Mrs. International Finals Night!

Ashley you are the BEST. You have a gift, are a true artist! I am so happy that you were able to be a part of this with me, it would not have been the same without you. You are a dear friend and I cannot wait for our next adventure! Thank you with all my heart!

What an incredible week...hard to believe it is over and went by so fast! To all my new friends in the Mrs. International class of 2009 it is a priviledge to know you and be part of such an amazing group of women. To those of you that helped me get here my thanks and appreciation!

Mrs. International Pageant 2009!!! Family Photos

What can I say...thank you is hardly enough! To my family for all of your love and support through this year and always you are all my treasures and my proudest accomplishment. I love each and everyone of you! To Tucker, soon you will be off on your own....your future is glowing! You have no boundaries and will achieve all you want, I am so proud of you. To Madison, my beauty....you are truly beautiful inside and out! As you start these teen years that pass by so quickly I pray for you to follow every dream you have and never hold back, I know you will accomplish all you set out to do. To Luke, you are still my teddybear....you will soon grow bigger and stronger than me, but never so much so that I can't hug you tight! I know you are my biggest fan and I am thankful that I am so blessed. To Ron, what can I even say....after all these years....you know me more than I know myself and always let me chase my dreams with unending support. Thank you for always believing in me and being a rock for all of us to hold on to. I love you all more than words can say. To my parents....even at 38 years old you are still "mom and dad", always supporting us, there to lend an ear or helping hand. Your love has truly been unconditional and I can only hope that my children will someday be able to say the same. Thank you and I love you!

Mrs. International Day Three: Meet and Greet

Busy Day of Rehersals, Interviews, quick chance to say Hi to my family as they arrived in Chicago and then dressed up to attend the pageant meet and greet with the Chicago Chamber of Commerce. Lovely supper and then off to bed....time is flying by! Tomorrow (7-17-2009)starts Preliminary Competition....showtime!

Mrs. International Day Two: Appearances

Today we were out and about for a fun day in the WINDY city of Chicago. We made several stops at local attractions and signed autographs at Water Tower Place. Back to the hotel for a quick supper and then off to rehersal...we all look a little windblown, but no rain so it was a great tour!

Mrs. International Pageant Day One: Orientation!

Pictured with Mary Richardson, National Mrs. International Director and Laine Berry, Mrs. International 2008.

Getting to know the class of 2009: Pictured here with Mrs. North Carolina and Mrs. Washington.

Send Off Party before Mrs. International

I work with the BEST people!!! The week before I left for nationals they through me a "princess" party at work...we had a blast and I have so appreciated all of their support this year. Thank you to the staff at Iowa Eye Institute/Spencer Surgery and Laser Center.