Mrs. South Dakota / America Pageant 2008
What an honor it has been to be Mrs. South Dakota! The time has gone by fast, but many memories have already been made. It is such a wonderful blessing to be flourished by so much love and support from family, friends, and the community. I want to thank everyone for their prayers, gifts and financial support to make this such a grand experience.
My preparations to the national pageant were unbelievable. The excitement of the upcoming events drove me to push myself beyond my wildest imagination. Encouragement came from so many people! Here is list of all the people that help me get to nationals.
Dan Elliott designed my ad that was placed in the 2008 Mrs. America souvenir program book, along with providing me with photo shoots and autograph cards. My gown was sponsored and hand made by Anita Kathryn by Evenings by Design. When I first tried on the gown, my eyes swelled up with tears, as I knew it was the one! Twenty-nine carrots of diamonds, valued over $50,000 were loaned to me by Bechtolds Jewelry. Who ever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend knows what they are talking about! My mother and Margo worked for days on my costume that represented our state bird, the ringneck pheasant. My mother-in-law and her friend Donna, shopped for a wardrobe suitable for a queen. My friends, Stacey, Tina, Jodi and Ericka helped me get my Dinning Dakota Style cookbooks ready to be given as gifts. My mother-in-law lost a whole nights sleep after I asked her to make double chocolate truffles for my two friendship gifts that were given in addition to the cookbooks to the mayor of Tucson and the General Manager of the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Beauty services were donated to look and feel my best my Rainn Salon & Spa. Jason’s Tux was donated by The Men’s Warehouse. Financial support came from Haffner’s Farms, Howalt McDowell, Sioux Falls Federal Credit Union, Sioux Falls Family Vision, Eide Bailly, AMaVo Boutique, Sioux Falls Kenworth, Midwest Oil, D&W Industries, Vern Eide Motorcars, National Car Rental/Alamo Rent-a-Car, Architectual Roofing & Sheetmental, Amdahl Construction and my Godmother.
My friend Stacey was my assistant through all of it. What ever I needed, she got it done! My nephew and the crew at Green 4 Ever kept everything rolling while I was preparing for my trip and during my 10 days away. And my terrific husband took care of the household and graciously put up with a crazy lady for a few months! Wow, this is what it took to go to the national pageant! Here I am at the airport – final destination: the Mrs. America Pageant!
'Here I am at the airport – final destination: the Mrs. America Pageant!'
Dan and Kari Elliott advised me to "Go as you are and share what you believe in". That is exactly what I did. My 10 day experience was a celebration of the married women. I met amazing people from all over the United States. We ate like queens, were in dance rehearsals most of the day, and busy with dinner parties in the evenings.
One day we went shopping, took a tour of Tuscon and danced the night away at an Italian dinner. My roommate was Mrs. North Dakota.
'My roommate was Mrs. North Dakota.'
She too was an accountant who owns her own chain of Quizno restaurants. Her and I had a great time together and shared a lot! The friends I made in Tucson were all special. We laughed a lot, cried, prayed together and shared our passions and life experiences. It was an empowering week! The pageant owners promoted love, kindness and the importance of friendship, along with honoring us for being who we are. We were showered with gifts daily.
For as much fun as I was having, I longed for my family to arrive. I cried when Jason, the kids, my mom, Jo (Jason’s Mom), and Stacey arrived! Stacey did a great job with my hair for preliminary night and the night of the pageant. My interviews went well and so did the pageant. I did not make the top twelve, but left very much a winner! I am grateful for the experience and proud to be in the Mrs. America Class of 2008.
Since I have returned home I have been very busy. Once a week I volunteer my afternoon at the Alpha Center were I am continuing my certification to be a counselor. You can view my events calendar for my past appearances. Future appearances can be booked through Professional Image by Rosemary, phone (605) 334-0619.
My greatest joy is to see the children. I tell each one that they are special and to follow their dreams.
The girls all love the crown!
Especially my princess!