Mrs. United States!

The 25th Anniversary of the Mrs. United States Pageant was held at the stylish Hilton Las Vegas, with a top notch show choreographed by the talented Natalie Carson.  Contestants enjoyed delicious food, thoughtful contestant gifts, a trip to the Luxor hotel to see the musical Menopause, and worked hard to put together a terrific performance for the audience and judges in the hopes of getting the chance to become Mrs. United States.  There were 54 lovely ladies, each with a cause and cares worthy of the crown, and at the end of it all I think we all came away with something special.

I got to see Las Vegas for the first time, spent a pageant week with my husband, got to be with my sweet Melissa again (from Mrs. America) as well as reconnect with Coral (our WI), and make some new friends as well.  I'll have several posts, and of course will have pictures from our photographer, Joe Pier and Ernesto, in the weeks to come.

This was especially great for me because I set a goal and met it...after dealing with health issues that caused me to get sick and gain weight, one of the great parts of this experience was the push that got me the help I needed and after working harder than I have ever had to, I lost 20 lbs for the better.  I will always have to work for this now and I know I will never be a fitness extraordinaire, but it has made me grateful for what I have, who I am and the "physical" that God has given me for this time.  It's a lesson in humility standing amongst some of the most beautiful ladies in bikinis...but what a beautiful REALITY it is to be assured your outward appearance is not your most beautiful part nor does it have to be (thank you Tender, and sweet friends for your constant reminders! ;)  ), and certainly not your defining quality! I was standing in good company of beautiful women inside and out, and I am honored to have been a part of their class.

I will also have some messages of "thanks" throughout these as well...there are some special girls that should be mentioned, my directors, and of course friends, family and hubby all deserve mentions!  So stay tuned!!!

First Photos are arriving in Las Vegas:

Our View from the hotel, coming into the airport...you're met with slot machines immediately!!! Caesar's Palace...enjoy!

First thanks:
Eric, thank you for taking us, providing so much, replacing my interview dress the day we arrived after finding out it was ruined, finding a Jo Anne Fabrics so I could hem it, and finish my evening gown skirt...thank you for getting food for me when I wasn't feeling good, and checking in all week to make sure there wasn't anything I needed, and even thinking of things I would need before I ever asked. Thank you for making our last day there extra special, going to the mountains, taking us to a show, and taking us to amazing dining experiences through out.  Thank you for your encouragement and love.  I love you very much!