Camping means smores, fun times, lots of laughter and sometimes burnt toes!

I love camping!!!  I know that may come as a surprise to people who know me (it's kind of a shock to me too).  I don't like dirt, I HATE bugs, I'm a little afraid of the dark (especially in the woods) and I cannot stand to have dirty feet!  All of those things go hand in hand with camping and I still love it! 

Brynn and Hunter going for a walk two years ago at Voshell's Campground

For me, camping is about spending time with family.  I love that simplicity of the family (usually extended) just hanging around the campfire sharing old stories and making new memories.  I adore cooking dinner around the campfire (well, watching Danny do it) and taking long walks with the kids.  We generally go camping with other family members and I am always grateful for the time we get to spend with Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, Siblings, Nieces, Nephews, etc.  What a wonderful blessing for our children to grow up surrounded by so many people who love them.

Walking to the Lake with Aunt Carol on a recent camping trip to NJ

                         
Dan and I have camped in just about every way possible.  We started out in a tent (that was not so much fun) and have also rented cabins to stay in.  After we got married, we used an old pop-up camper that had no air-conditioner.  I remember one particular summer when it was over 100 degrees everyday of our week long vacation.  It was that summer that I told Dan, that I was never EVER camping again without an air-conditioner.  The following year we bought another pop-up that did have an  air-conditioner.   A few years later Brynn came along and after making several middle of the night runs to the bath house (no potty in a pop-up) for potty breaks Dan decided that we could no longer camp without a bathroom.  So, this year we have upgraded to a real camper (complete with bathroom and air-conditioner).  I have to tell you I enjoy camping even more these days but have fond memories of all of those camping experiences!  BTW:  We will NOT be upgrading again!

Most of the Nieces and Nephews (and Brynn) at Voshell's Campground a couple of years ago.

I can't even begin to tell you how many funny stories I could tell you about camping: the camper with the broken bed, the night my brother and I had to sleep in the back of a truck, a now famous wife beater shirt, running through the woods with a bug beater stick, the time our dog escaped from the pop-up, the time someone tried to confiscate our golf cart...the list goes on and on.  I can remember sitting by the campfire one particular morning with my sister in law who was warming her toes by the fire.  All of the sudden, I noticed that the toes of her Ugg Boots were literally smoking.  I yelled that her toes were on fire and she very quickly removed them from the fire.  As I write this, I'm still laughing at the image of her smoking toes (she was fine but her boot was a bit scorched)  and her squeal when she realized what was happening.  It was straight out of a cartoon!

Kelly and her burnt toes.

And so as we set off on our next camping adventure this weekend, I can't wait to see what happens next...

Our Anniversary Weekend

Last weekend marked Danny and I's 7th wedding anniversary.  It's hard to believe that it has only been 7 years and it's hard to believe that it's been 7 years already!! Dan and I have known each other our whole lives. We met at Lake Forest North Elementary school in the second grade.  In fact, in third grade Danny and I become "romantically" involved for the first time and were boyfriend and girlfriend.  I can't remember exactly how long that "relationship" lasted but if memory serves me correct, he was my boyfriend for 5 whole days!! 

Danny and I

Throughout elementary school Danny and I remained friends and then drifted apart somewhat in middle school.  Dan was a band nerd (lol...you know I love band nerds honey:-) and I was very involved in cheerleading and dance.  We reconnected in our junior year of high school and became best friends.  We spent a ton of time hanging out together (we both had other significant others) and Danny would pick me up in the mornings and take me to school. 

In our senior year we were lab partners in chemistry.  I have to tell you that that class was the bane of my existence and the only reason I made it through was because Danny was my lab partner and the teacher really liked me.  The only chemistry that I learned about in that class was between Dan and I.  It wasn't long before we were spending more and more time together and I broke up with my boyfriend.  Immediately following my break-up, Danny asked me to prom and, as they say, the rest is history. 

Sorry, about the quality of the pic.  It's a picture of a picture from our wedding day.

We have been through a lot of life together and there were times when no one would have thought that we could make it (including us) but we have weathered every storm together and are honestly even more in love today.  I feel truly blessed that my childhood sweetheart is also the love of my lifetime.

We celebrated our anniversary by heading to Sea Isle, NJ for the weekend.  Danny's Aunt and Uncle have a permanent sight at a campground there and we were able to bunk with them for the weekend.  Dan and I have been going there for vacations for years and we just love it.  It was the perfect weekend.  We were able to take the kids to the ocean and to the lake, go for long walks, spend some time napping and reading and even got to go out for a special anniversary dinner in Cape May without the kids (thanks Aunt Carol and Uncle Doug!).  It felt like a true vacation.

Monday, I had to go to Rehoboth for a work conference (this doubled as the perfect little mommy vacay because I got to stay overnight).  It was a fabulous conference and made even better by the fact that it was at the beach and I was able to spend a lot of time with my co-workers from my previous job whom I still miss every day.  My current co-worker and I had a room that was literally right on the boardwalk.  We squealed like little girls when we saw the view and had a wonderful time getting to know each other better.

The view from our room

Dan and the kids met me at the beach on Tuesday night and we were able to take the kids to the rides.  I adore Funland at Rehoboth beach!  I love that my children are able to ride the same rides that both my husband and I and our parents rode as children.  And the best part is, that it is STILL affordable!   It was a rough start for Colton. He was terrified on the merry-go-round and didn't want anything to do with the boats.  However, he finally showed some interest in the fire trucks. We put him on and then we could not get him off.  He threw a fit every time the ride stopped.  He soon learned that if he got off of a ride he was able to get on a different one and proceeded to ride a bunch of them with an adorable grin on his face. Brynn loved all of the rides and has decided that she is a big girl now and doesn't need Mama or Daddy to ride with her. Sigh...this is going too fast!

It was a great weekend (and Mommy vacay)!  It's going to be hard to do actual work today!  But...at least I can look forward to camping with my family this weekend:-)  I love summer!

Everything is not coming up Roses...My drama queen.

I wanted to share a quick story about our little drama queen Brynn. 

Two weeks ago, we bought Brynn pink roses for her first dance recital. She was quite proud of them so when we got home I put them in a vase and placed them in her room so that she would be able to see them.

Last night we had gotten the kids all snuggled in bed and Dan and I were downstairs enjoying a few minutes of blissful quiet before we started the never ending house cleaning.  All of the sudden we hear Brynn at the top of the steps sobbing.  We ask her what is wrong and she tell us that her flowers are dead.  Dan and I explain that is what happens with flowers and that it is no big deal. She continues to sob.  Dan then tells her that he will buy her more flowers and she sobs and says "but it won't be the same, these were roses."  Sigh...good-bye blissful quiet.  At this point Dan goes back upstairs to comfort her and explains that we can buy more roses and she can even pick them out.  He gets her settled into her bed again and comes back upstairs.

About 15 minutes later, I am in my bedroom and Brynn comes into my room with tears streaming down her face.  "Mama", she says, "Can you please come take my roses out of my room because every time I turn-over and see them, I just cry again and I'm afraid I will just cry all night."  I take her back to her room and remove the offending roses. 

Hope Danny remembers to stop and get more flowers today!  Every Oscar worthy performance deserves them...

Brynn and "the roses"

                                                           

We have to move...NOW!

Our house is for sale...actually it has been for sale for almost a year but who's counting.  I have been pretty patient about this whole process.  I just feel like things have a way of working out and when the time is right, it will sell.  We will be building our next house and we don't plan to start on it until this one sells so there really hasn't been any pressure...until now.

A couple of weeks ago Dan was sick and we had just put the kids to bed.  I really wanted to work out and the kids were in bed.  Now, I ALWAYS work out in the basement where we have gym and big tv but I knew Dan was pretty out of it and would never hear the kids if they needed him and if you are in the basement in our house you can't hear a thing.  So, I decided that I would do my favorite workout DVD in the living room so I could hear the kids if they woke up.  The DVD is called Yoga Booty Ballet (the Hip Hop Abs one) and I just love it.  The tricky thing about this particular DVD is that the whole point is to act like a total spazz.  So, while I love to do it, it's one of those things that you don't want anyone to see you do.  Honestly, I won't even let Danny in the room when I'm doing it.  But...this was not a problem since Dan and the kids were already in bed.  I shut all of the blinds in the living and dining room and decided to go for it. 

If you are familiar with the DVD, you will know the "Cowboy" move.  If you don't know the video, just picture me pretending to ride a horse (legs astride and galloping) while waiving my arms in the air.  It's about as embarrassing as it gets and I was killing it because, I always feel like the more spastic you are the more calories you burn.  It is at that moment that I look up in time to see my male 30-something neighbor standing at my front door.  There are two little windows on either side of my door and he has clearly seen me galloping away and is trying to decide whether to run or knock.  He actually starts to walk away (and pretend this never happened) but I desperately feel like I need to explain so I run to the door.  I'm sure I was lobster red as I explained that I was working out (I'm sure he has never quite seen a work out like this before so I can't imagine what is going through his head).  He was very nice about it and just as red as I was and quickly explained that he was just returning something that he had borrowed.  I tried to joke it off and silently thanked God that at least I wasn't doing the "funky chicken" move.

I have been so busy lately that I haven't given the incident much thought however, last night as neighbors tend to do, I ran into him and all I could think about was that this man had seen me galloping in my living room looking like a total idiot!!  Ahhhhhhhhhhh!  Please pray that our house sells soon!

Father's Day Weekend

I had such a wonderful weekend that I wanted to tell you a little about it...

Friday night, as you know, my family and I successfully completed Relay for Life.  Our team (Teal We Find a Cure) raised over $2,000 and we are extremely thankful for every one's support.  It was a wonderful time for all of us to come together and remember those that we have lost to cancer and encourage those that are currently fighting.  It was an evening full of hope and inspiration.  I walked over 19 miles and am looking forward to doing it again next year!

Team "Teal we Find a Cure"

                                                          
In the morning Dan was able to grab a quick nap before he drove the kids and I to MD to attend our niece, Abby's, birthday party (I slept the whole way there). Abby's Little Mermaid birthday party was a big success and Brynn was just in her glory playing with her very best friend. Because we knew how exhausted we were going to be and to give Brynn a little extra time with her cousin, we spent the night with the String crew in MD.

Happy 4th Birthday Abigail!!

                                                     
Sunday morning was Father's Day and we started it off with a big family breakfast in MD.  Next on the agenda was a trip to the National Zoo. What a great day!!  Dan's brother, Bill, and his entire family were able to join us. All of the kids (and adults) had a blast.  We were able to see a bunch of the animals and the zoo was not too crowded.

Colti and Brynn are ready for the zoo

                                              

Our youngest nephew, Henry

                                                   

Colton and I watching the turtles

                                        

Abby and Brynn.  All wet from the mist machine.

                                         
Finally, it was time to head back home where we gave Dan his Father's Day presents and ate his favorite ham and pineapple pizza for dinner.  Daddy even got some time to watch the end of his golf tournament. 

I want to be sure to wish a Happy Father's Day to some of the best Dad's that I know.  My father-in-law Bob who is such a stand-up man and endlessly devoted to his family; My Step-father Glenn whom I just adore and am so grateful for;  and of course...My Dad.  I know every girl thinks her dad is the best but I am pretty sure that he is one of the greatest men to walk this earth.  There are just not enough words for me to tell you how much he means to me and how wonderful I think he is.  I love you all!!

My dad and Colton

Last but not least, a huge Happy Father's Day to my husband, Danny!  The card that I bought Dan this year talked about how you never really know how much you love a man until you see him caring for your children and I think that is so true.  Dan and I have been together since we were 17 so we have been through a lot of life changes together. I can vividly remember watching Danny give Brynn a bath one day and falling in love with him all over again.  He was just so sweet and gentle with her and it took my breath away that this was the same man who just a few short years earlier was dominating the beer pong table in college. I just love the way he loves his babies, how proud he is of them, and how his whole face lights up when he sees them.  Somethings just get better with age and I am so grateful to call him my own.  I love you Daniel Robert!  Thanks for being the best Daddy in the world!!

Happy Father's day Daddy!

                                                      

Tonight we Relay for Life!

Tonight my family and I will be participating in the Relay for Life walk as team "Teal We Find A Cure."  This is our second year participating in the event.  If you have never been to a Relay event, you really should go to one.  Prior to attending last year, I had envisioned this to be a very somber and sad event.  However, what I learned is that it is really full of inspiration and hope. We became involved in Relay because we lost my Aunt to a long battle with Ovarian Cancer.  After losing her (and my beloved grandfather earlier) to Cancer, I just felt really powerless but Relay helped change that somewhat. My family and I have lost some life changing and devastating battles to cancer, but Relay helped me take some power back.  I loved spending time with my family and knowing that we were continuing to fight cancer in honor and memory of those who can't anymore.  Through that night, I felt real hope that we will find the cure to cancer.

I want to send out a big thanks to everyone who has donated to our team. We are so proud to be able to do this together and so proud of every penny we have raised!

And to my Aunt Cheryl, Uncle Kevin, Dear Friends Dale Hammond, Carole Hammond and Carol Maclary, and to my grandfather Lester....tonight is for you!!!

My Aunt with her boys.

                                                               

Colton's Story

Dear Colton Daniel:

My pregnancy with you was tough but great.  I experienced morning sickness from about week 4 until week 32.  It didn't last all day but I could generally count on feeling terrible in the early morning and early evenings...and anytime I was hungry.  I was very uncomfortable for the last 6 weeks and could never seem to get comfortable enough to sleep and if I did, you would wake me up by wiggling around (you loved 3:00 am wake-up calls).  I didn't have any major complications during my pregnancy with you but the Doctors were concerned about your size during my pregnancy.  At one point, you were measuring four weeks ahead of schedule.  Daddy and I often explained that big babies and big heads run in our family but we still had to do lots of ultrasounds. We didn't mind though because we got to take a sneak peek at you more often.

Mama on the morning of your arrival.

I had originally planned to try for a VBAC but with your growing estimated size, both the Doctor and I were concerned about my ability to pull it off.  We had you estimated as a 10 lb baby! So, on March 12, 2010 you came into the world by an elective c-section.  You were delivered by my doctor and dear friend, Dr. Laura Moylan.  You weighed in at a "tiny" 8 lbs 13 ozs.  You were not happy to be taken out of my belly and let everyone know about it!  Your grandparents and Aunt Kelly could hear you yelling out in the waiting room.  Daddy and I thought you were the most handsome thing that we had ever seen.  You were starving (as you usually are) and began to nurse just as soon as you were given back to Mama.

Meeting Mama and Daddy

                                              

Ready to go home

                                                    
Your nicknames are "Colti" and "Turtle".  We call you Turtle because in your first few days you had a way of wrinkling up your whole forehead and looking up at me.  It reminded Mama of a little turtle and while you don't give us the turtle face anymore, the name has stuck.

Turtle face

                                                               
You were and still are such a snuggle bunny.  You sometimes have you Daddy's temper but just love to laugh and play.  You adore your big sister and your doggie.  You do everything in your own time.  I was convinced that you were never going to walk and then at 13 months you just took off. By 14 months you were running.

Love that Sister!

                                                              
We celebrated your first birthday with a Phillies themed party at our house.  You were your very first Phillies jersey and baseball hat (Daddy just grinned from ear to ear).  It was a wonderful family celebration.  You got tons of gifts including a ball pit and Phillie's bear but you loved the paper and bows most of all.

Happy 1st Birthday Colton!!!

You started school at Building Blocks Academy when you were 11 months old.  Your first teacher was Ms. Ensong and you just adored her.  You have since been moved up to the 1 year old room and you aren't quite as sure about that but you do love the art projects and going outside

All ready for your Baptisim

Your were very healthy your first year with the exception of never ending ear infections.  At just 9 months you had to have your first ear surgery and then two months later you had your second.  You were a real trooper and we think we are finally on the mend even though you still have a small hole in your eardrum.

In your hospital bed at A.I. Dupont

                                               
You love to play with your ball and drum and are very curious about everything (and also into everything).  You are communicating with a mixture of sign language and words and your biggest hobby is eating!  You enjoy watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Handy Manny.  When you are playing outside you are at your happiest.  You have a wonderful belly laugh that Daddy and I adore and a smile that can light up the room! You were diagnosed with a mild case of asthma recently and absolutely hate the breathing treatment machine. 

Your reaction to being kissed by one of Cinderella's stepsisters in Disney

                               
We are so proud of you!  You light up or lives and are the perfect completion to our little family.  I love you more than words can say!

Happy Family of four!

                                                                     
Mama

About my girl!

My cousin Denise and I started a blog at about the same time (which is not surprising because we have done pretty much everything thing "at about the same time").  So, today I was reading her blog in which she wrote a note to her son about what he is currently like.  Well, I loved the idea so I am stealing it!  I have never been very good about keeping a journal but maybe someday my children will be able to look back at this and see how much I adored them!  I will start with Brynn first.

Brynn is my miracle baby!  Prior to becoming pregnant with Brynn, Dan and I had another pregnancy which unfortunately ended in a miscarriage at 11 weeks. We were devastated.  It was a very tough time for me in which I really struggled with my faith but still relied heavily on that same faith to pull me through it (if it sounds confusing...believe me it was).  We were thrilled to get pregnant again about 6 months later but we had completely lost that blind faith that everything "would be okay".  We were terrified every single day of my pregnancy which was just amplified by the fact that I spotted in all three trimesters.

Now here is the part about why I say she is my miracle baby.  Dan and I were at a rehearsal for a local community theater production one evening (Dan was in the show and I was the choreographer) when I was ll weeks pregnant (11 weeks is just not a good time for us) .  I started to feel off and had some bad cramping.  I just knew I was loosing the baby.  I pulled Dan off of the stage and told him that I needed to get to the hospital asap and his entire face turned gray...he just knew.  We drove as fast as we could to the hospital knowing that there would be nothing that they could do.  By the time we arrived at the hospital, my body was giving every sign that this pregnancy would also end in miscarriage.  At the hospital, they doctor's tried to find the baby's heartbeat but couldn't find it.  At that moment, I remember just looking up at the hospital ceiling (really just looking for God) and saying "God, I need a miracle".  At that very moment, I felt peace wash over me.  I can't say that I knew things were going to be okay but I felt hope for the first time that night.  They tested my blood levels which were normal and said that there was nothing else they could do but we should see our doctor first thing in the morning.

We called our Doctor as soon as humanly possible the next day.  Dr. Murray had been with us through the previous miscarriage and knew how devastated we were.  He called us back into the examination room (which also happened to be the same room where we had learned that we lost our first child) before our scheduled appointment time and looked just as devastated as we felt (we had become very close to him).  He told me that he was just going to do a quick ultrasound (for some reason they couldn't do this at the hospital).  Dan and Dr. Murray watched the screen and I just closed my eyes.  I still felt hope but was simply terrified knowing that the next few moments would change my life.  There was a moment of complete silence and then both Dan and Dr. Murray jumped and huge grins appeared on their faces.  What I remember most about that moment was the sound of Dr. Murray and Dan letting out their breath as they had been holding it while looking at the baby. There was a heartbeat!  I believe in miracles because mine is four years old!

Dear Brynn Elizabeth:

You came into the world on May 7, 2007 and completely stole Daddy and I's hearts.  You were not eager to come out of Mama's belly so I had to be induced one week after your due date.  After 9 hours of labor, you were not tolerating it well and had to be brought into the world by an emergency c-section.   You were born weighing in at 9 pounds and were the most perfect thing that I had ever seen.

I couldn't take my eyes off of you

                                                   
You just celebrated your 4th birthday with a Candyland themed party and are still such a joy.  For your birthday you received a Princess Bike complete with a doll seat on the back that you had been wanting for quite some time.

Getting ready to open presents

                                                 
You are a sweetheart and truly a dream child.  You have a touch of stubbornness (wonder where that came from) but are generally a very caring and sweet girl.  You are so smart!  You can write all of your letters and are beginning to read.  At our last parent conference your teachers at Building Blocks Academy informed us that you were at the top of your class and that they feel that you are ready for kindergarten (with still a whole year to go).  You demonstrate a level of responsibility and trust worthiness beyond your years.

We are so proud of what a great big sister you are.  There was not a moment of jealousy when Colton was born.  You love to help Mama and Daddy take care of him and have been known to give us parenting tips.  You take great care of your "Colti" at school.

Big sister

You and Colton on Easter Morning 2011

After back to back to back ear infections you had to have tubes put in your ears.  You were very brave but thought the medicine was "yucky".  You loved the post-surgery Popsicle and asked for seconds.  You have had no ear infections since the tubes.

You started both ballet and soccer this year.  Daddy and I were endlessly proud of you at your games and your recital.  You were the youngest on both your team and in your dance class but you stuck with it and did great.  Mama is so happy that I got to be your first dance teacher and Daddy was thrilled to be the Assistant Soccer Coach of your team.

This is a picture of your "mean" soccer face.

                                             

This you at Nutrcracker rehearsal.  You were the rocking horse girl.

Your best friend is your cousin Abby.  You two just light up when you are together and love playing dress up and Snow White.  You change your favorite color often but I think it is yellow this week.  You love to ride your bike and play with your American Girl Doll who you named Chance Elizabeth String.  However, you would rather do an art project then just about anything else.  You love Disney movies and often ask when we can go back to "Disneytown" again.  Your current favorite movie is Tangled which is a relief because we have watched "Up" and all three "Toy Story" movies more times than I can count.  You also enjoy your "chore" which is watering the flowers outside.

Brynn and Abby.  Thanksgiving 2010

                                                   

Meeting Jessie and Woody in "Disneytown"

                                         
We still call you Brynnie, Monkey, BB or Brynnie Chicken Dinnie most of the time.  You say your prayers every night in which you thank god for three things. Last night, you thanked God for "Pillows, Books, and Hair Bows."

You are such a blessing and we thank god for you every single day!  I love you little Monkey!!

Mama

My Next Adventure: Relay for Life in memory of my Aunt

This Friday, my family and I will be walking in the Relay for Life event in Milford, DE.  We are walking in memory of my aunt, Cheryl Hodgman, who passed away after a long battle with ovarian cancer in February of 2010.  She did so much for all of us in her family, that we feel it's important to honor her memory by helping to find a cure.  We are team "Teal We Find A Cure".



Many of my friends will remember her as "Miss Dill", your first grade teacher.  She was an exceptional teacher and loved educating her students.

We are so honored to do this in her memory.  If you would like to make a contribution please click on the following link.  No donation is too small and I would just love your support.

I am also walking in honor of a beloved role model and friend, Dale Hammond who lost his battle with cancer this year.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=33346&team_id=8716

Pageant Wrap Up (originally posted 6/13/11)

I apologize that I’m just getting to the pageant wrap up.  Sunday was yet another busy day for my family because it was Brynn’s first dance recital (I know I'm slightly biased but she was a star!).

Brynn and I after recital

I’m sure you know by now but Saturday was an amazing day.  I have a lot to tell you so I’m going to try to start at the beginning and keep it as brief as possible.

The contestants were able to sleep in Saturday morning and then everyone met to attend a Luncheon honoring all of our Former Miss Delawares (in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Miss Delaware Pageant).  A huge thanks to Mary Lee Kleinkauf (Miss DE 1966) and Beth Ann Jones (Miss DE 91) for putting this event together because it was just beautiful.  Heather Lehman (Miss DE 2009) did a wonderful job hosting the event and we were able to hear Heather and Miss Delawares from several decades reflect on their memories.  I had the distinct pleasure of sitting with Miss Delaware 1960 and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed hearing about her experiences as Miss Delaware and at the Miss America Pageant.  I feel so lucky to be a part of this exceptional group of women.  They are endlessly accomplished and such and inspiration.  The most touching part of this event was a surprise crowning.  In the 1950’s our Miss Delaware’s did not get a crown that they were able to keep.  They would take the crown off of their head and place it on the new Miss Delaware’s head.  When the Alumnae heard of this they could not let the issue rest.  Four Miss Delaware’s who did not have a crown were given a brand new one so that we could right that wrong.  It was a beautiful and touching moment as they were each given the crown and everyone stood up to give them a standing ovation.

Kayla and Britney, Miss Delaware Sisters

                                

DeeDee and I, Miss Delaware Sisters

Saturday night’s show was just full of excitement.  Each and every one of the contestants brought their A-game! The contestants were quickly narrowed down to the Top 10 which included:  Chelsea Lee Ray, Jessica Tilley, Erin Magnin, Marci Smith, Kristina Maynard, Stephanie Bailey, Maria Cahill, Steffi Holmes, Alyssa Murray, and Chelsea Betts. The competition was fierce.  The contestants definitely did not make it an easy choice for the judges.

Top 10

Because it was the 70th Anniversary show, there was a production number featuring over 25 Miss Delaware’s who were in attendance.  It was very special to see everyone standing on the stage together.  The formers were given a standing ovation.  Congratulations to each of our Miss Delawares and thank you for your contribution to the crown’s luster!

Another touching moment was Miss Delaware 2010, Kayla Martell’s farewell.  Kayla was escorted on to the stage by her Miss Delaware Little Sister’s (who were her escorts for the past several years) Lilliana and Isabella.  Kayla has made a huge impact in the lives of these two young ladies and vice versa.  Miss Delaware’s shoes are always huge ones to fill but there is just no doubt that Kayla has made her mark on Miss Delaware history!  Welcome to the sisterhood of formers Kayla!  We are all so proud of you and remember…the best is yet to come!!

I know that you all have gotten the news already but Miss Delaware 2011 is Maria Cahill.  Maria is an exceptional Irish dancer and on behalf of all of the Miss Delaware family, we are pleased to welcome her!  I know that she is going to embrace the job of Miss Delaware and represent our great state beautifully.

This is Maria and 1st Runner-up Chelsea Lee awaiting the announcement

                           
On a personal note:  for those of you following my blog, you know how nervous I was to perform on the Miss Delaware stage again.  I am so happy that I made myself do it.  What a dream come true to dance with my daughter.  I am so grateful to Kenney for giving me this opportunity!  My dances were far from perfect but I was able to just enjoy the moment and realize a dream.  A huge thanks to everyone for your support and kind words. They honestly meant the world to me!

Here is a partial list of the awards:

Miss Delaware 2011-Maria Cahill
1st Runner up-Chelsea-Lee Ray
2nd Runner up-Steffi Holmes
3rd Runner up-Erin Magnin
4th Runner up-Alyssa Murray
Alison White Performing Arts Award:  Chelsea Betts
Aimee Voshell Rookie of the Year:  Alyssa Murray
Miss Congeniality:  April Stevenson
Non-Finalist Talent Award:  Heather Mckinney


Congrats to all of the 2011 Miss Delaware contestants.  I honestly hope that I will get to work with each and everyone of you again!

Pageant Friday! (originally posted 6/11/11)

The contestants started their day with a make-up party hosted by Artisry.  They had a lot of fun trying out different products and just spending some girl time. 

Following the make-up party the Miss Delaware contestants were thrilled to welcome a special guest.  Amber Foot, who is a seven year old from Houston, TX was recently diagnosed with Alopecia and has traveled all the way to Delaware to meet our Miss Delaware (just another example of the many people that Kayla has been able to touch this year!).  Amber was invited to come spend some time with Kayla and the contestants and also perform her talent for them.  It was a very touching moment for everyone involved.  Amber perfomed and recieved a standing ovation from the contestants. She is a fireball and just exceptionally talented (she will also be performing at Friday's show).  The contestants then spent some time doing a photo session with Amber.  I'm so glad the contestants had the opportunity to spend time with Amber. She has inspired and awed all of us!!

Today there was a luncheon and cocktail reception for the former Miss Delaware's who are in town.  What fun events!!  I am still completely in awe that I get to be a part of this exceptional group of women.  Congratulations to all of our Miss Delaware's for making Delaware a brighter and better place.  What a legacy we have left!

Last night was another spectacular preliminary competition!  Preliminary Talent went to Steffi Holmes.  Preliminary swimsuit went to Maria Cahill and Preliminary evening wear went to Chelsea-Lee Ray.  Congrats to all of our preliminary winners!!!

Congratulations to Friday's Miss Spirit, April Stevenson.  April constantly has a sunny disposition and has been so a joy to get to know better.  There were a couple of the other awards given on stage tonight but I missed them.  I promise to post a full list of awards on Sunday.

I want to give a huge personal thank you to Erin Cooper, Miss Delaware 2001.  Erin and I were able to share the Miss Delaware stage together one last time last night.  You would not believe how nervous we were!  We danced with a few bobbles but had a great time getting back on the stage.  WE SURVIVED!!!!

I know that I have bragged about Kayla Martell, Miss Delaware a lot but I just want to take another moment to say what an exceptional Miss Delaware she had been.  I have known Kayla since she was a little girl and I could not be prouder to have her as my sister.  Kayla can not even begin to understand the lives that she as touched this year.  You are amazing Kayla!  I can't wait to see what is in your future.  You are headed for GREAT things and I am proud to call you my friend!

Today is such a bitter sweet day!  Tonight all 10 of the contestants will go on to compete for the dream of becoming Miss Delaware.  I cry every year when they announce the Top 10 and I know that this year will be no exception.  Everyone of the contestants has worked exceptionally hard and they are ALL deserving of being Top 10.  Only one young woman will win the crown tonight but I honestly believe that they are all winners. 

Tonight I get to realize a dream!  I will be on the stage dancing with my baby girl.  Wish me luck...

One Show Down! (orginally posted 6/10/11)

Shew...I'm exhausted!  I can't imagine how tired the contestants must be!

Thursday morning started with each of the contestants having  a personal interview with the judges.  The interviews last for 10 minutes with the judges firing questions at you at a rapid pace.  You really have no idea what to expect because the questions can range from personal, political, platform and everything in between.  It's always a relief for the contestants to get this under their belt.  The contestants reported that the interviews went well and the judges were very nice.

The contestants did have a little time to rest before they went back to production rehearsal to iron out the last minute wrinkles.  We did have little bit of a scare today.  Our Miss Delaware, Kayla Martell has a medical condition that causes her to faint sometimes.  While she was walking into her gym this morning she fainted and hit her head.  I am so grateful to report that after a quick trip to the ER, she is fine. With a little bit of rest I hope to have her dancing again for tomorrow's show.  In the meantime, I must admit that my blood pressure went up a bit as I scrambled to make sure Kayla's parts were covered in the production numbers.  A huge thanks to all of you who jumped in to help at the last minute (Jamie, Tori, Bliss and Beth...you rock!).  If you know Kayla, you will know that she is always going 100 miles per minutes.  I know "resting" will be quite a challenge for her (You better rest Kayla...I missed you up there!)  She went straight from the ER to an appearance with the judges.  What an amazing young woman!!!

Thursday night's competition was FIERCE!!!  Congrats to all of our contestants!  The preliminary evening gown award was a three way tie. Congratulations to Maria Cahill, Erin Magnin, and Melissa Caltabiano.  The Linda Kurtz preliminary swimsuit award went to Chelsea-Lee Ray and the Preliminary Talent Award went to Chelsea Betts.  A huge congratulations to all of the preliminary winners.  You should be so proud!!!

I also don't want to forget to congratulate Thursday's Miss Spirit, Marcie Smith!