MAY 28, 2007 MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT VIEWING PARTY

Three days before the Miss Universe pageant aired, I decided to host a last minute pageant "viewing" party at our house. It is always much more fun to watch a pageant with a group of girlfriends! Everyone brought an appetizer/dessert/munchies and we all agreed that calories did not count on this night. Our 2 1/2 year old daughter Ava was SOOOOO excited to have all of the "girls" over at her house for a party, and greeted each guest at the door so that she could show off her "clapper" shoes (if you've been reading my blog, you might remember me mentioning her "clapper" shoes that she is so fond of...these are play/dress-up shoes that make a "clapping" noise as she walks along any hard floor, and she LOVES them and thinks she is very fancy in them). She was in her element, let me tell you! Miss Social Butterfly should be Ava's title (and I just can't figure out where she gets it--HA)! Wendi Russo (one of the contestants for Mrs. MN America 2007) arrived a bit later because her daughter was ill, and she had barely sat down when Ava came right over and plunked herself down in Wendi's lap, and then proceeded to dig through her purse in search of lip gloss. Go figure! Luckily, Wendi has a daughter the same age herself so she wasn't offended...ah, little girls! Ava was twirling and dancing for everyone and had the best time (and thank you to everyone for being so patient with her...it is hard to watch a pageant with an ankle-biter twirling and whirling in front of the television!). Others in attendance were my mom Bonnie, Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop by Michael's), Bessie Giannakakis (another 2007 contestant for Mrs. MN America), Marcia & Brie Anderson, Laurie & Megan Ehlert (Miss MN Teen Int'l 2006), Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l 2007), Sarah Tichich (Mrs. MN United States 2007), Andrea Sabin, Kris Mohlin, and me of course. We all let out a collective GASP when Miss USA fell, but agreed that she handled it with as much style and grace as was humanly possible. My personal pick for the crown was Miss Venezuela, but that just goes to show you that in pageantry, you never know what can happen! Thanks everyone for coming, and we'll have to do it again soon...anyone up for Miss Teen USA in August?

PHOTOS:
1 & 2) Watching the pageant
3) L to R: Bessie Giannakakis (Mrs. Edina), me holding my daughter Ava (2 1/2), and Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie)
4) We grabbed some crowns out of my curio cabinet and had some fun (note that Sarah Moses pulled out the biggest crown, an old "Guy Rex" crown of mine from when I was Miss 1993 Wisconsin World America)...L to R: Donnell Rank (Mrs. MN Int'l '07), Sarah Tichich (Mrs. MN US '07), Sarah Moses (owner of The Pageant Shop), and me
5) Ava with her "Auntie Sarah"
6) Me with my mom Bonnie Henderson (thank you for all your help Mom, you rock!) and Sarah Moses
7) The group "reacts" to Miss USA taking a fall during evening gown (OK, this was TOTALLY a staged photo!)
8) Ava has fun being "one of the girls" with Brie Anderson (2nd RU to Miss MN USA 2007) and Megan Ehlert (Miss MN Teen Int'l '06)

MAY 19, 2007 THE 2ND ANNUAL "BIG PARTY" (ST. PAUL, MN)

The 2nd Annual "Big Party" was our last big hurrah in the series of pre-pageant parties and events for 2007. State Directors Faith & Carl rolled out the red carpet for us and I think everyone had been looking forward to this event for a long time. My husband Matt got super sick on Friday night with a really bad case of the stomach flu, and I was hoping he would be better by Saturday night but unfortunately that was not the case. My mom had made a special trip back from my parents' lake cabin to babysit for us, but she ended up being my date instead. I was really bummed not to have Matt along, but my mom was a great "fill-in"! Apparently Matt wasn't the only one who was sick...Jason Young (husband of Melissa Young - Mrs. MN 2004) of Youngquest Fitness stopped by solo because Melissa was home sick with the same thing.

I have a quick cute story...our 2 1/2 year old daughter Ava isn't attached to a stuffed animal, but INSTEAD is quite attached to her "scarfie" (she LOVES silk scarves and REALLY likes this one in particular...she calls it her "scarfie"). Well, I was getting ready and was in full hair and makeup, with these big sparkly chandelier earrings and wearing a dress where the skirt part was made up of a bunch of "scarf" looking pieces...Ava got a load of me in this dress and was ALL over the scarf-skirt part, working it between her fingers and saying "I hold you?" and "I wear a dress like Mommy?" She could not take her eyes off of me and was saying these things in the CUTEST and SOFT little voice and would not leave my side. It was SO touching and sweet. Well, all of a sudden she took off and was gone a few minutes, then came clomping down the hall wearing her "princess" dress and her "clapper" shoes (she has these play dress-up shoes that make clacking noise on the floor when she walks), and said "NOW I look just like Mommy!" It was really sweet. Needless to say she was NOT happy when we left for the party because she REALLY wanted to come, too.

Everyone looked GREAT at the party (including the husbands), and it was great to see everyone having such a wonderful time. Shannon Martin (Mrs. Wisconsin 2006) made the trip over and it was nice to see some of the Wisconsin contestants in attendance as well. A highlight of the evening were the great hors d'oeuvres and the chocolate fondue fountain. A number of former Mrs. Minnesotas and their husbands attended and it was fun to catch up with many of them. This is a wonderful pageant "family" and I am so excited to see who the new titleholder will be! There are SO many great contestants this year and I truly have no idea who is going to win, and I really feel like it is ANYONE'S game at this point! It is going to be a really fun pageant to watch, that's for sure! The next time I'll see the contestants is at our blocking rehearsal on June 1st...the countdown begins!

PHOTOS:
1) Ava being "just like Mommy" in her princess dress and "clapper" shoes
2) Group shot of the contestants with Shannon Martin (Mrs. WI 2006) and I
3) L to R: WI contestant Ellen Sendelbach, me, and my "date" (my mom Bonnie!)
4) L to R: Barbara Kaiser (Mrs. Woodbury), Tressa Avestruz (Mrs. Rosemount), me, Janelle Zunker (Mrs. Hennepin County), and Katina Schroeder (Mrs. Savage)
5) L to R: Bessie Giannakakis (Mrs. Edina), Tina Godes (Mrs. Eagan), Katie Thiry (Mrs. Washington County), Jenn DeFoe (Mrs. Wright County), me, Shonna Ochu (Mrs. Buffalo), and Dessi Urban (Mrs. Dakota County)
6) Former Mrs. MN's at the party (clockwise from L): Tami Krause (2003), Jane O'Hern (1983), Robin Duffney (1995), Faith Schway (1984), me, Mary Johnson (1982)
7) Faith and I have fun with a "wedding ring" balloon
8) Faith and Carl greet party guests
9) Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie), pageant sponsor Jason Young of Youngquest Fitness, and myself
10) Shannon Martin (Mrs. WI 2006) & I with our fantastic State Directors Faith & Carl Schway

MAY 17, 2007 XTENSION GENERATION PARTY FOR 2007 CONTESTANTS (MPLS, MN)

Originally this party was scheduled for May 1st, but the owner of the salon (Blair) got SUPER sick, so instead it was held last night, Thursday May 17th. The Xtension Generation provides a HUGE prize to Mrs. Minnesota each year in the form of FREE hair extensions for her entire year--a $5,000 value! Last year, I was too nervous to try it before the pageant (plus it was our very last party), so this year the party was a little earlier to allow the contestants ample time to "try out" the extensions before deciding if they want them or not. A number of the contestants had some FREE extensions put in, and guarantee you that they will love them! A HUGE thank you to Blair and Melissa and the other stylists at the Xtension Generation for hosting such a great party. I think everyone had a really good time and was very impressed that two husbands even attended ("Mr." Washington County and "Mr." Eagan--they were great sports and very funny!). I can't believe how quickly these pre-pageant parties are flying by! Our last event (besides the Blocking Rehearsal) is tomorrow night, and that is the 2nd annual "Big Party", which is THE big event of the pre-pageant season. It should be a great time and I know everyone is going to look fantastic in their cocktail attire! See you then!

PHOTOS:
1) L to R: Melissa (stylist), me, and Blair (owner & stylist of Xtension Generation)
2) Deb Erpelding (Mrs. Golden Valley) tries out some extensions
3) L to R: Katie Thiry (Mrs. Washington County), Nichoel Richards-Skramstad (Mrs. Mpls), me, and Tressa Avestruz (seated--Mrs. Rosemount)
4) Directors Faith & Carl listen to Blair talk about her salon
5) L to R: Katie Thiry (Mrs. Washington County), Bessie Giannakakis (Mrs. Edina), Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie), and Dessi Urban (Mrs. Dakota County)
6) Group shot
7) L to R: Bessie Giannakakis (Mrs. Edina), Shonna Ochu (Mrs. Buffalo), me, and Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie)
8) Chatting up a storm are L to R: Nichoel Richards-Skramstad (Mrs. Mpls), Tina Godes (Mrs. Eagan), and Jason & Katie Thiry ("Mr." & Mrs. Washington County)
9) Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie) gives the extensions a try
10) With State Directors Carl & Faith
11) Dessi Urban (Mrs. Dakota County) braves the chair! :)

MAY 13, 2007 RACE FOR THE CURE (BLOOMINGTON, MN - MALL OF AMERICA)

The Mrs. Minnesota America pageant has participated in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure for as many years as I can remember. This year it was again held at the Mall of America, and it was completely humbling to see roughly 50,000 people in attendance. It just shows how prevalent breast cancer really is, and how important it is to find a cure. The Mrs. America pageant partners with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization (what an obvious and natural partnership!), and when I was competing at Mrs. America we attended an informational meeting that left all of us completely inspired to combat this disease. It was fun to see a number of the contestants and their family members in support of this worthy cause. The weather was a bit chilly in the morning but it turned into a beautiful day...a great way to start my 3rd Mother's Day! I also ran into an old friend Paige Swenson (who was Miss MN USA 2000 and recently lost her mother to a long and courageous battle with cancer), so it was great to catch up with her if only for a few moments. There are so many personal stories like hers and it was a great way to reflect on how truly devastating this disease is. A big thank you to those who came to show their support, and see you next year!

PHOTOS:
1) "Team Mrs. Minnesota America" L to R: Janelle Zunker (Mrs. Rogers), Tressa Avestruz (Mrs. Rosemount), Kim Dorn (Mrs. MN 2005), me, Barbara Kaiser (Mrs. Woodbury), and Penny Godbout (Mrs. Hudson-WISCONSIN)
2) My husband Matt and I during the walk
3) Our team and some of their family members in front of the Mall of America sign
4) With pageant friend and Vikings Cheerleader Kristina Ferdig during the walk
5) "We made it!" At the finish line L to R: Carl Schway (State Co-director), Barbara Kaiser (Mrs. Woodbury), Tressa Avestruz (Mrs. Rosemount), me, Janelle Zunker (Mrs. Hennepin County), Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie), and Penny Godbout (Mrs. Hudson-WISCONSIN)

MAY 12, 2007 "MRS. MN AT THE TWINS GAME" (MPLS, MN)

MAY 12, 2007 (MINNEAPOLIS, MN - METRODOME)

An annual tradition in the Mrs. Minnesota pageant is the "Mrs. Minnesota at the Twins Game" event. All of the contestants and their families are invited to a Twins game (this year we played the Detroit Tigers) and the reigning queen (ME!) gets to throw out the first pitch. I had big plans on practicing in preparation for the big event, but alas never even threw a practice pitch. Luckily my arm came through and I got it about three feet from home plate. And it was a straight throw, which is good!

Prior to the game, my husband Matt had a big surprise waiting for me. My parents had met us at our house and we were all planning on driving down to the game together. Matt had been fishing for a few hours that morning, so his car was still hooked up to his boat (in addition to his real job, my husband fishes in professional walleye tournaments). I was confused as to why we weren't going out through the garage (where my car is), but then as I walked out the door, there was a big stretch limo waiting for us! How cute is HE!?!? He was so pleased with himself for pulling off the surprise, and we all enjoyed the ride down to the Metrodome. I got a kick out of how all the people milling around were craning their necks to see what "celebrity" was getting out of the limo (I think they were expecting someone a bit more "famous" than little 'ole me--ha ha!). Anyway, I was just really touched that Matt was so thoughtful and it will be a memory I will always remember.

It was great to see many of the contestants, husbands, and kids, and I think everyone had a great time, even though the Twins lost. And I didn't even embarrass myself too badly with my pitch! My dad said that since they lost the game, I am technically the "losing pitcher." Oh, well, I'll take it because we had a blast anyway! :)

PHOTOS:
1) Matt & I and our limo driver in our driveway with the stretch limousine surprise!
2) Matt & I enjoying the limo ride to the Metrodome
3) Me throwing out the first pitch (yes, it's a blurry photo but it's the only one I have)
4) Walking off the pitching mound with Twins mascot T.C. Bear on the Jumbotron
5) With T.C. Bear
6) My parents Bonnie & Rick Henderson with Matt & I just after the first pitch
7 & 8) Group shots of some of the contestants and their families
9) L to R: Barbara Kasier (Mrs. Woodbury), Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie), and I enjoying the game
10) Some of the Larkin Dads (who are a crowd favorite--they perform each year at the Mrs. MN pageant) worked at the Metrodome and recognized me from last year...they are the NICEST guys ever!
11) With my mom Bonnie
12) Matt and my dad Rick entertain "Mr." Eden Prairie

MAY 6, 2007
BRUNCH AT PANERA BREAD FOR 2007 MRS. MN CONTESTANTS (EAGAN, MN)

Many of the contestants vying for the title of Mrs. Minnesota America 2007 gathered for brunch at Panera Bread in Eagan, MN. It was great to meet many of the husbands as well, and good food and good times were enjoyed by all. As my husband Matt and I were driving down to the event, we both commented that it seemed like AGES ago that we were heading down there last year...it seems like SOOOO much longer than just one year! I guess that is what happens when you pack a lot into 365 days! State Directors Faith & Carl Schway greeted everyone and assistant director Robin Duffney (Mrs. MN 1995) was introduced as well. Robin was an incredible supporter during my time at Mrs. America and I hope she knows how much that meant to me! Two new pageant sponsors attended, one from Arbonne and another from Natural Hair Extensions who will be providing hair extensions to the WI & IA queens (the MN winner receives free hair extensions for one year from the Xtension Generation). A big thank you to Panera Bread for once again giving us the royal treatment, and to Faith & Carl for organizing such wonderful events for the contestants!

PHOTOS:
1) "Mr. Minnesota" (my husband Matt) and I
2) Group shot - thank you Panera Bread!
3) State Directors Carl & Faith Schway with my husband Matt & I
4) L to R: Tressa Avestruz (Mrs. Rosemount), me, and Nichoel Richards (Mrs. Mpls)
5) Former Mrs. Minnesotas (L to R): Robin Duffney (1995), me, Faith Schway (1985), and Kim Dorn (2005)
6) L to R: Jenn DeFoe (Mrs. Wright County), me, and Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie) holding her cutie patootie daughter Chloe.
7) Katina Schroeder (Mrs. Savage), Deb Erpalding (Mrs. Golden Valley), me, and Katie Thiry (Mrs. Washington County)
8) With Janelle Zunker (Mrs. Hennepin County)
9) Matt & I again