Laura Pennington wins VA Sweeps title, Miss Commonwealth!

Even more exciting news to report from this weekend's worth of Sweeps pageants is the newest VA sweeps pageant winner, Miss Commonwealth, is Laura!! It has been such a pleasure getting to know you this year. You are a truly remarkable young woman and a testament to work ethic, determination, and perserverence. I'm extremely proud of you and happy to call you friend! Now, off to the grindstone with you...lol...

Amy wins Miss Southern Ohio!!!!

Miss South Central Krystle Formosa, Miss Portsmouth Katie Camp, Miss Southern Amy Allen, and 1st Runner-Up Lauren Hogan

To say that I was excited is an understatement of epic proportions! Amy, you are by far, one of the most deserving and worthy young women to wear the crown and your can-do attitude, and unwavering spirit are the reasons that so many of us have been praying for this dream of yours to be fulfilled. To say that I'm happy for you and proud of you just cannot do my feelings justice. You know how much I love you and have wanted this for you. You truly are a bright light! Now shine, girl, shine!! Congratulations also go out to Kristy and Krystle. I haven't had the opportunity to meet either of you, but I know how much the opportunity to go to the state pageant can mean and both of you seem to be extremely deserving young women. Relish this opportunity and work hard these next few weeks to be the best you can. I can tell you from personal experience, winning the Sweeps pageants can get you to the Top Ten just like winning the first pageant can.

Dear Abby...

I can't believe it's finally time for you to go. You're such a great young woman and yes, you are brave! I cherish our friendship very much and hope you don't forget the "little people" back home when you're a big star. Just remember, I'm always a free Verizon cell phone call away. Call me!!

Hot Mess!

I had the pleasure of attending an art class Sunday morning with Mrs. Olmstead and Mrs. Lux. We had a fabulous time creating out little glass paperweights and are planning our next trip back to take the glass blowing class. It was great doing something new that I'd always wondered about but never really thought about trying. Thanks Meghan for the invite. I never knew how much fun I could have making a hot mess out of hot glass!

Surprise! Happy Birthday Zaina!

Me and the birthday girl

Kirk and Meghan (party planning princess)

The Raymaley's

Jilly and Amy

Lexi and Brian

Last week, party princess Maynan scored big by planning our pal Z's surprise birthday dinner at Wasabi's in Fairlawn. Zaina was appropriately surprised and we all had such a great time catching up. I even tried sushi for the first, and probably, last time, but I tried it. Zaina, thanks for being such a great friend. Happy Birthday!