If someone would have said to me 1 year ago that I would be representing the state of New Hampshire in any way - I would have said to them, "you are out of your mind!" But here I am, 1 year later reflecting on my year as Mrs. NH International 2008.
Most people think pageants are about bathing suits, being fit, performing a talent, going thru interviews, answering the question on stage, wearing these unbelievable gowns, shoes, accessories while looking the best you can possibly look. Well, yes, that is the part that is shown to most people and it's a part of it, but by no means ALL of it. I would challange any and every woman to compete. It's actually one of the most competitive things I've ever done, BUT, I can't even begin to explain how rewarding and life changing the experience has been. When you committ yourself to doing it, there's alot of preparation that goes into it. Most importantly it's about truly knowing who you are, what you stand for and being able to communicate that in the best possible way while having a mission and goal that you are working towards for the betterment of something.
I stand for volunteerism! I live it, I breath it, I'm fulfilled by it! I have always said "I don't want to be defined by what I do for myself becasue that is personal in nature, but rather, I want to be defined by what I do for others." And so, I devoted my reign to promoting and encouraging volunteersim and community involvement.
I've had the amazing opportunity and privledge of being involved with the NH March of Dimes, March for Babies campaign and the American Heart Association with the Go Red for Women campaign on a state level. Locally, the list is way too long to, but I'm proud to be invovled with our school system as a volunteer coordinator, with the Amherst Junior Women's Club and with the Girls Scouts. All incredible organizations that touch so many people's lives. It has been my honor and my hope is somewhere in all of this involvement, that I've touched someone's life and made a difference for the better. Ultimately, that's what it's all about, impacting your commuity and making a positive difference in the lives of others while enriching, empowering and inspiring others to be their personal best for themsleves, their families and their communities.
There are so many people to thank. Rebecca Pushard, my state director, thank you for the my start and your support. Many thanks to all my sponsors - your support has meant so much to me! Robert and Dororthea Daniel of Robert Daniel Photography, what can I say, not only are you both great friends, wondeful people and a lovely family, but you captured and documented a time in my life that will forever be part of me with such detail and class and professionalism! Damn, you made me look good in every photo - how will I ever sit for another picture without you taking it? I can't thank you enough ~THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! To Salon Aquavit and Richard my hair care guru ~ You're the best!!! To my close friends that have cheered me on thru out the year - thanks for not letting me get down when the "meanies" came out. To my International Pageant family ~ you were all wonderful, talented, accomplished and incredible women. I'm so blessed to be among you ~ I learned so much from my National experience that I will treasure forever. To the wonderful people of New Hampshire that I've had the opportunity and pleasure of meeting from all walks of life - thank you for excepting me as your state queen and for your kind hospitaility in this state ~ "Live Free or Die" has so much more meaning to me now! Last but not ever least, to my incredible family, my daughters who are the light of my life and my biggest fans EVER, I hope mommy made you proud. Thanks for letting mommy be mommy and do some mommy things that were important to others and being understanding. And to my husband, Scott, what can I say? Thanks for letting me live out this experience and dream. We had no idea what this was all going ot turn out to be, but it's been a ride and worth it all the way! Your love and support mean the world to me and I love you with all my heart and soul!
To the future Mrs. New Hampshire International, love yourself, trust yourself, be the best you can be and make your experience everything you ever imagined it could be! God Bless!
As a woman, mother and Mrs. New Hampshire ~ International, I am so very excited to have joined forces with and be a part of the March for Babies Campaign here in New Hampshire! I feel so passionate about the March of Dimes because I believe that every child has the right to a healthy beginning! 
My turn on the runway, wearing a gorgeous evening gown from Cache. Loved it and my favorite shoes!
With my darling husband Scott after the show - he's my cutie patootie!