AUGUST 17, 2006
MRS. MINNESOTA SEND-OFF PARTY AT CHAMPPS (NEW BRIGHTON, MN)

WOW, what a night! One of my best friends Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop by Michael's) hosted a "Mrs. MN Send-Off Party" held at Champps in New Brighton. The decorations were all red/white/blue and she had fun little crowns on the table for people to wear, as well as a tasty cake with my photo superimposed on the frosting. Many of my closest friends and family attended, and I was so touched by the well-wishers who came to offer their support. Kim Dorn (Mrs. MN 2005) gave me the COOLEST scrapbook ever...it has a crown on the front that LIGHTS UP! Our daughter Ava is fascinated by it and won't stop pushing the button. Many thanks to Sarah, my husband & family, Tami Krause (Mrs. MN 2003), Kim & Kris Dorn (Mrs. & Mr. MN 2005), Faith & Carl Schway (my directors), Robin & Mark Duffney (Mrs. & Mr. MN 1995), Dennis & Cheryl Trainor, Danielle & Arielle Cezanne, Marcia & Bree Anderson, Angela Haseman (Mrs. MN Intl 2006), Brenda Torre, Scott Hedblom, Trixie & Rod Overcashier (Mrs. & Mr. MN Intl 1998), Nancy, Francois, & David Paradeise (Natl Mrs. MN 2006), Allison Stavrakis (Mrs. MN Intl State Director), Donnell Rank (Natl Mrs. MN 2005), Laurie & Megan Ehlert (Miss Teen MN Intl 2006), Cheri Kennedy, Leisha Gust, Joanie Clausen, Jessica Dereschuck (Miss MN USA 2004), Becky Ringen (Miss MN Intl 2006), Sarah Wall (Miss International 2005), Bridget Jaeger...and anyone else that I may have forgotten! I could not do it without your love and support!

PHOTOS:
1) Matt being a good sport and wearing his "crown."
2) These photo cakes are so cool!
3) Matt & I w/ my awesome state directors Faith & Carl Schway
4) L to R: My mom, Matt, Ava, & I, Kathryn Ernst, Caroline Fortmeyer (my awesome mother & sister-in-law, respectively)
5) L to R: Dennis Trainor, Faith Schway, Cheryl Trainor, Robin & Mark Duffney (Mrs. & Mr. MN '95), Trixie Overcashier (Mrs. MN Intl '98), & Carl Schway enjoy the festivies.
6) The MRS queens of Minnesota! L to R: Angela Haseman (Mrs. MN Intl 2006), Sarah Moses (who wardrobed all of us!), me, & Nancy Paradeise (Natl Mrs. MN 2006)
7) I have big shoes to fill! L to R: Kim Dorn (Mrs. MN 2005), Sarah Moses (we all bought our gowns from her), me, Tami Krause (Mrs. MN 2003)...she's expecting her 3rd baby ANY day! Thanks for coming!