The Magic of Paula Preston and Brenda Torre

What an amazing job they did! I am posting some photo shoots from my day with photographer Paula Preston and Brenda Torre who did my makeup and hair. With 110+ choices to choose from it was a hard decision! But for now here are a few of my favorites.

Jump Rope for Heart March 30, 2009

Over 200 Spencer 4-6th grade students came together in the Spencer Fieldhouse to take part in the 23rd annual Jump Rope for Heart event, an hour-and-a-half long, jump rope event that promotes both cardiovascular health through exercise as well as the efforts of the American Heart Association. Fourth, fifth and sixth grade students raise funds and then participate in the event to generate the donation. Spencer has one of the largest Jump Rope For Heart programs in the state of Iowa. All proceeds go directly to benefit programs of the American Heart Association....a fun and fit night!

Women's Night Out -- March 19, 2009

I am on the Friends of CAASA committee which is a group of volunteers that help with a variety of events throughout the year, but primarily help plan and organize the annual Women's Night Out fundraising event. Supporting victims of domestic abuse is a cause that is also near to my heart and I find it very rewarding to work with this great group of women. This year's theme was "Celebrating the Everyday Hero: The Power of Kindness". We had a beautiful setting, great speaker, lots of door prizes and of course the naming of the Outstanding Women of the Year. It was a fun night and I can't wait to see what we will come up with for next year.

Friends of CAASA packed the Clay County Regional Events Center hall on Thursday evening for their annual Women’s Night Out fundrais­ing event. As part of the evening CAASA recognized Josephine Gruhn (right) as its Outstanding Woman of 2008. Citing her service as a CAASA board member for a number of years, and her tireless work for victim’s rights, Gruhn was honored for all of her work, including her assistance with fundraisers awareness events, as well as her connection to leg-i­slators and community leaders in northwest Iowa.

Mrs. Minnesota International Pageant -- March 14 & 15

Susan Jackson, Mrs. Wisconsin International, Tami Krause, the Newly crowned Mrs. Minnesota International, and me after the pageant. All of the Teen, Miss and Mrs. candidates did a great job and it was fun to meet everyone. The pageant went beautifully and I look forward to spending more time with the Midwest "Mrs" in July at nationals.

Little Miss Shamrocks -- March 8, 2009

All the newly crowned "Miss Shamrocks" and me at the annual St. Patricks Day festivities in Emmestburg, IA

Special Guest Appearance

Olivia Myers, Miss Iowa America, and I were guest speakers at the Miss Shamrock Pageant.

Miss Shamrock Pageant Emmetsburg, IA

The newly crowned Miss Shamrock, Justine Wagner, of Emmetsburg, IA and myself at the annual pageant.