Little Miss, Miss Teen, and Miss Gurnee Pageant

This weekend was spent working with the Little Miss, Miss Teen, and Miss Gurnee Pageant. I was on hand Friday, timing for interview, and then took care of ticket and program sales Saturday. All of the volunteers were tagged with "pageant staff" plates for all the contestants so they knew who to go to when needing help or assistance, and that was a lot of fun to get to be a part of...although, that also made me look like an authoritarian on everything, which I most certainly was not! It sure brought on a lot of laughs too, to some of the questions people asked (Ask the director, please...I'm just here to help!!! HAHAHA!) !!! ;)

This is an impressive group, and in it's third year, continues to grow by leaps and bounds. We had over 300 hundred in attendance this year! It is a very nice production and everyone has been warm, friendly, and a joy to work with. Kaili, the director, is lovely, thoughtful, and a treat to have met this weekend. I thank both she and Jenni, Miss Gurnee 2009, for asking me to help out with the event.

This is my final appearance as Mrs. Illinois America 2009 before passing on the title July 24th. I'll, of course, finish out the blog with the 2010 pageant and closing. It's been quite an experience and I am looking forward to the future!

More Photos of the Fourth of July

Independence Day! Happy Fourth of July!

Today we celebrate our freedom, we celebrate our country and all it provides for us. We are fortunate to be American. We are blessed!

I spent 4th of July morning with the wonderful people of Vernon Hills, getting to participate in their parade - one of the largest in the state. The organizers were exceptionally helpful and friendly, and everyone on the parade route was welcoming with applause and congratulations for all of the entrants. It was a terrific event I can't wait to be on the "sidelines" for next year!

My thanks to Lisa of the Vernon Hills Parade/ 4th of July Celebration Organization for coordinating this event for me, to Jeff and Renee' Wilkin who were there to provide a very festive and stylish ride for the event. And to Eric and Elena as well who got to be a part of the event, too. That was probably the best part for me - getting to share that with them! Elena sang songs and yelled happy Indepedence day...and then "Happy Cuddle Day" (because "Mommy, everyone likes a cuddle and that will make them smile since our candy ran out!"). It was also very special to get to see in the crowd, Mrs. IL 1996, Paige, who shouted hello from the crowd ( I missed most of what she said because of a lot of noise - but I didn't miss her beauty. That lady looks gorgeous no matter what!).

Enjoy and may you have a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

More From Six Flags Great America

Photos Courtesy of Kyle with Six Flags Great America - Thank you!

With Rosie's Family - mom loved the crown as much as Rosie did!


With little Kaili who wants to be a princess when she grows up. She was there with her family - she is one of 4year old triplets, and one of her brothers has leukemia.

Crowning a future Mrs. Illinois...she could try for "Miss" right now (Probably one of the best things is getting to see others try on the crown and how they light up ;) !).

3rd Annual "A Walk in the Park"

Saturday morning was spent with Six Flags Great America for the 3rd Annual "A Walk in the Park" to Cure Kids Cancer event. This event raises funds for pediatric cancers, benefiting Children's Memorial Hospital right here in Illinois. Walkers were treated to VIP time with characters from the park, music, goodie-bags and breakfast along with free day passes for reaching support goals!

This was my second walk with Great America, and it was great to get some returnees as well as meet some new ones! One I would like to highlight is Miss Rosie, a 5year old I got to meet today (as well as her very sweet family), and actually helped them pass out fliers for Rosie's cause, raising money in the fight against brain tumors. Rosie has neurofibromitosis, an inoperable brain tumor, and a lot of other things that have caused her to be on chemotherapy since age 3! But she is a spitfire, and determined not only to not let cancer beat her but help others in the process. She worked the walking crowd passing out her fliers as well to raise even more money at this event. Such a trooper!

You can help Rosie by going to:

www.firstgiving.com/2010RidingForRosie and can read more about Rosie at:

http://www.researchforrosie.com/

To learn more and support Children's Memorial, go to:

http://www.childrensmemorial.org/

And to further the cause through Six Flags Great America, visit:

www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/index.aspx

Special thanks to Meredith Kelleher and Jennifer Dugan for contacting and arranging this event for me, to Kyle for taking photos throughout the event, to Jim and Terri - great to see you again, along with many others of the Great America Family. Thank you to Mr. Salemi of Six Flags for hosting "A Walk in the Park" again, and, of course, thank you to the many walkers and supporters of this event. Over 34,000 was raised just at this morning's event!

Workin' It!

This is from Stephanie from our Kilwin's "Work Efforts"...go biceps, go biceps!!!

And a photo of Sweet Donnie, Steph's heart and reason for all she does! What a darling!

Kilwin's Gives to NORD

Sunday was special for many reasons...Father's day, of course! Celebrating my hubby and dads! Kilwin's in Orland Park was celebrating "Dad" as well with complimentary ice cream cones for fathers when another was purchased for NORD, the National Organization for Rare Diseases. And topping it all off, sprinkles and all, was a delightful afternoon spent with newly crowned Mrs. Michigan America, Stephanie Hunt!

We visited with patrons and scooped ice cream - and boy there are some strict rules on how to scoop and serve!!! Our husband's and kids enjoyed an afternoon of sweet treats and we got to enjoy each other's company. I also got to meet several of Stephanie's sorority sisters who are faithful fans of her and her accomplishments. :)

Kilwin's owner, Jackie Jackson is a friend and former college roommate of Stephanie's, and graciously gave toward a good cause that is near and dear to Steph's heart...her son, Donnie, suffers from Rubenstein-Taybi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Seeing Stephanie with her son and hearing about some of their life experiences is witnessing the embodiment of love, courage and endurance! You can never compare one woman to another because we are all unique with great things to offer, and I wouldn't take away from any mother's work in this world. Because what she deals with is very tangible and very visible to so many, she has an amazing strength that let's others know "This is motherhood. It's not easy, but it can and will be done...WELL." I am truly grateful for the time I had with her this afternoon, and am honored that they would ask me to be a part of this terrific event.

For more information about NORD and how you can help, visit:

http://www.rarediseases.org/

To get some of the best ice cream, fudge, candy and service, visit:

Kilwin's Chocolate Ice Cream

15222 South La Grange Road

Orland Park, IL 60462-3960

708-460-3960

http://www.orlandparksweettreats.com/

My thanks to Jackie for holding this event, to Jackie and Stephanie for inviting me to be a part of it, to the many supporters who gave to raise money and awareness, and most important, to my sweet husband for giving part of his special day up for me. I love you, Sweetheart!