I'm Back!

I've been gone for a minute now I am BACK!!! I checked my counter and was surprised to see that I still have a lot of people who actually check my blog. I get visits from all over the world. And I get weekly visits from viewers in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rehoboth Beach, DE, Maryland, New York, etc. Therefore, I figured it was time to post an update on what is new in Shana's world.

Most of my reader's know that I have experienced hardships lately. But through everything you learn and you grow from it. My daughter, Weslee Olivia, made me a better person in her short time on this earth. I have grown as a woman and matured as a person. I am so grateful that God blessed me with such a gift. I know my beautiful baby is looking down on us from heaven.

I must acknowledge all of those people who have been there for my family with phone calls, visits, emails, texts, and random acts of kindness. These people were truly put into our life for a reason and a purpose and we am so incredibly grateful. I really don't want to forget anyone, so if I do, blame my head and not my heart. But special thank you to my girls--Meron, Dena, Kim, Nina, Tenesha, Wura, Courtney, Cheri, Mia, Cacia, Ceanethia, Laquisha, Quintina, Marcel, Maurene--You guys travelled all over the eastern seaboard to be by my side.....I love you forever. Huge Thank You to Francine and Micah Edwards and your family. Words cannot express what your kindness means to me. I am forever grateful to you all and cannot imagine my life without meeting you....I love you! And big thank you to the Wilmington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and Connections Community Church for your continued outreach and concern. And Thank You to a host of neighbors, friends, pageant friends, etc who supported me as well!

So what have I been up to? Well.....took a couple months off from work to regroup, but went back early this year. I thought it would be challenging. But the reception I received when I returned was just what I needed.

I also poured myself into helping my Local Miss America Titleholders achieve their pageant dreams. Last month, my teen winner, Tanee DeCosta, placed 3rd Runner up in Delaware's Outstanding Teen. She was a 1st time competitor and did an amazing job. I was so proud. In such a short time, she grew so much. Her platform was very personal to her--Anti-Bullying! Big things ahead for Tanee! Next up....Miss DE in June! Expect Atlantic Coast Pageants to have another great showing through Becky Albini. She is working extremely hard and will no doubt be a shining star in her competition as well.

Tanee in Gown

Warner Elementary

Over the summer I organized a new uniform drive for a deserving school through an organization called "Shoes That Fit". The challenge was Huge! But we prevailed. I was able to stock the Warner Elementary School Closet with tons of new uniforms and shoes! Basically, when the children come to school and don't have attire that fits, they can go into the closet and get something brand new to wear and to keep. Thank you to all of the individuals who stepped up with individual donations. They went to good use.

I later visited Warner Elementary with Angie Bell (Mrs. Delaware United States) and Dr. Francine Edwards (Mrs. Peach Blossom). Both of these women were instrumental in stocking the closet. To further give back, we had story hour with several Warner students. We were so touched by Warner Elementary, that Geoff is now an active Mentor to a Warner Student and Fran's Husband, Micah, will start mentoring soon as well.

Mrs. Delaware 2012

On November 12th, I pass on the title of Mrs. Delaware to another deserving married woman. It is bitter sweet, but I am excited to move on to the next phase of life. Below are the contestants vying for my title. I am sure they all bring something to the table and could be a fabulous Mrs. Delaware. But there can only be one winner! Excited to find out who she will be. Check them out! I am not that tech savvy. So to see all of the contestants clearly, visit the website by clicking here.

GOOD LUCK TO THE CLASS OF 2012! Here are your contestants: Christine Rich Mrs. Kent County Melissa Kirk Mrs. Wilmington Tara Greathouse Mrs. Middletown Shannon Hamlin Mrs. Townsend Jessica Schmid Mrs. Dover Maurene Bullock Mrs. Diamond State Mary Anne Bryant Mrs. New Castle County Deborah Nails Mrs. Rehoboth Beach

Posing with 5 of the contestants at contestant orientation on Oct. 9

Last weekend Contestants Christine Rich and Melissa Kirk at the Monster Miles For A Cause. We walked and Raised money in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Both of these women will be volunteering at the Miss America Local Pageant that I run next weekend and I am so excited to have their help. Special Thanks to Christine Rich for Co-Directing my Uniform Drive for Shoes That Fit. Together we provided the students of Warner Elementary with several new uniforms to stock their closet.

Out and About Aug/Sept

My Goodness, I have been a very bad blogger! I cannot believe that I have not blogged in so long. Believe me, I have not forgotten about you. As my reign as Mrs. DE comes to a close, I wanted to fill you in on some really fun events that I have done recently.

Attended Delaware State Fair with Miss Delaware USA, Katie Hanson

Mrs. Peach Blossom United States Pageant. My really good friend, Dr. Francine Edwards, was victorious and will represent well at Mrs. DE US this spring.

Visited A.I. Dupont Hospital with Geoffrey and Mrs. Kent County, Christine Rich. We made super hero masks for and crowns with the young patients. Christine will compete for my title next month. She did a fabulous job and I wish her and the rest of the contestants luck!

Judged the Miss Greater Springfield (VA) Teen, Pre-Teen, Little Miss Pageant. Geoffrey was asked to be a last minute replacement judge and did a wonderful job!

CHI-Town Baby!!!

In late July, Geoff and I travelled to Chicago for the Mrs. International Pageant. My good friend Dawn was representing Pennsylvania and we could not miss the event. The weekend was fabulous. I got some retail therapy in while Geoff watched (LOL!). Met 3 cast members from the Real Housewives of New Jersey, Jacqueline, Albie, and Chris. We dined on Yummy Chicago Pizza. And caught up with some old friends, Alan and Kelly (I have really missed them). The icing on the cake of the entire fabulous weekend was Dawn placing in the Top 10 at the Mrs. International Pageant. That is a tremendous accomplishment and we were thrilled for her.

Dawn getting the Semi-Finalist Call! She was awesome!

Aiden was all tuckered out. Geoff is pretending!

Ran into my girl Melody Usdan, Mrs. Tennessee America. What a sweet surprise!

Having Breakfast with Kelly on our way to the airport! She's so fab!

Fun Times in Pageant Judging

For me, one of the most exciting things that the Mrs. Delaware Title has brought to me is judging opportunities. As a competitor, I never realized how nervous judges can be. Although contestants are the ones who have worked out , practiced, and picked out their perfect wardrobe, judges have the daunting task of making the right decision. As a judge, you know your decision has the capability of changing someone's life forever, while simultaneously crushing someone's dream. I take that responsibility very seriously cause I have been there so many times before. I find judging to be an honor and treat it with fairness, care, and consideration.

Recently I judged to very fun Pageants. The DE/MD/PA/NJ High School America Pageant and the Miss Northern Virginia USA (preliminary to Miss VA USA). At both pageants, I was thoroughly impressed and am positive that the winners will go on to do great things at their prospective future competitions. And kudos to the directors of these pageants for putting on fabulous events. Thank you for including me.

Recent Events

I have been a little lax on posting lately. Life has been really busy. Nonetheless, I wanted share pics from recent events.

April Lifrui, Mrs. America 2011 travelled to Baltimore for a conference. Therefore, it was a perfect opportunity for a Mrs. America Reunion. April Proudfoot, Mrs. Maryland and all of our husbands joined in on the fun.

I attended Miss Delaware 2011. Maria Cahill was crowned the winner and will represent Delaware well at Miss America. Pictured here with my good friend, Allison Funds!

Attended the Inaugaral Live Taping of the Tim Qualls Show as a Celebrity Audience Member.

Attended and Hosted the Send Off Party for my friend, Mrs. Delaware United States--Angie Hionis Bell. Angie is in Vegas right now having the time of her life!

Circle of Life!

On June 21, we said "Goodbye" to my Princess Passion. For the past 16 years she has been my love, my friend, my secret keeper, my tear extinguisher, my playmate, my soap opera/nap time buddy, my roadtrip mate, my protector...my EVERYTHING! I miss so many things about her. But I am so blessed to have what I consider "the best dog in the world". I remember all the times people would meet her and say "I want a dog just like Passion". She was just that special! And anyone who knows me, knew Passion. The support I received after her passing is so greatly appreciated. The cards, emails, phone calls, and gifts mean the world to me and only reinforce how special her life was to everyone. I swear, Passion received more cards than I received at my wedding. She was just....The Best!

I heard once that by merely having a dog, it is inevitable that you will probably outlive it. So you are opening yourself to profound joy, but equally profound sadness. Reflecting on that joy is what has helped me through this event. Passion will be remembered everyday for the rest of my life and is buried forever in my heart. Until we meet again!

As we lost one member of the family, new life was brought into the fold. One of my closest friends, Nina Turner and her husband Rauhn, welcomed a new bundle of joy into the world on July 3, 2011. Jahnie Sybil Turner!!

Jahnie decided to make her entrance on the day of her baby shower. However, we kept the party going in Nina's absence. The food was delicious and we popped by to see Mommy and Baby on our way back home. Both are doing amazingly well and everyone is beyond thrilled! Congrats to the turner family!

Calling Nina on Speaker!!!

Some Shower Decor!