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!