Baby On Board!!

For all of you who don't know, Geoff and I are expecting our first baby in early March 2012! We just found out this week that we are having a baby girl!!! YAY!!! So watch out world, another "Shana" is in the works. I guess I was a little off in my July "Circle of Life" post. I guess the new life that was coming into our lives was our own little baby.

So far the pregnancy has been uneventful but full of emotion. I feel Excited....Nervous....Overwhelmed...Anxious.....Elated....and so Blessed! Our baby girl is truly a precious gift and I cannot wait to meet her. We are starting to prep for her arrival and visited Babies R Us for the first time as parents today. My previous trips to the megastore have never lasted longer than 8 minutes. Grab the first thing I see on the registry and high tail it out of the store. But today was different! We spent about 45 minutes analyzing cribs and cribs alone, 3o minutes in bassinets, 15 minutes in the comfy chair section, and about 20 minutes in regular gear. I think the visit to the store really showed us both how this little lady is going to change our life in so many ways.

Keep you posted on my little diva!

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!

Happy Father's Day!

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me. "
~ Jim Valvano

One thing I can always say is that my father taught me courage and self-esteem. My confidence can be directly correlated to having someone in my life who believed in me before I even believed in myself. I remember all the times he told me that I was the most beautiful girl in the world. In his eyes I was and that was enough for me. In today's society, there are so many children who don't understand the value of having a good father. A good father is a man who remains your biggest advocate throughout your life. A man who carries a picture of you in his wallet instead of money. A man who listens and advises. A steadfast cheerleader. A protector. The list can go on and on!

Growing up, people would always refer to me as the "spitting image" of my Dad because we look alike I guess. But today, I realize that I have taken all of my best traits from my Dad. His humor. His Generosity. His Confidence. His Love and Compassion for others. And I would be remised if I didn't acknowledge his looks. We do kind of look alike. LOL! I have been very blessed to have this type of man in my life. His example showed me how valuable I am as a woman and helped me to seek out the right qualities in a husband. I have no doubt that Geoff will be the same kind of father to our future children.

My father is far from perfect. However, the way he supports me is perfect. And when he calls me 2, 3, 4 or 5 times a week he begins every conversation with "How are you" and ends it with "I love you". Any man can be a father, but everyone can't be a Dad! I just wish that men would understand the impact that they can have on their children. It isn't about money. It's about time! Even today, I know that if I need an ear I can always call on my Dad and he will always be there.

Island Getaway 2011!

Life is finally settling down! Thank Goodness!! We were blessed to embark on a fabulous vacation to Puerto Rico and the beautiful Island of Nevis. Geoff won the President's Club Award AGAIN this year from his job. I am so proud of him and extremely thankful to have been his Plus One!!

We dined on yummy food!

Relaxed at a beautiful Resort, The Four Seasons of Nevis!

And had some awesome dates!

Next year's trip is in Alaska. Will he win for the third time in a row! Stay tuned!

Recent Shana Happenings!!!

Sorry I haven't blogged in quite some time! However, getting back up to speed with work and life has been challenging and we have been so busy at home. So I just wanted to send a quick update on all that we have been doing in the Williams home!

We celebrated Passion's 15th Birthday! I'm so thankful for my little Princess. She had a fabulous day and got lots and lots of presents!!!

Geoff and I attended and volunteered at the Wilmington NAMI Walk. NAMI stands for National Alliance of Mental Illness. Most people don't realize that Mental Illness effects 1 in 4 families. We really need to work together to eliminate the stigma associated with Mental Illness and stand together to fight it!

Geoff and I had a fabulous Photo Shoot with Kylene Cleaver of Leave It To Me Photography. She has shot our family several times now. We took the opportunity to utilize my fabulous Mrs. America gown to get some great shots of just us before I sell the gown! Below is just a Sneak Peek of some of the fabulous shots she captured! If you need a wonderful photographer, Kylene has a diverse approach to photography. She does families, pets, kids, weddings (I totally wish she shot mine), Boudoir....anything goes! I highly recommend her!

On Mother's Day, I travelled to Virginia to the Dedication Ceremony of Ian and David Liston V! I was selected as one of the Godmother's of these little angels and feel incredibly honored to have been chosen. Our job is to help walk these children on a path of goodness, kindness, and spirituality!

OO-OOP!!!

January 13, 2011 marked 98 years of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Founded on the campus of Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta is committed to Scholarship, Service, and Sisterhood. And believe me, DST has brought all of that and more to my life. I joined in 1999 with the beautiful women pictured here. Meron, Dena, and Kim are my line sisters and the best friends anyone could ever have. Because of women like them, I am challenged to do more and to be more! Thousands of women across the world are members of this elite organization and wear Crimson and Cream with distinction. But when I think about what DST has brought to me, I think of my sisters!!! Happy Founders Day to all of the Devastating Divas of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc!!!!!

The New 20!

Today, I had a milestone birthday! And so far, 30 is everything I expected it to be....FABULOUS!!! It started out with a killer Crossfit workout and had friends over to help with Miss Delaware and Miss Delaware Teen Prep for Emily and Tierra. The night before my birthday, I had a great dinner with a fabulous group of people.

Thank you everyone who made this birthday special! Geoff....wow....I am so blessed. Everyday is like my birthday. I am truly in the arms of an angel. All of my friends who celebrated with me...Hilary, Kevin, Angie, Tierra....thank you!!! You helped make my 30th even more fabulous. All of the family and friends who sent messages, texts, called, brought gifts....thank you! I am so overwhelmed at the outpouring of love. And for all of the surprise gifts from the postman and florist....woo-hoo!!!! And I look forward to celebrating even more tomorrow. Spending the day with the uber-fabulous Laquisha Hall!

I really believe 2011 will be my best year. I am so thankful for all that I have and the wonderful people supporting me in all of my endeavors. I am also thankful for all of the experiences that have made me the woman that I am. I am grateful for the good, the bad, and the ugly. Because of these experiences, I can look in the mirror at the age of 30 and say "I am so proud of the person that I am and all that I will be".

Backstage Pass to the Young And The Restless! I can't

believe I am going to Genoa City! Thanks Geoff!

Dream come true!

Pre-Bday Dinner!

After losing my eyelashes from crying!

Your Love Is King

Your love is king,

crown you in my heart.

Your love is king,

never need to part.

Your kisses ring,

round and round and round my head.

Touching the very part of me.

It's making my soul sing.

Tearing the very heart of me.

I'm crying out for more.

Today is my 3rd wedding Anniversary with the best man I have ever known. People always say in movies "you complete me". And when I listen to that, I always think "shouldn't you already be whole". I pondered this for months before our wedding. And when I really thought about it, Geoff doesn't complete me, but is his the very best part of me. He is that part of me that is pure, loving, kind, purposeful, open, joyous, etc. His light and his goodness awakens those things in me and I love him for that. For some, life ends at marriage! But for me, marrying Geoff was when I truly started to live. He encourages me! Relishes in my successes! And is my soft place to fall when things get me down. I only hope that I am all of those things to him.

In my vows, I said "I hope people will look at our relationship and feel comforted in possibilities!" I never thought I would deserve all of this. But God has blessed me with my perfect match. It can happen for anybody!

This morning Geoff gave me tickets to a Sade concert. Lyrics are above from one of our favorite songs. He is truly my King and makes me feel like a Queen every single day!

First Anniversary at NINETEEN in Philadelphia

Second Anniversary--Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

The Best Gifts I Ever Received!

Each Holiday Season, we all scramble to find the latest and greatest for our family and friends. We like to see their eyes light up! We like to feel as though our gift brought someone great joy. And truly, that is what the Holidays are all about....Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ through giving to others. But those gifts only need to come from the heart. It doesn't need to be expensive. It actually can be free! It can be time, encouragement, thought, etc. I heard a quote recently on one of my favorite shows, The Bold and the Beautiful (yes....I am a soap junkie). Stephanie Forrester, the Matriarch of the show, simply said "giving is living". It is such a simply statement, but it has so much meaning. Showing kindness, love, and tenderness to others is essential to living a fulfilling life. And when you receive that gift from others, you are more apt to pay it forward.

This Holiday season, I am reflecting on all of the wonderful gifts that I have received over the years. First and foremost, the unconditional love and support of my husband. Every morning I am greeted with a smile, breakfast, the dogs fed, and the car started. And honestly, some mornings I wake up on the wrong side of the bed and don't deserve it. But he does it anyway. I am blessed to have a man that let's me fly and relishes in my individuality. Secondly, the kindness of friends and family. I remember an issue arising many years ago when I was purchasing my very first home at the age of 24. At the last minute, closing costs shot up well beyond my budget. While venting to a dear friend, who was in the process of planning her wedding, she said "what's your account number" and loaned me the money without a second thought. This act was selfless and is still so touching to me. And lastly, my Late Aunt Sylvia travelled by bus to several thrift stores across Virginia and presented me with every pair of size 11 women's shoes she could find. She even purchased me a clear pair to wear in pageants. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! While I may not have even worn all the shoes, the care and thought makes this one of my all time favorite gifts.

So this Christmas Eve, I'm not running around from store to store. I'm spending it with my little family....Geoff, Passion, Winston, and Lucy! We are going to spend Christmas Morning making Breakfast and watching movies. We will spend Christmas Day giving back to our community. And we will spend Christmas evening having a small dinner with friends.

Merry Christmas from the Williams Family!!

Mrs. Delaware America 2011 Pageant

On November 20th, 2010, I was blessed to be crowned Mrs. Delaware America 2011. Most people who know me, know that this has been a lifelong dream and a long 15 year journey. As Mrs. Delaware, I will represent Delaware's beautiful married women in the Mrs. America Pageant in April of 2011. I will also have the opportunity to expand upon my volunteer efforts. As you know, Geoff and I are extremely passionate about Animal Rescue and Adoption and plan to champion that cause as a family throughout our year. I am also passionate about Women's Healthcare, Children, and Mentorship and will do all that I can to bring more attention to those causes as well. I cannot wait to partner with a variety of organizations and to use this title to truly make a difference in the live's of others. The picture above is of my crowing moment. I was elated! But now I must keep the momentum going. Please contact me or my director (through the Mrs. Delaware website) if you would like me to attend an event or present to a group. I will continue to update my blog as usual. So, please continue to check in and follow my journey. A few pictures are below from the pageant. Official photos will be available soon. But here is a sneak peek (thanks Hilary, Geoff, and Allison for the photos).

Working it out in Opening Number!

Swimsuit! Special thanks to CrossFit First State. I have been a member there for a year now. They are truly amazing! Also thanks to Crossfit Riverfront for help with the final push in the weeks leading up to the competition.

Evening Gown! Thank you to Chris Saltalamachio and Trish Dowling of The Red Carpet Prom and Pageant. They brought my vision into reality in record time! The Red Carpet also provided my swimsuit.

Team Hotness! I couldn't have done this without the support of all of these positive women. Meron, Quintina, Ellen, Michelle, Krista, Maureen, Nina, Allison (Team Hotness President), Dena, Hilary, Mari, Alandrea, Kim, Dawn, Tetra (not pictured), and Angie (not pictured). Looking out at your smiling faces was just what I needed. Love you guys!

Geoff and I after crowning! I cannot tell you the lengths that he will go for me. I am so blessed to have a husband that let's me fly. This has been a journey for the both of us. And I know with 100% certainty that our relationship is a gift and that we will work as a team during our year as Mr. and Mrs. Delaware!

Arriving at Dinner with my supporters!

With Mom and Dad! Thank you both so much for making the trip from Virginia. It was such a pleasant surprise. I am glad that you both finally got this moment!

I also want to send a special thank you to the Judges, Susanne Truitt (Mrs. Delaware America director), Mrs. Delaware America Sponsors, Amanda Shepard (outgoing Mrs. Delaware), Otise Shuck (Mrs. NJ America 2010), Monette Bryant (Mrs. Tennessee America 2010), Cacia Batts (Mrs. Delaware 2009), Sheri Jenkins (former Mrs. Delaware America and owner of Pageant Life Coach--thank you for helping me look at things so clearly), Sarah Giovinetti (makeup artist), all of the beautiful contestants, Fran Edwards (Miss Congeniality 2010/2011 and my personal friend), Warner Chilcott (my employer), and all of my family and friends that were with me in spirit! I promise to make you proud!

November 10th!

November 10th, 2010 was a a bitter sweet day for me. First, I was super duper busy! I travelled down to the beach area. Had breakfast, lunch, and dinner with docs and didn't get home until very late. I also worked with a potential new hire as part of her interview process with my company. But enough about work, 1 year ago yesterday, my Aunt Sylvia passed away. She was an amazing source of encouragement and love in my life and always told me that I was special. I miss her unconditional support, phone calls, long talks, visits....just everything. But I know that I am blessed beyond measure to have a feisty, no-nonsense woman looking out for me today. November 10th also marks 6 years that Geoffrey and I have been together. We didn't get to celebrate because of my schedule. However, Geoff gives me anniversary gifts everyday. It's those little things that matter most. The fact that he brings me oatmeal every morning in bed and allows me to sleep in. The way he ensures I have a full tank of gas before I head to work. The way he remembers to charge my work computer every single night. I'm truly blessed.

Growing up, I was always somehow different that other people. The way I approached life and situations was always a bit unique. I also looked different than others. Taller than most, and sometimes awkward. My Aunt Sylvia always instilled in me to be EXACTLY who I am....no matter what....and to never, ever apologize for being unique. She gave me confidence! Geoffrey, on the other hand, helped me to love the person that I am in ways that I never imagined. He showed me that I am truly deserving of all of life's blessings and for his love. In life, we have opportunities to change other's lives and we often don't realize that we have that power. It just so happens that November 10th is a very significant day that surrounds 2 people who changed my life in 2 different ways. I hope that I did the day proud and changed the life of someone else!

Happy 17th Birthday Javon!

Where does the time go? Today my oldest nephew, Javon turned 17 years old. It has been one of my greatest joys to watch him grown from a boy to a man. I am incredibly proud of the person that he has become and all that he will be. While he can't sit on my lap anymore, gets shy when I kiss him, and doesn't say "I love you thiiiiissssss much", he's still "auntie's baby". I am so excited for all of the things that he has yet to experience in life and know that he will be someone great. He has a kind heart! That's the first step to success. Although we are separated by distance, he always calls and texts to check up on his "Aunt Shana". Happy Birthday Javon! I love you so much!

Javon at 2 years old with me and Grandaddy

Javon and Michaela (I think he was about 8 here)

Javon supporting me at the Miss New Jersey USA pageant in 2005

With Javon at my Rehearsal Dinner

With Javon about a year ago! He's almost as tall as me! HANDSOME!

Acceptance

A number of things have recently happened to reinforce my understanding of the serenity prayer..."God, give me the strength to accept the things that I cannot change; Courage to change the things that i can; And wisdom to know the difference." My oldest doggy Passion has been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Failure. Passion has been with me for half my life, so the news truly hit me hard. I refrained from writing about it because I felt that writing about it would make it real. But hey, it's one of those things that I can't change. Geoff asked me to not mourn her while she is still here and I am trying not to. Sometimes it's hard and sometimes I cry. But reflecting on the past 15 years, I realize that my life has been so full with her. And without her, I wouldn't have found this commitment to save other beautiful and worthy dogs and cats. So while I can't make her kidneys better, I can spend whatever time we have left making her feel loved and cared for. It's funny....when life knocked me down, the world turned it's back on me, or I felt hopeless and alone, I always had my Passion! I'm so grateful to her for walking with me through this journey we call life and will spend the rest of her days doing all of her favorite things...walks, playing soccer, spending time in my bed, and eating Famous Dave's Bread Pudding. But rest assured that for the moment she is doing great. Her Kidney values are consistent and she still has all of the energy and vitality she always has.