Monday, September 21, 2009

Couple more shots from Mr. Seidman











Here's a shot on the first day of practice, at the President's Suite for one of the dignitary gift nights, Habitat Day, and another practice shot...late night in "comfies" and faux crowns...gotta love it.
(I'm trying to remember what it was that was going on in that first practice because we all have some strange faces...I look like I am smelling something funny...it may have been one of the many funny demonstrations of how to walk, look, smile and pause that Frit and Frat would do way too well! And yes, for those that noticed, I am matching Maureen when she came to practice, except her top was black and white).
Note: thank you to Maria for my Mrs. Illinois sparkle t-shirt for the Habitat outing, and to Kaili and Julie for my comfy outfit of "hardworking mommy" tee with crown and sparkles, and crown and sparkle track suit...it's like you guys know me or something?!?!? ;)

Photos From Don Seidman at Mrs. America











I can't wait to get them all, but here's some of my downloads!








Photos are areas of competition: Interview, Swimsuit, Evening Gown and Costume

Monday, September 14, 2009

National Anthem Day


The Mrs. America Organization is a proud partner and supporter of MENC for the National Anthem Project. Visit MENC for more information!


Today, schools all across America took time out to sing the National Anthem at 9:00am. We had Preschool for Elena at 9:00am today, but it's never too early to start telling you kids about it and encouraging music all around!


Elena doesn't know the words yet, but she will...maybe she will join me in singing next year! She kept telling me to stop, and play her Jesus Loves Me CD...I don't know if I should take that personal or not...but I am glad for what she DID want to listen to. ;)
Have a great Monday!

And now I am home...back to Illinois!


So congratulations to Andrea Robertson, our new Mrs. America, who I am sure will do great things with her year, and great things at Mrs. World. It is an honor to know you and to have competed with you. To the ladies of the Class of 2009…I have great memories, good stories, and have some incredible examples of class, ingenuity, grace, style, and beauty because of you. I applaud each and every one of you and thank you all for what you have given me in this experience.

This time at Mrs. America would not have meant as much as it did had it not been for some people I’d like to mention. The road to Mrs. America is long and difficult, sometimes it even looks impossible. I went and I feel I did my very best, but I did not go alone, and for that I am grateful.

To my Father in Heaven Who blessed me with the chance to go to Mrs. America and to meet incredible ladies from all over the US that I am truly grateful for, Thank You. I give You praise, and all honor and glory go to You. You are completely sovereign and I am glad.

Psalm 68:35“You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!”

To my dear husband, my deepest thanks for being dad and mom while I was away, for your patience and love, and being my constant everything. You are my best friend and THE best. No title is sweeter or better than Mrs. Meidel. I love you so.

To my Mrs. Illinois sisters: Julie, for your encouragement every step of the way, all your Tucson memories and information so I knew just what to bring and be ready for, for my beautiful box of cards and gifts to open throughout my stay, and the phone calls checking in on me (even after you had Max on finals night!!!); thank you, my beautiful, chosen sister! Dee, for all your love and support, for the eternal cheering section that is you, for making the trip out to be there in Tucson for me with all the other things going on in your life, for the beautiful jewelry, and all your prayers; thank you for constantly going above and beyond for me and for so many others, my dear friend. Kaili, for the calls, flowers, the ever-so-needed clothing rack, constant encouragement, my awesome t-shirt, and the character you possess; thank you with all my heart for being so kind to me and for becoming a great friend. Michele, thank you for the phone call and beautiful necklace and your support through the years; I am so grateful for you and the contstant goodness you share. Maria, for my beautiful t-shirt and your phone calls and sweet encouragement; thank you, dear mommy-to-be, sweet friend. These women are generous, genuine women that are the epitome of Mrs. Illinois and Mrs. America. Their actions really do speak louder than words, and any words, actions or deeds done by these women solidify their example of commitment to excellence in life.

To the people who made my preparation uncomplicated, fun, and made me fully ready for all aspects of competition: Diane, Holly, Justin, Julie, Dee, Kaili, Frank, Jason, Michelle, Kathy, Dave and Loni. Thank you for your help, support, encouragement, belief in me and solidifying in me what I knew and know in myself already, but because of you became stronger, more certain and able to go forth with confidence.

My thanks to the Mrs. Illinois Organization for providing a chance for ladies in Illinois to get the opportunity to be a part of the Mrs. America experience. My thanks to Joe and Marcie for breakfast the day we left for home and the pretty crown bag, to Julie for the card and crown t-shirt, and to Lisa for the flowers and call on prelims night.

Did I make top 10? No, as I am sure most reading this already know. Do I have any regrets? NO (except that I should have had more desserts)! I prepared and worked hard as I did for state for 4 years (yeah, I've mentioned that before, but these were important years to me that were not wasted and deserve to be noted). I did not compromise my standards or beliefs. I loved my choices. I loved myself. I believed (and still do) that I, among the best of the best of each of our states, would make a great Mrs. America. And we do and are in our own right, continuing to serve in our own states, in our communities and our families.


When people see Mrs. America or Mrs. State in action, I hope they see that it’s not about saving the world; it’s about serving your corner of it. Anyone can do it, but you have to make the choice to do it.


With that I leave you with some things I've been told, firmly believe, and want to pass on...
Never be anything but your best you.
Never doubt your worth.
Never do anything to jeopardize your integrity.
"May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you."
Psalm 25:21
"The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out."
Proverbs 10:9

Day 8
















Finals!










We had a final day of rehearsal before the final night of competition and the end of an amazing, once in a lifetime experience. We got to meet Alan Thicke, and see Florence Henderson again for practice, as well as work with the marching band that would be accompanying us for the opening number. I was half-tempted to grab myself a flag and have myself a good time reminiscing with the band kids, but that's how silly you get on no sleep at the end of things!







Not making the top cut meant we got to sit...ahhhhhhhhhhhhh, heaven! And eat pizza...and Mrs. Congeniality (NJ - how appropriate in my opinion being a BIG Miss Congeniality movie fan!) bought us the most glorious ice cream brownie sundae.




By the end of the evening we had a brand new Mrs. America, and I had done what I came to do. Be a part of something I'd worked for for the last 4 years. I made friends, encouraged people, was encouraged myself, and made memories I will cherish. I will treasure my ladies at Mrs. America. I will think fondly of Tucson. I will remember it all.




And in the words of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz... "There's no place like home."




Pictures:


Alan and Florence during practice - they were a hoot!



Lei from Mrs. Hawaii's family...beautiful!



Maureen and I backstage...the red ladies...Mrs. World wore red, too!



NJ and her gift to us!



At the end of the evening with my beautiful bouquet from Rena and Steve. Thank you, guys!(PS - that track suit is from Eric who bought that for me at Disney when we went there right after winning Mrs. Illinois...nothing like making you feel like a queen when your outfit is covered in crowns and sparkles!)



Day 7







Prelims!





We spent the day working on prelim night production and competition. I was all excited about the day, and not because I was thinking of that night...sorry...I was thinking of my wonderful husband FINALLY getting there!!! I was on pins and needles all morning and when I got a text from Eric at lunch saying he had arrived, I don't think I've ever eaten so fast in my life! I got to have the biggest and best hug ever from him, and then back to practice. And that ended up running over...now I know why ladies come to rehearsal in curlers!!! I've never gotten put together so fast in my life, but there's always something to "put you to the test"! I think I did alright! ;)







We had opening number in our swimsuits, swim competition, evening gown competition, and then costume. And then I got to spend more time with my sweetheart...and EAT!!! Those chicken quesadillas were awesome that night!







Photos are:





Opening Number in swimsuit...if you look in the center in the sea of red and teal, there I am in royal blue! Loved my color of swimsuit!


FYI - our dance number was to the same song Napoleon Dynamite danced to for Pedro's talent portion of his run for presidency. The first 2 days of practice, I had the worst time keeping a straight face. Our dance was much better than his...but, bring on the moon boots...YES YES!!!

And here's the clip from Center Stage...thanks to CO for reminding me that it was here, too...kept me from laughing so hard...

Costume...and I am sad that the bazillion blue crystals I sewed and glued do not show up in this picture! OK, not a bazillion, but you get it! Mine represented the Great Lakes Naval Station as a thank you to our men and women in uniform, Illinois for being home to the largest training center of the US Navy, and for my grandpas and father-in-law who were/are all military.





Sorry, no gown (you'll see it later), but if you've seen state, then you've seen it...I was the lady in red, and a very special 'thank you' to all my sweet ladies for the compliments! Right back at ya, babes!!! Seriously, I have not seen so many gorgeous ladies in gorgeous gowns(DC, yes, I am still your "Jessica". )!


PS - I've added a pool shot of everyone...enjoy!



Day 6











Interviews! Sunday was the day for interviews and then some free time in the afternoon before a fabulous Jazz Fest and then...YEP! More practice! ;) We also had our contestant gift exchange that night. Nothing like Christmas in September!!!




I enjoyed my time with the judges, and was glad for the opportunity to get to experience that. And I know I have said it before, but I will say again that I was glad not to be one of them. They had a seriously hard job to do!



I also got to spend some quality time with Erika's family...I think I may have to adopt them. They were loving, kind, funny, and terrific to be around. They made my time away from home and family easier to manage (I missed them SO much!) by embracing me as one of their own. Erika has 2 brothers, Eric and Dirk, and her mother joked that all she had to do when they were younger was yell "IRK!" and all three came running...LOVE THAT! ;)



Photos are:

Erika and I

Erika's family

Fritt and Fratt in crowns for practice

And our "Pile o' Gifts" from all the state delegates to each other!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Day 5
















And what time is it...?!?!?! Saturday was the official swimsuit shot taken at the crack of dawn...literally. Apparently, to get a good shot at the pool before the sun comes up over the mountains, we needed to be out there ready to go at 6:15am...I DO NOT look pretty at 6:15am, let alone the almost 2 hours beforehand my roommate and I had to get up to attempt said "pretty". You'll have to look at her blog for our pool shot...she is a better woman than me getting that for us. I was too scared! ;)



http://mrsalaska09.blogspot.com/ See Sat. Sept 5th installment with bathing suit...




After the morning swim shot (which by the way, I was a touch bitter about, not only because it was so early, but because it also took off my self-tanner I'd worked so hard on building up! Yep! I had what looked like major sock lines on my calves I had to hurry and cover up before practice!!! And, might I add, with some much needed assistance by my roommate...yeah, that stays with us!... "What happens in Tucson, stays in Tucson"...and because THAT is TOO FUNNY, I am no longer bitter looking back!). That and I had another "moment" thinking of when Julie had been there, and during the swimsuit shot for her was when it hit her that she was at Mrs. America. Awwww...
After that, we headed off again to practice and then had another formal dinner to look forward to that evening for the gift presentation for Loew's Resort Hotel Manager.




I was bad about getting pictures that night, so I will have to search some out, however, I will post what may be the worst kept room on the face of the earth. I think I corrupted my very neat, angel of a roommate as we seriously had next to no carpet space by the end of it all.




Pictures:




Bedroom explosion and, oh look! I found Erika!


And YES, more practice pictures..."yes, yes"..."doom, da, da, da, doom, da, da, da....ahhhhhhh, uooh, ah, ah, ah...yes, yes..."
PS - do you see me standing next to OK in the kick line?!?! She was an absolute darling, but man, was I ever jealous of her height. I want to be her when I grow up! Love you, Heather! ;)

Day 4
















We started the day with taking photos in golf attire out at the resort's course. If I golfed, I would certainly go here!!! It was fun to get to hang out with the ladies before practice began again...and I would have enjoyed it more I think had it not been for the heat starting early, and the fact that I got a sunburn. Lips, shoulders and legs were a good solid pink post pictures. It hurt to eat that night...I don't tan. I am so naturally white, I reflect light more than anything else. Spray tan and bronzer are my buddies. And I am sure the color of my body versus the color of my face is a bit of a give away in a lot of these photos. But I digress, as the scenery and time together still far outweighs any woes.
That afternoon we got to meet the great Florence Henderson...I think I had a "moment" as childhood memories flooded in seeing her. She is such a tiny lady! Very cute, and very nice, she was a big highlight of our time together. And her personality was good for a laugh finals night! (She cursed pantyhose backstage, and I about fell over in stitches laughing at that. And her understanding of us all and what we were going through, and saying"let's get these ladies out of their shoes and some food!!!" made my day. Real as real gets, that one is!)
We also got to meet Mrs. Marmel, and got to see Maureen for the first time. She is a dancer to the core, and I could easily watch her for hours.



Photos:


Ladies, take your places for pictures!


My roommie with our group headed out to our spot


Because we should all look this good when we golf!!! ;) (PS - IN IS a big time golfer! Go Julie!)


Maureen with Fritt and Fratt...she even stands pretty!


Florence and Elaine

Day 3
















Practice, practice, practice...and shopping...you will practice for shopping, right, ladies? :) We were taken to La Encantada shopping mall for a red carpet champagne event at the St. John Store, and then were given some more time to look around and pick up anything we might like to have before returning for more practice for the production numbers. I think a lot of us enjoyed some quality time at the MAC store! :)



Then back to practice (did I mention practice?), and finishing up the day with dinner in the President's Suite and the giving of our first dignitary gifts. I think a few of us were concerned about having to go outside in the dark to get there with some of the critters we'd already encountered, but needless to say, it all went without a hitch, and the dinner and visiting was very nice. And can I say that I kept seeing more and more dresses that were so beautiful?!? All the ladies have some serious style!


Pictures Are:

At La Encantada


Practice


Dignitaries at Dinner...there's Diane!


Beautiful Loni


Some of the Ladies before Dinner


Friday, September 11, 2009

May We Never Forget...


A moment of Silence, for those we lost...








praying today for the ones who mourn, the ones who miss, and the ones who serve...
May God continue to Bless America...

Day 2
















Oh...."the wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round"...please someone make it stop for all the motion sick beauty queens, please!!!


We had practice time in the morning and then spent the afternoon working for Habitat for Humanity, planting trees and bushes for a new location of homes. I have to brag on Mrs. Alaska because we got 2 trees planted ourselves, then tackled a third with Mrs. Utah and Mrs. Arizona who happened upon the biggest tree and the smallest place to plant. Gotta give 'em props for having big aspirations! Erika set to creating a new, larger hole to plant and made a perfect place for everyone to get it together. There's a reason why she has some awesome arm/shoulder muscles!


That evening we went to a terrific Mexican Restaurant for dinner...Ole'!


Pictures:


Bus Shots
My hat - thanks, Julie! You saved my skin!


Group after planting - I like this one because it does not show the front of me covered in mud!!! I'm in the black shirt and jeans - PS, thanks Kansas, for being concerned about my well-being and heat exposure! SO Sweet!


Group shot at the restaurant


Dining! Love beans and cheese...it's like they knew I needed a nacho-type fix!

Photo Creds: some of these are by Joelle from Oregon...you rock, girl!
Side Note: I felt the urge to bust into mini-song on one of our bus trips - I think it was to the mall if I remember correctly, but I am posting here for the bus shot. Had a Miss Congeniality moment, and let the handful around me know I needed to sing the Miss United States Song. I was glad to have others join in with me...wasn't as great as William Shatner, but you get it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvOJeilnRNI - This one has the song on it from the movie on the bus...
Enjoy!!!

Official Day 1













Day 1 was orientation and then orientation dinner...easy enough! :) My poor roommate arrived terribly sick, so I think we were both glad for the extra day to sleep in and leisurely check in and get ready. I took in a day in the gym and enjoyed the view of the mountains I remember Julie Rinehart telling me about 4 years ago. Being there was so surreal, but every time I would see something she had told me about and reminisced during her time in Tucson, I would think of her and smile, knowing that there had been a time when I'd wanted to be at Mrs. America myself and thinking it would never, ever happen. After some gym time, I cleaned up, checked in, then got ready for a beautiful dinner in a gorgeous ballroom, with even more gorgeous women. And I remember looking at dessert thinking to myself, "WHAT?!?! I have swimsuit competition!!!" Looking back, I should have enjoyed that little treat a bit more because I lost some serious weight by the time prelims came around.

Pictures are:

Ladies at orientation


Lunch


"DC and Me"...AKA Trouble!

Ladies pictured were those that had tried more than once for their state titles


My fab roommie and I at dinner...we clean up pretty well...

Mrs. America, Here We Come!
















I will do my best to update the blog as quickly as possible. I returned home Wednesday, and I am still in a blur...fog...daze...all of the above. I promise to work hard to catch up.


I will open with saying that this was an incredible experience, made incredible by 50 women that each could have easily taken home the crown themselves. I would not have wanted to be a judge this year; as I got to know a different lady, I would think "She would definitely be a great Mrs. America!" Guess that's why they each won their state! I am impressed, awed, honored and grateful to have been counted among the Class of 2009.

Day 1


I left for Tucson the day before orientation to get unpacked and acclimated before everything began, as I was warned there's not much "down time"...SO true!
It was an easy flight and being greeted by folks from Tucson right in the airport "We're so glad you're here! We love when Mrs. America comes to Tucson!" was so cool. Michael, my driver, was incredibly nice, and to see a sign with my name on it made me feel very important. He filled me in on all I was seeing on the way to the hotel, and wished me luck. The staff was ready to help me unload and get settled, making sure I had everything I needed...talk about getting the royal treatment!

My roommie arrived soon after, and she was by far one of the best things about my experience. Sweet, kind, unselfish, and caring from the very beginning, I knew that God was thinking of me when He gave her to me as my bunk mate for Mrs. America. Definitely a saving grace!


We went to dinner to meet up with more ladies before the first day, and I was so impressed...and a little unnerved...seeing all these tall, beautiful people. I was glad for that time though, because their familiar pretty faces were great to see again the next day, and I was glad to find that pretty was not just skin deep.
Pictures are:


Elena Decorating one of the boxes...had to include for those that know about this

At the airport


My room, pre-explosion of boxes and suitcases


Dinner with the ladies