Special Guest speaker - JR Mahon

For those of you in town (or who would like to make a trip ;-), JR Mahon, will be speaking at Halogen this Sun. evening, Sept. 30th at 6pm. JR is the author of Starving Jesus and will be sharing his message at Halogen, "Love Everyone & Candy", which challenges people to foster, adopt, befriend, love and care for the American Orphan. Come on out this Sun. to hear JR's compelling message and his own story of adoption.
(Click on the Halogen website for address & directions- hope to see you there)
Also, Devin has JR on as a guest for the week on Real Fusion so check it out too!

There's nothing quite like family...

I know I'm a bit biased but I believe I have the greatest husband in the world. I don't know too many men who would willingly drive a 10 hour round trip road trip to see his in-laws family... let alone be the man to suggest it! Here's what I mean: my great aunts from New Jersey, along with my Aunt & Uncle, cousins etc. decided to have a mini family get together in Vegas at one of my cousins timeshares (which by the way was amazing). Since I'm back to work with Cotillion, I didn't think it would be "practical" to drive all the way out there just to visit for less than 24 hours with relatives. Would you believe my honey said he thought we should do it, even if we could only visit for a couple of hours. After all, family is family and being that my great aunts are both in there 80's and one in her late 80's at that, I wouldn't have this opportunity too many more times. So we hopped in the car Saturday afternoon and headed out to Vegas. That night we dined with the family and enjoyed hearing stories about my grandma Keller whom I never met(she died after childbirth when my dad was 14) and stories about my dad as a boy...I sat like a small child enthralled with my Aunt's family stories and loved being in their presence. The next morning we gorged ourselves at a brunch buffet (ya gotta buffet when in Vegas) and then walked through a few Casino's before heading out that afternoon. I was so glad that Greg talked me into doing the trip even though it was for such a short period of time. I loved being around my Aunt's and meeting cousins for the first time and being with family in general. My family grew up far from extended family. Everyone else seemed to live in Jersey or Florida. Greg on the other hand grew up with a very close knit family that did everything together w/ the aunts and uncles and cousins... so he knows the value and importance of getting together. This little jaunt just made me pause a moment from the business that I so often get caught up in and realize that no matter what we all need to be sure to take the time out for what really matters in life - relationships - with family and friends...because in the end they will be what matters most and with whom we all wish we could have another day.

Meet "Rebekah"

On Sept. 1, 2007 I had the honor of meeting my "namesake" Rebekah. It all goes back 4 months ago when I met Rebekah's mom, Kumba, while sidewalk counseling. I volunteer at an abortion clinic to speak to young women about alternatives to aborting their babies. Knowing that there was one other person out there in the world that cared enough to help was what Kumba needed to make the decision to keep her baby...so for the past several months of her pregnancy we developed a friendship and I was able to help her get back on her feet and meet others who helped her in a variety of ways. Finally, the day arrived and I received the call from Kumba at @ 10:45 pm..."Your baby's here"...it made my heart so incredibly happy to actually know I played a role in this baby girl's arrival into the world. Over the weekend that she was in labor, Greg and I played Auntie & Uncle to Kumba's other daughter, three year old Ruthie...she kept us on our toes, needless to say :-) We brought Kumba and the baby home from the hospital to my parents where my mom, former nurse practitioner, helped with the baby so Kumba could get some much needed rest. As we gave Rebekah her first bath I couldn't help but be amazed at the whole process I witnessed the past few months. From a broken girl I met on a sidewalk in front of a clinic, to a beaming new mom with a beautiful baby girl she decided to name after me...God is good!

An Afternoon with the Marines

Today I had the honor of singing the National Anthem at a BBQ lunch/Car show at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base to honor our servicemen & women for what they do to ensure our freedoms on a daily basis. The Viper Car Club came with a host of cars and even brought in some of the wounded warriors in true style. I had the chance to speak to many of the men and talk about their experiences and life as a Marine. I've never seen & heard so many young men in one place say "Yes Ma'am" and "Thank you Mrs. Int'l, Ma'am"...they wouldn't even crack a smile for the camera :-) But that's what I love about our Marines and the discipline they have and the respect for our country and what it stands for...as the Colors came forward and I sang, I could look out and see Marines all over the parade deck standing and saluting...the first time I've ever seen such a deep respect for the song. I'm used to ball parks where you're lucky if a hand goes across the heart...these boys understand what it truly means and for that I am grateful. Thank you to all who serve our country and sacrifice on her behalf.

Miss Teen USA

I had a blast with my gal Judy (Mrs. Nevada Int'l) at the Miss Teen USA Pageant which happened to be held close by in Pasadena at the end of August. Gaspar happened to have extra tickets to the show that he graciously gave Judy & me. Among those I saw/met, Scott Grossman - the choreographer from back when I did USA, Casey McClain - former Miss California Teen USA, Mrs. CA & Miss Ca Int'l (just recently crowned at Eddie's pageant) & Stephanie Brink - Former Miss Ca Teen USA & her parents which are the pastor's of the church in which I grew up. At the after party I met Miss Teen USA Katie Blair (I actually met her earlier in the week at an MTV reality show she was taping), along with Rachel Smith, Miss USA - you might remember the big fall at Universe? but she certainly recovered well and is absolutely gorgeous in person...and to wrap it all up, Miss Universe - Riyo Mori.

Performance Quality Award

Today I joined the directors of DCFS/Heart Gallery L.A. to present the Heart Gallery to the Los Angeles Commissioners. Each year the Commissioners choose county programs for the "Performance Quality Award". The award goes to innovative and exceptional County programs that make a difference. Our Heart Gallery has landed in the top 10 and is now being considered for first place (they award gold/silver/bronze). There will be a luncheon late Oct. to present the awards to the winning programs so we're very excited to see if we've made the final three. Sounds like a pageant :-) The exciting part is that there are grants we can apply for depending on how we are ranked.

A Piece of Island Bliss

With all of the traveling I've been doing...poor Greg's been left out of the picture. The two of us decided to take a little getaway this week to Catalina Island (just an hour's boat ride from Long Beach). It was a little bit o' heaven. Nothing to do but sit on a beach and sip Mango Margaritas. Although I must say, we did quite a bit of walking...we love to walk together. The Coup de Grace was the best massages ever! At the Canyon Spa & resort they do couples massage complete with honey facials, peppermint scalp massage & a sugar body scrub after the massage! The two of us could hardly walk out of there we were so relaxed. It was just the pick me up we both needed before heading back into the work week.

KCHF -TV 11 Santa Fe, NM Talk Show

Preparing for the interview:


With the host of "Issues & Answers", Diane:

During my time in Santa Fe, I was interviewed on a local talk show called "Issues & Answers". Normally speaking, the show interviews Congressmen & Senators (since it is located by the Capitol). Fortunately for me they gave me a 30 minute segment specifically addressing Foster Care advocacy and the Heart Gallery. It was a wonderful interview and I hope to upload it so you can listen - I'm not savvy on how to transfer everything over to the blog yet...so stay tuned.

Outside the Studio:

Dothan, Alabama

This week I flew out to Dothan, Alabama for my official photo shoot as Mrs. International. Part of my prize package is a photo shoot with Clay Spann. I was so excited about this b/c his work is absolutely amazing. He truly knows how to capture the most beautiful images of a person and not only is he the photographer but the hair and makeup artist too! I've always wanted to do a photo shoot that was "high fashion" and not just the typical pageant head shot and I must say...high fashion it was. I can not wait for you all to see some of these pictures. Joey, who heads up the wardrobe side of the business donated a $10,000 wardrobe for me!!! For having only met me at nationals, he sure had a feel for my style b/c the pieces he bought for me were right up my alley. From designer pantsuits to elaborate couture evening gowns...I was a kid in a candy store. The whole day of the shoot was too much fun, I wish it didn't have to end. If you're interested in working with Competitive Image (Clay & Joey's business) don't wait till the last minute, they are in high demand and some women book appointments up to a year in advance! I can see why though, they really know what they're doing in all aspects of making you feel and look great.
So, where are pictures from my trip you ask?? After forgetting my camera in my hotel room and Terry so graciously going to get it for me, I realized I left my photo chip in the computer...so, no pics :-( You'll just have to wait to see the official ones.