Can you spell n-e-r-v-o-u-s m-o-m?

We came home from our short trip to Florida yesterday so Merrilee could participate in a Spelling Bee with the Homeschool Association today. This was her first Spelling Bee, and my first as well. I was excited about having Merrilee participate in it, but it was for fun and not one of those serious ones where you're out of the game if you spell a word wrong. She competed with the first and second graders, and they were awarded points for correctly spelled words according to their grade level. I have to insert here that Merrilee is six years old and in second grade; she was ready for school early, so she's the youngest in her grade.

There was only one other second grader, and Jaylan was stiff competition. I couldn't believe how nervous I got for all the kids, and as much as I wanted Merrilee to win (we did work hard studying!), I really didn't want to see any other kids lose! I think the Bee was much tougher on me than on Merrilee! And as much as I kept telling Merrilee that it was enjoying the Bee that counted and she shouldn't be too upset if she didn't win, I was quite a bundle of nerves when it came down to the latter part of the competition

It was a tie after more than half an hour of spelling. So the judges upped the ante by using words off the third grade list. The first word was "been" and Merrilee spelled it wrong. Then Jaylan had to spell it and also spelled it wrong. After continuing, and correctly spelling "thought", "subtraction", and finally "cracker", Merrilee took the prize! I was so happy for her, but just hated to see Jaylan lose. How on earth can parents do those cut-throat competitions with their kids?! I would never make it as a beauty pageant mom. I just cannot stand another kid losing!

Anyway, it was a very special time for Merrilee and we are all very proud of her. We called Dad right away to tell him the news (actually I sent him a text message during the ribbon ceremony--I couldn't wait!). Then we came home and Skyped Grandma and Grandpa. It was big news around here! Dad asked her what she wanted for her celebration dinner, and after initially wanting to go out for Chinese, she changed her mind, so we're having Fettucini Alfredo tonight.

Here are some photo highlights from the afternoon.

Waiting for the Bee to start...a bit nervous!

Getting the Certificate of Participation after the Bee; she still didn't know she had won.

Receiving her award ribbon in the post-Bee ceremony.

With the other winners from each grade level.