Send off Party

I leave for Mrs. America one week from today! Whew---time has flown by! Mrs. KS US Rachel Murphy and Mrs. KS International Melanie Hansel threw me a send-off party yesterday. Friends and family attended with well-wishes! It is nice knowing that I have just an amazing support system! Thanks guys--love you!

Johnson County Parade

Charalet Dunnigan, Mrs. Johnson County 2008, invited me and Mrs. Geary County (Leslie Wilson) to join her in the Johnson County parade on Aug. 9 in Gardner, KS. The parade was "Favorite Holiday." Charalet came up with the great idea of using Mother's day as our car theme. We each wore sundresses and decorated the car with signs that read "one hot mama," "to do list...," and "Happy Mother's Day." We were so concerned about the heat...no need to be! It rained and was chilly! It was great seeing the two ladies...what a great day!

Titleholder weekend

What a blast we had the first weekend of August. Rich and Alvin hosted a "Titleholders' weekend" in Dallas. Allison, Mrs. OK, myself, Bobbie Jo Compton, Mrs. TX, and our director all attended. We had mock interviews, a fashion show, and stayed up late watching old pageant videos. The weekend was a great time to form new friendships and polish our skills as we all prepare for Mrs. America! Thanks Alvin and Rich!!

Appearances

Whew! What a month it has been! I've been in a commercial, flew to Chicago and Las Vegas to support fellow pageant gals, and attended numerous functions. Some highlights...I was the "celebrity" guest at the Barton County Fair (Great Bend, KS) on July 12. They hosted Think Pink night--a benefit comedy show for the cancer ward at their hospital. I also hosted Melanie Hansel's (Mrs. KS International) send-off party. She competed at Mrs. International in Chicago. I then filmed a commercial for Viega's Climate Panel system (heated hardwood floors). That was fun! That same day, I flew to Vegas to cheer on Mrs. KS US, Rachel Murphy! Today, the kids, Troy and I attended the ARC car show at Exploration Place in Wichita. I even got to award a Mrs. KS 2008 Choice trophy!

Only 5 weeks until I leave for Mrs. America! The time since I was crowned has flown by! I am so excited!

Hutchfest

The family and I attend the Hutchfest annual car show in Hutchinson yesterday! Wow! Some really "cool cars" (as Kody, my 4 year old said). I saw Lois and Avery from the Make a Wish show again. Beautiful cars and beautiful weather--what a combination!

YMCA Bidding with your boots on!

What a great fundraiser! I attended the South branch YMCA's Bidding with your boots on auction on June 27! I met Brian from KFDI's Brian and Kelli show! Great event!

Make a Wish Dream Car Show

Benjamin Franklin once said "doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves." What an amazing "something" this car show was! A total of $13000 was raised for the Make a Wish foundation. Melanie Hansel (Mrs. KS International 2008) and I had the blessing of meeting Kaylen, the Make a Wish child for the event. He is is 11 and was diagnosed with leukemia --what an amazing young man! (Kaylen, you are in our prayers). We also distributed trophies to over 35 fabulous cars! I feel very grateful to have gotten to be a part of this amazing experience!