Thursday, January 26, 2012


The Victory Is In the Doing


 My beautiful sister Annie participated in Junior Miss (Distinguished Young Women) last week. For those of you who don't know this program, it is a scholarship pageant, and no, they do not wear swimsuits. 
It was a hard decision for Annie whether or not to even do it. Not just because of the huge time commitment, but because ANYONE who has to answer a question on stage in heels, or interview in front of strangers and be judged on it, is stinking HARD! 
For months Annie has had 5:30 am practices, mock interviews, talent practices, fitness practices, poise practices and many other rehearsals in preparation for this pageant. (I haven't even mentioned all the time it took my mom and Annie to find dresses, shoes, music ect.) 
 My sweet, shy, Annie was up for the challenge. I can't even tell you how proud I am of her for even doing it because it isn't for the faint of heart! I of course encouraged her knowing personally how much I grew in the process. Annie knows she couldn't have done it without the support of her family. My mom in particular was her greatest support and biggest fan. My mom taught Annie one of her favorite quotes by Ghandi that states, "The victory is in the doing." This became the Rigby family motto during the process. As we pummeled Annie with questions to help her practice for interview we joked that every question could be answered with, "The victory is in the doing." So TRUE! 
 Annie, thank you for inspiring me to become better even when it isn't easy. Thank you for showing my own little girls true inner beauty by just being you! Thank you for letting me be a part of this fun experience. I was beaming with absolute delight watching you on stage and seeing the beautiful woman you have become. You have taught us all that the victory is absolutely in the doing! Love you!   
   





















 I know I look crazy in this picture but man were we glad it was over!


7 comments:

Alison Wilde said...

Melanie, I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this post. What an amazing experience for Annie, but the thing that is the sweetest to me is how happy her sisters were to see her on stage and support her. You are all extremely beautiful inside and out!! Your daughters are mighty lucky to have a mom who represents true beauty. Way to go Annie!!

Denise Rigby said...

Thank-you Melanie for your beautiful post of a beautiful event. We felt such family support in this experience for our little Annie. She is sooooo easy to love isn't she? We are going to have to put up a picture of sweet Emily with Annie as well. I have a picture of her with Annie, but we know how Emily got pretty sick at the end of the night and went outside for some fresh air. Love you so much..yes..the victory really is in the doing!!!! MOM

Denise Rigby said...

Thank-you Melanie for your beautiful post of a beautiful event. We felt such family support in this experience for our little Annie. She is sooooo easy to love isn't she? We are going to have to put up a picture of sweet Emily with Annie as well. I have a picture of her with Annie, but we know how Emily got pretty sick at the end of the night and went outside for some fresh air. Love you so much..yes..the victory really is in the doing!!!! MOM

Six Girls and One Boy said...

Melanie, That was the sweetest post for your sister, Annie! Annie and your supportive family are definitely the winners. Truly the most important thing is beauty on the inside, however, you three girls are beautiful on the outside, too (along with your mother and Emily)!! That was even great to see Ryan at the pageant to be with Annie and all of you. Congratulations, Annie!

Laura Copeland said...

I am so glad you posted this beautiful experience for such a beautiful young lady! Man, this sounded like so much work, but as you said, it brought all of you together to work toward a common goal of having the most wonderful experience possible for Annie. She absolutely looked radiant in all of these pictures. But, I agree with Alison--the beauty of Annie is just as beautiful on the inside as out. Way to go, Annie, and way to go sisters, brother, dad, and mom for supporting her in such a worthy endeavor!

Ang said...

Okay, can I just second Alison?! Totally agree and could not have said it any better! What a neat experience that all of you, especially Annie, will never forget. And very awesome to have the support from no one better than her mom and sisters. You all look so beautiful!

Charlotte said...

What a wonderful experience for Annie and your entire family! I personally love that quote by Ghandi.

You are a wonderful big sister, Melanie!