4H - Tell me if you're nauseous

Oh nevermind - I don't want to know! But I've got some 4H news from the weekend.... Grab your barf buddy bucket and come along for the ride!

On Friday, Meri and Maddy got judged on their photos and Meri's card making projects. Meri did an awesome job talking to the judges. I think we've got another Ryan on our hands when it comes to schmoozing the judges... She had that judge eating out of her hand when she waxed dramatic and told of the stories of her pets that had been sold, given away or died. Ryan's hedgehog had died the night before (This weekend gave me a plethora of blog fodder... more later on the hedgehog saga.) so she was pretty traumatized and one of her photos was another pet that she'd loved, so it got her on the topic of pets.Before the judge heard the pet stories, Meri had already gotten 7 blue ribbons off of her. After the stories, the next 3 photos got orange dots, which could turn into purple... Hmmm - strong emotions = orange dot. *check* We checked back the next day and they turned into blues instead. Then she got a blue on her card project.Maddy got 8 blues, 1 red and 1 purple on her photos! She was so shocked that the ones she felt the most strongly about didn't do as well as the photos she didn't think would even get a blue. But it's the mood of the judge and what THEY'RE looking for! darn. But she still did so well! Don't know what she's upset about really...On Friday night, Meri did the hem on her dress. Isn't that always the way? :) On Saturday morning, she wore it to meet with the judges again. She told all about her dress! How she designed it, made the pattern out of wrapping paper, cut it out and sewed it all up, all by herself. The judge was SO SEW impressed! Here is a 4th grader, 1st year 4H member that had designed and sewed a dress all on her own! How could she not be? I definitely am!

Before - link to the post about this dress.

Finished product

So at the style show that afternoon, Meri strutted her stuff. She'd taken all the advice the judge had given her. Painted her nails green, found a necklace to match, etc. She walked from one side of the stage to the other, striking a pose at each spot. Next year she has vowed to do her Blue Steel look, and possibly Magnum... (watch the movie Zoolander and you'll know what I mean...)

At the end of the show, the participants got their ribbons. The judge who had talked with Meri did the announcing and talked about Meri specifically! I was so surprised and proud of that girl that my eyes started squirting... in a good way... Meri got the Top Award for the Fashion Revue section of the show!

I guess next year, she designs a prom dress... Do 11 year olds go to prom?