Let's Hear It For the Girls

WHEW! This weekend was Butler County's Junior Miss 2011. Wow, have I been BUSY. Since my friend fellow board member, Lauren, just gave birth to beautiful baby Carsyn..the choreography all fell to me. I don't think I realized when I agreed to do it just how stressful it was going to be. But, what a sense of fulfillment when it all came together! I could not be more proud of our 6 girls this year. They were each SO deserving. Such bright, beautiful young ladies! There are some beautiful pictures here. If you're not familiar, Junior Miss is a scholarship program for young ladies about to enter their senior year of high school. It is NOT a beauty pageant. The ladies are judged in 5 areas: scholastics, interview, fitness, poise, and talent. These are outstanding young women..and I can't wait to support our newest...Lori Fail...at state in January! From Left to Right: Hollie Halford, Anne Blake Langford, Lori Fail, Hannah Stewart, Elizabeth Lincoln, and Aleshia Cheatham
Anne Blake: 1st Alternate
Lori: BCJM 2011, Spirit of Junior Miss, Talent, Fitness, and Poise
Elizabeth: 2nd Alternate, scholastic


Lori with BCJM 2010, Isabella Wesley

All the girls with their little sisters before the show started!

...SIX...

Samuel-

I remember like it was yesterday the day I realized after months of praying and hoping that you were forming in my tummy. I remember the long, hot summer, as one FAT, happy mommy-to-be. But I have a hard time remembering what it felt like to NOT be your mommy. The moments after you arrived, your daddy beamed like the sunshine as he stood in the hospital room door and showed you off the family. Your Pop paced the hallways with tears in his eyes. So many people had prayed for your safe, healthy arrival, and we were all blessed beyond our wildest expectations.

Then, came the months after your birth. The ones where you screamed and cried for months on end. Day and night. We sat in the recliner in that tiny trailer where we lived and you cried, and I cried. I wasn't sure it would ever stop. But, it did...eventually.

Soon, the crying turned to laughter and non-stop chatter. You are such a bright spot to all those around you. Such a smart boy, so eager to know and explore.

I don't know how I earned such favor with God, but I am SO thankful for the blessing of being your Mommy. We pray each night that God's hand guides your steps and your path. That He brings you into a thriving relationship with Him that will not only be the center of your life, but will point others to Him. I know He is going to use you in a mighty way..and I am so excited to have a front row seat to watch Him work in and through your life!

Happy Sixth Bithday!