I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to appear on a local show called New Day Northwest three times now. Thank to Darcey Camden, a friend from my favorite girl group Girl Power Hour is their style director and since us pageant girls love to be center stage Jessica and I were on board, then we roped in Lisa and then Angelique. It’s been a lot of fun. I can’t wait to do it again.
Oh and KCPQ Morning News
United Way of King County's 2012 Spirit of Caring Awards Ceremony — with Mrs. Washington, Jessica Riggs and Mrs. Snohomish County, Angelique Ashton.
One year ago the United Way of King County caught my attention through Twitter. It was Hunger Action Week and there we’re many people tweeting about their progress. Although I thought what the UWKC was doing was a great idea and a positive way to bring attention to an important issue, I didn’t like the tweets and blog posts I was reading from participants. So first let me explain the Hunger Challenge to you. Individuals are asked to live on $7 a day or a family of five $26 a day for a week to see what’s it’s like to live on food stamps. This seems like a breeze to me because I was once living well below this (I was not on food stamps). Anyway, I saw tweets and blog posts complaining about not having their organic foods and lattes and was absolutely disgusted. I knew that was not the purpose of the hunger challenge. Yes, it was to show you have to live without those luxuries but not to complain. I did see many positive posts with creative recipes and talk of how hard it was and how people were starting to empathize. Those I could appreciate but the whining and complaining was insulting to me so I started to respond to those people and the UWKC took action and replied. They asked me to share my story and experience as to why I felt the way I did. I LOVED IT! It was real and I shared a lot of stuff that was hard for me since I had worked so hard to get out of that situation but it was worth it to show people what it was like and it is possible to overcome it. I am proud of sharing my personal story with Seattle as difficult as it was and I am proud to give to a cause that brings such positive attention to so many causes. Now I am going to ask you to participate in this year’s Hunger Action Week. It’s a great way to truly understand. If you would like to read my blog post from last year on the UWKC website click here. Thank you United Way for the opportunity to share my story and for helping so many people in our community.
This week should be one of the most exciting weeks of my life but it has been hindered because my husband is not here to share it with me. He is out of town on a business trip so I can’t share all of the excitement with him. It started with a tour of the Washington State Capitol. It’s funny because I used to work there but having a tour was such a better experience because I learned the history of the building and former leadership. It was great seeing so many of the ladies including my life long friend Jaclyn. Plus with our Director Pam being in Moses Lake I don’t get much face time with her so it was great sharing this experience with her as well.
Oh and the intensity of being on KING 5’s New Day Northwest first with my beautiful daughter Nadia (which will air on Friday at 11am) and then with both Lisa and Jessica (Jessica was on the day before as well). Yesterday Nadia and I got to dress in similar style that you actually want to be seen in public dressed alike, all dressed by the amazing Darcy Camden who I know from Girl Power Hour. Today was 
wedding gowns fitted perfectly by the lovely Jenn West. Oh the beautiful wedding gowns from Blue Sky Bridal in Seattle. They blew us away. I felt like a bride again.
Then to top it off I had my first ever magazine article published in Inspirational Woman Magazine (pages 80-82). I have written many posts for many different blogs and have appeared in pictures in magazines but to have my words in writing in a magazine is a huge honor especially for the fact that is this particular magazine’s one year anniversary issue. It has been quite a week and it’s only Wednesday. Still going strong including sports with the kids, Girl Scout Cookie sales and lunch with my mother-in-law. And I have to say none of this would have been possible without the help of my wonderful support system of friends, Heather, Lara and Kareen who took my kids when I needed the help. Thank you ladies! It has been a week that I will never forget, now I have to top it next week while Eric is here. I can’t wait for Friday to be here to share all of this with my husband. 🙂
This weekend was the beginning of my February appearances and events and after looking back I realize I kept up on my blog but not on my events at all. Mrs. Washington, Jessica Riggs, has recently encouraged me to catch up on my blog posts. However, I’m totally going to cheat and make them all in one post. 🙂 Okay, now read it to the tune of We Didn’t Start the Fire, by my favorite artist, Billy Joel. Seriously, I have put this post together to this tune. Put on your headphones, click on the link and read. Enjoy or laugh, your choice…
[Intro]
Treehouse Carousel, I went there with pageant girls,
We had much fun, mainly because I’m dumb.
I was on the mic, trying to crowd ignite
We raised money for the foster children
[Short Break]
Next was the first event, of 2012
Mrs. Washington, Orientation
We were lucky, to enjoy Sky City
For those who didn’t know, that’s top the Space Needle
[CHORUS]
We didn’t start the fire
It was always burning
Since the world’s been turning
We didn’t start the fire
No we didn’t light it
But we tried to fight it
Family Feud up next
Although personal
It was surely an event to remember
With my mother-in-law,
Omi, Daniel and my love
We made fools of ourselves
Overall and above
My favorite girlie group
GPH in the loop
New Years Networkin’
Benefiting women
Heart health, AHA
All the women have to say
Girl Power Hour
All “Go Red for Women”
[CHORUS]
Can’t forget Zumba-thon
Dancing all day long
3 hour workout
With Mrs. Washington
Also there Carol Lee, Lisa Bluhm,
And ladies, Karen Caldwell,
Zumba teachers and my favorite Haily
Now I have to say
Girl Scouts love to play
Brownie Sleepover
With my daughter and others
Matt Kazam Showtime 
Mac N Cheese Taping
At Sno Casino with my besties all VIP
[CHORUS]
Ladies Who Brunch
With Mrs. West Coast
I met Cypris, who eats fire and breakfast toast
Also there, Heidi who is such a hoot
Teresa came also, followed by our photo shoot
This brings us current
To Project Red Dress
Gorgeous gowns and lots of fun
Fashion show and fundraising
[CHORUS]
After the fashion show
Oh no the night went on
We headed over
To the Hard Rock
Concert for autism
Thank you Klover Jane,
Jason Kertson, and the Immortals
For a great Autism Speaks event
Last was Go Red Connect
I took my girls
Got to tell my story
About my grandfather
At Macy’s Bellevue Square
I CAN’T WAIT TO DO SOME MORE!!!
[CHORUS]!
Teresa joined in on the fun
I am so excited I was able to have another photo shoot with Teresa Potter this past Sunday. Teresa is by far by biggest sponsor. Not only is she doing my photos but she’s teaching me how to model for photos which honestly is a lot of work for her. 😉 About a month ago she asked me if I would be interested in doing a “happy homemaker” shoot for her portfolio and of course I was in. I know I’ve said it before but it bears repeating, this woman is amazing. This was seriously the most fun I’ve ever had taking pictures. Although I don’t think being a model is by any means easy, in fact it’s quite tiring, I’m learning a lot from these shoots. The best part is she hopes to do more. The woman does it all, catering, event planning, photography… No wonder her company name is 1 Stop Wedding Spot. If you are interested in having a shoot with Teresa or if you need someone amazing to plan your wedding, visit her website. Now go look at these super fun photos below. By the way, why wasn’t I a housewife in the 50s?
Jaclyn with her beautiful family
As of 11:14pm last night my good friend Jaclyn Ehli joined me on my journey to create a journey of her own. I couldn’t be happier. She is going to be Mrs. West Coast and help raise awareness for mental health issues, sharing her brother’s story. I have known Jaclyn my entire life. Her family is so much more than family friends, they are family. I’m excited for her to use this opportunity to do good for herself and others and I am so proud of her for speaking up about a topic no one else will. I have loved every minute of this pageant stuff and know the positive changes it has brought into my life and know it will do the same for her as well. Look out world here comes Mrs. West Coast!
Two years ago I met a very funny guy from New York who told me something I’ll never forget…”don’t let this industry ruin you”. Words to live by right? Well he was so right. I started to notice my stint in “comedy management” was going to be short lived based on those words of wisdom. However, it did teach me a lot and made me much stronger. Thank you Matt Kazam for teaching a great life lesson and continuing to be my friend through it all.
So now to the point of this blog post. This Saturday, January 28th, Matt Kazam has come back to Seattle for a one night show at Snoqualmie Casino to tape his comedy special. This is a show you don’t want to miss. Not only is the man hilarious he is a good person. Please join me this Saturday for a show you won’t forget. And who knows you may even make an appearance on TV? So get over to Ticketmaster and get your tickets. Why are you still reading? Click on the word “Ticketmaster” and get your tickets. Seriously do it now. Go!
Today was a super busy day filled with excitement. First, I’m super, super excited to be joining the Queen, It’s a New Day team as a volunteer assistant to Judy Hoff. I spoke about her in my blog post Winter Celebration at Sonoma Place. She is an amazing women with such incredible passion for changing lives. I can’t wait to help her on her journey. I know adding a new charity to my long list is crazy but I love this organization and it fits so well with my platform, Changing Lives One Hour at a Time. On top of that I shared my story with Judy for her book benefiting Queen, It’s a New Day. I was also asked by the Cupid’s Undie Run team to do an interview with Seattle Weekly to help promote the event happening on February 11th. My purpose in this pageant is really taking off. All I want to do is let everyone know how important volunteering is and help all of these amazing charities get the publicity they need and deserve.
With the Broncos big win this past Sunday I thought I’d share why and how I became a fan…
I grew up in a home with Seattle Seahawks fanatics. Every Sunday during football season we either went somewhere to watch the game or we had people over. My parents and brother are even in the Seahawks Fan Club. Yet, after all of this I never cared for football much. Yeah I cheered on my home team if the game was on and I watched the Super Bowl in 2006 in hopes of a Seattle win but still didn’t have a passion for the sport. Then I met Eric. He grew up in Denver then moved to Washington at the age of 8 or so (which is why he is also a Mariners fan because the Rockies did not exist at that point). He was, is and always will be a die hard Broncos fan. We even have a pool table that he felted orange and painted blue to go with his Bronco pool balls and stick. It’s out of control really. I started to have interest as in I bought clothing and an Elway jersey but still didn’t watch the games all the way through. Mainly I cared because it was important to my husband. Bring on 2011 and add Tim Tebow. Wow! I absolutely love football. I love to watch because it now keeps me on the edge of my seat. Before Tim Tebow I got so bored because of the commercials every five seconds but now they are there to build up suspense. It also helps that he’s a good human being and a Christian. He has as big of a heart, if not bigger, than me. It’s crazy. It’s great to root on someone that has morals and is a great role model for kids like my son that live on every word of a professional athlete (oh please, please LeBron James look at yourself and be the man you should be). I look forward to Sundays now and I even watch ESPN. I don’t know what’s happened to me but I am loving every second of it. GO BRONCOS!
I am so blessed and honored to be featured on Mission Hot Mama as a Role Mama this week. I’m so excited to share tips with other moms on how to find time to give back. If you get a chance please check out this awesome site started by Jenni Hogan, a working mom herself. You may have seen her her locally around town doing all of her do-gooder stuff or possible on KIRO7 giving us those much needed traffic updates (honestly probably the most watched piece of news in Seattle). In fact, if you have a chance please take the time to nominate her for a Shorty Award in #activism. I’ve been following this blog for a while so when Jenni asked if she could interview me (after being BTF (Best Twitter Friends), as she calls it) I was blown away. Thank you so much to Jenni and the staff of Mission Hot Mama, especially Jordan, who walked me through the process. This is still so exciting. I really hope my tips help. Check out the post by clicking here, then peruse the site for more goodies.
This is it…no meat for 10 days. It’s not going to be easy but I need this. Who else is in? No, not you, well here is my story.
So I thought I’d start this post by sharing a little bit about me and my weight struggles. People tell me all the time how lucky I am that I’m thin or that I don’t understand. Well I do. After having my son in 2001 I weighed 201 pounds (yes 201, seriously couldn’t have been 199). Growing up I was always the skinny kid. I had a large rear end, yes, but the rest of me was skin and bones. That all changed when I got on Depo-Provera as a form of birth control. I instantly gained 40 pounds and went from being 125 to 165. It was devastating. I had never experienced anything like that before. So I got off of it and got pregnant (intentionally). I ate so healthy, after all it was my first pregnancy and I wanted to do everything right. I went walking at least 3 times a week with my friend Angie but it made no difference the weight just kept packing on. I don’t even know what I weighed by the end because I didn’t want to know. I was in a healthy weight range (from beginning to end) so the doctor was kind enough to keep it to herself. Then my baby boy Ethan was born and everything changed. I took control of my weight and my life and worked my tooshie off to get that weight down. Thanks to Power 90 (now P90x) and Tony Horton I got down to 145 in only 9 months.
I cannot believe I'm sharing this picture with the world, but here it goes
Then in 2002, as a surprise, I got pregnant again. I couldn’t believe it. I had worked so hard and I was about to get it all back and of course I got got pretty close; this time 185. However, when Nadia was born my brother decided to get married and I had a maid-of-honor dress to fit into. At this point I didn’t even fit into a 16 so I only wore sweats. I was determined to fit into a size 8, so that’s what I ordered. David’s Bridal didn’t like that much but I knew I was motivated. So 6 months later the dreaded fitting came and I did it. I fit into a size 8. I was so happy. How’d I do it? A lot of hard work and a healthy lifestyle. I still keep those philosophies which is why I didn’t gain any weight with Kira other than her.
I eat every 2-4 hours consistently. I work out at least 3 times a week, usually 6 and I splurge when I want just not excessively. The biggest and best tip I can give is cut out soda, juice and alcohol. I was able to lose 32 pounds in three months with that and my workouts being the biggest factor. I still struggle to keep my weight down and it’s far from easy. The difference now is I do it because I want to, not because I have to. I feel so much better overall. I have more energy and even my skin has cleared up tremendously.
So why am I doing the Reboot Challenge? One I got off track at Christmas, two my cousin needed a team and I know how that can help and three, my digestive system can use a reboot. So day one has been easy because it’s not far off from what I was doing before the holidays (minus the meat aspect). I think this will pay off big time. And don’t let that green stuff fool you it’s actually really tasty.
I used to think my husband was the lucky one. He has the coolest job. He works for Pokemon International. Yes, the Pokemon! He absolutely LOVES his job and all of the perks that come with it. But now I know I also get all the perks and I don’t have to do all the work. 😉
I have had the chance to see his office and meet some of his co-workers but last Saturday night was the full experience. First we walked into El Goucho in Seattle after the company paid for a cab ride to the restaurant and are immediately blown away by this outrageous ice sculpture. It was crazy and awesome. While waiting for the bartender we look over and there is custom made Pokemon White Wine.(which Eric won a bottle of later in the evening). I 
was taking a picture of it when the lady next to me asked what I thought and I said it’s so cool. She said, “that’s awesome because I’m the artist behind it.” That was crazy. After we found a seat with Eric’s team we had this lavished dinner of lobster, steak, crab, shrimp, this really great mac and cheese and any other expensive food you can think of. It was so good. Eric’s team member Serena Robar and I laughed it up, talked about the pageant (because 
apparently she enjoyed Eric’s stories about me doing it, in fact I’m trying to get her to do it as well).
After dinner and dessert galore we headed downstairs for casino night. I’m not a gambler so I just got my groove on, on the dance floor. It was great. Everyone I met that evening was fun, friendly and AWESOME! I even got a group of guys to do some “Tebowing”. I am looking forward to many more years of these parties. 🙂
Mr. Blitzen himself
Ethan’s Honor Choir had the opportunity to perform at the Lake Wilderness Elementary Santa Breakfast this year. I was really excited to see him perform. As usual my son was the life of the party. They did a song called Blitzen Boogie or something like that where Blitzen (or as we know him, Ethan) danced around on stage. It was hilarious. I was cleaning up a syrupy mess from Kira when all of a 
sudden I look up and there is my son, center stage with everyone chuckling and he is eating it up. It was great. Well I’m glad my craziness rubbed off on one of my kids (okay it did on all three but Nadia and Kira know the appropriate time and place to show it, home, lol). What cracks me up most though is when he had the chance to meet Marshawn Lynch and other Seahawk players he totally froze, just like I did when I met Ken Griffey Jr. as a kid. I swear sometimes it’s like watching myself. I love that kid.
Oh and on a side not, Ethan made the Rock Creek Select 10u baseball team. I’m so proud!
My first little princess (I love that her mom allowed me to take and post this picture because she was so adorable).
I LOVE events and this past Saturday I was lucky enough to attend an a life changing event. It started bright and early. I had to bee to Woodinville by 10:45am in my “queenliest” garb. Mrs. Washington, Jessica Riggs, asked for a volunteer to help her with a charitable project since she was going to be out of town and me, being me, I volunteered and I’m so glad I did. Not only did I have a great time I met some amazing people (in no particular order) and I finally got to wear the evening gown I got on eBay. The event was for Sonoma Place a neighborhood in Woodinville. Carol Lee (amazing person #1) planned this holiday event for the people of her community. There was a band, Santa Clause (amazing person #2 and not just because he was Santa), food vendors, accessory vendors, artists, a massage therapist, food bank fundraisers and me, Mrs. Pacific Northwest. My job was to pose with “little princesses”. One ticket (which proceeds from went to the local food bank) got them a crown and a professional picture by Bill Mahoskey from Interactive Exposures Photography (amazing person #3). The ladies selling and taking the tickets, Amber and Becca, were so helpful and sweet (amazing people #’s 4 & 5) it made my job not only easy but fun because I was surrounded by so many giving, fun people.
Santa needs to eat too. Here he is standing in line at one of the food vendor trucks, ha ha
My favorite part of the entire event was meeting Judy Hoff from Queen, It’s a New Day (amazing person over all). Jessica had told me about this organization but I didn’t really get the impact until meeting Judy. Oh my gosh, she is everything I aspire to be. She is a counselor, a missionary, a fundraiser, a mentor and an overall inspiring person. She told me amazing stories about these women changed through Queen, It’s a New Day and it’s not only tear jerking but absolutely motivsating. I can’t wait to work with her more. I know my long list of charities continues to grow but volunteering for this organization will do just as much for me as I can do for it. Queen’ It’s a New Day works with homeless and battered women to give them confidence and skills to make them the women the are and deserve to think they are. I love what Judy said, “we don’t give hand outs, we give hand ups.” That is the best way to better someone’s life, teach and guide. I’m so truly blown away by her and Queen It’s a New Day. In fact I had a brand new business suit that didn’t fit me that I was returning to Macy’s after leaving the event that I decided to donate (the best part is it was a $280 suit that I only paid $20 for; so one woman will have a really nice Calvin Kline suit to wear, I’m so excited). Please, if you are looking for a volunteer project or having something to donate check them out (or if you’re looking for something a little different don’t forget SeeYourImpact.org because they do so much good worldwide). You will not regret it. Thank you so much Jessica for this giving me this opportunity!
Santa and I after the event
Me and Santa's other two helpers Colleen and Amanda
I had my first appearance in my own hometown last week (I had appearance everyday last week so today was the first time I actually had a moment to write about it). It was also a bit of community service however considering how much fun I had, I’m not sure if it counts. My job…Santa’s helper (although a few kids thought I was Mrs. Clause). I attended the Maple Valley Holiday Lights Celebration as a volunteer but as usual I drug my family along for the ride. They didn’t help out this time, they got to enjoy all of the festivities including a train ride through the lighted arboretum, cookies and pastries donated by Costco, the official tree lighting, craft tables, carolers, an orchestra, and of course Santa. My job was to bring the kids to Santa and keep the line happy. I think I did a fairly decent job considering the line length. Overall the event was a huge success and clean-up moved pretty fast. In the end I met an employee from the City who introduced me to her husband who hooked Ethan up with a try-out for the 10u Select Baseball team. He made it past the first round and has his second try-out this Sunday. I’m so proud of him.
Photo by Teresa Potter
I know you’ve read it here before but you’re going to have to read it again, I’m a lucky lady. I’ve been so blessed with such amazing friends and family. A friend of mine from Jr. High, yes that far back, contacted me on Facebook and asked me if she could sponsor my headshots for the pageant. I was blown away because I am a HUGE fan of her work. She is so talented. So of course I accepted graciously. Her name, Teresa Potter.
Photo by Teresa Potter
This past Monday we decided to make into a photo shoot/mommy daughter day. Teresa also has a four year old daughter so we thought having a play date would be fun for them as well as easier for us. The two girls got along as if they knew each other forever. We started out by meeting a Krispy Kreme in Tacoma and loaded the car with dresses galore, makeup, props and our daughters. Teresa thought since I’m Mrs. Pacific Northwest that Point Defiance Park wold be a great representation of that (and she was very right).
Photo by Teresa Potter
Our first stop was a hillside covered in dry leaves. It was a perfect setting for the off-white gown she had for me. It was a strapless dress which meant I was freezing and when I say freezing I cannot describe how absolutely cold it really was. Now Teresa did come prepared with a shawl for me between shots but that only warmed me up for about 5 seconds. I don’t know how models do it. The ground was covered with dry brown leaves and we were surrounded by a grassy green hillside with trees all around. It was gorgeous and a very good interpretation of Washington. Plus the girls couldn’t resist the piles of leaves to play in. It was almost impossible to keep them out of the shots.
Photo by Teresa Potter
Our second stop wasn’t a planned stop, it was just a little girl potty break but turned into so much more. There was this little diner right outside of Point Defiance. We ordered the girls some hot chocolate and headed upstairs to the restrooms where we were pleasantly surprised by the foray. It was an older building so the carpentry was beautiful. The doors were all painted maroon and the walls yellow. There were some old movie seats and a great window looking out to the street. Teresa got some great silhouette shots and some great pics in the movie seats. Plus there was a lot of room for clothing changes. Best part, it was warm.
Photo by Teresa Potter
So we had now eaten, taken a restroom break and got in a few more pics, so back to Point Defiance. This time we headed to the beach. What I wrote above about being cold doesn’t even begin to cut it. People literally stopped and stared because they thought I was crazy. Beach and cold, not such a good combo, however you couldn’t tell it by the way the photos turned out. She even got a great shot with Mt. Rainier in the background. You can’t be Mrs. Pacific Northwest without Mt. Rainier. 😉
Photo by Teresa Potter
The last planned stop was my favorite, Fort Nisqually inside Point Defiance Park. We got some great pics. Some fun ones too. Everything from pulling a wagon to sitting in the outhouse. I think this is where Teresa got to see me really let loose. The fort is so amazing and such a great part of Washington history. I was excited that we got so many great pictures there.
Photo by Teresa Potter
From there we headed back to our original meeting place, Krispy Kreme where we took a few more fun pictures with a pageant contestant and doughnuts, what a conflict right? Oh well, it was fun and tasty too. In fact I would love Krispy Kreme to sponsor me this year. I am pretty sure they have never been asked to sponsor a pageant. 🙂 I sent them a tweet and am patiently waiting for a reply. Wish me luck.
I want to thank Teresa again for taking her time to do this for me. She has even agreed to join me at some of my events to take pictures. I am looking forward to working with her throughout the year. It’s going to be one of my best adventures I’m sure. If you are interested in having Teresa take you or your family’s pictures visit her website for contact details or her Facebook page for more samples.
Through all of this pageant stuff the biggest physical thing I’ve accomplished is running three miles. I’m not a runner but I’ve always wanted to be so I’ve pushed myself hard to get to three miles and by the end of December I hope to reach five miles. But with this comes the inevitable…a race. I figure I should start off small and work my way to the triathlon I want to do this summer.
So I have officially started a team for the “Cupid Undie Run” taking place on February 11th in Downtown Seattle to benefit the Children’s Tumor Foundation. My team, “Pretty Pageant Panties” is trying to reach our goal of only $1000 but of course we want to exceed that. Please help us but joining our team, donating or telling all of your friends and family to donate by clicking on and giving them this link. It’s a great cause worth freezing your buns off for.
We are also currently looking for sponsors to donate our “uniforms”. If you or someone you know has some great boxers please let me know. For more info visit their website or go directly to ours. I’m sure you can’t wait for the pictures!
Yesterday was Eric’s birthday and I spent the day doing things for Ethan. First in the afternoon Ethan had his first Honor Choir concert at the Seattle Center House. There was an unfortunate incident with a child’s parent so the concert was cancelled. I then bought some Seattle Fudge to bring to Auburn Volkswagen to say thank you for the car they lent me for the Hometown Santa Parade. They of course loved it! Then I came home picked up the kids and headed straight to Westfield Shopping Center in Southcenter to donate some toys and get some Seahawks autographs from Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett and my favorite Seahawk, Marcus Trufant (he is such a giving man and a great role model). All three men were great and I admire what they are doing to help kids in need. It was an exciting night for Ethan but my poor husband (who is a Broncos fan) missed out on birthday cake and a day of relaxation. He did get his birthday present, a Broncos house flag yesterday for the game. Guess we’ll have to make it up to him double time tonight. 😉
This past Saturday I had the pleasure of joining Mrs. Pierce County, Amy Evers in her hometown and mine for the Hometown Santa Parade. Auburn Volkswagen was kind enough to lend us an awesome Volkswagen EOS for both parades. After picking up the car I headed to Amy’s house where we decorated it ever so pretty with garland, lights, snowflakes, a snowman and our new banners. It was great.
The first parade was in Sumner (Amy’s hometown) and very short and sweet. We were second in line so it seemed to go by even faster. My husband drove while my brother took the kids to watch. He chased us down the entire parade trying to take pictures. Her poor family missed us by a minute. 😦 It went by so fast we didn’t even know what happened but it was fun.
The second parade took place in my hometown where I grew up, Puyallup. By then it was dark and our lights were shining. Before the parade started we saw a group of girls from the Concordia Lutheran School Warrior Spirit Squad, I had to get a picture. I think they were even more excited to take that picture than we were. In fact the picture ended with many little girl hugs; it was fantastic. A few seconds later the paraded begin. My brother drove us through the route with his Santa hat while people waved back at us some yelling Merry Christmas. This parade was much longer and had thousands of people lined up on the streets. It was a bit intimidating at first but you know me, I quickly got over that and easily fit in. In fact I even started dancing with Michelle’s Dance Studio behind us. It was a blast. Hopefully I didn’t embarrass Amy too much since her family made it to this one.
It was a great day for sure. I’m so excited I got to share it with Amy and my family. I can’t wait for the next one.
I always have fun with Amy, so it was a given I would enjoy this night too. The Pan Pacific Hotel in downtown Seattle hosted a tree lighting holiday event. Jenni Hogan from Mission Hot Mama and KIRO 7 emceed the evening which is how I heard about it. I met Jenni on Twitter about two years ago and we chat all the time. However, last night was the first time we met in person, it was great. She is even more beautiful in person than she is in her pictures and on TV. We were joking how we are BTF (Best Twitter Friends) yet it took us this long to meet. I seriously love social med!
The evening had carolers, hot cider, pictures with props (which we get Monday and I can’t wait) and a lot of people. I had two little boys come up to me and ask what I won. I explained that I was competing in a pageant and they instantly became disinterested; it cracked me up. It is definitely a girl thing. Although I do think Ethan is loving the attention as you can see by the photo. I have no idea where he gets it from (wink wink).
The best part was that I was asked to be profiled on Mission Hot Mama as a Role Mama. I am so honored and excited. I love the blog and everything it stands for. Plus we have a connection to SeeYourImpact.org which will be great to profile in my interview.
We were also joined by our family friend Robert Maloney and his two kids, Reuben and Rebekah. We did miss his wife Kareen for sure but still enjoyed the company. Having Amy with her two girls and Robert and his kids made it more fun for my kids too. This was my first appearance with my family. I enjoyed it. All of the appearances this week has made me so excited about our first parade this Saturday. Wish Amy and me luck!
My Crazy Random Life 