An American Girl at Heart

     When I was younger, I absolutely loved my American Girl Dolls - Samantha and Felicity! I remember going to the store numerous times and begging for new clothes or accessories and playing with friends who had the dolls. I only wish I had known about an American Girl Fashion Show at that time.
     This last Saturday I got to learn all about the American Girl Fashion Show and the Junior League of Omaha who runs it.

With some of the girls who got to model in the shows!

 

     The fashion show itself was an awesome experience! All together, the Junior League put on 8 fashion shows with approximately 40 girls in each show. Despite the large number of girls and the insanely busy weekend, the Junior League never let down and put on AMAZING shows all 8 times!
     They welcomed the girls before each show, allowed the girls to change into an American Girl outfit, had the girls get their hair done, and then they were able to go upstairs. Upstairs they received an American Girl Doll who was wearing an outfit that matched the one the model was wearing. The girls were to carry this doll as they modeled. After they got their dolls, they were able to practice their walks one more time before heading out to the big stage!

With the models before one of the shows!

 

     I started the day in the dressing room helping to do the models' hair. I was excited to see the transformation of the girls and it was a great time to get to know them! I even met one little girl who had done the show 10 times - the first time occurring when she was six months old!

Signing autographs in crayon :)

 

     The girls were excited to be pampered for the day and they really enjoyed having "queens" do their hair! I was joined by Ellie Lorenzen (Miss Nebraska USA) Jasmine Fuelberth (Miss Nebraska Teen USA) and one of the lovely volunteers, Maddie. After we finished working on hair, we were fortunate enough to spend some time just hanging out with the girls until they had their finale. It was incredibly fun dancing, signing autographs in crayon, and playing Down By The Banks until show time! The girls had so much energy and kept us on our toes - I loved it! We even had time to let them try on our crowns!

One of the girls trying on my crown :)

 

     During the lunch break, I was able to grab lunch with the girls. I truly feel blessed by the opportunity to make friends with more of my own sister queens this year, but also with queens from other pageant systems. I have competed against Ellie before in the Miss America system and I have absolutely loved reconnecting and catching up with her recently!

At the Winning Crown Boutique!

 

     It was also great meeting Jasmine and Maddie. Jasmine is an absolutely stunning 16 year old girl. Not only is she beautiful, but she is also kind and humble. I don't remember the last time I have heard someone use their manners so consistently. She also didn't make a big deal when we stopped into the dress shop or when the girls told her how beautiful she was. She was the image of grace and she seemed beyond her years. I wish Jasmine the best of luck at Miss USA Teen and in her future modeling and acting careers - I have no doubt she will go far!

Ellie, Maddie, Jasmine, and myself at the Winning Crown Boutique

 

     Maddie impressed me as well. Maddie is a fellow pageant girl who competed against Jasmine at the Miss Nebraska Teen USA pageant. Despite the competition, Maddie was kind, friendly, and bubbly the entire day and had no problem keeping the conversation going. It was fun hanging out with her and getting a teenage perspective on life again! I wish Maddie the best of luck in her future endeavors as well, I am sure she will accomplish some great things in the future!
     By the last show I was able to move out of the dressing room and up to the Choreography Room where the girls received their dolls and practiced their walks one last time. I thought the girls would be nervous before modeling, but they were all smiles, fun, and sass as they prepared to go on stage! I hope to channel some of their energy for my own "modeling" on the Miss Nebraska Stage this Summer!

Some of the girls with their dolls!

 

     I also wanted to spotlight the Junior League briefly. I didn't know much about the group before the fashion show Saturday, but I did learn about the group. The Junior League of Omaha is actually a group that I am very interested in joining. They are a group of women dedicated to serving the community - the very activity I have fallen in love with this year! While I love helping out the hearing impaired groups that I work with, I also love that my involvement in pageants allows me to help many different good causes throughout the community. The Junior League allows women to do just that - get involved helping out many good causes in the community!
     It is certainly something I will consider trying to join in the future and I would highly encourage other young women to get involved!
     http://www.jlomaha.org/?nd=home - check out the website to learn more and to see how you can help!

Signing Dr. Seuss

      Every month, there is a Connect Saturday event in which a hearing impaired adult reads or signs a story to deaf and hard of hearing children. Ever since I joined with Hands and Voices, I have been looking forward to the opportunity to read at one of the Connect Saturday events that they coordinate. I finally got my chance Saturday morning!

     Considering that it was Dr. Seuss' birthday, I thought it would be a brilliant idea to read a Dr. Seuss book to the kids! So when I got to the Swanson library in Omaha, I asked one of the librarians if they had any Dr. Seuss books that they thought would be good to read to the kids. They brought me "If I Ran the Circus" which looked extremely cute.

      As I sat around chatting and catching up with the parents and other adult guests at the event, the sign interpreter began glancing at the book. I knew right away that I should have chosen a different book. Who really thinks reading a book with a bunch of made-up words is a good idea? Obviously, sign interpreters don't!

 

      My interpreter was exceptionally kind though, and we worked together to read through the book. After finishing, I asked if his hands were tired. His response - "no, but my brain is!" I am so extremely appreciative of his effort. Not only did he get a bit of a challenge in practicing his sign, but I was able to share the fun of Dr. Seuss with the kids and celebrate his birthday and the kids seemed to really enjoy it!

Who wouldn't be entertained seeing this story signed?!

 

My oh-so-wonderful interpreter!

     I was also able to talk to several of the adults in attendance at the event which is always nice. We were able to discuss many pressing issues for hearing impaired individuals. One topic that particularly struck me was the issue of mentors/role models. The interpreter told us of an experience he had with a deaf child who was convinced he was going to grow up and become hearing. Deaf children (and most children, in general) have no or limited experience with deaf adults. Children generally do not get to see hearing impaired individuals, and they never really get to see hearing impaired people who work in high up jobs or who have a lot of influence. We need to change this by bringing together hearing impaired kids and adults and allowing kids to see that there are successful hearing impaired adults making an impact in the world. I hope to be able to get involved working to change this!   

 The little boy wanted to be Abraham Lincoln and George Washington at the same time!

A new friend!

These two were super shy and the dad had to make them laugh to get a good picture :)

The little one did warm up to me when he got to see himself on my camera!

Gross High School Light Show

     Last week I was talking to Aleah Peters (Miss Douglas County) and Rachel Foehlinger (Miss Lake McConaughy). We were chatting about our extra busy weekend with appearances and long practices at the studio when they mentioned that we had a Sunday night appearance. I hadn't heard about any Sunday night but the girls were kind enough to let the organizer know that I would be there with them, and I appreciated that - If I'm free, I'm certainly not one to turn down an appearance for a good cause.
     So Sunday night I dolled myself up one more time and left my house to go across town to the Gross High School End of the Year Showcase and Light Show.

     Ever since I got two flat tires within a few months of each other in my relatively new car, I have been paranoid anytime my car feels like it is driving a little funny. Tonight - my car felt like it was driving a little funny. So on the way to the high school, I pulled into a gas station, got out of my car in my crown, sash, and heels, and checked each of my tires to make sure none looked low or flat.
     Reassured that I was being paranoid, I hopped back into my car and drove the rest of the way to Gross...where I once again became convinced that my car was not driving quite right. After going inside and getting set up, I walked back outside and checked the pressure in each of my tires. I went around tire-by-tire (still in crown, sash, and heels outside of a high school) twisting off the cap, checking the pressure, and putting the cap back on. When I got to my third tire, I knew something was wrong; upon closer inspection - the cap was missing from the tire! In a hurry to get back inside, I threw the pressure gauge back in my car, and ran back inside where I proceeded to call my mom and explain that I had a nearly flat tire that was missing a cap.
    While I took care of my appearance, my sister (who did happen to be near) headed out to be my Knight-in-shining-armor and check my tires - which all happened to be the same tire pressure!
     I couldn't be more thankful to have such an awesome, wonderful, and caring family!

     While she was playing the hero, I got to enjoy the Gross High School End of the Year Show. The girls were absolutely fabulous and I was so excited to see their friends and family there cheering up a storm. The girls seemed so excited!
     My involvement came in while the girls were getting ready for their grand finale - a light show! For every ticket that was purchased, the team donated money to the Children's Miracle Network. I was invited, therefore, to speak about the organization while the girls prepared for their final dance.
     Now, I didn't have much notice about this event, and I only found out I would be doing it alone at about 5 o'clock Sunday night. So when Abby asked me to speak for 5 minutes, I was actually a little nervous. I got up to the podium though and began speaking to the audience about the Children's Miracle Network. I talked to them about what the organization does, how they can get involved, and about my experiences with the children and families that benefit from the organization.

     It is always an honor to become further involved with the Children's Miracle Network and to practice my public speaking skills, so I want to extend a huge thank you to the Gross High Dance Coach, Abby Pivovar for allowing me to become involved with the event!
     I also wanted to congratulate Abby and her teams on a wonderful show! They ended the evening with a light show - they turned off all of the lights in the gymnasium and danced with light sticks attached to their hands and feet. It was truly amazing and I would highly recommend that everyone go see the show if they ever get the chance!

Frozen Yogurt, Warm Hearts

Collecting CMN Funds!

     Sometimes I think I should be a quick chance artist - After a quick change in the bathroom, I left the bowling ally and made the quick seven-minute trip over to the new TCBY in Ralston. Saturday was the grand opening and the owners (my boyfriend's parents) agreed to donate part of the proceeds to the Children's Miracle Network if I would make an appearance for two hours! The rest of the proceeds went to the Ralston Schools Foundation - how could I possibly pass up an event benefiting CMN and public schools?

With the wonderful owners, Tom Negley and Kara Goos Negley!

With the heir to the TCBY Throne!

 

     It was such a joy to spend the afternoon with people I love. Not only was my boyfriend there volunteering, but I also got to spend the time with his parents and two of our friends! While everyone else made the work go smoothly, I was able to walk around the restaurant, chatting, taking pictures, and informing people about the Children's Miracle Network.

Isn't she adorable?!

 

     Not only was it great to help a great cause and to meet so many people from the community, but it was also wonderful because I was confronted with how much I have grown through this pageant system.

     Last year I remember going to my first event and being scared to approach anyone. I didn't want to go up and bother people at events to talk or ask them to take a picture, so I walked around and talked when I didn't feel like I was imposing too much (which wasn't often).

School spirit and frozen yogurt!

 

     At this event, a little over a year later, my boyfriend told me that he lost me at some points throughout the afternoon because I was lost in conversation with a group of people that he would have sworn I had walked in with if he didn't know better. Truthfully, I get immense joy out of introducing myself, meeting new people, and chatting with them while we support a good cause.

     This signified such growth to me, going from being completely introverted and afraid to put myself out there, to being able to approach a new group of people and have a conversation with them as if we have known each other forever! I couldn't be more thankful for these skills that I have built up through my pageant involvement or for the opportunities I have received that have gotten me to this point.

 

     Win or lose in June - God has certainly blessed me!

Bowling and Beauty Queen(s)...Take 2

     When an event popped up for my platform on Saturday, I couldn't resist attending and meeting more of the wonderful kids who have experienced hearing loss.
     This particular event took me to Mockingbird Bowling Alley where kids through grade six were invited to hang out and bowl with other students who have experienced hearing loss. Upon arriving, I met Izzy, a young girl who was attending her very first MRP outing. It was an honor to meet Izzy - she reminded me a little of myself. Izzy currently knows minimal sign language and admitted to me that she was shy - that's easy to understand when you have to learn to communicate in a new manner and have trouble hearing those around you. That is exactly what happened to me!

     Throughout the day, Izzy and I met the other kids together. We met kids like Zach and Jorge, who were mostly able to talk to us and kids like Kaleb and Ian who communicated mostly through sign language.

With Jorge and Molly. Jorge got a number of strikes and spares - I would have been a little scared to play him!

 

With Molly. She was incredibly sweet and told me what Ian was saying when I really struggled with something!

 

With Zach and Kaleb. They were a joy to watch. Zach managed to bowl a strike for a friend and spent the rest of the outing trying to bowl a strike for himself!

 

     The kids seemed to have a lot of fun, but it was Ian who really made my experience memorable! Despite the language barrier separating us, Ian wouldn't give up on me. He excitedly sped through his stories, but did slow down when I asked and he repeated things as necessary. When I wasn't getting something, he found a different way to sign and let me know what he was trying to say. Even while retelling the same element of his story several times, Ian remained excited! It was really touching that this young boy was so patient and understanding and intent on communicating with me despite the troubles it presented. This is the same kind of understanding and patience that I hope to spread to the rest of our society so that we can open as many lines of communication as possible.

Heartland Walk for Warmth

 

With some volunteers at the Heartland Walk for Warmth

 

     After stealing about four hours of sleep, I awoke Saturday morning to prepare for three back-to-back appearances. Now I don't normally go looking to completely fill my schedule like this, but I had agreed to attend the Walk for Warmth Saturday morning before Aleah Peters (Miss Douglas County) had suggested doing the dance marathon together. Two appearances didn't sound bad. Then, I found an appearance for my platform and just knew I had to be there, so I scheduled this third appearance. Then, my boyfriends parents announced that Saturday was also the day of the grand opening for their new TCBY. Not only was it extremely important for me to be there to support them because I care about them, but they also agreed to donate part of the days proceeds to the Children's Miracle Network if I would make an appearance. Thus I ended up with a nearly 24 hour marathon to begin my weekend!

 

     The first event Saturday was the Heartland Walk for Warmth. Knowing I was leaving my warm house to spend a few hours in the cold, I wrapped up in my warmest clothes, got in my car, turned up the heat, and turned on my heated seats (which I have become highly fond of in the winter months).
     I spent a good part of the morning shivering, but that was exactly the point. As I was being interviewed with Ellie Lorenzen (Miss Nebraska USA) and Kandis Friedenbach (Mrs. Nebraska) for a local radio station, it really hit me.
     So many of us take our heat for granted. We go home and turn on our heat, we use heated blankets, we get in our cars and turn on the heat, we use our heated seats, and we walk into heated buildings when we go to work, school, or activities. Often times we even complain about how cold it is - I know I do.
     But the reality is that there are people out there who don't have the option to go inside and warm-up or to avoid the bitter cold that Nebraska winters bring. It is estimated that 11.3% of the Omaha population lives in poverty. Since 2009, we have seen a 20.9% increase in need for OPPD's energy assistance program, which includes 401 senior citizens.
     This isn't a problem that we should be ignoring and the walk aims to do exactly that. Not only does it raise awareness when kind, charitable individuals give up a morning of warmth to walk in the cold weather of our great state, but these people have also raised funds in order to provide heat (and cooling for the summer months) to individuals who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it.
     So, if you get a chance, please visit the website, donate a little bit to help heat a home, and consider joining us for the walk next year!
     You can find all the information at:  heartlandwalkforwarmth.org

Dance Marathon

  

   With several of the Miracle Kids at the UNL Dance Marathon! I just love spending time with them - I even got autographs from some of the kids!

    Four events spread out over nearly 24 hours, Five hours of practice, and another appearance - needless to say I am exhausted now that the weekend is over! Honestly, I wouldn't have traded this weekend for the world though!
     Despite the snow, several of us Miss Nebraska contestants made the trek out to Lincoln Friday night to take part in the Dance Marathon - a truly unique and unbelievably fun fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network.

     After a brief dinner and a stop at Starbucks (which would be necessary looking at the twelve hours of dancing ahead of us), we entered the packed UNL Student Union and made our way through the crowds of carefree college kids. After taking some pictures together, Aleah Peters, Mindy Schreiber, Rachel Foehlinger, Charissa Hauge, Meghan Thalken, and I went down to visit the Family Room where the Miracle Families that we were celebrating were hanging out and playing games. If you truly want to be inspired, talk with any of these kids or their families for five minutes.  

Quick photo-op!

One of the miracle kids - he was just too cute!

     While we were in the family room, we met many of the kids and their families who seemed to be truly enjoying the evening. One of the girls we met however, truly inspired all of us.

     Hope started the evening by saying how much she wanted to wear a crown like ours, so we quickly made that dream come true, and Charissa put the crown upon Hope's head. To see the way Hope's eyes lit up - the feeling was indescribable, but it certainly melted my heart!

     You probably need to watch out for Hope on the Miss Nebraska stage someday too - she went on to lead a rap session with us, singing "hey big daddy, hey big daddy, hey" and beat-boxing when we took over the rapping! Talk about a little girl who is completely comfortable in who she is and what she has to offer the world! Everyone could take a few notes from Hope!

 

 Glow-sticks!

Having fun dancing!

     After we left the family room, we finally hit the dance floor upstairs. Last year, I was really kind of on my own in terms of the things I did before Miss Nebraska. I have felt so honored and blessed to be able to experience so many things with my sister queens this year, including the Marathon. It was so fun to just forget about all of our pageant responsibilities and to just get to know each other better and to enjoy each others company! It was so fun dancing with the girls and we even got to sneak away for some girl talk for a little bit! 

 

2A.M. - Waiting for the Bathtub Dogs to start!

      The organizers of the event also provided food for us throughout the night, and I don't think anyone moved faster toward the Raising Cane's that was provided than the pageant girls!
      Although I was prepped for a whole 12 hours of fun and dancing with the girls, several of them were tired and had important things going on the next day. At about 2:30 Meghan, Rachel, Charissa, and I finally decided to turn in and Charissa and I began the trek back to Omaha. I am happy to say that I was very awake for the hour drive back to my house, but I am thankful that I was able to snag about four hours of sleep before my first event Saturday morning!