June 16th and17th IHSRA Queen Contest

Each year the Illinois High School Rodeo Association chooses a queen to represent them. Young ladies travel from all over the state to compete in interview, rodeo skills and riding, speech, on-stage question, and stage presentation. This year Kelsea Walker, the pageant director, invited me to be a judge for this two day event. It reminded me of my days showing Polled Hereford cattle at the county fair and area competitions. I learned so much about dedication, hardwork, and determination. I know I wouldn't be the person I am today without my years involved with 4-H and FFA. My parents were both incredibly supportive each playing an important role in my success. I could see each of these ladies learning and taking away life shaping experiences. Photos L to R: with Jenny B. a former IHSRA Illinios State queen and fellow judge, the ladies lined up ready to present their speeches, and with Kelsea Walker the director for the IHSRA Queen contest. Thanks for allowing me to share in this unique experience!

June 3 at James and Williams Jewelers

After the parade I enjoyed a relaxing lunch with my directors and their daughter Julie. Following lunch we traveled to James and Williams Jewelers in Berwyn,IL where I was presented with one of the most amazing gifts in my prize package. A beautiful gold and diamond pendant with the Mrs.America logo and my title. What an incredible gift to receive! This is another piece that makes me feel like part of the Mrs.Illinois family. What a dream come true!

June 3 at LaGrange Pet Parade

A long standing tradition is the LaGrange Pet Parade held the first weekend of June each year. What a beautiful town! It looks as though it were taken from a story for the perfect place to raise a family. Everywhere there were children, moms, dads, strollers, and of course pets. The weather was amazing and the perfect day for a parade! Photos L to R: with a group of girls showing us their themed costumes, at the request of the UBNice guys posed for a quick shot, signing autographs for some young ladies, and then riding through the parade downtown.

June 1st Alyce Designs, Inc

The evening of June 1st I was so jazzed about going to Oak Brook, IL to spend a few days with my new family...the Acetos. Another part of my prize package was visiting the Alyce Hamm Design Studio and the generous gift of a gown. I was like a "kid in a candy store". My director Marcie and I were greeted by Nathalie and given a tour of the facility. The rows of beautiful gowns went on forever. We were escorted to the design area and allowed to view the new fall lines. I had the priviledge of choosing the apparel I was given. All of the designs were amazing! Nathalie had returned from China just a couple of days earlier and I appreciated her coming into the office that day just for our visit. At the end of our time there I had the honor of meeting Alyce Hamm the founder of Alyce Designs, Inc. She has an incredible story of coming from France, over time establishing a growing company, and including her family in the success. She is a remarkable woman. Thank You Nathalie and Alyce Designs for your generosity and warmth!!

May 24-26 Photo Shoot with Clay Spann Roanoke,VA

What a trip...literally!! I traveled to Roanoke, VA for my official Mrs.Illinois headshot photo shoot with Clay Spann. That was so surreal. I kept thinking "I'm really getting my headshots done!" I couldn't stop smiling or maybe beaming would be more appropriate. Each step along the way I am living a dream I've working diligently toward and I am so grateful. The trip there was pretty smooth, but the return trip was so crazy, a person couldn't make it up. My connecting flight home was through Philadelphia, PA. Long story short, the flight was delay twice and then we finally boarded. They had an emergency closure of the airport so we were going nowhere for awhile. Then we were allowed off the plane only to have the flight cancelled 15 mins later. So now what right? Well after a fair amount of problem solving two other passengers from my area, who had also caught an "earlier" flight, and myself rented a car and drove to Hartford, CT to catch a 6am flight into St.Louis the next morning. Of course there are details that are funny, but I said I would keep the story short . Photos L to R: enjoying a Philly steak n' cheese prior to boarding, following the photo shoot with Clay Spann (he is awesome by the way!!), passing time at the salon in Charlotte during a 3 hour layover.

May 10th R & B Review at WNOI 104.0

I had received an invitation from Brenda and Randy ,with WNOI 104.o, to be a guest on their radio show the "R & B Review". It is a program highlighting area events and current issues. The show is always fun to listen to and the last 15 minutes they have a trivia contest with call ins. A few years ago I won tickets to "Les Miserables" at the Fox in St.Louis, so I am a fan of the show. The conversation flowed so easily and we even had a few "remember when moments". Thanks to Randy and Brenda this experience it is certainly a highlight for me. This was so exciting!

May 7th Speaking with the contestants for Miss Clark County Fair

Tuesday, May 7th I was the guest speaker for the contestants vying for both titles of Miss Clark Cunty Fair 2006 and Jr. Miss Clark County Fair 2006. We discussed setting goals, remaining determined, and most of all know why that is your goal and learning about yourself on the journey to achieving it. I had the honor of having my photo taken with a beautiful young lady named Makayla. What a sweetie!

May 6, 2006 March of Dimes Walk America, Effingham

The morning of Saturday, May 9th started out chilly, but soon the day began to warm with the excitement of the teams reporting their fundraising efforts. As an OB nurse I personally understand the integral role the March of Dimes plays in education, research, preventing premature deliveries, and treatment of preterm infants. Many participants were walking for their family members or friends.
Photos L to R: Miss Illinois Teen USA 2006 Ceitlyn Glenn, Karen Trader March of Dimes Central IL Division, and Mrs.Illinois, Julie with the Ambassador family's success story, Julie sharing information regarding how the March of Dimes helped to contribute to the positive outcome for a family. This was part of the opening and ribbon cutting ceremony.

April 14, 2006 WTHI-TV Channel 10 Interview

The morning of April 14th Mike Grant, Southern Indiana Bureau Chief for WTHI-TV channel 10, called me with interest in my family's story. He arrived late morning packing all kinds of sound and camera equiptment. My two boys were so excited to have an "important" visitor in our home. As with any interview one only hopes to be accurately portrayed. Mr.Grant stayed true to who my family is and what the Mrs.Illinois America system is about. Of course we called all of our family to let them know the full story would air on the 10pm newscast. My parents had a small viewing party made up of my siblings and their families. I anxiously awaited the telecast and watched at work with one of my good friends and co-workers, Melissa K. I was delighted with the finished product and even more proud to have two incredible little boys. When my oldest was asked "What do you think about Mom being Mrs.Illinois?" he mischievously sang his reply "booorrring". You see, at home, crown or no crown I am still exactly who I am supposed to be, Mom.

April 7-9, 2006 Shopping at That Girl Boutique

The weekend of April 7th-9th was my first official trip to Joe and Marcie's home. They were so welcoming and gracious I immediately felt like part of the family. It was an added bonus to share this time with my mom, Debra. The center photo is of two queens, myself and Bebe in her crown. Julie Aceto is my director's daughter and Bebe is Julie's "baby girl". As part of my prize package I had a shopping trip to That Girl Boutique. A huge Thank You to Annie for the beautiful clothing and attentive service. You really made me feel like a queen! One can never go wrong with a day of shopping!!

April 6, 2006 First Lady Blagojevich hosts Easter Egg Hunt

Thursday, April 6th I attended the Annual Easter Egg Hunt Hosted by First Lady Patti Blagojevich and her daughters Amy and Annie. This event was held at the Executive Mansion in our state capitol of Springfield, Illinois. The Easter Bunny made a special early appearance for the children from the Springfield Boys and Girls Club. Along with participating in many games, crafts, and a magic show all were encouraged to enjoy the highlighted book for April Number the Stars from the First Lady's Children's Reading Club.

First official photos as Mrs.Illinois America 2006

Photos L to R: with Executive Producer and Director Joe and Marcie Aceto, Julie Rinehart Mrs.Illinois America 2006, with Kaili Harding Mrs.Illinois America 2005, and with husband, Joe and sons, Bayley and Jackson.

And the winner is....

And the winner is.....Julie Rinehart!

My knees literally buckled and I almost dropped to the floor. I had such an emotional reaction. Of course I had hoped to hear my name. For so long I had put everything I am into preparing, but realizing a dream...those emotions are overwhelming!!

Mrs.Illinois America 2006 Finals

For the opening of the pageant we each presented a state costume. Evanston, IL claims to be the original home of the ice cream sundae which is inspiration for my costume.
The competition consisted of 3 areas of scoring: personal interview 50%, evening gown and swimsuit each 25%.

Announced for Top Ten at Mrs.Illinois America 2006

The Mrs. Illinois America 2006 pageant was held March 11th & 12th in Elgin, IL at the Hemmen's Theater on the famous Fox River. I received the Preliminary Evening Gown award and had just been announced to the Top Ten to continue in the quest for the crown.