The rocks in my head

Well, it's been awhile since my last post (oddly enough I feel as if I'm in the confessional at church). The rocks in my head got loose and have been wreaking havoc on me. The official diagnosis is benign positional vertigo and let me tell ya, it ain't fun. Think of your worst drunk/hangover combo with no end in sight. Yeah, good times. NO!! Unfortunately, it has included a couple of hospital visits and mucho drugs to finally come to this conclusion. Many thanks to the docs of Ohio Head and Neck Surgeons for bringing me back to the land of the living yesterday. My treatments won't be done until next week, but at least I can finally walk, speak, and watch tv without feeling like I am going to lose my cookies. Today has been the first day that I can look at the computer enough to actually post, and so here I am. I'm ba-aack!

Santa's Little Helper

Mel has been asked by the Marines to represent Toys For Tots as their spokesperson, and she is doing such a great job. They've also joined her in promoting her platform of volunteerism by supporting her coloring book project and distributing them with the children's gifts this year. She is a great Miss Ohio and I'm so proud of her. The legacy she is leaving is truly far-reaching and meaningful. It's an exciting time!

The last team to arrive may be eliminated

Me & Kandace P

I have been an Amazing Race fan since it began, secretly hoping that someday I might be one of those lucky contestants. Well this season's race has held even more excitment since one of my very favorite girls in the pageant world is racing. I met Kandace a few years ago through a mutual friend and just loved her. I really hope that she and Dustin win. Either would have made a great Miss America. Actually, K was my fave to win last year's contest, but I guess the judges just didn't see what the rest of America has. That's just fine, I'm sure this gig will more than make up for it. It's gonna pay off in spades. Keep kickin their asses girls!

The end of an era...some of my faves of one of my faves

Where's the Nimbus?

Miss Lake Erie: The tradition continues...

The wind blew and the sh*t flew, and in walked Leslie!

Crazy girls!

I have a gun, and I'm not afraid to use it

Always a crowd pleaser!

With the famous (or infamous) Tony B

You've come a long way baby!

What can I say to you Leslie? You HAVE come a long way, baby. Life has a way of sending us those special people that will always stay a part of our lives and we'll cherish them forever. Your friendship means more to me than any words can express! We've made so many awesome memories, and I know that we'll continue to make more. From that very first crown til now, you have and always will be my "Miss Ohio". Love you (Chris too)!

And the new Miss Clayland is...Allie!!

Clayland Top 3: Lauren H, Allie & Karissa M.

Allie's crowning moment

Two gorgeous Miss Claylands!

It was a wonderfully exciting evening, culminating in the crowning of yet another "Tiara" girl! I've known Allie since she was about 13, and it's been quite a pleasure watching her growup before my very eyes. She has become a lovely and thoughtful woman, with a heart of gold. Love you Al!!

Miss Miami Valley: From Mel to Sophia!

Sophia is doing a great job as Miss Miami Valley and I am so happy that she's gotten the opportunity to go back to Miss Ohio this year. She's such an intelligent and beautiful young woman and is really going places in this life. She's been a joy to work with and she has a real passion for what she does and whom she affects. She's a very special girl.

Passing the Miss Northcoast crown: From Jill to Andrea

Andrea, Leslie & Jillian

Two stunning Northcoast Queens!

Andrea & Amy

Katie & Jill

Amy, Leslie, Jill, Meredith & Katie

There is nothing quite like seeing a young woman win her first title and watching Andrea win Miss Northcoast was no exception. She has been working towards this goal for so long, and I was so happy to have been there to see it!

Congrats to you Andrea, for never giving up and congrats to Jillian for doing such a great job!

You girls are the greatest!

"Coaching" is like mastering the art of gardening...

There are many different types and each needs something different and unique to help it grow to be a prize winning flower.

Each has a beauty all it's own. Colors, fragrance, petals-each equally important to that particular bloom.

Many beautiful flowers grow wild, and some with little attendance will grow nicely also. Some need shade, while others need full sun and some need much water, while others need virtually none, but all strive to grow.

The ones tended by the gardener, though, with care and love for each individual blossom and it's own place in the garden are the ones that flourish the most.

You rock Abby!

The name on everybody's lips is gonna be Abby!

Abby in her element!

Leslie & Abby

Abby & Mel

Marlia, Erin J, Kim, Julie I, Abby, Manda, Amanda R, & Leslie

Abby, Amanda R, Manda, & April C

Abby with her wonderful parents, Tim & Vickie

Amy's Fitness USA Top 20

Amy was Top 20 at Ms. Fitness USA in Las Vegas!! I'm so excited and proud that she did so well at her very first national competition. Amy is a former Bengals cheerleader, and only began competing in fitness competitions this year. We had a great time preparing and I know that she'll realize that dream and become Ms. Fitness World really soon. You go girl! I'm so proud of you!

There she is...

This weekend, my wonderful friend Abby will be closing a very successful chapter in her life and passing her crown for the final time. She's been an inspiration and role model for so many young women, and continues to be in her new career as the "Face of Fox Toledo". Abby, you are a super great chick, and I'm so lucky to count you in my circle of true friends. Stay true to you! You're the best!

Did I ever say how proud I am of the accomplishments of my friends?

Abby & Katie

Marlia

Jessie, Mel, Amanda, Bryn, Andrea, Jillian & Meredith

Jilly

I am so proud to call these young women my friends. They keep me young and on my toes. I love you "tiaras". You're my girls for life!

My Princess

Princess Lemon Lee is the most important princess in the land. She is the answer to all of my hopes and dreams and I love her with all of my heart. I will support her in all pursuits of her dreams and I hope that she stays as happy and spunky as she is now, forever.

Friends

Me & Mel

Lemon Lea, Bdawg, Leslie, Me & E

Leslie, Jillian & Meredith

Allie & Sylvia

Baby Zoe & Andrea

Mary Ann, Meredith, Meghan, Andrea, Me, Lexi, Zaina & Dolli

To go along with my previous post, I've decided to take the time to tell my friends that I really do cherish each one of them. It's my honor to call you my friends. More photos coming...

It's the friends you make...

Me & Manda

I am so excited to share that one of my best friends in the whole wide world, Manda, has asked me to be her matron of honor. And...I am honored, and humbled. My grandfather always told me that it's the friends you make that help with life stumbles. It's the friends you make that share the greatest of secrets. It's the friends you make that will take pride in your accomplishments. Those friends are true. Here's to my true friends! Cheers!

Some of my favorite photos...

Leslie, Amanda & Mel

I love these girls!!

Show us your shoe, 'Manda!

Marlia and the legendary, Jim Tressel

Mel & Abby

Every Girl Dreams of Being a Princess

Allie, Marlia, Me, Leslie, Jillian, & Heather

I've been involved in pageantry for over a decade and continue to learn from the incredible people who impact my life, because of my involvement. This is dedicated to those who have truly believed. I love you guys!