Happy New Year!!

Taking some pictures at the Peg Harris Christmas Recital at Frenchtown Square Mall.

Being "crowned" by a Peg Harris dancer at Matthes Tree Farms!

Miss Monroe County Outstanding Teen, Jordan, and myself at the Frenchtown Twp Christmas Party.

Happy New Year!!

As we begin to busy ourselves with New Year's resolutions, holiday clean-up, and a return to normalcy... it is important to look at the year in review, celebrate, and remember 2006! As I look back on the past 365 days, I must say that I have had one life-changing year. Through becoming Miss Monroe County 2006, I have been blessed with many more friends, memories and experiences.

Here are just a few that I can not help but look back upon... and smile:

* At a Princess Tea Party in Erie, MI, a three-year-old Cinderella raised her hand in the middle of my talk on what life is like as a real princess :o) to tell me that her mom is the Best Strawberry Picker!!

* The Miss Monroe County Board of Directors made a generous memorial donation to the Make-a-Wish Foundation in honor of my Pipi who passed away one month ago. He was one of my biggest fans! How lucky I am to have such a supportive and caring board of directors to work with!!

* I recieved a handful of Christmas cards from people throughout the county thanking me for my dedication and committment to the community and the Miss Monroe County program. However, my favorite card (sent by our Junior Miss Monroe County, Cassidy) read... "I really look up to you. You are my best friend, and I want it to stay that way forever! Merry Christmas!" Spending time with our younger titleholders has been amazing!

* I was asked by Angela Corsi, Miss Michigan 2006, to write a letter of recommendation for her for the 2007 Miss America Quality of Life Award. What an honor!! She is such an inspiring and beautiful woman and I am blessed to know her.

* Caden, Abigail, Courtney, Dominique, Melissa, Ryan, Darnell, Samantha... the wish children that I have worked with this year have left everlasting imprints on my heart and soul. Their smiles and laughter are truly unforgettable (Especially Caden's wish for a trip to McDonalds!)

* In September, I was recognized by the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Michigan as a "Shining Star!" This was such an honor! and has only inspired me to dedicate more of my time and talents to this wonderful organization.

With many more appearances and opportunities ahead of me in 2007... including my Miss Monroe County Cow Plop fundraiser, I am excited for the next year!

Wishing you all a 2007 FULL of blessings and joyous memories!!


Upcoming appearances:

January 6: Miss Spirit of the State Pageant

January 18: Detroit Tigers Winterfest Tour at Monroe County Community College

January 20: Make-a-Wish Fundraiser at Curves in Temperance, MI. Come and learn to salsa dance and jump on the circuit with me to raise funds for wish children in our area!

January 26: Monroe County Intermediate School District Visit