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.
