Belles of the Ball

When I decided to start a blog, I set a few rules for myself.  One of the most important ones, I felt, was that I won't post pictures of people.  This is to protect their privacy.  I mean, sometimes I talk about some stuff that my kids (not to mention DH, extended family, and friends) might not want associated with them, or to be recognized by their friends (or enemies, lol).  And, honestly, I'm usually such a private person that I'm not  wild about gps on cell phones or in cars that enable you (me) to be found anywhere.  I don't necessarily want to be found, if you know what I mean.  But, I digress. . .

Point of the above paragraph is that I'd love to show off my family, but I won't.  Sometimes it's tough not to give in "just this once" and post a picture of a particularly proud mom moment.

Now is one of those times.

Saturday night was the winter formal for the local high school.  Both DD1, a senior, and DD2, a freshman, attended the dance.  I so wish I could show you how beautiful they were in their dresses.

DD2 invited her best friend since kindergarten, who also has the same first name just spelled one letter differently, to come to the dance with her.  These two girls are fresh out of nine years of church school, learning to make their way in public high school now (and going to high schools in different towns from each other).  So it was nice for DD2 to have her bff with her.

DD1 was escorted by her boyfriend of nearly six months, who is also a senior at the same school.   I have some great pictures of them before they left for the dance.  (*sigh*  again wishing I could break my rules, just this once.)

Like a good mom, I waited up for them to return home after the dance (about 11:30 p.m.).  Partly to make sure they were home on time and safely, and partly because I've learned that post-dance is a great time to  bond with my teens.

I'm so glad I did!  DD2 and her bff were giddy, they'd had such a good time at the dance.  BFF was readily welcomed by DD2's new friends and even some schoolmates that hadn't previously been included in that label.  But, even better, I got to see DD1 walk in the house wearing the tiara of the Queen of the dance.  She had her boyfriend had been voted, by the high school student body, King and Queen of the winter formal. 

Now, DD1 isn't your stereotypical high school queen, so she was surprised to be bestowed the honor.  She's not a lithe or petite or particularly perky girl.  Her hair is the same color God chose it to be, no highlights, no bleaching, no dying.  She's stocky and tall, she is opinionated and stands her ground on issues, as well as being a tomboy and farm girl.  Her King isn't the popular, outgoing football player type either.  He's a slim, quiet, soccer player and musician.  But they are both great kids, serious about their studies, and always willing to help others.  Apparently it's not just their parents who think so, it's also the majority of the high school.

Proud mom moment. 

And I figured out how to share a picture of this without breaking my rule.  :0) 

I present to you, the Queen's dress and tiara.