Toddlers and Tiaras

Can I just say that as much as I think the moms on TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras are plain psychotic, I have to give them props for the time and energy they put into making their children into pageant queens. Seriously, we have been going strong for four days now. For those of you who don't know, we live in a small town outside of a big city. We are pretty redneck. So every year, when the Cherry Festival comes to town, we also hold two "Scholarship" pageants. Not to be confused with a beauty pageant :). The first is for the 18+ age category. It is usually won by someone who has recently graduated from high school. The second is the Little Miss Pageant. This is the one where all girls age 3-14 can come join in the fun. It is seriously the least uptight pageant I have ever been to. It is kind of like a parade of the redneck children. It's loads of fun. It's probably the only pageant in the world where a girl can win wearing a bathing suit by Target. And nobody cares. The dresses are either left over from someone's wedding, someone's Easter Sunday or, if you're really up for the splurge, bought off of e-bay. Shoes from Payless, a little hair glitter and you're golden.

But, even though it is laid back in that aspect, for the week leading up to the pageant, it is a full time job of practicing. Now, remember, Cameron is four. She has practiced from 5-7 for the past four nights. She practices for 3 hours tomorrow. This is all leading up to the actual pageant on Tuesday. And lo and behold, it is coming together. I am exhausted, as most all good crazy pageant moms must be, simply from stressing about it, organizing jewelry (from Claires) and shoes (three costume changes=three pairs of shoes). But it's so much fun on the big night to watch the girls shine. And Cameron has never been afraid of a stage, in fact, her only fear is that someone might not see her up there. So this is right up her alley.

So, we have a full weekend of practicing walking, waving, smiling, and simply just being cute. And hoping for some damn sun so the girl can get a suntan. Seriously, what is with this weather?

More details to come on the big pageant.