Who DIDN'T make it? ;-) :(

Yes; you wouldn't believe what qualms it gave me.
However, I came to the conclusion that my "I'm not special" button was even stronger than my "poor semi-colon button".
You didn't think I ever said anything seriously, did you?

AN emoticon.

By the way, Ashley, I have had a burning question ever since last year that you might be able to answer:
Why are all the contestants required to wave their hands in the air before the Thursday evening everybody-gets-a-medal thing?
I have thought, and analyzed, and laid awake at night trying to find a plausible reason, but, as of yet, have not come up with anything satisfactory. Perhaps you will be able to help me.

Hand waving? sigh you never do give up do you?

Oops :( :( Sorry :(
Ummm…I don't get your last question….

Just that my reply to Ashley's "I'm not anything special" was actually said in all seriousness and not for the purpose of plaguing someone's life out of them. Then I used a winky face! You must have suffered a terrible shock.

Yes, I did suffer a terrible shock! You should have seen the look on my face when I saw that you actually used one!!

Ashley – I think she meant about the handing waving thing that goes on before all the contestants line up to go on stage to get their awards :)

That is what I meant. I think it is called: "Opening Assembly" or something like that.

Hi Magaret, I think I can answer your question. :) When all the contestants were seated in the processional room before Opening Ceremony, Mrs. McMahan needed to quiet the room down and get everybody's attention, so we could line up in height order. So she started waving her hands in the air. That is supposed to be a sign to everyone who notices it to begin waving their hands also, and more importantly, to become quiet. Once the whole room is waving their hands, in theory, everyone is quiet, and the adult helpers can begin giving directions.

Does that make sense?

Ohh, that is what you were talking about!!!! Sorry! Yes, that ^ the reason! Ever since we were little kids and my mom was having the kids at our own Bible studies (before BB) doing that! Now that we with the BB she just brings it along to where ever we go. You are supposed to wave you hands back and forth untill she says, "Self control" at which time you are supposed clap you hands together like you were to begin praying and smile REALLY big at her and occationaly she will give out a prize for the bigest, grandest smile! :)

Ah, I see.

So… if we fold are hands and smile really big to start with, are we exempt from the "hand -waving"?

What if I am tired to the marrow of my bones? What if I suddenly get a terrible headache, so that it hurts to move? What if my hands are still shaking and my knees knocking from the prelims that morning? Would I be exempt then?

Margaret…behave yourself.

What are you talking about? I always am the picture of well-behaved-ness.

WARNING: Never take anything I say seriously.

Wow! That is the best compliment I have had all day!

That's weird! I would have thought you'd be over-flowing with compliments! :) You too sweet to not have many!

I didn't. :( I was only 53 places or so away though!! :)

Did you guys really have to make a place for confessions???

Confession? Lol

I DIDN'T WAVE MY HANDS!!!!! YES!!!

So they didn't make you all wave your hands? =)

No, she did. But aome people (………..Margaret………..Jarret…….) didn't obey her.

Let me shake your hand!

Wait… I can't. Bother. Maybe next year.

facedesk, facedesk, facedesk

They suggested it twice.