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*Buy my dresses*...you know you want to! I've got a closet that's over flowing and is in need of some revamping! There's more where this came from, too. I've got to give my supply of clothing and dresses and what-not, a "restoration" because...it won't fit in our new house! That's right...Steve & I will be homeowners soon! So if you're interested, please leave me a comment and I will provide you with my email address! Keep checking back for more dress options! Enjoy!

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Steve & I had the pleasure of attending a close friend of mine's wedding yesterday. You all know her too, Terri! We drove up early because I was privileged to be a soloist for the pre-processional. I sang "Open Arms" & "Blessed", Tim O'Guinn sang "Dance With My Father" which was extremely touching. We had such a nice time and the wedding was wonderful! Terri looked beautiful and her new hubby Brian didn't look so bad himself! Ha! It was really nice to see a lot of familiar faces and get to catch up with people, people who sometimes I only see in June! For their first dance, Terri & Brian started out slow with my favorite (Tim McGraw) but then got down and boogied to a song choreographed by Melanie Murphy-Miller! I don't want to forget to mention that I caught the bouquet! Everyone made me get up for the bouquet toss, even though I have a ring on my finger Terri said "I don't care, I want you up here!" I did & what do ya know!? It was like she was aiming for me. I gave the flowers to Brian's daughter, Tori, because she told me numerous times just how bad she wanted it! It was a very memorable night that I am very happy to have been a part of!

Me with my amazing "host mom" Lorrie, the new Mrs. Bednarz & Melanie!

Brian & Terri gettin' down on the dance floor!

Robyn Hancock-Wenske, Melanie Murphy-Miller & I at the reception.


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I have had (still have) a full plate since returning from Miss America. Steve's mother had a birthday the day after we got back from our ventures in Vegas. The following day Steve & I (finally) made the trip to pick out tuxedos for the big day! It wasn't as easy as we anticipated. There was a lot to choose from. When we finally got the information out to the groomsmen, one went to get fitted. He called us to let us know the jacket didn't match the pants! I said to myself "If this is how things will go wrong during the planning process, I am a.o.k. with it!" However, the next day I went to the jeweler to order Steve's ring and the person we worked with, did not write down Steve's ring size! How does that happen? Isn't that a part of their job as a jeweler? I'm not getting frustrated, not at all! Sarcasm! Really though, it could definitely be worse. I'm sure some of my readers could tell me horror stories!

Steve's mom agreed to help me hand address the envelopes for our invitations. She's cursed with great penmanship. We started last weekend and hope to have them post marked for Valentine's Day! I'm sure you're saying "Aww..." or "Gag me..." I took my dress in for alterations and had to part with it until mid-March! Oh how it pains me! But it will be more beautiful and fit more like a glove, for the big day! For obvious reasons, I can't show you a picture of my dress but here's a pic of our invites:An acquaintance of mine, Kari Virding (Miss Oregon '07), was married over the weekend! I was cordially invited to her special day but was not been able to make it! Mine & Kari's friend, Kaitlynne Postel (Miss Kentucky '07), was able to go however. She was one of her bride's maid's! I had to share these pictures of the new Mr. & Mrs.:
Scanning through her photos got me so excited for our wedding day, which is really right around the corner! I booked the DJ last week as well and set up an appointment with our caterer to go over entrees! Yum! Even though this has been a little overwhelming at times, it is truly a LOT of fun! I've been trying to hold on to my sanity through all the traveling, school, work and wedding planning!

My little sister, Faye, had a blast this past weekend as a featured performer at Miss Maple City! We took our "family act" on the road as both of us performed on the Ernsthausen stage in Norwalk! I had my work cut out for me but I had the pleasure of choreographing the contestants for opening number, introductions, swimsuit and crowning! Faye & I both sang during pre-show. I sang "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" by Dusty Springfield & I SO wanted to sing "Open Arms" for practice before Terri's wedding! She sang "There's Your Trouble" for pre-show & "I Heart Question-Mark" (which is SO cute, by Taylor Swift) during the competition & I asked each lovely lady their on-stage question! I always have a nice time in Norwalk with Dolly, Wil & the MMC Crew! I also got to catch up with Natalie (Heilman) Clark! It felt like I saw her just last week but really it had been since MY FIRST YEAR competing at Miss Ohio! Which was her last! She & Heather Wells did a splendid job as emcees for the event! Here are some photos:













































































































































Congratulations to the new Miss Maple City, Ashleigh Lemon!



Photo Credits: ME & The Norwalk Reflector