Miss Pittsburg Homecoming Pageant

So, I kept this on the down low.. But on Saturday night, I competed in the Miss Pittsburg Homecoming Pageant and I won Miss Pittsburg Ultimate Queen of Queens, a national introduction plaque, a national donation plaque, an introduction medal, a personality medal, a prettiest smile metal, the most beautiful trophy, photogenic trophy, and early entry trophy.

I cannot wait to represent a county that I grew up in.

All the ladies in the competition were beautiful and so talented.

I am beyond blessed to have the support of my parents, my grandparents, and my boyfriend as I jump back on the pageant train.

During my pageant I got to speak about my "EveryBODY is Beautiful" campaign and now that I have won, I am looking forward to traveling around the county and speaking to people of various ages.

Also, something important I need everyone to pray about- I applied for Juniorettes last week. This is a very prestigious club at my school and I really hope to get accepted. I also applied to UK and I am working on scholarship essays. Lastly, I take my ACT on the 14th of the month.

So, I currently have a lot on my plate and I would appreciate all the prayers I could possibly get.

Now, enjoy some more pageant pics!

"Just another day in the life."

GO GOLD

As most know, or should know, September is childhood cancer awareness month.

Pediatric cancer is a subject that I hold very close to my heart.

Since I have been diagnosed with Crohn's I have been exposed to many pediatric cancer patients and I will just go out and say that they are the real heroes.

Before I was diagnosed with Crohn's they were testing me for Leukemia.. I remember just how horrified my family was at the thought that their daughter, niece, or granddaughter may have cancer. I am so thankful that it was just Crohn's. Now, people who know their stuff know that Crohn's and cancer are very similar, yet they can be very different.

Here are some facts about pediatric cancer:

• Each year around 13,500 children are diagnosed with pediatric cancer in the US.
• 35,000 children are currently in treatment for cancer.
• 74% of childhood cancer survivors have chronic illnesses.
• Cancer treatments can affect a child's growth, fertility, and endocrine system.

Aside from all of the sad things about cancer, all of the cancer kids I have met have the biggest hearts around. Many of the kids I see are always smiling, even when they don't feel like it. They laugh, they play.
They are truly phenomenal kids and they make the most of every single moment.

My challenge for you this month-

• Learn all you possibly can about pediatric cancer.
• Educate others about pediatric cancer.
• If you have the financial means, DONATE.
• Simply pray for the children and families.

"Just another day in the life."

Miss Laurel County Homecoming Pageant

So, I totally forgot about my blog posts!
I was in the car with Brandon and he was like "You really need to post on your blog!"
I was like "OH MY GOSH I DO!!"

So then I realized that I didn't even talk about my pageant!
I didn't win a title, but I won in such an incredible way.

A few years ago, I never even thought I would be experiencing anything ever again, let alone a beauty pageant.

I met so many amazing women, got to speak about my "EveryBODY is Beautiful" campaign and get back out of my comfort zone and begin to feel beautiful again.

I am so lucky to have such an awesome support system..
The Hill Street Loft for being my sponsor and helping me look amazing
My mom helping me get ready
My boyfriend recording the whole thing and sending me encouraging texts during the pageant
My dad sitting front row and texting me telling me to "just be myself"
My grandpa for being my escort
My nana, for crying and telling me how beautiful I am (like she always does)
All my friends who came to support me and screamed at the top of their lungs every single time I set foot on stage.

Every single one of my competitors are absolutely beautiful inside and out.

Huge congratulations to Brooke and Makinlee for wining the titles, they will serve the county well.

Now, TIME FOR PICTURES

"Just another day in the life."