Photo Scavenger Hunt Contest

Join in the photo scavenger hunt contest for Save Abandoned Babies Foundation of Illinois
October 1 – November 30, 2010

Contest participants will take a photograph of a Safe Haven sign already in place at a hospital, fire or police station. The picture may include multiple people, and/or appropriate costumes and props. Pictures will be uploaded to the Save Abandoned Babies Facebook page.
Five winners will be selected based on effort, creativity, and the number of “like” votes the photo receives on Facebook. Each winner will receive $100. Interpretation of the contest rules and the final determination of winners remains the sole discretion of the Foundation. Winners will be notified by December 15th, 2010.


Entries must be submitted to: photocontest@SaveAbandonedBabies.org

For more information, visit: www.SaveAbandonedBabies.org

www.facebook.com/SaveAbandonedBabies


Tell a friend. Talk about it. You might save a life.

Here Comes the Bride

Two times I always cry, without question, are when a bride walks down the aisle and during the father-daughter dance. That was clear this weekend when our sitter, Monica, became Mrs. Geoff Kieres. Why did I not wear the waterproof mascara??

Luckily, John was out of the hospital and able to be my date as we celebrated our 6th anniversary at their wedding. Geoff is a paramedic and saves people all over Chicago, even if he finds himself in dangerous situations. He has also delivered a baby or two! And of course, we adore Monica and our children LOVE her also. She is a teacher by trade and we are blessed to have her as a part of our family. Their families have gotten to know our kids and, again, we are so lucky the children have such a fun extended family to visit. They are such a great couple! And to see her walk down the aisle in her beautiful gown with her father...John still doesn't understand why I was tearing up! Maybe I don't either.
It's a big step into the next phase of your life with someone else. There will be times of challenge and times much more rewarding than imagined. At times it can feel like a marathon and other times, like this weekend, you can't figure out how the last six years blew by so quickly.Yes, you learn so much about your partner, but even more about yourself. So here is a toast to our newlyweds. May they have more love and happiness than their hands and hearts can hold.

The Week (that felt like a year) That Was

Crazy week! Our sitter is in the midst of getting married. Yay! However, my husband became very ill just as she needed to be gone getting the details wrapped up for the upcoming wedding weekend. Given are children are too young (in my opinion) to be hanging out in a hospital, it was a challenge to find last minute back-up so I could be with John. Thank you Gina! You are the best neighbor and a dear friend of ours!
My husband noticed some inflammation moving up his leg and only getting redder by the hour. Next thing we knew, he was being admitted to the hospital. Only one problem, finding an open bed at any of the area hospitals where his doctors practice. John needed IV antibiotics and an MRI to see how far the staph had already progressed. So, 6 hours later, after locating a bed, he still had no IV. Then, by 11pm, he had an IV, but no antibiotics. Hello? Anyone?
Meanwhile, his roommate needed his very loud and large family (were talking newborns and toddlers etc)to translate. Turns out from what we couldn't help but overhear through the curtain, he was there for heart pain. He is a diabetic who was on his ELEVENTH beer when he felt heat in his chest and decided to put down the brew. Luckily here in the US, he was treated for heart burn in spite of no insurance and was discharged after a nice pancake breakfast the next morning. Yes, it did tick me off. Can you tell?
That next morning we waited STILL for the MRI as they don't perform them after 11pm. At noon he was brought down for testing. He couldn't eat or drink until after the results were back. SO, at 5pm-5PM!!, he was told he could have that much needed coffee. Better than beer I guess;) And after a few days, John was allowed to return home feeling much better, but a little worn out by it all.

You Can Never Sparkle Enough!

This afternoon we went jewelry shopping at James and Williams in Berwyn. James and Williams is a family (3 generations now)owned jewelry store. They have been huge supporters of Mrs. Illinois for 30 years!!! Jules has equisite taste in jewelry and opened my eyes to a whole new world;) Bill Hlavack is a business leader and community leader with such a generous spirit. Thank you for designing my one-of-a-kind Mrs. Illinois medallion necklace. I cannot wait to see it and wear it!
Thank you Marcie and Jules for lunch at Redstone. It's becoming our weekly habit to get together and I love it. The Acetos are so dedicated to Mrs. Illinois and there is really soo much hard work that goes on throughout the year by them and their staff of volunteers. And loyal sponsors like James and Williams make it even more special.


1)James and Williams
2)Owner Bill Hlavack
3)Jules,Bebe, me and Marcie

Soder World Wellness and Spa

Soder World Wellness and Spa held an open house and I was invited to come and meet everyone. Soder World is an enormous spa that offers all types of healing and wellness. Acupuncture, yoga and massage are just some of what they offer to help you renew. Ginny Soderholm is one of the owners and was Mrs. Illinois America 1985. It was a fun afternoon in Burr Ridge and I hope to return soon.
1)Soder World
2)The ceiling of the yoga room
3)An outside area near a waterfall for massage therapy
4)Jules, Marcie, me and Ginny.
5)Me with Ginny's granddaughter, Michaela.

Ooo, try that one on...

A few days after we returned from Tucson, I travelled with Marcie and Jules Aceto to Naperville. That's where you'll find BriZan Couture. I had the chance to catch up with Miss Illinois Teen All-American, Jessica Jacksa and Miss Illinois Jr. Teen All-American (and 2nd RU at nationals) while we met dozen upon dozens of young ladies. Sue Zanayed owns BriZan and has hundreds of cocktail dresses, gowns,suits and accessories you just won't find in your department stores. Right now is the height of homecoming season. I have never seen soo many girls shopping and buying at once. I noted to the owner, Sue, her store was jamming. She said that was nothing! How she gets is done, I have no idea.
1)Taylor, me and Jessica
2)We made Sue (AKA Salma Hayak)wear a tiara. WHEN she marries that great boyfriend of hers, I am signing her up for Mrs. Illinois. Jules and I have already begun planning the destination wedding;)

Thank You!

Thank you!

I must thank my husband for his support in helping me become Mrs. Illinois and for his encouragement as we prepared to head to Tucson. He was the self-proclaimed Head of the Illinois delegation and did a great job of organizing the details and everyone and making sure the kiddos were in good hands while I was away.I love you dearly. Thank you Johnny and Ali for being you as I took you on stage with me each time. Mom and Dad, thank you for coming in and I will see you soon, Shhsshh. Ha Ha!
Thank you to Joe, Marcie and Jules Aceto. You have been even more incredible than I could have hoped for as directors and I cannot wait to get started on our year.
Lisa,you embrace what a queen should be and you have been invaluable as a friend first and always! Michelle, thank you for making the trip out and for always cheering me along the journey and thanks to Christopher for coming with you. Rona, again, you are always there as a dear friend I am so lucky to have.
Michele Strom, you made me feel great as I walked into interviews and Fawnia, you are a miracle worker for getting my straight hair to curl. Holly and Sarah, you two are the reason I found THE gown and the knit dress for interview. Holly, you give good insight that helped me become Mrs. Illinois and Sarah you made sure I always had options to consider just in case;) Gaspar, you create living works of art. I want to frame my gown and hang it on a wall along with the earrings and bracelet, but I want to wear them EVERYWHERE instead. You made me look and feel like a queen. Deanna and Jennifer, you are always my queens. Thanks for your calls and texts and the chocolate covered strawberries. Shannon, my Devine one, your humor and advice has been always been so helpful and luckily I didn't need to "Phone a friend," while there, but I will phone you soon. Thank you to Lori, Holly and Dee for the gifts and flowers and to everyone else who called and left messages during the week.
I also must thank Monica for holding down the fort while John and I were in AZ and to Kelly for helping keep Johnny and Ali busy and entertained so they didn't miss us too much.
And thank you to all my sister queens. You all are amazing and I miss you.What a truly wonderful experience we've had!

The Envelope Please...

Anyone who knows me, understands that when it comes to reading off names in terms of runner-ups etc, I get a little weak in the knees. Even when I don't know anyone on stage, my heart goes into overdrive for them! So finals night was an evening full of "cuts," I somehow survived on so many levels. The Top 12 was called. At this point, it became a little fuzzy for me. We are supposed to watch to see who went left, so if we are called, we then go left. Back stage you are given a new number for the new order. The gals backstage were wonderful in making sure we were taped, glued and ready to go. Susie, Alicia, Jeanene and Heidi-you all still crack me up when I think about the point in the night;) I didn't really know who else had made the top 12 until the next day as it all happens THAT fast and half of you are on the other side of the stage! From there we jumped into jumped into new pink swim suits and got back on stage. After that, we glammed it up in our evening gowns. All of the women were so gracious and wonderful backstage as they watched the show from there and were so encouraging. Next, the Top 6 was called. We were each asked a question about something off our biography. I must say I really thought Mrs. TX (Shannon)gave an great answer about her work with charitable organizations. The top three were called and I again heard my name. What?? We were each asked what we wanted the judges to know about us.I have no idea what I said as it was still a blurr. I just remember being able to see the Aceto's, my husband and the billboards stage left, and Clay Spann and Joey Rutherford stage right.
And then, the results. I was named 2nd runner-up, Mrs. MD, Raquel Thomas, was called 1st runner-up and Mrs. CT, Shelley Carbone, became our new Mrs. America. I was so privileged to be standing on stage with these 50 other women throughout the week and to be among Raquel and Shelley is still hard for me to believe. Shelley is a mother of FOUR and I have told so many people that she is a modern day Grace Kelly. She is simply lovely and a wonderful representative for us as a class.

1)Our opening number dresses
2)Top 6 Answer from the big screen
3)Top 3 question
4)The New Mrs. America is...
5)Top 12
6)Chris and Michelle
7)Lisa and me
8)Johnny baby

The Show's About to Begin!

After standing in line for hours (some people were there from 9am on)for a good seat, friends and family of the 51 state delegates were ready to see who made it on to the next phase of competition. My parents were able to fly in for finals, so I was able to grab a quick hug from them. While they were all getting settled in seats, Gaspar was putting the finishing touches on me. Do you know he did Miss America's make-up when she won? He really is marvelous and I love his honesty and enthusiasm. Lisa (my Girl Friday;) ) and was helping make sure my gown was steamed, etc. and still somehow managed to get downstairs in time looking lovely as ever.
1)My ladies, Rona and Michelle
2)John and Lisa with the signs/billboards which I could actually see while on stage.
3)John and Lisa with Jules' baby, Bebe who was also dressed for the occasion.

Preliminary Post-Show

After the preliminary show, we all met up to celebrate for a brief moment as it was already 10:20pm (12:20 CST)and my voice was quickly taking a vacation.It was so wonderful to spend some time with everyone.
1)My wonderful husband, John, really is born to wear a tuxedo.Isn't he handsome!
2)My super supportive directors, the Aceto's (Joe, Marcie, Jules and Bebe)
3)Rona, me and Michelle. My life long gal pals who are always there for me.
4)Wendy Carlson and I got up close and personal as she made sure I and most of the ladies were spray tanned for those swimsuits.
5)Lisa Nielwonly (Mrs. IL 2008 and finalist)is a dear friend who travelled in early to help me in so many ways.
6)Michele Strom (Mrs. NE 2007 and 2nd RU at Mrs. America)Michele is able to figure out your style in the blink of an eye. She does beautiful make-up and helped me find the perfect gown I wore when I won Mrs. Illinois America.She has incredible taste and style.
7)Me with Gaspar-The Great-Cruz and Mrs. HI (Alicia.)I was told he was outstanding and he is! Gaspar designed the gown I'm wearing at Mrs. America and he also designed the fabulous earrings and bracelet I'm wearing here. Perfection in all ways!

Preliminary Night!

Happy Labor Day! I hope you spent today with family and friends and enjoyed the holiday. I did! tonight was the preliminary competition. It consisted of swimsuit, evening gown and state costume. We all wore the same suits (teal)and heels. Evening gown is always may favorite, but since we are all back stage, we really don't have the chance to see what anyone else is wearing unless they are standing right next to us in line. From what I saw, the gowns were spectacular! Loved Mrs. VA's (Tonya Ratliff)gown and Mrs. Michigan's (Stephanie Hunt)gown as both were in white and stunning. Then I would catch a glimpse of Mrs. ID (Heidi Parsons)and Mrs. NC (Tammy McMurray) in those vivid blues and I was in love as well.
At the end, we each wore our state costumes. I went as one of the Blackhawks Ice Crew. I wore what those gals wear n the ice during games. Actually, I wore what the Ice crew wore on the set of a Ron Howard movie that is being shot in Chicago. I bedazzled a stick and was good to go. Still, even with those leg warmers, I know those girls have to get chilly. God forbid they were to slip on the ice and get stuck to it. Ha! Thanks to Angela King Designs for the quick turn around!Thank you to Michelle for taking pictures.
1)Go Blackhawks! I shall not trip of fall...
2)Michelle Allen-Parker and Lisa Niewolny (Mrs. IL 2008)pre-show
3)Michelle's hubby Chris with the poster (billboard) my hubby had made.

Christmas in September!

Everyone took such time and effort to figure out what to give each other as state gifts. My roomie gave us goodie bags that held the secret beauty items given to women at Miss Universe. Love it! There were so many presents that I wasn't able to really get a hold of each one until everything arrive back home. I was given a cool chain necklace with my state initials on it from Mrs. Colorado. Mrs. Alabama gave us each a personalized pink bible! There was great popcorn, crown jewels, a back pack a few cookbooks...and some great skin care...it is so much fun to NOW go through everything and get a chance to appreciate the thoughts behind each state gift including the "Flirt," energy drink from the Carolina's which has been needed for all the unpacking!

Old Friends and New Friends

Today was a day filled with rehearsals. I am still trying to find my right foot as I have not danced in...well, let's not go there. I'll be honest, the silver heels we were sponsored to wear for swimsuit and the opening were...painful. Many of us found our pinky toes stuck between the rhinestoned straps. I joked we were leaving blood on the stage for our hard work;) We called it "Pageant Survivor," as we had to Outplay, Outwit, and Outlast those shoes!Band-aids anyone? Anyway, during the week I have been able to see some old friends I have made over the last few years. They just keep getting better in all ways and it was great to catch up, in a bit of a rush.

Dignified Dinner

Tonight we all gathered for a special President's dinner where we were all able to give state gifts to the General Manager, Brian Johnson, of the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. I gave Brian a date night basket from Illinois. We are the back drop of more than 300 TV shows and movies shot around the state. So, I gave him a basket with movies shot around Illinois. There was also some Garrett popcorn, Tootsie rolls and Lemon heads thrown in there. Hopefully Brian and his wife have a chance to sit back and relax after all the hard work he has done to welcome us all to Arizona. It was so grand to see all the ladies in their gowns and to hear about the state gifts they brought for Brian.

Riddle Me This...

Interviews!! We went in groups of five and each sat down for on-on-one interviews with five different judges. Heading into interview, I had thought I would try to find a suit of some sort that would be in a neutral tone and I didn't want my arms to be bare.
In the end, it was of course completely opposite of that. Sarah Moses of Michaels www.thepageantshop.net had pictures up on facebook of some knit dresses. I already had gotten one from her in the past and adored it. So I tried a RED knit SHEATH DRESS and fell in love. I had to have it and had to wear it. Michelle Strom who owns The Winning Crown Boutique (www.winningcrown.com) helped me find the feather gown I wore when I won Mrs. Illinois. She painted my face and her dear (and talented)friend Fawnia handled my hair which does not hold curl to save my life.
Then I was ready for the 4 minute interviews which flew by. I had gotten great advice from Holly Ernst before Mrs. Illinois. Her advice and guidance were the perfect prep. So it was time to head in to the interview room. Suddenly instead of me asking the questions, I was having to give answers!
My first judge was Mrs. World 1987. Lord, she was so gorgeous and so easy to talk to even as she asked some tough questions. I was asked about my goals and how I would make my plan become reality. Judges asked about my efforts as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and one person asked me about how I handle working in situations that are trying and deeply emotional. Another judge told me how they felt like anyone could be beautiful and in swimsuit shape ( I joked it was NOT that easy), but that a person needed to be more than that. So, at the end of the view that judge told me I would do well and that I had substance. Wow! I felt like I had gotten my goals across and that the judges were able to see who I am and what I am about.

Practice, practice, practice!

...and then some more practice. Luckily, choreographers Frit and Frat keep us in stitches. We were kept in alphabetical order according to our states for many of the rehearsals. It gave me the chance to get to know (and adore) ladies such as Jeanene Christy (Indiana)and Alicia Jones(Hawaii)and true beauties, Valerie Whitehead (Iowa) and Heidi Parson (Idaho.) Of course, I kept making sure I was in the back for the dance number rehearsals so I met some other great women who still make me laugh when I think about how funny they were. For all the hours we spent getting the opening number right (or trying to...)I can't think of a better group of women to spend that time with. By the end of the week, I could see how each lady earned her spot there and how each person could easily fill the role of Mrs. America.
1)Do not attempt this at home, or in short skirts!
2)Lined up against the wall
3)NJ, MI, Me,and NV