a mom, you never think that far ahead.
I love all of your books and many of my friends have enjoyed them also and I’ve been given strick orders to buy them all and share. I have them on e-book and they don’t like that much so I have bought some of them in paperback too, just for them. It’s great to have friends like that and authors like you. Keep up the great work. I have read Should Have Been a Cowboy e-book and it is just as great as the rest.
by Karla June 3rd, 2010 at 9:00 amI don’t know if I should congratulate you on becoming a grandma or not, Karla!
Thanks for sharing the love with the Rough Rider books
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 9:35 amCongratulations on a great job of parenting. Self assured and well rounded young people don’t just come that way, they are nurtured and encouraged and disciplined with love. Way to go!
by Donna June 3rd, 2010 at 9:11 amDonna, I’ll admit, we’re “grade” Nazis, we know what they’re capable of and expect a lot, but they always surpass our expectations!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 9:36 amI had great birth experiences with both of my children and would gladly do it again. My only complaint about my son William’s (3) birth was that he was purposely 6 days late so he was born on my Golden birthday (August 22nd). What a way to spend you birthday – delivering a 9lb. 6oz. baby with absolutley no drugs. My daughter, Shyan (2), was due on October 25th (my mom’s birthday), but waited an extra 7 days to come out so that she missed Halloween. I had a costume picked out for her and everything, but I went to the party instead dressed as a pumpkin as I did not need to stuff my belly (and I was slightly in labor that night). Alas she did finally decided to come out on November 1st because we threatened her with induction. She was 8lbs. 9oz. and the first thing out of my mouth about her when they set her on my belly was “She’s Tiny!”. Again I managed a natural birth with no pain meds. Exactly six months after she was born I had a gall bladder attack and had to have it removed so I had to spend the night in the hospital after my emergency. My husband spent the night at his parents house with both kids and Shyan (6 wks old) stayed in his parents room and that was the first night she slept through the entire night and I missed it. But I kept waking up in the hospital thinking it was time to feed her. I have had a lot of milestones with my kids and can’t wait for more to come. William will start Pre-School the day after our birthday. I am so nervous about him riding the bus all by hisself, but he is really excited for it.
by Jessica June 3rd, 2010 at 10:16 amI can’t believe that is made out of duct tape. It is so cool. The only fun thing I ever made with duct tape is a sled in high school.
I absolutely love the Rough Rider books as I am also a cowgirl at heart and I married me a cowboy. Our wedding song was Tim McGraw’s “The Cowboy In Me.” The series is what first got me hooked on the erotic romance stories and I wouldn’t give them up for anything.
by Jessica June 3rd, 2010 at 10:23 amAww, I love to hear real, live “I married my cowboy” stories — and I’m happy you’re enjoying the books!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 2:24 pmI love the she’s so tiny comment, Jessica
I thought the same thing with my 3rd daughter… she weighed 8 lbs 6 oz…my first baby was the shrimp, she weight 7 lbs 14 oz
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 2:22 pmI’ve seen the duct tape outfits before. I really love your daughters though. Love the phot. Kind of looks like Pop art. I hope she wins. If you didn’t tell someone it’s duct tape you’d never know from the picture!!
Lisa B
by Lisa B June 3rd, 2010 at 2:00 pmLisa, when they were out and about the night of prom, lots of people stopped them to take pictures!
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 2:24 pmLori
by Catherine June 3rd, 2010 at 4:08 pmWhat an awesome relationship you have with your daughter to be able to “blog” about her.
She’s beautiful!!! How proud you are!!!!!
Thanks Catherine, I asked her before I posted it
by Lori Armstrong June 3rd, 2010 at 5:03 pmGreeting from Canada, Huge fan Lorelei, I guess because your Roughriders are about as far removed from my west coast life as humanly possible. Think trees, greenery logging and fishing. So anyways I’m looking at the cover of Shouda Been A Cowboy and I notice the cover models awesome moustache and I got to thinkin about how much he looks like Sam Elliot from Mask and then I lost my mind for a second or two. Because How good will one of your books be when the hero reminds me of sexy mustachioed cowboy Sam Elliot? I didn’t know they could get any better. And damn does that man know how to give a sexy smile too!
by June June 3rd, 2010 at 11:22 pmJune, you crack me up — any time a pic reminds you of Sam Elliott in his younger years is a good thing!
I’m thrilled you’re loving my little slice of the modern day wild west
by Lori Armstrong June 4th, 2010 at 8:37 amYou’re daughter Haley is just too precious – congrats on all her success!
by Mahlet June 3rd, 2010 at 11:28 pmThank you so much, Mahlet!
by Lori Armstrong June 4th, 2010 at 8:30 amYour daughter is absolutely beautiful…..just like her mama, I might add.
It’s obvious that you both have great artistic talent and I have no doubt she will succeed in her goals, just as you have.
Our children are our greatest accomplishments in our life…IMO….and it is so fun to see them grow and excel in life.
Congrats on your new print release. I just purchased Branded as Trouble last weekend from Borders and it was the only print copy of your multiple titles they had on the shelf (which I hope is good news for it appears they are sold out),
Happy Birthday/Happy Graduation to you Haley. Enjoy all the different people you will meet in our higher educational system and the many opinions they all have (There are Many!!) …And by all means….Bring home those opines and challenge your mom, dad and family as to why there’s are the way they are….But keep in mind that your parents always have “your†best interest at heart along with their years of actual experience….and although you might not agree….Always Agree To Disagree….and End The Discussion On A Good Note.
Times are a changing…..and yours are just beginning. Best Wishes!!!!
by Mitzi H. June 3rd, 2010 at 11:35 pmMitzi, I sure hope it means the books were sold out!
Thanks too for the great advice for Haley, she’s in for some serious changes, but she knows we’ll always be here for her
by Lori Armstrong June 4th, 2010 at 8:40 amcongrats
my last bro graduated too
wow so fast
what a great picture
no prom for me boo
by kh June 5th, 2010 at 1:54 amhot book and great cover
I can’t tell you how much I love that prom picture! Fabulous!
by Sylvia Day June 6th, 2010 at 12:23 amHey, Lori
by Heidi June 6th, 2010 at 1:05 amI went over to the Stuck at Prom website but couldn’t find Haley’s pic? Is it up and I’m just missing it?
Congrats on your daughters milestone. They grow up so fast. I wish her best of luck in her endevors.
by Shelly Wegand June 7th, 2010 at 9:18 amCongratulations on all of the great things happening in your life!
by Tracie June 9th, 2010 at 3:13 amI’m getting ready to pack my oldest “baby” up for college and nothing could have prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster I’ve found myself on. Nobody warned me about this part of parenthood, dammit!
What an intelligent & highly creative daughter you have. Love the outfit! Hope she wins. College is fun, such a great period of time, I wish her much success. I’m not a mom (yet) but hopefully one day, I want to have these proud moments, too!
by Scorpio M. June 9th, 2010 at 11:05 pmYour daughter’s accomplishment with duct tape is Amazing! She’s also very beautiful and I hope that she does well at the Jr. Miss event. Congrats Mom!
by Maria D. June 10th, 2010 at 11:46 am