Mrs.Illinois America 2007 Pageant Weekend

Our pageant weekend started out with my boys and I traveling to Elgin, IL for the big competition. My guys are always so excited about the pageant weekend. The host hotel has a pool with a mushroom waterfall and dinosaur slide, so Bay and Jackson enjoy the time we spend there...and so the weekend began.

One of the best "unlisted" gifts as Mrs. Illinois America is the wall of photos at Marcie's home. When I first visited her home I saw she has a beautiful framed photo of each of her titleholders on a special wall. Above is a photo of me presenting my director Marcie with my crowning photo.

The 27 year tradition of the Mrs.Illinois America pageant has brought many exemplary women through the doors of the Hemmen's Theater. All of those ladies have had the wonderful experience of working with Tracey Tarantino of ZZAZZ productions, the pageant choreographer. I appreciate her focus and attention to detail. Tracey, thanks for all of your time and energy!

Mrs. Norris City, Kristen Melton, and I were visiting while she waited for her interview. Her hometown is only 1 1/2 hours from Flora. She and Mrs.Vandalia, Holly Torbeck, were the two ladies from the southern part of the state.

Clay Cancer Society Support Group Meeting

The individuals that make up this group are wise beyond my years, so I not only shared my stories with them, but enjoy hearing and learning from their life lessons. There is always a photo of me in mid-sentence and considering I am always talking I guess that makes sense.

They had several questions regarding my title and the experiences I have been afforded. I have many wonderful memories to share thanks to the Mrs.Illinois family.

What a fun evening to hear their stories and oh my goodness, they were hilarious! As it turns out many of them knew my grandparents and could share memories with me. I know I appreciated not only the opportunity to speak to them, but I came away with an amazing gift of laughter and memories. They are an incredibly strong and courageous group of people facing life and it's trials together. They take each day as it comes lifting each other up when it's needed. They also make an amazing contribution to our community. This support group helps those in need of assistance with the treatment process financially and emotionally. They are active in the American Cancer Society Clay County Relay For Life and countless other ways throughout the year. Thank you for allowing me to share this evening with you, I was was truly blessed!