Partylite Harvest Party

I was recruited by my sister to make a Mrs. Washington appearance at her annual Partylite Harvest Party.

My sister Valerie dressed up as a Rainbow Bride and ofcourse me as Mrs. Washington.

Mrs. Washington America Workshop

Mrs. Washington America Pageant Workshop

Saturday, October 23

Director Pam Curnel speaking to the 2011 Mrs. Washington Contestants

My sister Patti and her husband Vince were so gracious to open up their home to host our first Pageant Workshop for the 2011 Contestants. She is sporting her new handbag given to her as a hostess gift by our Director Pam Curnel. Thanks Patti and Vince!

Thank You Uncle Cliff and Aunt Fern!

This my Uncle Cliff and Aunt Fern! I just love them to pieces. They opened up their home for me and my niece to stay while making appearances in Eastern Washington.

My uncle and aunt with my niece Michelle. A Big Thanks to Michelle as well for being my traveling buddy!

My Aunt Fern wearing the crown reminding her husband who the Queen of their castle is! Too cute - got to love the feather duster!

Visiting Can Learn Christian Academy - Spokane

Picture above are my dear friends Christina and Dino Montoya. They are like family to me. I decided to pay them a visit while in Spokane and surprise their daughter Katie - who has been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome as she was adopted by Christina and Dino as a newborn. They have also adopted a son, Daniel, as well who is now 12. Daniel and Katie have grown up with my sons Kenny and Cody - they play so well together - they are more like cousins.

Katie was excited to see Auntie Carla surprise her at school. The school she attend specializes in teaching children with special needs. They have done an outstanding job with Katie (a.k.a. Katie Bear!) - so proud of her accomplishments!

Visiting Northwest Christian School - Spokane

Today (Friday, Oct. 22) I surprised my Maid of Honor & college roommate Cyndi Sander by paying a visit to her daughter's school - Northwest Christian . Pictured above with Cyndi and Ellie.

Speaking to Ellie's 2nd grade class about empathy when it comes to accepting and being kind to those who may have a special need or disability. I also shared the importance of Music Education.

Before the school assembly I was able to also surprise anther college roommate and friend of mine - Brenda Janke. She was actually crowned Miss Spokane 1992 and I had the privilege to be her 2nd runner-up. What fun memories!

Again, speaking at the school assembly about my platform "Embracing the Special Needs Child" and promoting Music Education.

The Kindergarten Class today had a Harvest Celebration today. All of the children dressed up as Fruits and Vegetables. This little guy was dressed up as an Apple! Just had to get a picture of Mrs. Washington and her Washington Apple!

Pictured above with the Pacific Science Center Instructors putting on today's science assembly! They did such a wonderful job making science so much fun for the students!

Eastern Washington University Homecoming!

Getting ready to head into Showalter Hall to judge the 2010 Mr. and Ms. Eastern Royalty Homecoming Pageant (Thursday, Oct. 21). I am pictured above with Kandi Carper to the left and my niece Michelle to the right. Kandi Carper is the editor of the Eastern Alumni Magazine. She was such a wonderful hostess to Michelle and I. While getting ready for the event she interviewed me and will be sharing my story in becoming Mrs. Washington 2010 in their next edition. What a wonderful time to go back to my Alma Mater as Mrs. Washington!

Meeting a Mrs. Washington fan and E.W.U. student! He was so nice!

My fellow judges and I getting ready to deliberate and tally the scores!

Pictured above with Dennis Dent - the E.W.U. Student Activities Director and Organizer of the E.W.U. Homecoming Pageant. Dennis and the E.W.U. Homecoming Committee surprised me after I spoke on stage by crowning me Eastern Washington University's first ever Mrs. Eastern Royalty! I have been redeemed!!! I tried for the E.W.U. Homecoming Queen title both 20 and 19 years ago, but only got as far as 3rd runner-up. I finally got crowned on the Showalter Stage! Thank you Eastern Washington University for blessing my life in more ways than one. Forever an Eagle Fan!

E.W.U. 201o Homecoming King and Queen and the Royalty Court!
Congratulations to Robert Borela - Mr. Eastern 2010 and Lakeisha Jones - Ms. Eastern 2010!

Kandi - thank you for being a part of making my visit to Eastern Washington University so special! I am proud and honored to be an E.W.U. Alumni!

Loved meeting these two sweet ladies. Lauren and Ashley are great representatives of Eastern Washington University! Spending the evening with these Eastern Washington University students make me feel young again!

I so enjoyed meeting sweet Cierra at tonight's event!

Just had to get a picture in front of the Hall of Fame Gallery at the E.W.U. Campus PUB. I along with my fellow Jazz III Unlimited Dance Company buddies have been inducted into the E.W.U. Hall of Fame representing the 1980's!

Here is a close-up of the Jazz III Unlimited Dance Company that I belonged to from 1987 - 1991. I am pictured above wearing a yellow sun dress and white sunglasses representing the 80's! The picture of us was taken to promote our last dance recital together called "Dancing Through the Decades!" What great memories - we had so much fun together!

Happy 75th Birthday Mom!

My Mom's Birthday Cake! Happy 75th Birthday Mom!

Now, who is this crazy old lady next to my Mom giving advice on how to stay young no matter what your age?!! She stole my crown!!! Hmmmm.......

My Mom wanted me to come to her party as Mrs. Washington! She just loves to show me off - too funny! I love her!

From left to right: My brother Mike. my mom Dolores, my sister Patti, myself, and my sister Valerie. My sister Karen arrived later that evening, we just missed her - I had to get home and get my boys to bed.

More of my family having a great time!

PenMet Foundation Boundless Playground Celebration

Today (Sat. Oct 16) I was asked to help celebrate the donors who made Sehmel Homestead Park's Boundless Playground possible. Located in Gig Harbor, this playground is specially designed to include children with special needs. This appearance is at the top of my list as it is very near and dear to my heart having two boys with special needs myself.

Thank you Larry Bleich (Director of the PenMet Foundation) for inviting me and allowing me to a part of this wonderful celebration!

The pioneers in making this playground possible. Most of these ladies are mothers to special needs children themselves. What a mother's love for her child can accomplish - I am so honored to have met these beautiful women!!! Left to right: Kristine Drake, Theresa Boyle, Jennifer Flint-Nelson (the mastermind behind this achievement), myself, Sue Leusner, Janelle Hester and Abigail Bushley. Missing in the photo is Stephanie Payne. Ladies, all I can say is .....YOU ROCK!

Crowning the sweet and adorable Hope Bushley. She assisted in handing out awards today and did a fabulous job!

The President of the PenMet Foundation, - Dr. Julie Ann Gustanski - getting ready to recognize the donors who made the Boundless Playground a reality.

Pictured here with Olivia and Lilly who are sisters. Olivia has been diagnosed with Crones Disease. As a result, she had to stop taking dance lessons as it was to hard on her abdomen. However, she decided to not be defeated and use her dance skills (in a setting not so intensive) to teach preschool dance therapy to children with special needs. I am so proud of her - she is only 16 years old. I can not wait to visit her dance class!

Crowning the beautiful Brette!

I thought these two looked familiar - I saw them at the Pumpkin Patch last week!

Pictured above with Nick Randle who has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. He is so loving! He really enjoyed playing with my hair and he is quit the snuggler - I just loved visiting with him!

With triplets Annie and Izzy - their brother didn't care to hang out with the princess's!

Children enjoying the playground!

Pictured above with Ian Flint-Nelson - the son of Jennifer who was (as stated above) the mastermind behind making this playground possible. Despite being diagnosed with Autism and Cerebral Palsy - he planted a seed that will bless so many lives! Thank you Ian for being so special!

Visiting Park Lodge Elementary

Speaking to Park Lodge students at their assembly on the four R's of becoming a successful leader in their in their school and community: Readiness, Respectful, Responsible and Reflective.

The picture above has been modified to respect the privacy rules regarding pictures taken of students at schools. However, notice how I made these class representatives all stars for their part in making today's assembly such a great success. My friend and Teacher Coach at Park Lodge Elementary - Michelle Leingang does a great job in training the students at Park Lodge how to be leaders in their education, school and community. Thank you Michelle for your hard work and love shown towards these children!

Miss Washington USA & Miss Washington Teen USA Pageant

Congratulations to our 2011 Winners! Angelina Kayyalaynen (Miss Orchards) won the Miss USA title and Cheyenne Van Tine (Miss Tri Cities) won the Miss USA Teen title.

Congratulations as well to Elise Hamamoto (Miss King County) for placing in the Miss USA top 10 and receiving the Miss Photogenic Award! Big thumbs up to my nephew Justin Bartle who hand made Elise's dress pictured above! She looked stunning!

My nephew Justin, Miss King County - Elise Hamamoto, Justin's friend Ally who is also an amazing fashion designer and myself.

Congratulations to Elyse Umemoto (Miss Yakima Valley) who placed 1st runner-up today! She also is our 2007 Miss Washington America placing 2nd runner-up at Miss America!

Miss Classic American Renaissance - Linda Elledge, 2010 Miss Whatcom County - Laura Hunter, Mrs. Washington America 2003 - Kristal Grimstead and myself.

Mrs. Washington 2008 - Marikay Coyer, myself and Mrs. Thurston County 2011 - Dionne Tarter. Marikay's daughter Demetra Coyer (Miss Sammamish USA) competed in today's event - she looked so pretty! So proud of her!

Mrs. Whatcom County 2008 - Charlotte Shores

Mrs. Issaquah 2010 - Lisa Quast