Turning 40 and one day

Yesterday was a pretty tough day for me. Turning 40 meant a time of reflecting on what I've accomplished, what I've become, and what I have still left to do. It's a very honest reflection to say that I haven't done anything without passion, I've loved what life has provided me, and if I really assess my life by the love of my family, and loyalty of my friends, so far, it's been pretty damn good! So here's to no more tears about lost years, and to the blessing of a new day everyday. On to 40 and two days...

Speaking of brides, bridal showers, and upcoming weddings, it's Mel's turn!

Matt proposing to Mel (June 2007)

She said yes!

They're engaged!

Yeah!!!

I went to my mailbox yesterday, and received my invite to Mel's upcoming bridal shower, and I figured I would blog about the engagement. To say it was exciting just doesn't do it any justice. Matt made sure that we knew it would be a very important night, and Bryan and I were both thrilled to be there amongst the family to witness this most wonderful moment. I know they're going to be a very happy, and loving couple, and will have a great life! Love you guys!

One more pic...

Me, Manda, Z, and Hil

It's about time!!

The happy couple

Me, Craig, Manda, & Mel

Cuttin the cake

What a bunch of fun girls!

Amanda & her beautiful mom, Anna Banana

I have to say it was an honor and a privilege to be asked by Manda to be her Matron of Honor. We had such a great time and it was so great to see these two finally get hitched (after 7 years together!) To say I love these guys is an understatement. Many people have asked me what I get out of coaching...well, here's your answer. The best friends in the whole wide world, that's what!

Interrupting past news to celebrate my baby's 13th birthday!

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Emmy

Happy Birthday to you

I love you my sweet baby girl and can't believe you're officially a teenager now. Please stay as wonderful as you are today, forever. You're the best daughter any mom could ever hope for.

My third Miss America experience

Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures for the final night of competition. I got to see Mel right afterwards, as I was her backstage person, and helped her gather her things up in the tent behind the theater. It was pretty cool seeing behind the curtain, so to speak. Most of the girls honestly seemed relieved to be packing up and going home. Mel and I had the chance to share a special moment and tell each other how great it was to have experienced this together. Mel is like a lil sis/daughter to me, and it just felt right to be the one to pick her up, dust her off, and send her on her way again. She came home and rightly became the best Miss Ohio she possibly could be. It all seemed to come full circle. The year before when we came to Vegas to watch Marlia compete she said to me that she was going to be the one on that stage the next year. She believed it through and through and there we were. It was one of the greatest feelings to know that she had a chance to live out her dream.

Either you're in or you're out~Heidi Klum

Kayne & Me

Doin bizness

Allie & Kayne

Shelly, Me & Allie at PF Changs (our 2nd home)

Allie and I had been talking about our chances of running into our favorite Project Runway diva, Kayne and thought that we might just get lucky. Well, wouldn't you know it. After Night Three visitation, who should I run in to, but the one and only Kayne Gillespie! I squealed in delight and screamed for Allie. Needless to say, we were both just giddy. Kayne was wonderful and we've now become friends. He even designed Jilly Bean's Miss Ohio gown last year. I love him!

More from Night Three

One of the bestest buddies I could ask for!

My wonderful friends and neighbors, Ann & Allie

What a great couple, bel Duetto & best buds, Craig & Amanda

A moment between Miss Ohios

The rowdy Ohio crew!! Woohoo!!

Miss America 2007 Prelim Night Three: Oh what a night!

A happy night

Love ya Mel!

Mel with her wonderful parents, Eddie & Eva

Mel & Patrice

Me with one generous lady, Patrice Catan

Night three of Miss A was unbelievable. Mel looked so beautiful in SS & EG, and we were all so proud of her. We heard from many other states' folks and they thought she should have won ss. It was a great night and the Vegas atmosphere just made it that much more exciting.

Spending the day shopping and more

Me, Kelsey, & Shelly

Las Vegas

Vegas Baby!

Shelly and I had a great time during the day after rehearsals, just shopping and meeting people. We had a chance to visit with many of the Outstanding State Teens and got a shot with our own Ohio's Outstanding Teen Kelsey Bellew. She's a great girl, and I'm really hoping that she continues in the system. She will make a great Miss Ohio someday!

Prelim Night Two continued

Jilly

Allie looking like a cutie pie!

The two Marias

Allie & Maria DeSantis, Miss America's Outstanding Teen

More pics from Miss America...Prelim Night Two

Prelim Night two at Miss America and homegirl looked fierce! She nailed that onstage question and was feeling good!

Showing the M for Maria's girls

Much love for my honeys!

I'm so proud!

Mel & Jilly Bean

Mel & Tony

Runnin' with the big dogs! Prelim Night One

It was so exciting to see Mel living out her dream, and competing on Night One of Preliminary competition. She was happy and excited and it was great to be there and share in her experience. I will never forget the talks we had and tears we shared as we worked to have her at her very best. And she was. Judging standards are subjective, and that goes with the territory. I am proud of the woman she has become through her experiences as Miss Ohio and in pursuing her dream to become Miss America.

Me & Mel

Amanda, Mel & Me

Allie, Jill & Manda, love these girls

Jill & Amanda

Eddie, Mel & Grampa Murphy

I'm a bad blogger

I've come to realize that I am a bad blogger. I have so much to say, but no time to say it. I guess I'll just have to make more of an effort to FIND the time. That being said, I'm going to post some photos from the past year's Miss America, Miss Ohio, and other happenings. Get ready, cuz here they come!

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