Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade-NYC

There are no words to truly describe my gratitude for the invitation to attend this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  This was a once in a lifetime experience that has given me memories I will cherish forever!  My most sincere "thank you" goes out to Mr. Robin Hall, the Senior Vice President of Macy's Parade & Entertainment, for extending the invitation to my husband and I.  The parade was spectacular and our seats had us actively engaged with all the parade performers and participants.  It was such a wonderful feeling to have participants in the parade wave to me and be excited to meet Mrs. United States!  After the parade, Jarod and I were personally escorted by Mr. Hall to a private after party located on the top floor of Macy's.  The party was beautifully catered and had several flat screen televisions playing the parade.  I had a wonderful time taking pictures with everyone and signing autographs.  The hospitality was undeniable, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of something I have cherished my entire life!  

Family Thanksgiving

         

I just love celebrating the holidays with family! Since Jarod and I are going to New York for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, we celebrated early with our family!  This was my first opportunity to wear the beautiful banner apron made by Patti Council of Pageant Personality.  The food was great and the company was even better! I am thankful for all the many blessings in my life! I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving and Happy Holiday season!

Miss Mississippi USA/Miss Teen Mississippi USA

 

Welcome to fabulous Tunica, MS!  Harrah's Hotel and Casino was the perfect venue for this year's Miss Mississippi USA and Miss Teen Mississippi USA pageant.  The show was wonderfully fast-paced and exciting, complete with celebrity judges such as Chelsea Cooley Altman (Miss USA 2005) and Beth Hood Fromm (4th runner up to Miss USA 2003 and Miss America Talent Award Winner) and hosts Kym Clark and Grace Gore Sturdivant.  In attendance were the reining Miss Tennessee USA, Ashley Durham, and Miss Teen Tennessee USA, Kaitlin White.  Also in attendance, my friend and pageant genius, Steven Fields, from J.S. Fields and Company. The night proved to be a memorable one with Keeley Patterson taking the Miss Mississippi USA crown and Sarah Bobo being the newly crowned Miss Teen Mississippi USA!  Good luck to both beautiful titleholders as you compete for your respective crowns!     

Arthritis Foundation Monster Dash and Bash

Spooky ghosts and goblins, beautiful princesses and storybook characters and ...dogs in costumes?!  What an evening for a run!  The Arthritis Foundation raised over $30,000 at the annual Monster Dash and Bash 5K and 1 mile fun run.  Not only was my run club involved in the fun run, I also was able to be a "celebrity guest" at the event.  I had a wonderful time judging the costume contest and cheering on the runners!  There was fabulous food, live music and plenty of family fun and games.  Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Arthritis Foundation!