Junior Miss!

Last night was Snake River High School's Junior Miss contest. Amanda has been getting ready for this for months, including practices, shopping, interviews, shopping, dancing, shopping (did I mention shopping?). I spent Thursday with Susan in Idaho Falls going to every store that sells neck ties trying to find one to match her dress. Finally found one at Kohls.

Late Friday night I started throwing up and spent the whole night sick. Friday about noon things started to shift. Got a blessing and started feeling better. By the evening I felt about 95%, thank heavens! I was able to go to Junior Miss with Amanda.

She did so well!!! Her poise throughout was spot-on. Her talent (she danced) was incredible! She hit from the first beat and stayed on beautifully and gave it her usual 200% effort. Her fitness routine was great! She made it look like there was nothing to it (not like she isn't 100% muscle). She really did well. I sat there and tried to figure out when my little girl turned into this beautiful, dynamic, young lady that was up on the stage. I can't describe the pride I felt! I got to escort her out and do a brief dance with her. She made us look good in spite of me!

At the end they were doing the awards. They awarded a few scholarships, none to Amanda. I'm thinking, "She has to get something!" Then they get to self-expression. This is the one Amanda said she thought she'd blown. She got a scholarship for it! Then they announced talent... She got a scholarship there, too! Next was fitness. I was certain she'd get a scholarship here, and she did! Then they got to 2nd runner-up. I thought, "Amanda!" Then I thought, "No, she's getting Junior Miss." She didn't get 2nd or 1st runner-up. After they announced first runner up, I thought, "Oh, my gosh! Then it's Amanda, Sage, or Kyra." They announced, "Amanda Otterstrom!" Amanda's mouth dropped and she stood dead still for about 5 seconds! What an evening!

I can't describe my excitement or pride in Amanda. She is such an incredible young lady. I don't know what this journey will hold for her, but I'm sure she will excel and it will be a tremendous opportunity for her!

After we got home and Susan made a late-night run to WalMart, we found that Victoria was in the newspaper for student of the month! Victoria was such a trooper at Junior Miss and did such a great job sitting still and all and was so excited for her sister, it was really neat for her to see herself in the paper! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day! Every once in a while, our Heavenly Father creates perfection with all the extra touches.