1st Special Egg Event at Drake Stadium

The very first Special Egg Event took place on March 30, 2013. I was thrilled when I was invited to be a guest of such a wonderful and memorable event. The Special Egg Event is an Easter egg hunt for children with special needs. Journey Church put the entire event together. I was amazed by all the volunteers, businesses, families that lent a helping hand from the goodness of their hearts to make this event possible. I looked around and saw so many smiling faces. As I talked to the children, I could hear the excitement in their sweet voices as they told me they were going on a Easter Egg hunt! Next to me were games for the children to play and across from me was the Easter bunny. I was overwhelmed with happiness as I watched each child laugh and play with their friends and family. It was a joyful day. Children with wheelchairs could pick up an egg with a magnetic pole, children that were visually impaired or blind could find eggs from the sound of a beeper inside each egg, Autistic children had a "quiet hunt" away from loud noises. The Special Egg Event said they were honored to have me there but honestly I am honored that I could be there to meet so many amazing families and witness such wonderful memories....  Each child was a blessing and beautiful in his/her own way and I felt honored to hug them, shake their hands and learn their names. I want to thank everyone at Journey Church and Derian Baugh for inviting me to an Easter event I will never ever forget. It was incredible.


Check out the Special Egg Event clip made by JourneyDSM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzRKCE-3idM&feature=youtu.be

Meeting with Governor Branstad at the Iowa State Capital

I had the great opportunity to meet with our Governor, Terry Branstad at the Iowa State Capital. Our meeting took place in his formal office along with his secretary. My hubby sat beside me as well. I told Governor Branstad about my plan to bring forth more "Girls on the Run" programs to elementary schools throughout Iowa. Branstad is making an effort to make Iowa the "healthiest state." Girls on the Run would help this initiative and teach young girls lifelong health and fitness while also building their self confidence. He was very supportive of the program and believes this would be a great asset to more community's in Iowa. It was quite an honorable moment to meet the Governor in our beautiful capital building. I am confident we can make Iowa the healthiest state! 

It's My Birthday!

Today is my birthday!!! I was very grateful I could take some time off to visit my family in Florida. They made my birthday so special and surprised me with a beautiful cake. I do wish Iowa had the same weather as Florida right now. It is GREAT that I don't have to wear a coat! ;) I look back at myself a year ago,  I am so proud for all that I have accomplished. I've been able to do things that I never thought were possible. I'm glad that I believed in myself and I will continue to reach for the stars because anything IS possible! I will only learn from my mistakes, grow stronger, work harder, love deeper and hopefully inspire and empower others to follow their dreams. Anyone can be a winner or a leader, just believe you CAN and you're halfway there!

KCWI Great Day Morning Show - My First On-Air Interview

I was invited to appear on the Great Day Morning Show on Tuesday. It was an honor to have my very first on air interview with KCWI. I got up bright and early. I was so excited!  I enjoyed talking with Lou, Jackie and Jason about my journey as Mrs. Iowa United States and the upcoming Mrs. United States pageant. Jason even tried on my crown! He looked great! I had a fun time visiting the Great Day Morning Show. I promised them that I would return to bring back a bigger crown! ;)

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/29745449/highlight/329368 Click to see my interview! It is at 1:24.

Plug into Positive Thoughts!

Today during Girls on the Run practice at Clive Elementary, we discussed ways we could unplug our negative feelings and plug into positive thoughts. It was fun as we pretended to unplug the yucky negative cord from the top of our heads and replaced it with a shiny sparkly positive cord. I  instructed the girls to run a lap and on her way back, she had to write something positive on a poster board. I was very happy as the girls filled up our entire poster with happy, positive words! I told the girls every time they feel down or negative, to get out a piece of paper and write down things that make them feel happy! You will soon realize that you have a lot to smile about!

Girls on the Run.....Is so much fun!

Today I went to Clive Elementary School to talk to young girls about joining "Girls on the Run."  Girls on the Run is an after school program for elementary school girls twice a week. I am so passionate about this program because as a coach, I encourage the girls to follow their dreams and believe in themselves through positive encouragement  We also take time to run together to prepare for a 5k. Each time we meet, we gather in a circle and talk about how we can unplug our negative feelings and plug into the positive  Let's face it, it can be difficult at a young age to stand up for what we believe in or be the confident girl we want to be. There's a lot of mean out there and "Mean Stinks!" Girls on the Run teaches young girls that bullying is wrong (even gossiping) and the best way to be a good friend and a GREAT Girl on the Run is to encourage one another. A Girl on the Run is positive,  uplifting, encouraging and inspiring. At the end of our season we run our 5k. The girls feel very accomplished and proud! Not only does Girls on the Run teach girls to be healthy psychically,  but mentally as well! If you can believe it, you can achieve it!

I was so excited to speak to the Clive Elementary girls .They gathered in the gymnasium for an assembly rally. I wanted more girls involved with Girls on the Run since we had such a low turnout last season. After my speech, lots of girls were eager to sign up for the program, they asked for my autograph as well which was so adorable! I was able to get TRIPLE the amount of girls we had last year to join this amazing AND fun program!

Mrs. Iowa Photo Shoot

I had an amazing time at my Mrs. Iowa photo shoot. The photographers at Crowning Images are amazing as always! It was such a blessing to work with wonderful people.  It's always a good day when I can get my makeup/hair done and wear some pretty fabulous dresses. I can't wait to see the rest! Here is a sneak peak!............