The Princess

The truth is, I always wonder why I came to La Verkin. Time and time again, it is proven to me, that I did not come for me, but I came for Brooklyn. Brooklyn seems to flourish wherever she is planted, but last night confirmed to me, that La Verkin is the place that continues to give her amazing opportunities.



Last night, Brooklyn was crowned Miss La Verkin 2012. With her royalty she will spend the year doing fundraisers, assisting with community events, riding on floats (of which I am required to build two - oh no!), doing service projects, putting on the pageant next year, etc. I am going to be learning a lot! It will be a full year of work and fun.



Brooklyn is an amazing girl and I am so proud to be her mom. She has made life easy for me. I am grateful for her courage which allows her to go for things like this, for her spirit which shines through, and for her compassion. She better have some compassion for me as I fumble through being a pageant girl's mom.



Most who know Brooklyn recognize her as a tomboy. She has two older brothers and is more comfortable in basketball shoes than in high heels, but she has been rising to the occasion. Feeding the dog, doing her laundry, making her bed...all while navigating walking in heels. Just a couple of days ago she said, "Mom if I make it in the Royalty, I will start wearing pink." Our little tomboy is becoming a woman!



One of Brooklyn's assignments was to find a backstage mom. She asked one of her Young Women's leaders, Heather Layton, to fill that role. Heather helped her with clothing changes, her hairstyles, and making sure zippers were up and hems were down. I am so thankful for her and the help she gave to Brooklyn. I didn't have to worry at all and was able to relax and enjoy the evening.



Last night was an incredible experience as she participated in a dance with all the pageant girls, exhibited her talent - sign language to Katy Perry's "Firework", answered an interview question about what she wished was different in the world ( she replied that she wished 9/11 hadn't happened so the soldiers could be home with their families instead of fighting in a war), and she walked the stage while a bio was read of her. In the end, she won the talent competition, tied with another girl for interview, tied with another girl for fitness, and tied with another girl for poise. She was ultimately crowned Miss La Verkin 2012.



One of the judges is the current Miss Washington County. It was a special time as I watched Brooklyn mingle with her and others as she experienced one of the happiest times in her life.



Brooklyn had many family and friends who came to support her.



Here is Brooklyn with Tanda Drake, Miss La Verkin 2011.



After the pageant, the girls and their families headed to Dairy Queen to celebrate. It was nice to just sit back and relax after several weeks of workshops, costuming and the actual pageant!





Brooklyn I love you and look forward to watching you reach new heights as you serve your city well.

The Reality Is...

The reality is, sometimes we need to step away from the technology and pay attention to the people that are right next to us. I love facebook, texting, blogging, emailing. But sometimes the people that live in our home, or next door to us, or around the corner, don't get to share in the love and friendship that should be available to them, because we are so busy conversing with people hours or states or countries away.

A couple of weeks ago one of my friends experienced a terrible tragedy in her life. She said, "Come see me" and little did I know what those words entailed. After that I wanted to see her and help her and be with her every day. Although I had a goal to blog every day in February, reality took front and center.

I do see unity and love coming through technology. When my father died, messages from family and friends were very sustaining. My classmate from high school was diagnosed with stomach cancer and I saw our high school class come together in a beautiful way. While holding a benefit concert for him last week, he passed away. In the last days of his life, he was so grateful for the sweet messages and love he felt through social media. Technology is a great way to stay connected, especially if you aren't geographically close.

I am thankful I can be there on screen, but I am also grateful I can be there flesh, blood, and heart...and sometimes that is what is most needed.

This is her journey, but I want her to know...I am sending hugs and healing to your heart and to your feet ;) You are inspiring, you are beautiful and you are strong. I will continue to be there for you via cell phone and computer, but also in your face, pain in your side, til you get sick of me...and that is reality! I love you friend.