What a fun way to raise money for a school! Back in March I attended what the Gilbert School District calls the Rock Hop! The theme was "A Red Carpet Affair" so everyone was encouraged to dress up as their favorite celebrity. I was lucky enough to run into "Johnny Cash" and "June Carter Cash"! That's really my good friend Tim Miner and his girlfriend. Tim is the carpenter that installed my ceiling fan, as well as my new doors.

I also was priveleged to run into "Sara Palin" and "Lorax". They are really my daughters soccer coaches.

And last, but not least I met some basketball players for the "Wildcats"! In reality, they are my daughters teachers, Mrs. Kautman and Ms. Paustian.

At the end of the night, I had spent more money than I intended but it all goes to the school, so it was well spent.

I suppose I should explain a little about the night. It was basically an auction. There were numerous "gifts" in the silent auction that were VERY tempting, but the highlight of the evening was the live auction! You can see some of the items listed below. Most went for more than the "suggested price". It was a great night!

Pageant Time is near again!

Well, it is almost time for me to say goodbye as your reigning Mrs. Iowa America. I am sad, but excited for the next adventure in my life! The 2009 Mrs. Iowa America Pageant will be held June 6th at the Fitzgerald Theatre in St. Paul, MN. I will be attending the rehearsals in the days leading up to the competiton and look forward to meeting all of the Iowa contestants. I have spoken with a few of them and know that we will have a good competition again this year!
I do have a few appearances to post on here yet. I am waiting to get my pictures developed (I only had a 35mm film camera until about a week ago!) As soon as I get them all developed I will be posting them.
I hope all of you enjoyed following along with me through out the year and I hope you will follow the new Mrs. Iowa as diligently! I see great things for Iowa in the years to come! Thanks for a great year!

Augie's Diner 2/22/09

We had our very own "American Idol" at Augustana Lutheran Church, Sunday afternoon & evening! I was blessed to be a part of this talented group of people. Every year Augustana puts on a talent show called Augie's Diner (Augie is short for Augustana) to raise funds for our youth to participate in the Youth Gathering held in New Orleans. The show is made up of people from the church and include singing, instrumental and comedy acts. I even took a stab at telling a few jokes (which I am not very good at!) but still managed to get a few laughs! I was asked to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for both the afternoon show and the evening show. I had such a great time! I would love to do it again next year! of course, that would mean coming up with a few new jokes! Yikes! I am glad of the opportunity to use some of the "talents" that God has given me and look forward to many more chances to showcase His generosity!

Iowa's Meat Processors Association Convention

Well, I learned a lot this day (2/21/09)! I have also developed a deeper appreciation for our local meat lockers. I grew up on a farm, but still did not know a lot about the meat lockers where we had our meat processed. I always thought they only did processing for farmers & hunters. But they offer so much more than that! Anyone can go into a meat locker and buy fresh meat and meat "snacks". You don't need to have your own animal to bring in. And the prices are going to be competitve with those you see in your local grocery store. One of the things I like best about the local meat lockers, is you will always know where your meat is coming from! Sometimes you may even know the producer of the meat. With the economy the way it is, right now is a great time to shop local! Support your neighbors and you help your state stay afloat during these tough times.
There was quite the turn-out for some of the meat processing contests! There was a delicious aroma the minute you stepped inside the building! I was honored to be the guest of Clint Smith and his family. They were the ones who were so kind as to give me a "lift" during the Stanhope Parade last summer. What a wonderful family they are! They may not be natives of Iowa, but they truly embody what Iowans are like. I met another family, the Kerns, who own a meat locker in Edgewood, IA. They were the lucky winners of several of the meat contests. I am pictured with 3 of their children (whose names I have misplaced!) as well as with Clint Smith & his wife, of Stanhope (above).

Feel free to check out the IMPA website at http://www.iowameatprocessors.org/ for more information.