This year has been more memorable than I could have ever imagined! From the moment I was crowned Mrs. Oklahoma International last May, doors have opened up in so many directions. It amazes me what married women can accomplish when we put our minds to it.

I have had the privilege this past year of speaking up about a subject that is very secretive in our world…Sexual Child Abuse. Being a victim myself, I was able to take my experience and address young children, kids and even adults about the trials and tribulations that arise when least expected. I spoke of hard times and bad choices, but mainly I spoke to them about hope. Every person that I spoke to would not only take my words into their hearts, but they would share with me their experiences and deeply impact my life. I will forever be changed because of their courage, strong will, and more than anything, their hearts.

I would first like to thank my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, for allowing me the opportunity to live my life fully for His glory.

To Lauri and David, thank you for providing married women a chance to succeed as  individuals along with the titles of wife and mother. I have learned so much from you both this year. You have both been so supportive of me not only as Mrs. Oklahoma, but as an individual as well. Lauri, thank you for having faith in me and believing in who I am. I thank God for allowing our life’s paths to cross. You defiantly  deserved Director of the Year this year and I believe you should also get an award for your amazing sincerity. Something that I will take with me for as long as I live that I have learned from you is unselfishness. You don’t do this pageant for you, you support this pageant system because you truly want women to get the chance to fulfill their dreams and succeed in life. Thank you! I love you both!

To my amazing sponsors, I don’t think I have enough room in this program book to list all of the people and businesses that have supported me throughout this year. Each one of you has made my year not only possible but extraordinary. Thank you, my year wouldn’t have been the same without you.

To the people backstage and behind the scenes, thank you for helping the pageant run smoothly and successfully.  I appreciate your hard work and kind words!

To my awesome family, I love you all so much. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me throughout this year. I am so grateful to have been blessed with each and every one of you.

To Nena and Aunt Kay, from preparing me for my first pageant at 8 years old to showing me the difference between a pretty face and true inner beauty, I want to say thanks for all you have done for me. You have inspired me throughout my lifetime and continue to teach me everyday something new. Nena, you are my hero. I pray that God allows me to follow closely in your footsteps, striving to be a wonderful wife, mother, role-model and Christian woman. I love you!

Mom and Dad, thank you for teaching me love and second chances. You both have been amazing parents and strong supporters in my many adventures. Dad, though you’ve only been in my life for 7 years, you have impacted my life as if you were there from the beginning. You have never made me feel anything less than special. Growing up I always wanted to be a daddy’s girl…it’s so nice to know that dreams do come true! Mom, where do I start? You are the only person that has been there every step of the way. From a baby girl to a mother myself, your love for me has never altered. Thank you for holding me close, drying my tears and showing me the courage of a strong woman. I love you more than you’ll ever know.

To my handsome husband Teddy, you are my angel. You’re the best friend, husband, and companion a woman could ask for. Thank you for talking me into entering the pageant last year. You believed in me when I was not sure I was ready to believe in myself. You have showed me what true love is. Thank you for everything that you have done and continue to do every day. I love you with every piece of my heart…always & forever!

To my two beautiful boys, Corbin and Ian, I never knew I could love so unconditionally until I became a mother. My life changed the moment each of you was placed in my arms. I pray that God allows me to be the best mother I can possibly be and teach and guide you according to his will. Mama loves you both so much and I am so proud of each of you.

To everyone else that has supported me throughout this past year, thank you! I have been so honored to represent the greatest state of all!  I will forever be thankful for this amazing year and journey as your Mrs. Oklahoma.