Spring Has Sprung

Well, it is officially spring here, though it certainly doesn't feel like it.  Looks like it may be a weekend of cold and rain.  Thankfully, all of our weekend activities are inside!

Tonight was the the final performance of Beauty and the Beast.  This is the third year that I have had the opportunity to write and teach the choreography for the Conservatory's musical productions.  This one is definitely my favorite!  I'm really proud of the kids and the whole show in general!

A friend at the show asked me how I got nvolved in choreography and I've been reflecting on that a lot  tonight.  I am so thankful for the gifts that God has given me. What an honor to serve Him doing something so fun and enjoyable.  I never would have dreamed that 20+ years of marching band and Colorguard would lead to a ministry like this!

I truly believe God gives each of us certain gifts to use for His glory.  There are those that are called to serve in the trenches, in the plains of Africa, and in the streets - just to name a few.  Each job is important no matter how big or how small.

What joy it is to sing, help lead in worship, and travel with my closest friends.  Each "concert", mission trip, and opportunity to share in song is a special gift.  Every dance step, movement, and  rehearsal in theater, cheerleading, and children's choir is ordained by God Himself.  What an honor that He chose me as a vessel to deliver His message through these unique opportunities.  I am so unworthy to have such skills and responsibilities, but I'm very grateful for each and every one.

Amid the busy weekend of theater performances, I also went to a cheerleading coaches conference.  It was a great time of reflection on our past season and rejuvenation for the upcoming season.  One thing I walked away with was the realization of just how important my role is, not necessarily as a skills teacher, but as a spiritual example and leader.  These are huge responsibilities.  Please pray with me for each little girl that comes through our program!

Look Out, Honey Boo Boo!

It's time to share another adventure with you, friends. I'm sure you're thinking, "What could they have possibly gotten into this time?!"  That would be an acceptable response.  HeeHee.  I am confident that my choices may present some controversy to my fellow readers, but that's ok!  Bring it on!  :)

My girls have asked for awhile now to do a beauty pageant.  Nothing glitzy or over the top, just a natural pageant.  I admit, I have done a few in my day.  I never even made the top ten when I was a kid.  I don't think I even enjoyed them back then. But, when I was 13 I decided I wanted to give it another try.  Much to my surprise, I was crowned the 1989 Miss Jefferson County Fair.....

Ok, you can stop laughing now!

I did it again a year or two later and failed miserably, for the record.  LOL. In high school I participated in Junior Miss and got 2nd runner up & a congeniality award. It was less of a beauty pageant and more of a scholarship, talent, physical fitness, grades, combo deal.  I will say that it was one of the more memorable experiences of my high school days.  I truly enjoyed it.  Several years later I helped choreograph the program and eventually directed the Knox County program.

I tell you all this to say that I do have some knowledge of how these things work.  This was not an uninformed, uneducated decision.  I weighed the pros and the cons.... And this jury voted in favor of the pageant!

So, we took off Saturday to our first pageant adventure, the Miss St. Patrick's Day Pageant.  Maddie was not thrilled about it, but said she wanted to do it because her sister was.  I quickly realized that this may not be the avenue for her, at least not right now.  She totally reversed roles and played the bashful one - completely out of character for her.  She looked absolutely beautiful in her outfits though.  She ended up winning Most Beautiful Smile and 2nd Alternate.

Now, Audrey took me by surprise.  Those of you that know Audrey understand her introverted personality. She is incredibly shy and isn't much of a talker.  I saw a whole new side to my child this weekend!  She was completely in her element.  She modeled for the judges and the photographer beautifully!  She was having so much fun.  On the down times, she asked to go talk to her new friends. This is HUGE, people!  She got 2nd Alternate in her division, too (it runs in the family).  Sure, she was disappointed she didn't win, but she bounced back very quickly saying she was ready to do it again.  I have never seen her so excited to do something. Ever.  So, as long as she is having fun and building confidence, I will continue to encourage her and do everything I can to help her succeed in reaching her goals.

Haters, don't be hatin'.  I know you wish you had  tiara, too.  Go on down to Claire's and buy yourself one.  ;).