Rehearsal Day #3 & Prelims

Once again, all I can say about these women is "wow"! The delegates for Mrs. United States 2009 range in age from their 20s to their 50s, they have multiple & terminal degrees, they are stay at home moms, they are active in their communities, and they are incredible. I feel very fortunate to be here and counted among them. I am also very proud to now call these women my friends.

This morning, Prince's "Baby, I'm a Star" (aka, the opening production song) officially became an ear worm as I woke up and immediately started singing it! (lol) We rehearsed the entire show today, and I think that all of us felt very prepared as we took the stage for preliminary swimsuit and evening gown competitions. I'm calling my swimsuit and evening gown rounds successes since neither ended in me falling down the stairs, a wardrobe malfunction, or an unplanned swan dive off the stage onto the judges' table. Oh yes, and a BIG BIG BIG thank you to the husband of Mrs. Kansas United States 2009 for helping all 54 delegates navigate the stairs this evening - you and your wife looked absolutely stunning all evening!

Another big thank you to Team Louisiana out in full force complete with "AK on a Stick", loud voices, and even a foam #1 finger. Even though the lights were fairly bright, I could catch a glimpse of the whole team, and especially my hubby, Jackson, from time to time, and all I could do was smile and laugh. I appreciate all of their love & support and I hope to make them proud tomorrow night.

Here are a few pics from rehearsals and prelims:

Rehearsal Day #2 & Interview

Well, another full day of rehearsals, but I must say, the production looks fantastic! Imagine, a full stage of 54 amazing women all in red...now I sort of wish I was going to be in the audience to see it. Rehearsals ended a little early today to give all of the delegates time to relax and prepare for interviews. Each delegate met individually with a panel of five judges for three minutes -- personally, I wish it had been 10 minutes. Any of you that know me well enough know that as long as I'm talking, I'm relaxed, so interview is my favorite part of the competition. Well, I survived the three minute grilling (lol!) and emerged unscathed. Here are a few pics from day 2 of rehearsals and from interview:

Rehearsal Day #1 & a Night Out

This morning, we learned a little more about our pageant week and what to expect before jumping head first into rehearsals. Led by our fearless choreographer, Natalie, I think we just might make it through the entire production on Wednesday and Thursday. We will be quite a site for the audience as 54 women take the stage in red dresses vying for the title of Mrs. United States 2009!

After a full day of rehearsals, we were treated to an evening out at the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace where we shopped, took an endless amount of photos, signed autographs, and tasted gelato (well, those of us who found the gelato had tastings...how could pass up gelato????...yum!):

Registration & Welcome Dinner

Well, we are all checked in, paired with roommates, and ready to start the adventure! During registration, all of the ladies mingled, took photos, and tried to meet as many delegates as possible. I met my roommate for the week, Mrs. New Hampshire, and settled into our room. First exciting item: a small window in the shower! I'm not sure why this amuses me so much, but, hey, it's Vegas!

After a little relaxation time, Irene (Mrs. NH United States) and I got dressed and headed downstairs where we joined the remaining 52 delegates for the Welcome Dinner. Here are a few photos from the welcome

Welcome to Vegas!

I've landed safely in Las Vegas and I'm ready for a wonderful week of pageantry and fun. Although the flight was a little bumpy, the crew members of our Southwest flight from New Orleans were fantastic! I flew with my competition dress as a carry-on and even joked at one point that I might buy a seat for it. As I boarded the plane, the crew asked about the large hanging bag, and when I explained that I was Mrs. LA United States heading to Las Vegas to compete for the national title, they were excited. What I didn't expect was that it would then be announced four hours later as we landed! They announced that Mrs. LA was on board and that they would like to wish her good luck in the Mrs. United States competition this week. It was too sweet!

With all of the excitement of finally being here at the national competition, sleep is the last thing on my mind. However, after a four hour flight with 116 lbs worth of luggage (thank you Jackson and everyone else along the journey who lifted my obnoxious suitcases for me!) it's time to get some rest. I will try my best to update my blog with info and photos during the week when I have a chance. Keep the good wishes and positive thoughts heading this way!

Wednesdays on the Point

While LSU was taking the lead against UT in the College World Series, I was enjoying the evening with the Kiwanis Club of Algiers - Morning Edition supporting the Algiers Economic Development Foundation as they kicked off another successful season of "Wednesdays on the Point."  This free concert series promotes historic Algiers Point located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in New Orleans.  Tonight, my fellow Kiwanians & I were treated to Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience while we raised money to support Kiwanis Helping Kids.  Join the Kiwanis and AEDF each Wednesday for a different free concert -- check the calendar at http://aedf.biz/wednesday-on-the-point/ for more information.

Even though I was a member of Key Club and Circle K, when I first joined Kiwanis, I could rarely remember how to spell the name of the organization.  A fellow member recently taught me how to remember it: Kiwanis Is Where A Need Is Served.  What an incredible organization that begins teaching children to give back to their communities in Builders Clubs and continues the development in high schools & colleges with Key Clubs and Circle K.  I am proud to be a Kiwanis International member, as well as to serve as the moderator of the Our Lady of Holy Cross College Circle K chapter.

And, of course, as an LSU alumna and former Miss LSU -- GO TIGERS!  

2009 College World Series Champions!

Miss, Teen, Mrs, & Ms Baton Rouge Pageants

   

(AK with Alex - Miss LA Gulf Coast, Brianna - LA Teen Gulf Coast, & Ashley - LA Teen Southeast after they judged the Baton Rouge children's pageant; AK with Jennifer Falgout Cortese, a fellow former LA Cattle Festival Queen & emcee for the pageant weekend)

   

(Lisa - Mrs. LA Gulf Coast, Ashley - LA Teen Southeast, Jennifer - Miss LA Southeast, Brianna - LA Teen Gulf Coast, & AK after the Miss, Teen, Mrs, & Ms Baton Rouge Pageants)

      

(AK with Miss LA 2009, Lacey Michew and Miss LA Teen USA 2009, Brittany Guidry)

(AK with the newly crowned Miss Baton Rouge, Merrill Bankston)

  (My knight in not so shining armor -- I couldn't resist!) 

Mrs. Louisiana America 2009

I was so excited to attend the 2009 Mrs. LA America pageant in Baton Rouge to cheer on several pageant friends who were competing.  Wow!  What a wonderful example of how incredible the married women of Louisiana truly are.  The competition was tough, and all of the ladies were absolutely beautiful!  At the end of the night, Jennifer McClain Armond captured the title.  Jennifer and I traveled together as festival queens (many years ago, but we won't say exactly how many!), and competed together in the LA USA pageant.  I am definitely looking forward to traveling together this year as we represent the extraordinary married women of Louisiana....good luck at Mrs. America!

      

(AK with Mrs. LA United States director, Nicky Lingo; Contestant line up during the evening gown competition)

      

(AK with newly crowned Mrs LA America, Jennifer Armond; AK and Mrs. LA US 2002, Charlene Bruce)

Bobby Hebert Cystic Fibrosis Golf Tournament

It was the perfect day to spend on the golf course raising money for such a wonderful cause!  The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Louisiana Chapter invited several area titleholders to help with the putting contest during their annual golf tournament hosted by Bobby Hebert, also known as "the Cajun Cannon" former quarterback for the New Orleans Saints (and the Atlanta Falcons, but we can forgive him for that!).  Visit www.cff.org to find out more about this great organization.

  

   

(AK at the Cystic Fibrosis Golf Tournament with Brianna - LA Teen Gulf Coast, Kim - Ms. Swamp Pop Festival, & Ashley - LA Teen Southeast.  The Swamp Pop Festival is another great fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation)

(Prepping for the putting contest with former Saints quarterback, Bobby Hebert)

A Full (and fun!) Weekend

This weekend was full of fun appearances!  Saturday, I spent the day with two lovely young ladies, Miss LA Teen Gulf Coast and Miss LA Teen Southeast, to help promote the Dillard's Swim and Beach Event at Lakeside Mall in Metairie.  We started the day with the artists at MAC doing our make-up and Dillard's reps spoiling us with the royal treatment.  A special thank you to Julian Tootle, Tiffany Smith, and Store Manager, Mike Jones, for making us feel so welcomed!  

On Sunday, it was off to Cajun Country for a couple of events including a Royal Reception for the Lafayette's Outstanding Teen and Acadiana's Outstanding Teen titleholders as they finalize their preparations for the state competition for Louisiana's Outstanding Teen next weekend.  They are both absolutely beautiful young ladies -- Good Luck!  I was also honored to judge the Miss LA Relay for Life pageant on Sunday in Ville Platte.  The pageant promotes Relay for Life events around the state and specifically benefits the Evangeline Parish Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.  It was so wonderful to see such wonderful enthusiasm for volunteerism and community service!  

      

      

AK having make-up done by MAC artist; Promos found around Dillard's; Visiting with guests; AK with teen titleholders & store manager, Mike Jones; titleholders with Dillard's reps

AK & Lafayette's Outstanding Teen, Logan

         

 AK with Mrs LA US 2005, Mona Soileau; Visiting Queens @ Relay for Life; AK with Miss LA Relay for Life 2009

A Few Final Photos from Eggplant Pictures

         

Official Photo Shoot with Eggplant Pictures

I had a wonderful time spending the day with the Louisiana Gulf Coast titleholders during our official photo shoot with Eggplant Pictures (www.SayEggplant.com).  Bobby was such a great photographer, and we had a blast.  Here are a few pics from "behind the scenes":