Armed Forces Foundation Dinner - Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda

Farewell

When I entered my very first pageant 3 years ago, at the age of 34, my only real goal was to wear a sparkly dress…something I hadn’t done since my wedding day. As I grew into my role of working wife and mother, my love for sweatpants and t-shirts grew along with it and one day dressing up meant putting on a pair of nice work pants and doing my hair meant throwing it up in a pony tail.

As a kid, my closet was full of pretty dresses and I’d often wear my favorite one to go play in the sandbox and collect lizards. I have to laugh at the irony of life because here I stand once again in a pretty dress preparing to go play in the sandbox in Afghanistan one more time.

Through every deployment there is one organization I know I can always count on to help me through it, The Armed Forces Foundation. Thank you Patricia Driscoll for allowing me to be a small part of the amazing things you do for our military families…mine included.

A long shot from the start I had a lot to learn about being lady after 9 years in combat boots and there is only a handful of people capable of making that transformation. Deborah Wright, Sheri Jenkins, Suzy Bootz, Joey Retherford, Clay Spann, and Terri Rubin—I learned the meaning of the words style, grace, and elegance from each of you.

To the judges of 2011, thank you for the sparkly hat and incredible memories. One judge in particular, Pennsylvania Representative, The Honorable Jerry Stern, you are a class act and I am proud to call you my mentor and friend.

Dani (NJ), Sheila (NY), & Jenny (OH) – my year wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun without the three of you. Just being around you ladies makes me smile.

To Sandra (MD), Tiffany (CA), Angelique (TX), Cydney (AP), Lynn (AL), Autumn (OK), Mary A (RI), Melissa Z (SE), Mary-Marsha (TN), Laura (WA). & Donna (SS). You are some of the smartest and hardworking women I know. I couldn't have been more honored to be among your company. Ladies like you make good things happen!

Julia & Kaitlyn – You’re the little sisters I never had and I look forward to popping in on you every once in a while and watch you grow into the amazing women I know you’ll become.

I give much love and thanks to the Mrs. International pageant system for providing the occasion for this tired working soccer mom to put on a dress and I have to give extra special thanks to Jodi, Scott, & Sami Cessna--your friendship and love was the best part of having this title.

My son Aidan – Thank you Bubba for giving up your Xbox tonight and on many other nights to stand by my side and give hugs.

My daughter Maddie – Thank you for helping Mommy pick out so many pretty dresses. They are ALL yours sweet pea!!

My husband Todd – You are an absolute saint. Thank you for recognizing that this is exactly what I needed at this point in my life. You are the husband and father that every man can aspire to be and I am lucky to call you mine.

To Mr. & Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2012- True happiness is not made in getting something. True happiness is becoming something. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well….

Thank you Pennsylvania for an amazing year!!

Flag Presentation

I never imagined my farewell as Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2011 would be more special than the night I was given this honor, but it was. Thank you Scott, Jodi, Jerry, & Sami. I will never ever forget what you did for me that night! Ever!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgbHW8mY12E&feature=youtu.be

Congratulations to the 2012 Pennsylvania International Titleholders

Please welcome three amazing ladies to the PA International family! Be sure to follow their adventures on Facebook and learn more about the International system and how you can make a difference too!

Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2012 - Kimberly McLendon
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kimberly-McLendon-Mrs-Pennsylvania-International-2012/418186368206816?ref=ts

Miss Pennsylvania International 2012 - Kelsey Landy
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kelsey-Landy-Miss-Pennsylvania-International-2012/138606696267037?ref=ts

Miss Teen Pennsylvania International 2012 - Julianne Biddle
https://www.facebook.com/missteenpainternational2012?ref=ts

Pennsylvania International Pageant 2012

New Jersey International Pageant 2012

Pennsylvania International Pageant Seminar