Happy St. Patty's Day!

It was [quite] a few years ago now that I met my husband in Ireland, a most beautiful and spectacular wee country close to my heart. It was at a wonderful event that has changed my life quite profoundly. This past weekend I was honored to be a special guest at the 25th Anniversary of the Southern California Rose of Tralee Debutante Ball and St.Patricks Day Grand Ball. It was a most amazing and special night for me because my beautiful, shy and very tiny "six & a HALF" year old daughter was given some of the same opportunities so long ago. It was her first year as a "Rosebud" which is a program that allows little girls to be involved in celebrating their Irish heritage They are the hope for the future for one day they too might become a representative of Ireland. At the Grand Ball, the Rosebud class witness the wonder of being a "Rose". They have full access to the behind the scenes goings on's and the Roses generously, and carefully take them under their wing. Back to the gift...I watched in amazement as my daughter who sometimes has a great deal of trouble saying hello to her own friends, walk on stage time after time after time. She was interviewed, she provided interview questions for the Roses and she escorted the 2007 reigning Rose down a runway and off the stage all the while under 2 hugh spotlights. I watched her dance for hours...with strangers. I even watched her sing the YMCA into the microphone. So I am so very grateful that this program that helps women of all ages to celebrate life and be confident and poised and caring and happy, exists. I've included all the best [shots of Little Miss K.] parts of the night. I had to include a picture of my always stunning sister-in-law - you'll be able to tell which one, and one of our children...which includes Baby R. since his babysitter caught the stomach flu and cancelled last minute!