Antique Car Show, Lunch with the Wild Bunch, Cake Auction & Rodeo

The sunshiny warm morning turned a little damp and windy.  As we headed to the antique car show, my legs began to shiver and goosebumps overtook my entire body!  Luckily Kathy had a jacket in the car, the color was a bit retro but it helped keep me warm.  At the car show I saw many beautiful cars and some that I would have loved to take home.  I had many people congratulate me on my recent win and many little girls shy away from me when I smiled or waved at them.  But these little boys walked right up to me to figure out who I was and what kind of car I had.  I had to tell them that I didn't actually own the car I was standing in front of but that I was just going to be riding in it during the parade.  They were still impressed. 

The little guy on the right loved when I asked about his "schmancy boots"

Some of the USS NE Sailors.

While I was waiting in the car before the parade started a couple of little girls picked me some lovely flowers for my ride.  It's so sweet to me to see the care and generosity that children have.  And although they were just weeds, I could tell how important they were to those girls and how special I was to have received them.

After the parade it was on to Lunch with the Wild Bunch, and boy I tell ya, they were wild.  I was thrown right into the mix of them and asked to try the brats they were making and rank them on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) I must say...they got an 11 from me!  I was informed about the story of the brats and how they are developed from an old secret recipe.  

Learning the history of these famous Brats

After eating, actually I was still chewing my last bite, I was asked to help auction off the cakes that were made by only men.  I joined Miss Rodeo Nebraska, Becky Grimm and Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska, Shelby Peters in this job.  Little did we know we were getting our weights exercise done!  With all the icing and decor on the cakes some of them weighed over 30lbs.

Playing Vanna White with Shelby

The Sailors cake.  It weighed SO much and sold for $1100!

It was indeed a wild and eventful morning and I anticipated a bit of a break before it was rodeo time.  I got to retire the dress and heels for my jeans and boots, man did that ever feel good!  Brooke and I headed to supper at the Nebraskaland National Bank dinner where I had the honor of sitting with the Spady's.  It was great telling stories and getting to know one another a little better, then it was off to the rodeo!

Takin a break from our heels and dresses and gettin' a little bit country!

We had a great time at the rodeo and a bit thanks to Maris who was our date!  Unfortunately, the people running the show didn't know that we were there.  There were people from Pennsylvania getting introduced, a family reunion but no recognition of Miss Nebraska and Miss Nebraska OT...needless to say we changed that.  After a little talk with a man on the Nebraskaland Days board, and then a little chat with Hadley (he had a microphone so he's really who we needed)  Brooke and I were recognized in the grandstands.  I guess we are kind of attention getters with these new crowns on our heads!

All in all, it was beyond a great day and there is plenty more to come!

Kayla 

Miss Nebraska

ps. I just typed 'Miss Omaha' ...see I'm still getting used to this!

1st day home in Lincoln as Miss Nebraska!

Abby's so happy to see me!

After the whirlwind of winning and jumping right into the job of Miss Nebraska I finally got to make a trip back home and as you can tell, my friends were happy to see me!  I stopped into work to visit all my babies and my coworkers to find a giant sign with congrats all over it and signed by all the kids at daycare!  It was a little bit of a tear jerker.  I decided that while I was home I should have a little fun, so a few friends and I went bowling!  As you'll see in the next photo, I started off doing fairly well for myself in the first game.  By the third game...well we really don't need to go over that do we.  

This is how I started out bowling #winning

I was doing well though and most of you would probably laugh if you saw me bowling because I go a little "granny style" and normally it works like a charm.  As the night went on...my charm faded.  It was great to be back in Lincoln though with my friends.  I got to talk to them about all the perks of Miss Nebraska, what I'd done so far and what I have in store for me in the next couple months.  It felt really great to be in the presence of those who've stood behind me on this dream for such a long time, who've watched me fail and try again.  I am so glad to have such great friends and look forward to the time we get this year.

Joel and I

So very thankful,

Kayla

Miss Nebraska 

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."  Colossians 4:2

Nebraskaland Days Kiddy Parade and Family Night!

Walking in the costume parade Monday morning.

Here I am to play a little bit of catch up on my last couple of weeks!  I jumped right into the job of Miss Nebraska with the kiddy costume parade Monday morning.  It was a bit rainy and windy, but what's a little frizz in the hair?  It was great seeing all of the Miss Nebraska little sisters and they welcomed me with claps, cheers and shouts of  "KAYLA!!"  I must say, I don't mind that at all.  It was only a short walk in my heels then many autographs and pictures.  I had such a great time talking to all the kids as well as meeting the rodeo queens.

I even found a future Miss Nebraska!  She thought that my sash was prettier than hers but I thought she played the part very well.  She told me her favorite color was pink and liked to wear her crown at home when she was playing.  I also found a Miss Nebraska 2012...my successor?  

MRN Becky Grimm, me, MTRN Shelby Peters, MNOT Brooke Ludemann, MRA  McKenzie  Haley

Becky Grimm and I, representing Omaha :)

After the parade and lunch Jay and I rode down to Spady's to pick up my new car!!  It's quite a change for me moving from my Toyota Camry, V6 engine, Bernice, to a Chevy Aveo, 4 Cylinder who has yet to be named.  We are working on our relationship right now and until I get a great feel for him (I think it's a boy) I won't name it anything.  I am most definitely open for suggestions though.  I am so pleased to be able to have a new car (with a CD player, that's a first) provided by the Spady family dealership.  They are a great bunch of people and I'm eager to get to know the rest of the clan across Nebraska.

Mr. Bob Spady and I with my new car!

After picking up my little car I met with the Engels for supper before heading out to family night at the arena.  I was welcomed by this friendly moose, who broke all rules of mascots and revealed his face to me and spoke!  Rance would never do such a thing!  It was great running into new friends and supporters.  There was a group of singers from Nebraska Chrisian College that were AMAZING!  They had some great worship songs and awesome voices.  After that there was a little surprise from Roy Helu Jr., where he shared his testimony with the crowd and was very welcomed.

This is Bean and Bailey the duo comedians from Tennessee.  They snatched me before the show to get a picture and then even gave a little shout out on stage.  They had some great acts with Elvis and Micheal Jackson and even Christmas songs!  And of course what's a trip to the fairgrounds without funnel cake!  We indulged just a little bit, and it felt so good!

Bean and Bailey-comedians from Tennessee.

Official 2nd day of my new job was a success.  I will definitely get used to this.  Thank you for the support and prayers!

Kayla

Miss Nebraska

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.  For where you have envy and selfish ambition,there you find disorder and every evil practice.  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."  James 3:13-18

Your new Miss Nebraska 2011 is Kayla Batt!

I know, I know it's been too long since I have been on here and some of you may be wondering why I haven't posted my winning blog yet but with the process of creating a new blog as well as being Miss Nebraska, it has taken me a few days!  Lets take a little blast in the past to Saturday night.

The top 5 were announced right after the community service awards as well as the awards given by Miss America.  I was announced as the 5th and final contestant in the top 5 (which was more nerve racking for my mother than myself) but I was so pleased to be competing with Jessica, Rachel, Kayla and Mindy.  Over the years we have really been able to create a bond and it just felt like a little family going into that night.  We competed in Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimwear, Talent, Evening Wear, and then On-stage Question.  Before we walked out onstage for our final time that evening I grabbed all the top five girls back stage and we said a prayer together.  It was assurance that God had a plan for the night and already knew the winner and we were all chosen to be there for a reason.  It was an honor and a privilege standing hand in hand with these amazing women and praying before our Father in satisfaction and peace with what was to come.  

After all eleven of us took our final walk onto the stage the top five were asked to step forward.  As you can tell, we are all pretty excited.  All in wonder and praying...at least I can say that for myself.  We all stood holding hands in await of the announcement of the 4th runner up...Kayla Decker; a wonderful role model and friend who I will always cherish dearly.  She's my "kay kay."

It seemed like only seconds later that the third runner up was called...Rachel Foehlinger.  I have had the pleasure of knowing Rachel since I put the Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen crown on her head in 2008.  I have watched her grow and was so joyed to spend this week with her.  Rachel you are an amazing woman and I'm so glad to call you a friend.

Then there were three.  At this moment the nerves were so intense I don't even think I could keep a smile on my face.  Also, you know how most of the time during the announcement of the runners up that there is a lot of waiting...not tonight.  It felt like only seconds were going by before the next runner up was announced and at that moment it was Jessica States.  What an incredible girl.  Jessica has been my sister title holder two out of my three years at Miss Nebraska and has always remained a wonderful friend.  I love that I have had the opportunity to share such an amazing three years of friendship with you and well as the stage at Miss Nebraska.  You have such an amazing heart JStates!

If you look closely at my face in this picture you will notice the concern, nerves, possible shaking that was happening.  Mindy and I exchanged "good lucks" and hugs and loves and we stood arm in arm waiting to hear the announcement of the first runner up and the new Miss Nebraska.  Mindy and I were sister title holders (still are!) and I am so glad to have gotten to develop a great friendship as well as get to know Mindy.  You, my dear, are fabulous.  Your vibrant smile lights up a room and your kind heart touches so many.  I couldn't have asked for a better person to spend my year with and will never forget this moment above.  You are incredible and have so much going for you.  Thank you for being such a great friend and sister.  

At this moment, I went through the realization that I had done the very best I could have and I had remained at peace throughout the week and no matter what happened I would walk off that stage smiling.  And with the smiles came the joy, excitement, tears, laughter, fist pumping, a little dance and more happiness, as I was crowned by the amazing Nicky Haverland, as the new Miss Nebraska 2011.  

I couldn't believe that the dream and goal that I've had for years had finally come true and I was getting a chance to compete at Miss America.  What an honor.  I was so overwhelmed with happiness and joy..still am.  I have so many people to be thankful for that it would take me ages to write them all but I'm going to give it a shot:

Mom: being my mommy when I need you...always

Chabree, Brett, Dani: your constant support is always needed and you all do fabulous at giving it

Joel: listening, calming and pushing me through the ups and downs of the process and all the love and support 

Abby, Sarah, Chandra: you heard it all too...thank you for always listening and supporting me

Gma & Gpa: thanks for always pulling me back up on my feet even when it was tough for you, all the stamps, love, foo foo coffee, advice and prayers

Aunt Nan and Uncle Mark: Vegas! ;)

Gram: my robe, CMN help 

Rick, Laura, Joe, Tonja, James, Ben & baby: I couldn't be happier to be a part of your family, thank you for housing me, doing laundry, feeding me and driving me everywhere

Kris and all other hostesses: I couldn't do it without you!

Miss Nebraska Board: you have gotten to know me over the years and have become some of my closest, most looked forward to seeing, people of the year!

Marianne & Tracy: you have both been so supportive of me and have never tried to change who I am...and if you tried, you didn't succeed!

My Sweetheart sisters: your support across the country is endless, appreciated, and loved

My MAOT sisters: you get the same thing!  Hearing from you all the way from Vermont is such a spectacular feeling

To all my friends, family, supporters and loved ones (that includes everyone above and those who at 11pm at night I can't directly think of); thank you.  I asked you all to support this adventure of mine and you did.  I asked you to think of me during the week last week and you did.  I asked you to pray for me and I felt God's presence on me the whole week.  Without you all, I wouldn't be here.  You have seen me struggle to get to this point and withstand difficulties, but that's all part of what made me, me.  The same "me" that competed all week, won the title and the "me" that will work as hard as I know how to be the best "me" that I can through this walk of life.  I don't strive to be the best Miss Nebraska, I strive to be the best "me" because that is what will make my life, my journey, and my future destinations real and amazing.

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded." Hebrews 10:35

Honored and blessed to be your Miss Nebraska,

Kayla