G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S...

It is Friday night and I am sitting on my bum in front of the tv. Last Friday night was a totally different story... Last Friday night was time for Lorien and I to throw our annual Miss America Party. We donned our sparkles and sashes and perfected our wave. We called out our fellow competitors and got ready to strut our stuff.

This year we had a two part pageant party. Part one for the little contestants and part two for the grown-up contestants. The evening started with sash making and introductions. Several of our little girls displayed talents with shy smiles on their faces.

We had a couple of "Miss Cinderella's" in attendance. One awesome Mother-two-daughter team put on a swwweet dance number.

After light refreshments we played a round of Mother-daughter charades. We finished the little contestants part of the party with an impromptu dance party.

Just look at all of these glamorous darlings.

(Seriously, Cherisse, what are you going to do about Josey and all her hotness?)

On to the grown-up portion of the night. This year we had a more complete pageant: Evening ware, Talent and Contestant Questions were all part of the show.

Participation was mandatory...

We watched the 2010 Miss America Pageant on TV and followed their order of events.

I was impressed with all of our contestants. They all really knew how to work-it in the evening gown portion.

Next up was the talent portion of the evening. Our contestants were awesome! Miss Massachusetts started the talent portion by doing a three minute portrait. She asked Miss Florida to sit for her sketch.

Miss Florida took the stage second. With skills previously unseen she tied a knot in a cherry stem...without using her fingers...classy.

(I know Miss Florida personally, and between you me and the six other people who read this blog...that color of gold is not her natural hair color! Scandalous!)

Miss Blank Sash (Kim--where were you from?) impressed all of us by describing her talent. Basically, she has a photographic memory. She knows where every thing is in her house and never looses her keys!

(She wins "Best Smile" in my book.)

We were all in love with Miss D-I-Y's creative creations. She is super crafty and makes really beautiful home decor and little girls clothes.

(Miss D-I-Y came in her "Evening Ware..." Don't think you'll be getting away with this next year...)

I took the stage with my "sister" and sang the duet "Sisters, sisters" from White Christmas...by myself. I am amazing.

(Sorry...no pictures!)

Miss Hawaii wowed the crowd by making a perfect paper air plane and a ball out of the same piece of tin foil!

(Miss Hawaii is a runner and looks waaaaay too good in a sequined pink gown.)

Miss Texas put on quite a show, singing "God Bless America" while tap dancing!

(We were all in tears by this point in the evening. The talent was too impressive!)

Miss California put me to shame by singing "Summertime". She can really sing!

(Hubba-hubba!)

Miss Wyoming described her super baking talent. Making us all hungry for cinnamon rolls and cookies.

(Miss Wyoming is 7 and 1/2 months pregnant! She came as a contestant prepping for the pageant.)

Miss Kentucky (or Can-tuc-kee) whipped out her acting skills reciting a stirring bit of dialogue comparing men to postage stamps. It was a hoot!

(Miss Kentucky also juggled scarves earlier with her daughter.)

After thoughtful consideration we crowned our Miss America...and the winner was: MISS MASSACHUSETTS!!!

I don't think I've ever seen a more honest reaction of joy and surprise in Lorien when she was announced as the winner. It was very sweet. She was all smiles and maybe even a tear or two as I put the crown on her head. All of my friends whipped out their cameras and started snapping pictures like crazy. It was a very glamorous moment. When I put her to bed (with the crown on her pillow and sash on her bed post) she looked at me and said "Oh Momma, I still cannot believe I won! After I saw every one else's talents, I thought I would get last place." She was really impressed by all the singing, dancing and key finding.

Over all the night was a success. I certainly had a bunch of fun and I hope my fellow competitors did too.

If this is your idea of a good time out--er in, let me know and I'll be sure to send you an invitation next year.

Be warned, costumes and talents are mandatory!

My "Sister", Miss America 2010 and Me.

Busy Day...

We had our fourth baby blessed on Sunday morning.

For the fourth time I dressed an infant in pure white with touches of lace or satin.

(My Mother-in-law made Adell's dress--it is STUNNING! She has crazy sewing skills! Thank you Judy! Look at my boy trying to snuggle his baby sister...her dress is bigger than he is...)

For the fourth time I hurried around our home Sunday morning making sure every one was ready so we could be on time for church. (OK, so that happens every Sunday morning.)

For the fourth time I fed and settled my baby just before blessing time, in hopes she wouldn't be a screaming mess during the blessing.

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***************************************************************(Momma, please put that camera down and hold me so I can feel better...)

For the fourth time I scrambled for pen and paper as my husband began the blessing so I could jot down a few notes for her baby book.

For the fourth time I grinned with pride as Will held up our child for the congregation to see when the blessing was over.

It was a great start to the day.

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*************************************************************************************(These are my peeps...I love 'em.)

On Sunday morning, I got my old job back.

That's right, I am the second councilor in the Primary Presidency--again.

I am excited because I love primary and being in the presidency is one of my favorite primary callings. I am excited because (once again) I've been called to work with an awesome group of women. I am excited because I get to give my own kids the evil eye when I think they are being too disruptive in primary. (I am really good at that.)

I am nervous because a lot has changed about teaching sharing time in the six short months I've been gone. I am nervous because I forgot what it was like to stand in front of 50 children and try to teach basic gospel principles. I am nervous because I want to be helpful and I spent 100 of the 120 primary minutes out in the hall trying to get Adell to sleep.

I am nervous and excited...

On Sunday afternoon we cheered the Indianapolis Colts on as they lost the Super Bowl. It was disappointing, especially for Clare who has cheered for Payton Manning all season.

It was a busy Sunday...