Miss Teen Extraordinaire Pageant

Last night we had the privilege of attending a fantastic event, The Miss Teen Extraordinaire Pageant.

Let me back up a little.
It was two years ago on Wednesday 25th of March that the girls came home to America and became part of our family.
For two years I have tried and tried to get Nastia to want to participate in something. She has tried track and hated it. She tried gymnastics and hated it. She tried to  play guitar and hated it. Each of these things she quit before she could perform for us or even show us what she had learned.
I understand the reasons for her not wanting to do these things. But a a parent it is sad for me to watch her just give up every time and not try to keep going. We have wanted her to feel good about herself and find something she loves to do. Find a group of people that she connects with and show us who she is and especially show herself what she can be. I believe that for the most part our other kids have started to do that.
So when this opportunity came to us, I thought it would be a fabulous way for Nastia to feel special.
But let me tell you how it went :)
Nastia came home from school and showed me a note she was given at school. I asked her if she knew what I was signing. She didn't, so I explained to her that it was for a pageant. I then explained to her what a pageant was and what she would need to do if she participated in it. (I explained it was completely optional and in fact it was limited to only 15 girls and they could come from all over the south of our county.) She flat our refused to participate! Shocked? Neither was I :)
I tried to talk to her some more about it and told he how much fun it would be and that her best friend Jenny (a cute girl with down syndrome from her class) has done it for a few years and love it. She expressed that she didn't think she had any talents and when I gave her some ideas of things to do she just said no. So I left it alone (I try to pick my battles).
A week later she came to me again an asked if I had signed the paper. I explained again that she would have to be on stage and perform in some way and this time she wasn't sure for a minute, she thought and made comments and then said no again. Again I left it alone. But I kept feeling like I should just make her do it.
So a few days later my neighbor and friend Maddy (She and her fantastic Daughter Whitney run the pageant) came to my house to tell Miranda of a dream she had had of her performing at the cultural festival (another story!). I decided to just ask if there were any open spots and if Nastia could possibly participate. We were told that a couple of girls had just dropped out so there was a spot available. So I just decided to sign her up right then and deal with the consequences of that choice later. Did I have to deal with it, Yes I did, and YES I WILL (after). But as you will see from the pictures. It was so worth it!!!!

this is there opening number. They danced to Shake it off by Taylor Swift.

Nastia is on the far left.

Nastia doing her talent

She sang a Russian song

Being escorted out by Colton

Some of the other girls waiting to get their awards (Jenny Nastias friend is in the Red)

Award for Miss Enchanting!!

Girls from the ward that came.

At the end!

My great friend Raychellene who loaned us Nastias dresses for the evening.

We were all very proud of Nastia

Our other family member Robyn came as well!!

Almost fell.

Some peer tutors and friends from school.

Heading home with crown and sash.

Let me quickly express my gratitude to Whitney Talbert and her Mom Maddy Talbert for putting this fantastic event together.
Without people like you, there wouldn't be a place for these fantastic young ladies to be able to share with us their talents, joy of life, amazing personalities and beautiful spirits. They are an absolute joy to be around and you can't help but fall in love with them. You have given them an opportunity to show the world that they are more than their disabilities. That is a truly amazing gift.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing my daughter to show us all (especially our family) her contagious smile and personality that she usually hides away behind her past traumas. We knew it was in there! Thank you for giving her a place to shine and to feel accepted for the person she is. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

PS: if you missed it. Come next year. You will NOT regret it.  :)