Meet Mrs. America

This weekend I was in a fashion show and lo and behold one of the other models was none other than Mrs. America 2006 Andrea Preuss. I had such a wonderful time getting to know her. She's a fellow alumnae of the Miss America Pageant competing back in 1996. We had a lot of fun sharing stories and recalling people we both happen to know throughout pageant land. After getting to know her I can see exactly why she became our Mrs. America!

Mrs. International pageant information

For those of you who are thinking about coming out to Chicago for my pageant, here's some useful information:
Event Location: Chicago, Illinois
Host Hotel: Double Tree Hotel & Conference Center-Chicago North Shore
Hotel Phone: 847-679-7000
Dates: Prelims July 20th 7:30 pm
Finals July 21st 7:30 pm
Tickets: Prelims: $50.00
Finals : $50.00
For tickets call the theatre box office 847-673-6300

Arrival Location: If you are flying into Chicago, American Taxi services both airports. From O'Hare Airport approx. $30. From Midway Airport approx. $50. Call 800-244-1177 for reservation.

Rooms for Family & Friends: Rooms for all family and friends can be made with the Double Tree Hotel & conference Center-Chicago North Shore at 1-847-679-7000. Please make sure to tell the hotel you are with the Pageant to receive the $99.00 rate.

For those interested in attending the coronation ball it will be July 21st from 11pm-1am at the North Shore center for the Performing Arts Centre East Lobby. You may purchase tickets by credit card at the on-line store on the national website until July 16, 2007. Go to Mrs. International site then go to paying for program book, advertising fees and coronation ball tickets to order.

Six Years and Loving It!

Today Greg and I celebrated our six year anniversary. It's actually been 12 years that we've known each other and we reminisced about how truly fast time has flown - especially when you're having such a good time. It is a blessing to be married to my very best friend. Greg started off our celebration Thurs. by bringing me home a beautiful bouquet of flowers (he knows I'm a sucker for them) and on Fri. I received a handpicked box of See's candy with all my absolute favorite types. This time though, he only gave me 1/2 lb. rationing because as many of you know I can't handle myself with the full lb without having a trip to Kaiser hospital (long story :-) This morning started off being brought to a day spa where he booked us both pedicures (he's a real man) and massages! Afterwards we went to Ferraro's our favorite Italian restaurant. As we were coming back home we decided that we really weren't satisfied with the massages we had earlier that morning so Greg booked us another set this evening and they were divine! So as I'm sitting here typing out our wonderful day Greg plunked down next to me with a final present which is still wrapped in a pink bag marked "VS"....hmmmm some things will have to be left unsaid :-)

Mexicali 2007 Part I Pictures

Halogen Gathering

One of the things I love most about our church - community! Greg and I have been blessed that we can open our home once a month for dinner after church and share food and friendship. In Jan. we started out with around 20 people and last month we had just a tad under 50! We're going to have to get a bigger house if it continues on like this. It's even inspired us to get a jump start on finishing our back yard so we can expand the party outside and take advantage of the beauty of So. Cal.