National American Miss

Tonya! I can't believe you forgot to mention, and fully address, the warranted attention of one singular event from this past weekend. The National American Miss Pageant!




Spencer--our new baby sister--competed in the Miss Pre-Teen division. I accompanied her on piano for her vocal performances this past Saturday at the pageant, where she rocked the judges with "One" from A Chorus Line, and "A Whole New World" from Alladin.

On Sunday, there was the formal-wear competition. She, of course, looked beautiful. Not sure if we have any pictures, but take my word for it. She killed it!

I believe I learned something of being a parent this past Sunday evening at the pageant. I'll preface my explanation with this: Saturday's events were more of a "Talent" competition--which I am all for. I believe in competition. I believe in keeping score. Sunday's events were more fashionably in likeness to what I think of when I think of a beauty pageant. I was only somewhat excited going into it; I just wanted to cheer Spencer on.

Once all the contestants graced the stage, I immediately became competitive. Then, Spencer made the top 10....IT WAS ON! My baby sister was up against 9 other girls who were clearly nowhere as talented and pretty as she was...except perhaps one. THE one. The girl who you could tell right away took this way too seriously. The girl who believes she was born for this moment.

4th Runner up....

3rd Runner up....

2nd Runner up....

1st Runner up..."Spencery Petty!"

Spencer Petty--our new baby sister--is the new 1st Runner Up Miss Pre-Teen Tennessee! If you think like I do, you have already considered the possibility of The Queen being hit by a bus, or stricken with the flu, in which case Spencer would inherit the crown.

The "other girl." THE one. She can have the title. She needs it more than anyone else: without it her life would be over. Spencer, on the other hand, does pageants as a hobby and doesn't lose any sleep over it. That is what sets her apart.

What is interesting is how I immediately went into Competitive Mode once everyone was on stage I instantly cared about who won....and who lost. Comparing one girl to the other: who is prettiest? who had the best posture? Poise? Determination? Who must win?!?! Who must not!?!?

YIKES!!!

I think that must be what it is like to have a child. You constantly want to see them succeed....in whatever they do.