We got Annie!

You only have to watch that show called, "Toddler and Tiaras" on Discovery one time know that those families...namely the mothers who put their kids in those beauty pageants are slightly unstable.

I love the website's description of the show: "On any given weekend, on stages across the country, little girls and boys parade around wearing makeup, false eyelashes, spray tans and fake hair to be judged on their beauty, personality and costumes. Toddlers and Tiaras follows families on their quest for sparkly crowns, big titles, and lots of cash."

Um....sick.

I have watched portions of the show with Romney and he can barely contain his nausea.  The moms who are putting dentures in their babies' mouths and doing the jazz hands and winks from the audience are just plain scary.

So, you can imagine that given my feelings about that show, why I would have some reluctance in sharing some exciting news about Lauren.....

A local high school and community theater program are putting on a production of the musical "Annie."  They opened the auditions to several neighboring communities for the parts of the orphans including "Annie."

Well, those of you who know Lauren, know that she is incredibly animated, funny and let's be honest, entertaining.  She has always wanted to be in plays and is constantly asking me if she can be in movies, (but I only have to watch the news and see Lindsay Lohan to remind me that I am not interested in that path!!) There has never been a time when a play made sense, but when the flier for "Annie" came home in her backpack from school, I figured now is as good a time as any.

So, for the past several weeks, Annie songs have been heard around our home.  She tried out last week along with at least 90 girls.  The tryouts were intense and very competitive.  She had to sing a solo, a group song, act out a scene from the show and perform a dance on stage in front of 4 judges.

To make a long story short, she made the first cut and then after a grueling 4-hour 2nd casting call on Friday, we received a call on Saturday morning from the director that they would like to offer the leading role of "Annie" to Lauren.

What?  We got Annie??

We are all freaking out a little...(including me because the part involves 3-hour rehearsals every day except weekends until April.)  But all that said, we are thrilled.  This is an amazing opportunity for a girl who has found her passion and will now be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bloom.

Congratulations to my darling Lauren!!!

(Don't worry, you won't find me prompting winks and jazz hands from the audience!)