University of Arizona Alumni Annual Kickoff Event

My family and I were invited to attend the UofA Alumni Annual Kickoff Event at the Scottsdale Plaza Conference Center.  I have to admit, we felt a bit out of place, since neither of us graduated from UofA.  We had a great time meeting various athletic coaches, past UofA athletes, Governor Jan Brewer and several other dignitaries. 

I think Jackson made a lasting impression on Governor Brewer and her staff.  I wanted to introduce myself to her, but I also wanted to respect her time and allow her to enjoy her lunch.  But Jackson decided he just had to have her purse!  He ran right up to her chair and was trying to grab at her purse, then he decided to sneak behind her security guard and push on his knees.  Poor guy was a little surprised by that.  Then Governor Brewer spotted my little one playing with the security guard.  She immediately bent down to him and started telling him how cute he was.  What a fun-filled day for Jackson - he met Wilbur the Wildcat followed by Gov. Brewer!

Mountain of Miracles Radiothon and Tee Up For Tots Golf Tournament

Today I spent the day in beautiful Tucson...  thought I would check it out before I spend a week there at Mrs. America.  Just kidding!  I actually was invited to attend two great events today.  I started the morning off working the call center for Jennie & Chris's Mountain of Miracles Radiothon for Tucson Medical Center and Children's Miracle Network.  I was fortunate enough to be joined by former Mrs. World/America/Arizona Diane Tucker, Mrs. Arizona 2009 Elisa Rister, Kathy Lauer Miss Beauties of America 50's and Mrs. Vail Syriah Bechtel.  We had a great time answering calls and accepting pledges to benefit CMN and TMC. 

Immediately after the Radiothon, I headed to the Tee Up For Tots Golf Tournament.  Although, I had my first hiccup as Mrs. Arizona.  There was a communication error and I headed to the beautiful Hilton El Conquistador for the golf tournament.  Little did I know, this was the previous location for the tournament, but it was also the location for the Tee Up For Tots Art Show and Sale.  Thankfully, with the help of the artist present, I was able to get the correct location for the golf tournament.  So, I headed to the Omni where I had been asked to speak on my involvment with teminally ill children.  I was so inspired by the work that Tee Up For Tots Golf Tournament has completed in Tucson and the state of Arizona.  But most of all, I found a new strength in hearing the story of a young leukemia patient by the name of Dana. Dana, I said today "You are my hero.  You are one strong cookie and keep up the fight.". 

My Send-off Party

This past Sunday, Elisa Rister (Mrs. Arizona 2009) and the other "formers" hosted my send-off party.  What a great time we all had. Friends, Food, Wine, Cake - who could ask for anything more?  I did have the opportutnity to showcase all of my competition clothing and a few other gowns for Mrs. America week, which was a great "dress rehearsal" for pageant week.  I have the most supportive, encouraging and inspirational friends and family!  Thank you to everyone who attended the party!

Boot Camp Babes 3 Day Walk for the Cure Poker Tournament

This past weekend, I had the chance to join my old Boot Camp Babes at their Fundraising Poker Tournament.  Several of the Boot Camp Babes are raising money for the Susan G Komen 3 Day Walk for the Cure.  Boot Camp Babes you gals rock!!!!

East Valley Bridal Show

Laura Lawless Robertson (Miss Arizona 2002), Amanda Houdashell
(Ms Texas United States), Erin Nurss (Miss Arizona 2009),
and Corrie Hill Francis (Miss Arizona 2003 and Mrs. Arizona 2010)

On Sunday, August 15th I had the chance to a bride again!  What girl doesn't love the chance to wear beautiful gowns, wear sparkly custom jewelry, and get their hair and makeup done!  Thank you to Suzanne Novak from Suzanne's Bridal Boutique for asking me to model two beautiful gowns at the East Valley Bridal Show. 

I have known Suzanne for over 7 years and she is amazing!!!  She has made so many of my gowns, including my wedding gown, fit perfectly!  I would HIGHLY recommend Suzanne to anyone that is looking for a gown for a special occasion - wedding, prom, pageant and more! www.suzannesbridalboutique.com

HopeKids Luau

After the 3 Day Walk Preview Expo, I headed over to Sunrise Pool in Peoria to attend the HopeKids Luau.  HopeKids is an amazing organization that provides support to terminally ill children and their families.  HopeKids organizes events such as the Luau to allow "Hope Kids" to have fun and enjoy life.  The organization also sends Hope Kids to concerts, sporting events, movie premiers and more.  They even helped a Hope Kid get a role in the upcoming movie "Letters to God". 

My husband and son were able to attend the event and had a great time as well!  Thankfully they were there, because I had a few girls that made it their mission to get me in the water - despite being in a dress, crown and sash!  If it hadn't been for my husband I was getting lured right under a water bucket thanks to those girls!!! 

My favorite part of the event was when an 11 year old girl asked me if I thought that a Hope Kid could be Miss America. I explained to her a Hope Kid could do anything - be Miss America or even become President.  I told her about the Miss America Outstanding Teen and how she could start on that journey in another 2 years.  She was so excited and as she walked away she told her older sister "I'm going to be Miss America... but first I'm going to win Miss America Outstanding Teen!"

Thank you Bridget for allowing me and my family to attend the event.  I am looking forward to working more with your great organization! 

Susan G Komen 3 Day Walk Preview Expo

On August 8th, I had the great opportunity to attend the Susan G Komen 3 Day Walk Preview Expo.  The expo was a chance for all 3 Day walkers to gather information about fundraising, training, and the life of a 3 Day walker.  I loved seeing all of the crazy costumes and t-shirts that the walkers were sporting.  Good luck to all 3 Day Walkers. I will be there cheering you on as a volunteer again!