Miss Illinois USA 2012

This past Saturday was spent being a part of the chaperone team for Miss Illinois and Miss Teen Illinois USA.  Ties were tied, zippers zipped, swimsuit glue...a-hem...glued...and wiped away...Chargers were kept off the girls' floor...Ever see a tiny, little 5 foot-something lady take on two professional football players, informing them that they are not allowed around a bunch of young pageant girls, no matter how famous they are?!  It's something!  ;)

I want to thank Bev Turkowski for thinking of me and inviting me to come help.  I am looking forward to being there again! To Jen, Sara, Michele, Robin, Emily, Erin and Patricia as well...thank you for being so welcoming to me and for being an awesome team to work with.  I enjoyed getting to spend time with you all!

My pictures are courtesy of Tim Kretschmann / PageantCast.com since I was way to busy to get any shots.  My thanks for the immense generosity!

http://www.missillinoisusa.com/

http://pageantcast.com/

Miss HispanoAmerica Illinois Pageant

I was honored to be asked to judge the Miss HispanoAmerica Illinois Pageant this past weekend. 
15 ladies vied for the prestigious title, to continue to the national and international pageant at the historic Apollo 2000 theater in Chicago, IL.  There were some amazing performances, dancing, desert table, and more all culminating to a successful first year for the pageant.

At the end, Yesenia Hernandez took the crown, most deservedly, and two special ladies claimed spots in the final four.  Sisters...one who wanted to compete, one not so sure, but did it for the sake of being on stage for their mother who is the final stages of breast cancer, and had always dreamed of seeing her girls on stage in this arena.  She always thought they were beautiful and wanted them to feel beautiful as well...they took the next two spots after Yesenia, and it was a moving tribute to the family.  What's really cool is that we never knew about this story until after the pageant! WOW!!!

My thanks to Victor and Al, directors of the pageant, for inviting me and believing in me to be considered "head judge", to Vicki and Derrick for putting on and helping in organizing a terrific event, to my fellow judges, for being strong, thoughtful, insightful people to pick such a great group of ladies, to the h/m team for doing hair for me, makeup and hair for others, as well as all the ladies competing, and to the entertainment for keeping things upbeat and rolling.

The rest of the weekend was spent shopping with Vicki and Andria, my two Miss Teen USA state titleholders (TX and NM), that are still lovely as ever both inside and out.  They are darling!  FYI...anyone who saw the Playboy Club on NBC got to see our Andria on prime time television!  She was one of the bunnies! And Vicki is now the new state director for Mrs. Colorado US!!!

Photos are from the pageant and from shopping...the girls were with me for my first UGGs purchase! I love and miss you!  

My thanks to the talented Steve Starr for my photo...and again to the H/M team for doing my hair for the event.  And yes, there is this weird photo of a lady bug cow on the side of the hotel across from Feast restaurant...if anyone knows what that's all about, we would love to know!  ;)

American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk - Lake County

I am deeply touched by the outreach and growth the American Cancer Society has created in Lake County...this year's walk for breast cancer was the biggest yet, and I was honored to be contacted by the Society to be a part of their event this year as emcee. 

I want to thank Katie Oshinski of ACS for calling me and allowing me to be a part of this again as a speaker ( not to mention putting together a top notch script), to Ann McNamara, VP of IL Division of Giving for coming to our Lake County event, to our top "givers" , Airica Steed and Brenda Roca of Condell Medical Center, and Sally Saraceno of Sysmex, and of course to our breast cancer survivor who spoke, Karen Sussman. Each played a huge roll in the event, not to mention it running so smoothly with our faithful DJ Chris Thelen.

We began the event in cold wind and rain, but by the end of the walk, the sun was peeking out and we had dancing galore!  Big thanks to everyone who came to walk and raise money for breast cancer through ACS.  Fun Fact: 95 cents of every dollar goes to funding research for cancer!!!

If you'd like to know how you can help support the Society's fight against cancer, or if you'd even like to be a part of the 2012 event, please see:

http://www.cancer.org
http://www.illinoiscancerhelp.org/

2 jackets +2 scarves (one thanks to ACS Boutique) + 2 thermal shirts = really good laugh, really great padding, and warmth!

I love these last two pictures.  You can see all the walkers in the distance on the gorgeous paths of Independence Grove.  And the last picture...sing it with me, now..."to the right, to the right, to the right..."  Still having fun after walking in the rain and cold wind! :)

Susan G Komen for The Cure

Saturday was the Race/Walk in Chicago, IL - Grant Park. Another opportunity to be there for breast cancer. And was I this year...sadly, no.

I had signed up, donations in, had my team, my shirt and bib, hotel picked out...and from the week's BC walk before, I was still battling cough, cold, etc. And as time brought us closer, it was evident that I had no business being there. I had every excuse to be there...meeting friends in the city, I made the commitment, I posted information on Facebook and I was not about to miss an opportunity...

And then reality and humility set in. Which is better?! To go through with it and get others, potentially BC sufferers in the mix, exposed to my illness and by all accounts get worse myself for the sake of blogging it?! (WHAT?!?!) Or to get better to go to the next walk, rest and get well for not just me, but for my family, which is my main priority anyway?!? (Um, duhhhh!!)

So I am taking time to blog the obvious. We can't do everything. We may attempt to appear like we can, but who is it really going benefit or impress? Not many, if any at all...especially if it can't be done the right way. And isn't that ultimately destructive to ourselves and others? That's not right, either. In the end, what matters is that we are serving others, and that God sees our hearts, minds and intentions...and is pleased with them.

May we be moved to do what we can with what God gives us. Let us not be the detriment that turns others away from Him in our efforts to succeed in this world...there is no success without Him.

I know, pretty preachy for a pageant blog...but if we can't do the right things when opportunities come up, share God, and be an encouragement to others in all we do and say, we shouldn't be doing them.

Matthew 10:33"But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven."

Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer."

 

Walk for Hope for Women's Cancers

Today was spent in Glenview, Illinois as a guest speaker and ribbon-cutter for the 17th annual Walk for Hope.  The exciting thing about City of Hope is that it has expanded it's efforts from just breast cancer to all women's cancers.  I have been a walker, volunteer and guest speaker for a number of years for them, and I am grateful for each event and opportunity, as each one brings more funds and awareness to find cures.

We had rain and cold, but it could not dampen the spirits of everyone.  Especially the very gifted chair, Beth, who was ever so kind  enough to "share" her purple boa with me, and to the generous and lovely Karen Rolls, who once again coordinated my part in this event.

We had music, food, entertainment, over 1,000 walkers despite the weather, and of course a sea of survivors to make the event sweeter.

If you couldn't be there, you always can in spirit by visiting:

http://nationalevents.cityofhope.org/site/TR?sid=1140&type=fr_informational&pg=informational&fr_id=1430

to donate or volunteer.

I'd like to add, that there's nothing better than a sweet, older gentleman coming up to you out of the blue, saying, "Thank you...you don't know what this means to me and to my family that you are here.  You did a good job."

May we never forget that we are here for others...to help, serve and love.

Our Check-In Team, before the rain...

Getting the cover on...

Sweet Beth and me, hovering under an umbrella in between stage times...

Dancer's testing out the stage to be sure they wouldn't slip too much!

Blessings!

(Oh, yes, I look tired. I have been very, very sick all week, as well as my family...our daughter was kind enough to share her illness...and I had been up all night before with her and Eric...but duty calls.  :)  Praise the Lord for concealer and mascara!)

Miss Universe, Mrs. United States Way

Any pageant on TV must be viewed in comfies, with junk food and crowns worn in our house.  It is the only way to truly enjoy it!  More than 20 years and counting on that tradition! 

There were years when I held "pageant parties", inviting friends over for whatever was on (Miss USA, Miss America, Miss Teen USA...) and everyone showed up in jammies, we'd order pizza, and I would have nachos and everything fried, and the room was filled with crowns and tiaras. Because every girl should have some bling!  ;)

For Miss Universe 2011, it was no exception, and I really liked the crown I was wearing this year!  ;)

Thank you for the Gifts, Ladies!

Another mention of thanks goes to the ladies for all the gifts!  I would especially like to thank the lady who gifted the cactus lollipop...my child is exceptionally grateful...  ;)

And another special thank you to my most wonderful director in the world, John...who keeps giving and giving (yep, I got that special package in the mail today!)...I don't deserve you, but I am forever thankful!  Thank you for your kind heart, all the kind words,  and all you have done not only for me, but for all your girls! You are a true blessing and gift!

Now For More Las Vegas!

After the pageant was finished, Eric treated us to dinner at 8 at the Wynn and some time out.  I made my first and only attempt at the slots...nothing happened, but I know I had no idea what I was doing either, so I'm not surprised!

The next day we drove out to the mountains with coffee in hand - already getting back to doing our favorite things...car rides, sight seeing and coffee!!!  I personally loved the signs that said to watch for wild burros!!!  Then we enjoyed more shopping, watched the show La Reve  (AMAZING - see the attachment below!!!), and finished up the night dining at Tao'...definitely my favorite of the places we went!

http://pages.wynnlasvegas.com/lereve/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc

Oh, Julie...the cake picture is for you...and I have more!!!  ;)

Some Thanks and Recognition...

Philippians 1:3
"Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God."

Taking a break before posting more photos to mention a few special people that made this such a great experience...

Of course, I will thank Eric again because there is not enough thanks for him...so thank you, Tender, for everything! ;)

To John, Jason, Janet, and everyone at Vanbros:  You are the most unbelievable team of directors.  I can not thank you enough for being so thoughtful, so informative, helpful, generous and kind...you go above and beyond to make your queens feel like they are priceless.  Thank you for all the wardrobe help, the ad page, gifts and phone calls.  Thank you for your constant encouragement throughout the pageant.  I am honored to be one of your girls!  God bless you for being the way you are!

To my "sister girls" in Vanbros...

Melissa, I am so proud of you, and thank you for all the insight and help beforehand when I couldn't be at boot camp, and for always making not only me, but everyone else feel so special around you.  You are beautiful inside and out and I adore you! I am forever grateful we got to have another chance to be together in pageantry...love you!

Amanda, you are an inspiration and an angel.  You are so lovely and I am so proud of your accomplishment and grace.  I love your spirit and am grateful for the friend I have in you.  It was so sweet to get random "Amanda Hugs" through the week "just because"...love you!

Karen, your sensitivity and style are so beautiful.  You were so gracious and inclusive, kind and sweet, and I consider it pure joy to be around you. I appreciate your realness and honesty. Thank you for your friendship...love you!

Carrie, your story is inspirational...I still can't believe you made us cry at lunch...but a good cry and I am proud of you for carrying on such a tradition.  Your kindness and willingness to help and be there for others speaks volumes of your heart. You are truly beautiful...love you!

Christy, thank you for your generosity to your sisters.  You always had a smile on your face, and your concern for comforting others was so sweet to see.  I am proud of you for your grace and humility, your beauty goes beyond what others see...love you!

To some other special sisters...

Brandy, thank you for friending me so early, for sending me so much information on Celiac, and for being so generous with your time.  I appreciate your kindness and compassion.

Blythe, for immediately wanting to help others at all times, for taking care of my feet before interviews - not many would do that!!! For being such a sweet part of the pageant and for your amazing, inspirational story...I am in awe...

Christie, for being a fun, fab line partner at every turn.  You are such a sweetheart and I appreciate your spunk.  Hawaii is lucky to have you represent them so well.

Lisa IN, for being the "I got your back" girl, for watching trains and any other wardrobe that might have issue...you are a sweetheart and so thoughtful!

Andi, for just being real...and being real funny...hugs!

Dr. Christine, thank you for being so willing to care for so many people at the pageant, for being such a sweetheart and being zipper buddies...I love your genuine heart and spirit. You are amazing to me!

Nikoll, for being a hoot and a half, making everyone smile around you and "just going with it"...your laid back, easy going disposition made any nerves ease in a heartbeat!

Lisa NY...for your prayers...thank you for all your prayers...  ;)

Lisa VI, love you so for your sweetness and your spunk...it was a joy to get to know you...

To my friends and family...

Thank you, Mom and Dad for all the driving to meet up and care for Elena, and for all the prayers!  I love you!

To my small group...thank you for all the prayers and encouragement...I love you and am so very, very grateful for you! Dave and Kathy, thank you for the gorgeous roses!

To my Illinois Sisters, Michele, Kaili, Maria, Julie and Dee...thank you for your encouragement, emails, letters and well wishes...Dee, thank you for my tan so I would have color on stage, and for all the help, love and support, and to Julie for all your input, love, drive and texts...I don't know what I would do without you.  I love you all very, very much!

To my sister queens from Mrs. America who sent me well wishes, I am deeply moved by your constant care!

To Stephanie, Rachel and Chiann, thank you for your support, kind words and encouragement.  You are beautiful examples of what Mrs. United States is all about.

Breanna, thank you from the bottom of my heart for introducing me to Ideal Protein and coming alongside me to help me lose weight and get healthy again.  You have been such a wonderful friend!

Nor, I am indebted to you for always making me look beautiful, and this time was no exception!  Bless you for your generosity.

Julie, Wendy and Shannon, thank you for being an automatic cheering section, for hugs and support!  You are all so lovely.  Thank you!

Megan, thank you for always giving me more credit than I deserve. I love you and your friendship to me.

Rena, for my beautiful flowers and for always being there to cheer me on! XOXOXO

To my girls, Julie, Rene', Maria, Mary, Michelle, Lori, Pam, Annette, and Jackie...thank you for being so beautiful to me.

I am so blessed...God has been so good to me through all of you. Thank you...thank you, Father in Heaven, for putting each one of these people in my life, and showing how awesome You are through them in so many ways.

Finals!

Again, I'll have more photos when the order comes in from our official photographer, but here's a few at the end, with Melissa (TX) and Stephanie (Mrs. US 2007), as well on stage in the red dresses and with Breanna (MN AM 2010 and my Ideal Protein Wonder Woman!) afterward.

Preliminaries!

Preliminary night was the night to share our state costumes, and compete in swimsuit and gown...not many photos of that yet, but I will share them when they come in!  :)  Here's my stage buddy, Hawaii, in costume...and I had to get a photo of Maine chowing down on a candy bar in part of her costume (she had gorgeous wings that went with it!)...now that's beautiful...a beauty queen enjoying chocolate...and yes, I had her permission for this shot!  Priceless!