Essays From Texas

Different people have different things that amuse them.

This particular group of women is amused by dressing up in second hand clothes from a clothing ministry, getting in character, and holding an event called Easter Tea.

Last year was the first Easter Tea. I thought they were all crazy, but I was home for Easter, so I too wore an old, ridiculous looking dress.

A few weeks prior to the Tea, they all go to Life Ministries - an organization that takes in used clothing and goods to sell cheaply to those in need, or to those in need of an opportunity to wear old tacky dresses.

The event is held at my mom's house. Mom has a tendency to go "all out" when hosting others, and Easter Tea is no exception.

There's ample amounts of spring treats to temp the taste buds.

Last year, there was more of an emphasis on bonnets. We had very elaborate bonnets last year. This year's theme was centered around formal wear.

We had old bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, bright shinny dresses, and in my case, a dress my mom wore when she was a graduation attendant in high school.

It was a tad on the hippie side, so my name was "Peggy Peace" this year instead of last year's "Tess Texan". (To my new in-laws, I'm certain you now find me to be very odd. Please don't hold this against me.)

The hostesses greet the other Tea party goers as they arrive.

Each person has their own tea cup. At the end of the Tea, ballots are passed around to vote for the year's "Miss Easter Tea" - Mom held last year's title.

Other awards are given out, such as "Best Frock of All", "Your Grandmother Would Be Proud", or this year's newest addition "Most Likely To Run Away With the Easter Bunny".

Malia was the 2009 Miss Easter Tea.

Malia also sang a preview of a melody she would like to sing at the wedding this summer, while Kim did sign language for the hearing impaired.