Miss America Day 4

 Day 4 started at 4:45am getting up, waking up, and preparing myself to be hair and make-up ready by 6:00am which would give me enough time to grab some breakfast and snacks from the hospitality suite and get to the elevators by 6:15am call time.  I'll break down the process a bit for those of you who didn't see the live show.  There were 6 different groups of girls filming their introductions at 6 different locations.  But as each new location, the girls from the previous shot were participating in the dancing.  We were all in alphabetical order with the exception of the girls who were under 21.  Because some of the intros were being filmed in bars we didn't want to have anyone underage.  The first few girls in the alphabet did their shot the day before and the next groups shot needed to be done after noon so we began that Sunday morning at the Bellagio with my group.

 This day proved difficult because there was a lot of what we call "hurry up and wait" happening.  The film crew and production people had a lot of setting up and testing of this and that but we had to be ready at the snap of a finger.  And although temperatures in Las Vegas were warm and toasty by midday it was rather chilly that morning.  Needless to say we spent a lot of time cuddling for warmth. 

After what seemed like 100 shots we got it down perfectly and we were off to the next location!  Le Reve at the Wynn was one of the coolest places I've seen.  There is a circular stage that is surrounded by water.  The stage changes levels and spins too!  Luckily I was in the back row for this shoot because aside from my yelling out dance moves to help our Miss Nevada keep it together, I was fighting my tendinitis in my knee.  Something about the rubber style floor and high heels was making for a horrible combination.  But with some subtle dance moves and some massaging in between shoots I made it through!

"Thanks for the shout out Lady Gaga, Nebraska, Nebraska I love ya!"

A group of us having lunch at the Palms!

After lunch at the Palms we headed to the secret coded Ghost Bar for the second group of girls.  This was the one we had to postpone so the sun was in the correct position, and also the one that I wasn't in!  Nap time was an understatement.  I think it took only a matter of minutes before each couch, car and rug were covered by a sleeping body.

Getting ready for nap time with Miss Nev at  the Ghost Bar.  This was our only break in the day.

After the Ghost Bar, we drove to downtown Las Vegas, which besides the somewhat vulgar women advertising for the $2 hotdogs and $5 mixed drinks, was a really neat place.  (This was the location that we had the non-alphabetical and underage girls in)  The sun had gone down at this point and all those coastal girls were getting very cold.  We had run through this dance many times and it happened to be my favorite dance so I was very much into it.  To the point of breaking a sweat.  So I ditched my scarf, and gave my coat to someone more cold than I was and kept groovin' to keep myself warm.  Something about that dance gave me a huge kick of much needed energy to finish the shoot.

Our second to last shoot of the day in downtown Las Vegas!

Having a great time teasing Brucy the photographer!

And last but certainly not least was poolside at the Cosmopolitan!  It was 9pm by this time and besides being sleepy we were all freezing, but despite all of that we were all in good spirits which was so uplifting and gave everyone the last kick we needed to get through the last shoot!

Last shoot at the Cosmopolitan!

We got back to the hotel shortly after 10pm and I was showered and in bed faster than you could think, but I still didn't know what time my interview was the next morning.  After a few calls I had the schedule in hand and my alarm set for 6am.

It was a crazy exhausting day, but so much fun!

Psalm 29:11
"The Lord give strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace."

Kayla,

Miss Nebraska

Miss America Day 3

Saturday brought more rehearsal, which by the way, was always fabulous!  We had such a great team of choreographers who've been working with the Miss America Organization for more that eight years, Brian, Stacie and Barry were all so phenomenal to work with and always kept rehearsal entertaining.  During rehearsal, a few girls were pulled out to do up close and personal interviews with Tall Pony (our production team) and Artistry by Amway.  We had our hair and makeup crafted by some wonderful hair and makeup artists, mine happened to have such a darling accent which made for quite an enjoyable time.  They were fixing us with a more natural look with runway appeal.  Our hair was sleek and our makeup subtle to evoke this powerful look.

After rehearsals we changed into our killer Express outfits and went to the Fashion Show Mall where we would be participating in a runway type event.  This was probably the coolest thing I have ever done in my whole life!  We walked into the mall on the main level, walked out the doors into the parking garage, and got into an elevator that took us down a level.  As confusing as this was I decided to go with the flow.  Once downstairs our friends from Express and our stylists from the days interviews were there to make us all look fabulous.  We were guided into this giant box where our positions were marked with a piece of tape.  We rehearsed once the runway walk and then got to our positions and waited.  It was only moments later that we were rising from the ground level to the main level of the mall.  You started to see the feet and then the knees of onlookers, then cameras.  We were rising out of the ground in a glass box!  After we were in position, the runway began to rise out of the ground.  At the end of the runway were cameras galore!  It was the most extravagant and exhilarating rush of adrenaline I had experienced.  It will definitely go down in my history as one of the greatest things I've done!

When the fashion show was done, it was off to Buca de Beppo's for some fabulous pasta and dessert!  I even met a couple fans there outside the doors.  That's always a great feeling when you have people cheering for you :)  AND we did a little singing for Miss Alabama as it was her birthday and instead of spending it at home with her family she had to spend it will her new sisters! 

Happy 25th Birthday to Miss Alabama, Cortney Porter!

Yummy dessert!

The have a famous tomato sauce and its routine every year for the girls to dip their hands in it and make a giant hand print panting out of the sauce for them to hang on the wall for the year!  It was fun and delicious!

Playin' in the famous pizza sauce from Buca de Beppo!

Miss America Class of 2012's hand print sign!

And after a long day of rehearsals, fashion show, late dinner, and tired feet, what else is there to do besides read, enjoy some water and a lovely foot soak!  This is my wonderful roommate Julia, Miss Maine.  I just love this girl!  In her grandma pajamas and with her silly foot soak :)

My wonderful roommate taking advantage of her foot bath!

Needless to say we made a perfect team for each other.  It was so great to talk about life and pageants as we both have such different stories.  Julia won Miss Maine on her first shot so hadn't been exposed to the pageant world as long as I had.  We had many different stories to tell and such a wonderful bond.  This woman will always be a dear friend.

I went to bed after finding my verse to conquer the next day, James 1:2-4

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kids, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

And wrote a little prayer in my journal after that.

Dear God,
Please help me make it through this week in faith, in health and in strength.  I can't do it without you!

Lots more to go,

Kayla 

Miss Nebraska

Miss America Day 2

 Day 2 began with some delicious pancakes from IHOP!  They even had turkey bacon for us, the healthy alternative.  We were able to play and make all kinds of pancakes.  The picture below represents the greatest pancake makers around.  We filled our griddle with batter and had to wait very impatiently until the bubbles were all popped before we flipped it!  It took four spatulas and two full sized plates and a couple burned fingers on my part but we were successful!.

Oh yes, we successfully flipped that bad boy!

After a little morning fun, it was off to rehearsal.  We were planning quite a different opening this year so a lot of work went into it.  But while it was a lot of work it was one of my favorite times because that was the time to take advantage of to really get to know the girls. I started discussing Larry the astrologer with Miss NY and Miss MT and found out they were very interested in that area.  Veronika (Miss Montana) told me she knew another thing, I was a 9 and Joel was an 11...to me this meant nothing.  I'll have to ask her again what her theory is!

Just a little music talk.

After a long day of rehearsal we were treated to "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Venetian.  What a fabulous performance!  The theatre was built specifically for this performance and a ton of crazy features went into it to make it one of the most fabulous shows!  Definitely a must-do while in Vegas!

Before heading to the Phantom at the Venitian.

A group shot with some of the cast of the show.

The end of day 2 in my journal ended with a little note about my day, "definitely got my twang on today!"  Clearly I was feeling a bit southern!  I ended my journal writing and my night with this verse:

"And we know that in all things God works for the god of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans8:28

I'm loving all the memories coming back from writing these!

Kayla
Miss Nebraska

Miss America Day 1

I realize that it has been over two months since I departed for Miss America and that makes me a total slacker for not getting these blogs done before now, but this experience is still unreal.  I can't believe that I was on the Miss America stage and on national television just two months ago.  I'm going to try and backtrack and pinpoint the highlights on my week in Vegas and the fun moments and experiences I had.  I started a journal of the week and with the late evenings and the early mornings started slacking quite a bit but I will share what I have.

On January 5th, on my flight to Las Vegas I was listening to "Where is the Love" by The Blackeyed Peas and starting writing in my journal about the excitement I was feeling and the difference of feelings from the past years I was traveling to Miss America.  I was in the book and would be fighting for the job of Miss America 2012.  It didn't seem like real life.  At this point the nerves hadn't hit and neither did reality.  

On my flight I happen to sit next to a gentleman named Larry who was an astrologer.  I'll tell you right here and now, I've never studied astrology and barely shown any interest in it, and I'm not entirely sure how much of it I believe but it was very interesting to talk with him.  Larry whipped out his computer and entered my name, date of birth and place and time of birth and showed me how my planets, moons, and stars line up.  The whole process was interesting and there are a few "key dates" he told me about, but I'll have to wait until they get here to see if he was right.  This whole process was a great distraction from the fly time and before I knew it we were landing in Las Vegas for the beginning of a wild journey. 

This was my third time into Vegas and it seemed the same as all the rest until I saw two of the most amazing men walking up to me, Lewis and Chris, two of our fabulous security guards.  At that moment, this experience became real.  After heading to the hotel and getting checked in, doing fittings I headed to Express where we were choosing our onstage question outfits and doing some promo videos as well.  I was walking as if on a runway and "Sweet Child of Mine" came on the sound system and I was in the zone on that runway and rockin' it!  I was then told I needed to control my inner rockstar and go for a more sleek appeal.  It was tough, but I made it :)

I was able to sneak a nap in that afternoon before that arrival ceremony, such a relief.  It was so great seeing the girls for the first time since August and you could see the friendships rekindling right away.

After the ceremony, it was off a meeting about what to expect for the rest of our time in Vegas!  The conversation at our table included the importance of ice cream flavors and basically how they determine what kind of person you are.  Therefore, don't date a boy who likes "vanilla"....boring.  For your information I'm a "rocky road" kind of girl.  Must have chocolate covered almonds though, not the cheap way out with peanuts.  Rich in flavor, a little messy and a bit nutty!

Day 1 ended with 1 Peter 3:3-4

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

More to come,

Kayla 

Miss Nebraska 

Miss America: for the girls

What you will read in this blog is special to me.  This isn't the run down of the week or even all my thoughts on the pageant or my experience.  This blog is about what truly means the most to me in this organization, and that is the women.  I can gratefully say that I have the most incredible 52 sisters I could ask for.  Ones that will go above and beyond everyone's expectations and succeed past their own goals.  I was voted as this years Miss Congeniality by these women.  For me this award isn't just the scholarship, or even the title, but recognition from each of these women that through my every day, I was something special to them and there is nothing that is more important to me than that.  That maybe, one of these hectic days, I helped them laugh, or solve a problem, or even listened while they got something off their chest.  Maybe I was there to zip their dress before they walked on stage, all I know is that each one of these women meant something to me that will never be replaced.  

Below I have typed a little bit about each woman; an experience we shared, an inside joke, or something that I want to thank them for or something that I need to make sure they know and remember.  They are listed in alphabetical order with only my state missing.  

To each of you: you will always hold a special place in my heart and this award will never be taken for granted.  I am blessed beyond words for receiving this and will cherish these feelings for life.  I hope I can bring a smile and even a laugh to you as you read this.  For the rest of you reading, I hope this gives you an insight on how my week went.  With these amazing women, it was nothing but amazing, crazy, fun.  I am proud to say that I had experiences with each woman and there will always be something in my every day that reminds me of them.  

We were brought together for a reason.  

This is the first of many Miss America blogs, but to me, the most important.

AL- I think our friendship took on a new level when our tooshie’s got a little squeeze at MAOT!  From then on I couldn’t help but love the connection Courtney and I developed.  She became our “me-mah” of the group yet I will always be one looking out for her. 

AK- Katy and I started our friendship in Hoopeston, Illinois in September of 2010 and how wonderful to share this experience like this with her again.  And we both love kitty cats like crazy…seriously.  I hope the new Olive Garden is as wonderful as the DQ! 

AZ- Thank you for your prayer of Saturday night!  And because of our wonderful little intros used during the preliminary nights of competition, Jennifer was able to get a few extra credit points on her calculus 2 quiz for knowing the answer to the question, “Where was Kool-aid invented?”  OHhhhh, yaaa!

AR- To one of the sweetest and most inspirational, caring and genuine person I’ve ever met, Kristen Glover.  During the entire week at Miss America she was incredibly supportive, especially when each of us needed it.  I don’t expect it was easy for her parent s to scold her as a child…if she even needed it!

CA-Thanks to your other half, my other half had a great time in Vegas!  I’m so glad we were able to connect the boys because this means future plans for you and me, Cali in May?  Thank you for sharing your table at the gala with me, I loved meeting your team!  P.S. I need to get a hold of those knee high boots when you’re tired of them!

CO- Cheers to the awkward silent laughing we had to do in that hallway with those interesting men from the press Diana.  What it takes to pretend laugh and smile when you’re actually making fun of the camera guys.  At least we decided to put makeup on that day!

CT- Morgan, I’m still in need of a copy of your book!  Yes, I said it, this amazing woman is a published author and someday my children will hear her words before bedtime, at naptime and maybe just for fun!  I’ll be looking forward to more too!

DC- To Ashley, one who truly appreciated my “You see dat sign dat say B-A-B-Y” story and after hearing my talent song looked at me with inquiring eyes wondering if I didn’t have just a little bit of black in me.  I guess I’m just a poser with my stories and my voice…we are sisters now though, does that count?

DE- Maria and I shared a fair amount of hugs, whispers of excitement, and squeals of joy before walking (dancing) on stage for the final night of competition.  And following her on Twitter and Facebook makes me wish I was in her crazy family, it’s like I can feel the humor from this far away!

FL- Oh Kristina with the wonderful boyfriend who made her a book of photographs that represent their wonderful relationship.  Yep, you definitely made our table jealous!  Can’t wait to see your adorable half Asian, half tall, blonde and handsome children someday!

GA- Michaela and I come from years ago at MAOT 2008 and I have loved this little ballerina since.  She is such a joyful person with a dedicated, loving boyfriend who made it to each 8am rehearsal.  One day you will teach me how to do at least 5 up-dos…at LEAST 5!

HI- Lauren, I wish I was lucky enough to have a boyfriend with a lime green tux!  I can’t wait to visit you in Hawaii and will always cherish our time together, from Sweetheart, to watching Miss America last year and competing together this year.  Oh!  And thank you so much for the eyelashes Saturday, and I look forward to the next early morning phone call conversations!

ID- When I go back to schoo,l I will be reminded of you each morning that I step into my PINK yoga pants, hoodie and sneakers.  You defined that look Genevieve and you did it well!  I am blessed to have had you as a friend before Miss America and can’t wait to take on that mud run with you! 

IL- Hannah, in my book you will always be my famous red-head!  And I will forever and always think of your amazing talent when someone asks me what the coolest dance I’ve ever seen is.  Definitely yours, unless the kind I do in front of the mirror tops that! 

IN- With my mad bep-boxing skills and Jackie’s killer rapping style, we made quite the team!  Seriously, I’d lay down a beat and out of nowhere these rather humorous and mostly cheesy lines would flow from her mouth, creating an exquisite combination.  We=bomb.com

IA- Jessica is my long lost sister.  After my family and friends saw the program book they kept telling me Jessica and I looked like sisters and by all means, I’ll claim her!  And I don’t think I saw another person consume so much cotton candy in a week!

KS- Excuse me, Jessica Simpson…oh it’s just Carissa!  This quiet, timid woman has got some killer spunk to her and I’m so glad I was able to find it!  Thank you for praying Wednesday night of prelims and for being an awesome friend!  I can’t wait to meet you in KC!

KY- Our relationship began with the laughing game at MAOT ’08 and turned into a game of laughter behind the stage of Miss America.  Ann-Blair, I have shared more pageant experiences with you than anyone else and what a journey it has been.  I will always love hearing your stories and talking with your daddy!  Pick me up for that road trip whenever you’re ready!

LA- Hopes’ got the moves I’m telling you!  Day one of rehearsal and this girl was getting it and I couldn’t help but take a great liking to her at that moment.  And I’m so glad I was able to squeeze your arm as you were called into the top 15, you’re amazing!

ME- Julia Gulia, my roomie, my nighttime laughter and my morning picker-uper, I couldn’t have asked for anyone better than you.  From your daily clothing report to your granny jammies and your foot bath, we were perfect for one another and I’m blessed to have you as a friend and will always cherish our time together!  We dominated 1974.

MD- Carlie, I’m sorry for yelling at your boyfriend one the way to the bathroom, I was just trying to protect you I promise!  I’m so glad that we were able to go on a date together and induldge in some delicious steak even though we weren’t supposed to eat it…oops!  Don’t forget, you’re planning my wedding someday!

MA- Molly and I share a common trait of very curly hair, we just don’t share it opening during competition.  I had such a great time getting to know you and playing with your beaded sleeve on your evening gown, so entertaining! 

MI- Elizabeth, you sure do “rev my engine”…just kidding that would be weird, but you do make me laugh a lot so that counts.  You have an amazing story and I was so glad to hear it and be able to share some of mine with you as well.  I will forever be jealous of those black pumps you wore all the time…where can I find them?

MN- When it comes to Natalie I always looked forward to hearing stories about her brother!  He is such a wonderful person and so hilarious too I couldn’t help be wait in anticipation for you to tell more stories about growing up and what he thought of the women in Vegas!

MS- I think some of my fondest memories with Mary Margaret come from the conversations about our moms and how they’ve transformed through the pageant world.  I will always cherish your accent as one of my favorites and think of our awesome dance moves whenever I hear “Ohh oh sometimes I get a good feelin!”

MO- Sydney, first thank you for singing a killer version of “Dream On” and letting me imagine I was sitting in a concert hall.  And thank you for being so open with your faith and holding my hand each night that we prayed before show.  I can’t wait to see you in KC, and let’s make it soon!

MT- Veronika and I sat behind one another in the dressing room which meant that we bumped butts often!  

And for some reason, I was always finding her… “belongings” laying around the room.  I love our laughs (Verjonika) and the sweet romances of the hospital nurse.  No wonder you got sick!

NV- Alana=bomb.com.  My twin.  My future bridesmaid.  I don’t know how to explain our relationship in any other way except we are perfect for each other.  I am so glad I had you there after each area of competition to talk about how we killed it!  And to jump into each other’s arms and do an interview with GMA while discussing our weddings.  You are truly the greatest honey boo-boo child!  And I know you know it.

NH- Regan without your guidance I wouldn’t have known where to stand therefore would have been lost.  Basically I couldn’t have done anything without you!  I’m so glad our states are close and we were able to share so many moments together before opening number.

NJ- Katherine Nicole is seriously one of my favorite people ever.  When we weren’t in the same room together I literally missed you.  And I must apologize for booting you off the little stool we were trying to share in the losers lounge…I would have let you just sit in my lap dangit.  So glad we were together for that.

NM- Sarina was always there to open the door for me when I made my late night calls to room 1972 and was usually the first person I saw at the end of the hallway for call time.  Thank you for being patient with my craziness and always putting a smile on your face for me and laughing at my jokes!

NY- Kaitlin is truly an inspiration.  I have followed your journey this year and am continually amazed by the incredible things you are doing in NY.  Thank you for introducing and encouraging my addiction to Twenty Cluny and I will spend New Years with you.  And I will be a grunge New Yorker, no tourist for me.  And I want your wonderful seamstress mommy to make me a colorful dress!

NC- Hailey, I loved our time together at Buca’s.  I’m so glad we were able to sit down and talk about our lives and our future endeavors.  And I’m very grateful that some of those may be happening together soon!  I’m grateful our boys bonded and I can’t wait to see what your future holds for you because I know it will be amazing. 

ND- Of all the contestants this year Ariana was one of my first to meet when he mom and I shared seats next to each other on the way to Orlando.  You are such a great person and so encouraging.  I’m so glad we had all the time together in FL and will forever have the bond of MAOT and MA sisterhood!

OH- Ellen and I shared a moment during rehearsals on Friday when I started talking about how sad it was going to be to leave all the girls and go home.  We both started tearing up and I had to stop.  I am confident that you will always think of me when/if you remove your luggage tags and I’m so happy about that.  Hopefully that will give you enough encouragement to remove them!

OK- Betty and I made a deal during rehearsal Saturday that if either of us were to make top 15 we would hug, and although I didn’t get to join you that evening, I felt blessed to be your embrace as you started your final night into the competition.   We still need to talk about some things we didn’t get to discuss :)

OR- Caroline, you may not have known this but apparently we look very similar.  You see, I was in an Artistry video and they labeled me as “Caroline McGowan, Miss Oregon.”  It took me three times of watching it to catch it, but I’m not even mad because if I was mistaken for you on a daily basis it would only make me a better person! 

PA- My sweet Juliann who considered stealing my phone from my clutch in Orlando because it looked just like hers!  It’s so great knowing that in your first couple of pageant you were able to experience Miss America and with the attitude that gained so much respect.  Thank you for always being joyful, no matter the situation!

PR- Laura Ramirez!  I couldn’t look at you and try not to smile, it just wouldn’t work!  You brought so much joy and sass to my every day.  And I that you realized how much we all enjoyed your accent but I think the best moment was listening to you say my Kool-aid opening!  I will never forget it and will continue practicing my Puerto Rican accent.  It’s definitely still in the works. 

RI- Robin and I have had problems with our last names, although yours is worse, I feel for you!  I must say I thoroughly enjoyed watching you get ALL your makeup applied before show, so rebellious and I love it.  I can’t wait to visit you in the future and I even own a Brown t-shirt now…will that help me fit in?

SC- Even though your Gamecocks wooped on my Huskers a couple weeks prior to MA, I’m glad I didn’t hold that against you for too long.  I think what I most enjoyed was listening to you say your own name, Bree Boyce; it just had the perfect ring to it with that accent of yours.  And I love reminding people that I know you when they tell me they saw you on TV or in a magazine!

SD- Anna was there each night before prelims while we were getting our hair and make-up done together.  Thank you for always letting me go first and for picking up all the things I dropped.  I can’t wait to see you this month and again in June!  And don’t forget to flaunt that killer bod of yours!

TN- The first dinner in Vegas was supposed to be casual and when I saw Erin rocking her yoga pants like I was, it was love at first sight!  I enjoyed our occasional winks in the dressing room and glances during rehearsal and mostly watching you get at those dance moves!

TX- Kendall it was a joy spending so much time together in Orlando and then getting to be table buddies in the dressing room.  You are a great representative and I love that we were a part of the same group.  You killed your talent piece by the way, and I’ve been telling my piano student about you.  They all say, “You know her?”

UT- Danica was a tough one to break!  I discovered that if you got her talking about something she really loved, cats, she’d talk forever!  I loved our little tough acts that were always followed by laughter and I appreciate that your hug came first after the announcement of Miss Congeniality.  Teach me how to dance and we’ll be the best of friends. 

VT- I must first thank your state for being so awesome by bringing Ben and Jerry into this world!  And thank you for being such an awesome person when I met you last year at MA.  Katie was one of the first faces I saw in Orlando and I love that I was always greeted with the biggest smile!  I will be visiting someday, promise.

VA- I will say I was hoping Elizabeth would catch onto the trend of wearing boring, comfy clothes to rehearsal but instead she showed up at 8am looking like she was ready to hit the town.  I guess it did give me some encouragement knowing that if at any moment someone needed an example of what to dress like they could at least take a photo of one of the 53 contestants!

VI- Camila taught me how to correctly pronounce her name in Orlando this August and I rubbed it in everyone’s face in Vegas!  I’m so glad we both share a passion for music.  I think we should team up and hit ‘em with the double wammie of music importance.  And I will never complain about a two hour time change again, knowing that for you it would be four!

WA- Brittney, “From the home of Twitter, you’re welcome!”  Seriously, did you have to steal that line from me?  You were totally the talk of the pageant with that line and your killer performance on that fiddle.  I’m so glad we got to share this experience with each other and I know Jon was glad too because he was able to see more of me than he had before!  Give the kids a kiss for me!

WV- It has been a joy to see Spenser grow into an even more amazing woman.  After competing together at Sweetheart and spending time together last year at MA I was so proud of being your sister again.  You’re such a stud (in a very feminine way of course) and someone I hold dear to my heart, just like I would my own little sister.  Thanks for all the love!

WI- Laura, I hope I’m not alone in saying that I felt our connection right away and possibly in Orlando.  It was like neither of us needed to say anything we just had these feelings and could see them in each other!  And I loved it!  Your patience and ease all week was so relaxing and definitely rubbed off on me and I thank you for that. 

WY- Catherine, you are one of the sweetest, kind, caring people I’ve ever met and so funny too!  I was so glad to have you backstage before talent and truly loved the sincerity of your every word.  It meant so much to have someone who truly listened, cared and responded and I thank you for that!  And for surprising me with your humor, it was the greatest! 

Thank you each so much for making this one memorable experience.  I hope you now know how important each of you are to me.  

Love always your crazy sister,
Kayla, your Miss Nebraska

AKA:

Nebra, Nebby, "Nebraska, Nebraska, I love ya", Batt 

Miss America Bound!

Vegas, Vegas here I come!  I can't believe that I am saying this yet again, but it's finally here!  All of the work I've done in the last four years has paid off because tomorrow morning I will board the plane that takes me to Las Vegas where I will compete for the title of Miss America 2012!  A goal I set three years ago, and it's finally here.  

I have been blessed with prayers, cards, thoughts and support all over the country and couldn't be happier.  I can feel the support on me and I know that I am being lifted up in prayers each day.  Today, I was reminded that God has a plan for me.  No matter what the outcome next weekend, God has a plan for me.  I will wait anxiously (I wish I knew how to wait patiently) for whatever is to come for me but with each moment I will cherish the feelings, the surroundings and the people.  God has given me people each step of life and I do not doubt that he will continue to do so.  There are doors for me to open and I am ready to turn the knobs and see what is waiting for me.  

I want to thank each of you who have been praying for me everyday and ask that you continue your prayers.  For my travels tomorrow, my health all week, my strength, my faith and myself.  I want to be myself every single moment of everyday while I am in Las Vegas.  I walked into Miss Nebraska this year with the full intent to be 'me' the entire time and I was, and that is my goal this time around.  God made me just the way I am and I want to share that woman, not one that someone wants me to be or someone thinks I am, I will be Kayla May Batt.  

As I am sitting in bed tonight, I am at peace.  There is a calming sense above me that I hope will stay with me each day in Las Vegas.  I couldn't be more thankful.  It may seem like a repetitive thing for me to say, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart.  I couldn't ask for anything more than what I've been given.  

I will try to keep updates as often as I can (or when I can stay awake).  I know you will all be watching January 14th live on ABC!

I pray for peace to be on me everyday and that I trust God with each breathe I take.  He is my guide and rock.

For those of you coming to Vegas, see you next week!

Love, 

Kayla

Miss Nebraska

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11

December School Visits

 Kahoa Elementary was a great time!  There were some former piano students of mine that were able to brag a little bit about knowing me! :)

 Lakeview Elementary had quite a welcome set for me!  The two girls below did their research and had an entire intro with some of my back ground information before announcing me as their guest!

My wonderful sign to the left was done by the entire McPhee Elementary School!  I love walking into a school feeling so welcomed!

Beattie Elementary in Lincoln (right) brought some wonderful questions:
"Are you married?"
"Did you ride in a limo today?"
"Why do you always look so pretty?"
I guess they don't see me when I wake up in the morning, not looking so pretty! :)

Sitting with some wonderfully behaved preschoolers at West Lincoln Elementary before I spoke!

The Roadrunners at Norwood Park were such a great audience!  After speaking with the entire school I was able to spend a little one-on-one time with the 4th and 5th graders.





Many of them were surprised to find out more about my background.  I was raised in a broken home and received free lunch at school because my parents income was too low, like many of the students at Norwood Park.  I love being able to be relatable and not just an unreachable character for these kids.  I want them to see that I was like them!

Crazy faces! My favorite!

I spoke to the entire 6th grade class at Adams Middle School in North Platte and had a great time performing for them.  It's been great practice for me to perform my talent piece for the schools and they usually like to hear it...except the few that plug their ears!

Hall Elementary School in North Platte was so excited to hear me speak and requested me to sing three times!

McDonalds Elementary Kids Club

With each school I speak at and with every question I get asked, I become more and more aware of the blessings I have by being Miss Nebraska.  I thrive for this job and am so grateful to have all the opportunities that I have!

More blogs soon,

Kayla 

Miss Nebraska