We laughed and laughed about this phrase last night! And poor Keith for following my calendar. Well, he is in my family, and, kind of complains when he misses something so…calendar sync it is. Anyway, last night Keith announced it was Kevin’s picture day tomorrow. I was impressed! Then he said he was in an important meeting and got this alert:

So he asked out loud if I hid the green shirt. I’m like…shh! Kevin was right there. The kid doesn’t care what he wears for picture day. Usually doesn’t even know it’s picture day. But two years in a row and even spring to fall wore the exact same three dollar Walmart St. Patrick’s Day T-Shirt! So last year I hid it so good we didn’t find it until this summer. So knowing it surfaced required a search and rescue reminder and you guessed it–the calendar alert. I actually need to speak with Apple and Microsoft. I need way more options than the few they list. Way more.

And possibly I am not so bothered about the wearing of a favorite shirt over and over again even for pictures until it’s outgrown; I am positive it is the painful memory attached to this green shirt from WHEN we bought it that I do not want to be reminded of! Painful. Yet, classic Kevin…

This was a couple of years ago: We are pulling into town from visiting family in Louisiana and it’s pushing midnight–easy. All weekend. Anyone have homework they need to get done. That question is presented often. We are pulling off I45. It is late. For whatever reason now Kevin remembers and says: I have a project due tomorrow.

What?!

Lecture.

Lecture.

Great Days are said.

I realize this has been a topic of miscommunication with each of my kids. Do you have homework to them does not include studying for a test or working on or completing a project. Even though they know it is what we mean when we say it but somehow when we say it they forget its not just homework that we mean when we are asking! Anyway, the plan is established to start a project after midnight after driving five hours after saying we would never help him this way again and after saying we didn’t care if he got a zero and yes even after knowing we stinking shouldn’t have! Yep. Even after realizing we are THOSE parents.

We hit the Walmart cause its open 24/7. And storm the poster and school supply section. It’s around March so the fun green shirts are everywhere. My brother John was born on St. Pat’s Day so for no other reason I love the day because of all the memories it fills my heart with for that alone…John is Kevin. Kevin is John. In many ways! (The same brother I sat under the table putting on his shoes while he ate his breakfast so we wouldn’t be late for school! Before any judging just know I got palm ruler slapped by a teacher for being tardy in elementary school!) So we get the green T and move on. He has a project due–great day! It gets ugly here. All I know is the poster got done. Burnt edges and all. He made it through just fine. I wanted to ruler slap him! But Keith and I were scarred for life!

And wouldn’t you know before Kevin went to bed last night he actually said these words: “Can I wear the green shirt?”

I Love You Kevin!!! Even though you left this morning not wearing it I did not search your back pack, band bag, or truck. But you’ve gotta give it to the schools. They get a picture for the student’s ID and it doesn’t seem to ever update. And look–it’s The Green Shirt!

Fast Forward to picture day today February 11, 2014

When I saw this I roared with laughter! Roared! The Strawbridge flyer has posted on its page in bold yellow signage: “Please, Do Not Wear Green!” Kevin is gonna think I really have the power. Like just what extremes will mom go to to keep the green shirt out of the photo!?!

See for yourself: