Dec 16 ETV Protect Idaho Kids.wmv

"Mrs. Boise herself!" :-) There was a typo for my introduction during my speaking time, I am currently Mrs. Boise, working on hopefully becoming Mrs. Idaho!!!

A day at Whitney Elementary

On December 16, 2010, I was asked to join my daughters class for some holiday baking and also speak to the children about how to give back without having much money to spend (they are kids, so they don't have much). We spent the afternoon working on perfecting the dough, baking them, letting them cool and then the decorations were next! Talk about a fun, silly group of girls I got to hang out with. I was with 6 young girls for most of the day and we had such a blast with all the festivities!

Next, I got to speak with the entire class about how to give back. We talked about how many different things we can do, even as children. Some of the children were very creative with suggestions they can use on their own to do some volunteerism in our very own community. I hope I was able to influence these young children to do good deeds and pay it forward each and everyday of their lives!

Stage Coach Theater and "A Christmas Twist" Red Carpet Event

On November 28, I was asked to MC an event for the Stage Coach Theater's opening premier of "A Christmas Twist." I happily accepted :-) The theme for the premier was red carpet/Hollywood style, the actors arrived in a loaded Audi, dropped off at the door by their "driver" and were whisked into the building via red carpet! I was there to introduce and interview them as they made it through! All the actors/actresses didn't know what questions they were going to be asked and each one did a phenomenal job of answering them perfectly! From there, they went off to the dressing room and got ready to do what they do best, act, in this funny Christmas themed play. I was able to go up on stage and introduce the Director and the play itself! This was such a fun event and I really enjoyed myself!

Here are some of the things that were said about how I did for the evening:

Don Walker: Again, thank you so much for coming to the theatre last night. You did a great job and it made the evening much more special. Hope to see you at our theatre again.


Ian Price Taylor: Let me chime in and say thanks, again, for making us all feel like stars last night! It was great to have you come and add some snazzy class to the event!

Idaho Steelheads with Protect Idaho Kids

I was asked to participate with Protect Idaho Kids for the Idaho Steelheads game on November 12 and 13, 2010. At Protect Idaho Kids they raise awareness on the rescourses that are already here and available for the state of Idaho such as the 211 line (pick up any phone, dial 211, and get any answers your looking for in terms of parenting and most other issues with families including counseling services, information on where to go and even class schedules for those who seek to improve). We were able to help spread the message to everyone about helping keep our kids safe here in Idaho and I got to drop the first puck as well as ride on the Zamboni! What an amazing couple of evenings! Also picutred is Miss Outstanding Teen Western Idaho, 2010, Ashley Stultz. She's a doll!

Governor's Brightest Star Awards Ceremony

On November 10, I got to volunteer for the Governor's Brightest Star Ceremony which honors and recognizes volunteerism in the state of Idaho.

The tradition of recognizing Idaho’s outstanding volunteers has carried on through the Risch and Otter administrations. Since its inception, more than 500 individuals and groups have been recognized as Governor’s Brightest Stars.

These everyday heroes come from every corner of the State, representing large and small communities. They truly are Idaho's Brightest Stars!

All of the nominees who meet the minimum qualifications are recognized at the annual Governor’s Brightest Star Awards Ceremony. Citizen review panels traditionally assist the Governor and First Lady in identifying those who will be featured during the Governor’s Brightest Star Awards Ceremony.

The Governor and First Lady present an award for the Governor’s Brightest Star - Volunteer of the Year in each nomination category and feature a variety of other honorees during the ceremony.

(Picture coming soon)

Veteran's Day Parade

The Veteran's Day Parade was a huge success on November 7! I enjoyed riding in a Corvette provided by the local corvette club! The driving was extremely kind and gracious. A HUGE "thank you!!!" to our Vet's who have served past and present, if it wasn't for them, freedom wouldn't be free for us. I was honored to be a part of the parade and feel blessed that there are those who place their lives above mine so I can be free. Picture is from the Idaho Statesman.

Wishing Star Foundation

On November 4, I was invited to a Wishing Star Foundation benefit breakfast where I MC'd for the morning. They are an amazing organization! They are wish makers in real life form!! Wishing Star's mission statement is to provide kids with hope through uplifting and rejuvenating experiences refocusing on the joys of life, to provide lasting support and memories for wish families, to treat families and associates with dignity and protect their privacy, and to inspire greater community participation in fulfilling Wishing Star's Mission. They are able to grant children wishes that are diagnosed with terminal or medical issues from ages 3 to 21. Pictured with Mandy Wood from ICON Credit Union (a sponsor the the organization) and Tracy Shaw (the director for the local Wishing Star) What a phenomenal organization!

November 2, election night, GOP!

I celebrated with the local GOP for Election night on Nov. 2, 2010 and had such an AMAZING time! Most of the candidates I voted for won, so that was really exciting to see them all again and catch up on the campaign trail and how things have gone with them. Such a fun night and my husband enjoyed it more than I did!!!

Photo Shoot

On October 30, 2010, I also got the opportunity to do a photoshoot for the upcoming pageant! We went all over Boise shooting! My favorite spot was at the State Capital where First Lady Otter was handing out candy for the trick or treaters.

Pumpkin Patch!

I was invited by my 6 year old, Madison, to attend her school's pumpkin patch field trip on October 22, 1010! They had such a blast, I was able to have a small group of kids and enjoy their company being a chaperone all day! We had a great time picking pumpkins, playing in corn, jumping on the HUGE pillow, riding in a cow ride and lots more! Thanks to Whitney Elementary for allowing me to be a part of such a fun filled day!

Pageant workshop

I got to meet all the beautiful women who will be competing for the Mrs. Idaho America title on February 12, 2011! We got to do mock interviews, learn about how to be the best we can be in the pageant atmosphere and learn many pageant secrets. It was a blast and am looking forward to seeing all these women and then some in February!

PROTECT IDAHO KIDS

Protect Idaho Kids is a non profit organization that helps get the message out to the general public for rescources that are already available and in place for raising children. I was asked to shoot a public service announcement and gladly accepted! The two young children are mine and I even got to borrow a friend that I've met through the adoption clinic to stand in as my 3rd daughter, since my real 3rd daughter got caught up and couldn't make it. I am very excited to have this air across Idaho to help get the message out that families are the most important thing we have, so let's raise them right!

City Lights 10 year birthday!!

I had the chance to go and celebrate with the Boise Rescue Mission and their City Lights, which is the women's and childrens shelter, 10 year anniversary! What an amazing, memorable evening! On October 2, there was a huge celebration including previous first lady of Idaho Patricia Kempthorne as the key note speaker, dinner, meeting the mothers and children the City Lights have helped and many touching moments through the evening. I was impressed with how many women have actually completed the program and moved on from the Mission, to raise their families in a healthy, happy home now! The City Lights program helps those who need the help and are willing to consider changing their lives that will enable them to grow to be amazing mothers and give back to the community. What an amazing evening!!!

Gov. Otter and First Lady

I was invited to attend a meet and greet with Gov. Otter for the great state of Idaho, at his home, on September 24. It was such a fun time! Not only was there live entertainment, delicious food, great company including political figures such as Gov. Otter and the First Lady Lori Otter, Raul Labrador, Tom Luna, Ralph Perez and many more, but there was also a fireworks display at the end of the evening over Gov. Otters lake. He kindly opened is house, ranch and yard to help make a statement about his beliefs and ideals as governor to our state. Both him and the 1st Lady are lovely hosts and same with their families. The children had a blast meeting all the government officials who they typically only learn about at school. I look forward to supporting him in the future on issues I find important to not only our future, but our children's future.

Camp River Run

Also on September 18, I was graciously asked to be at their annual "Share in the Dream" fund raiser and was so incredibly touched. This event is to help raise money from individuals and companies in the community. They did such a wonderful job at organizing the event, I was pretty impressed!

The nights festivities included dinner, live auction, silent auction, raffle and so much more! The founder of Camp River Run also was celebrating her birthday! It was so touching to see a kid (who has since passed, he passed away at 18 and knew he was going to prior to the nights event) who donated his favorite personal hunting knife. He donated it for the live raffle. The face value of this particular knife was around $35.00. When the bidding started, hearing his story and seeing how high it would go for was so touching I teared up several times. The first time it sold was for $2500. Then the man that purchased it, donated it back for more live auction. The next man that purchased it, bought it for ANOTHER $2500. He then in turn donated it back AGAIN. Once again back in the auction, it went for $350. In the end, he donated it back AGAIN for next year. This one boy who has passed will be able to live his legacy from the time he participated in Camp River Run for many years to come.

It takes $500 to send one kid to camp for one whole week. It includes food, fun, counselors, cabins and much more. This is one time that these terminally diagnosed kids can take their minds off their health issues and just have fun, run and play together and just be "normal" kids without the weight of the world on their shoulders.

I am forever touched to be apart of an amazing foundation like this one. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

El Ada Community Action Partnership

On September 18, I was asked to make an appearance at El Ada's "Momma Jam" which celebrates families of any vicinity. They are a local organization that helps out the less fortunate and those in need in order to change people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes Idaho a better place to live.

The kids there were so sweet and kind! I made a lot of new friends there and even learned how to belly dance with all the young and younger thinking alike! Thank you El Ada, I had a blast and look forward to helping where I can in the near future!

Governor Butch Otter meeting

Both my husband and I support the great Governor of Idaho, Butch Otter. We got the invite to meet him as well as others in the Idaho Young Republicans. While there, we mingled with many of the Republicans who are running for office including Raul Labrador for Congress. Mr. Labrador has consistently stood up for our values and what's right. It was an honor to meet and mingle with such a phenomenal group of people! Did you know that Gov. Otter has been able to continually balance our budget during the recession and NOT raise our taxes to pay for it!? How great is that!

During the event, we had the chance to see how others can make a difference by supporting their own beliefs and voting. There were many checks that were given out to help with the local Republican politicians and their campaign. One person really can make a difference so don't forget to go out and VOTE!!!

Chief Justice Eismann and Drug Court

I have had the opportunity to meet the Honorable Chief Justice Eisemann and arrange a meeting with him in his office, after speaking with him and his lovely wife during the 4th of July Parade here in Boise. I set up a meeting to see if there is anything I can offer him in terms of giving back to the community. I am very aware of what the Honorable Eismann has done in terms of helping our community with the horrible issue of drug addiction and alcoholism. He almost single handed implemented the Drug Court System for addicts and alcoholics here in the State of Idaho. He also sits on the Idaho State Bar Lawyers Assistance Program which helps lawyers who battle this hideous disease. He has offered help when others have given up on them. The whole point of the programs available is to restore lives, rebuild their family relationships and become productive members of society. I respectfully stand behind such a worthy cause.

On September 1, 2010, I had the chance to sit down one on one with the Honorable Chief Justice and brain storm some ideas on how a beauty queen can help others in the arena of addiction. I have had my own experience in dealing with addicts and alcoholics and understand this disease all too well. I am a huge fan and supporter of bettering lives through what ever means necessary. We came up with some great ideas on how to help this part of the community. First, they needed a spokesperson and felt that I would be great for the job, I accepted excitedly! I am now the spokesperson for Drug Court in the State of Idaho and will hold this responsibility highly and with honor. I am blessed they felt I would be the perfect candidate for this opportunity to reach others on the benefits of living a good, clean life.

During our discussion, we also decided that I will be able to go into the actual class rooms and teach some things that I know a little bit about, such as how to present yourself in public, how to do make up for interviews, how to write a resume since some of the above listed items, others don't know how to do and have never been shown. I am looking forward to teaching class on anything that I can help with and have knowledge in. I hope to reach as many men and woman as possible to help enrich and strengthen their lives in a positive way.

More to come as time unfolds!!!

My children being VERY giving!

I have been volunteering with my children at the Boise Rescue Mission and they decided to do a fund-raiser for them. I had no idea, they surprised me when I got home from work, they had a stand with a jar for coins and a box for dollar bills. I am such a proud mother of these little girls. They had thought of the homeless community instead of running and playing with their friends. THAT is pretty impressive for any age of person, let alone a 6 year old and 9 year old little girl. I am amazed and truly blessed with some of the most amazing children! The girls have set a goal for themselves to raise $80 and then we will go in and do a personal donation for the Boise Rescue Mission. Such giving little ones! Their friends came over to play and my girls asked them to join. They taught the neighborhood friends some valuable lessons that day too it looks like :)

There's been so many opportunities, check out the links below

I will continue to add to the list of promotions for Mrs. Boise servicing the community in any way I can help the causes I hold so near and dear to my heart.

http://boiserescuemission.wordpress.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEURyRfSpj8

http://www.alphaidaho.org/#/forever-red/4543297197

Co-hosting ALPHA's "Forever Red" awards show!

I was asked to co-host an annual event called "Forever Red" with A.L.P.H.A. which is a HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention local organization who promotes that we've all been effected or infected by this disease. I was fortunate to have my husband there with me during the entire event and he was very proud of the job I did. My most memorable moment of the evening was when up on stage, I had to attempt to talk into the microphone for about 3 hours with introductory award recipients, entertainment, thank you's to sponsors, and on and on. It was such a fun loving event that I even poked fun of myself during the ceremonies and stumbled on some words (the word philanthropy is pretty easy to say, but try it in front of 400 people as well as into a mic and it can get pretty difficult) so after messing it up twice, I laughed at myself and told the entire audience that "Yes, I believe in world peace." The got a good laugh out of it and cheered me on! It was such a great chance to learn about the movers and shakers in the HIV/AIDS community as well as see how people have been effected by it. The stories, the awards portion, entertainment and all of it was one of the most memorable nights of my life. Thank you ALPHA for allowing me to be apart of such a touching cause!

Busy Day! Western Idaho Fair with Bob FM 96.1

On August 28, I had the opportunity to be present for the Bob-B-Q with Bob FM (96.1) at the Western Idaho Fair. They had their 2nd annual contest that included who could bbq the best poultry, fish, red meat and ice cream. The contestants were so incredibly kind and gracious to have me test many of the foods they cooked up! They were all wonderful, I don't know how the judges (local restaurant owners were judges) could pick just one in each category and then an overall. During the event, there was a traveling Marine Corp band playing and they were phenomenal! I am so proud to live where I do and I got to say thank you to all the Marines that played as well as serve them ice cream :-)

August 2010

On August 7, 2010, I had the great opportunity to participate in the Soul Food Festival, 2010 in Boise, ID with Chef Roland from Roland's Cajun Grill, talk about delicious down home food! Hush Puppies, chicken, ribs, gumbolia, you name it, it was there and I ate it all! Diversity is part of what makes America such a great county. Idaho has some of the most diverse people I've met residing here, locally. I enjoy looking at everyone like myself, a child of God, whatever they might call their God. Just because someone doesn't "look like me" or believe in the same things I do, doesn't make them wrong morally or ethically. I enjoyed meeting others and trying all the great food. I had such a fun day and met a lot of new friends, can't wait to go eat at Chef Roland's again! Yummy! :-)

Idaho Ice World with Protect Idaho Kids

While working with the Protect Idaho Kids Foundation, I was asked to help out at the Idaho Ice World free skating day. We gave out many gifts and bikes again! I had such a fun time helping that I can't wait to help in the near future. I believe in the mission they are getting out there into the community. To review their information and see how you can help, go to http://www.protectidahokids.com/. I am looking forward to being a life long contributor to the foundation and can't wait to continually reach those who need and want the information! Pictured with Bruce Wingate and Heather Cooper.

Boise Hawks Baseball game with Protect Idaho Kids

During the month of July, Mayor Dave Beiter has announced that from here on out, July is Protect Idaho Kids month! You can see the proclamation at http://www.protectidahokids.com/. It's pretty cool actually that even the Mayor can contribute to the cause of our children. I have been blessed to work with them and have had the opportunity to continually help raise awareness. The Boise Hawks baseball game was a lot of fun! We were able to give away two bikes, one boy and one girl, with helmets, gift cards for shopping and dinners and many more items. I also met Humphry the Hawk and spent some quality time with my family there too! I enjoy being able to invite my family to any and all of the events that I get to attend or be apart of. I also made some new friends on the field that evening, there was a scared little girl (she was around 2 1/2 or so) that needed some comfort while being in front of all those people and wanted me to pick her up. Then we walked off the field together, she was a doll!

ETV July 22 Protect Idaho Kids.wmv

Warm Springs Golf Tounament for Protect Idaho Kids

I have been working with a wonderful foundation called Protect Idaho Kids and their mission is to get the word out on services already provided locally such as "211" line and many more. They have done a lot of community projects to raise awareness to child abuse issues including the golf tournament at Warm Springs Golf Course in Boise, ID. They raised a good amount of money to help keep the cause going! Check out their website at http://www.protectidahokids.com/ and read all about them. Heather Cooper and Bruce Wingate are some of the kindest people I have met since becoming Mrs. Boise. I thank them from the bottom of my heart to allow me to be apart of protecting our future, our children.

We the People Liberty Day Parade

I have always seen beauty queens in parades and knew of the 4th of July Parade coming up but I didn't want to just "benefit myself" but others too. I got a vehicle from TC Motors on loan and also asked my daughters girl scout troop to help hand out candy. They did wonderful! It was a little cold, but overall, they were a GREAT scout troup and so friendly and kind to all the parade go'ers! We got the chance to see "Lil Al" up close and personal, meet some influential people and had a wonderful view the whole time. The lucky driver is my husband, Ed!

Idaho Brasher's Auto Auction Smoker Event

While continually showing my support for the Boise Rescue Mission, I got the opportunity to help out at the Annual Brashers Auto Auction Smoker Event. The Smoker is an event where armature boxers fight it out in the ring until the last man is standing. It has been able to raise tens of thousands of dollars through out the last several years. It helps benefit 7 charities! Just baffling! Pictured is Jason from the mission as well as a couple of girlfriends who came along to help out.

Boise Rescue Mission Golf Tournament

I was asked to help out with the Boise Rescue Mission Golf Tounament and had the opportunity to meet and greet a lot of really nice, professional, caring individuals and businesses that give back to the mission. Some of their sponsors are Paul and Susan Blomberg, Laska Co, Fred Meyer, Albertsons and Texas Road House served lunch for every attendee. They were able to raise over 20k that morning alone!!! Talk about a miracle!

Donations for the Boise Rescue Mission

I really want to give back to the Mission. I started a drive, which is ongoing until otherwise decided, to collect any items that are no longer used around the house, that the mission could use. Sheets, pots and pans, clothes, you name it, we accepted it. TC Motors allowed me to use a full conference room to hold onto all the donations I receive from friends and family until a full load is ready to be donated. So far, I have dropped off three full truck loads of donated items! It's only been a couple months, but it's been very rewarding to give back and realize it only takes one person to make a difference.

Boise, ID Fashion Show

Again, a great opportunity to be present for raising awareness in human rights. I was asked to do a fashion show to help raise awareness and since I have a back ground in modeling, I didn't hesitate! Tod Alan, The Costume Shop, Hyjinx Comedy Club and Dillards were a few of the companies and individuals who helped contribute to such a great cause!

Hike up to Table Rock

I had a chance to organize a little walk from the Old Cemetery up to Table Rock where the cross overlooks our amazing valley here in Boise. We had trash bags in tow, gloves and off we went! It's been such a cool spring that during the walk back down, it started raining. We were soaked by the end! Through all the "mud skiing" and slides down the hill, we were able to make Boise a little greener and had collected five and a half trash bags FULL of trash!

Boise Rescue Mission first experience

I got this great opportunity to be in alliance with the Boise Rescue Mission, which includes a womens and children's shelter (City Lights), as well as a mens shelter and a vet's homeless shelter. I happily made my appointment with one of the men that do tours and he explained everything on the entirety of the Missions purpose. His name is Jason.

He showed me that there really IS a use for the Mission and all that it entails. I was baffled at the need here in Boise. I believe I was very naive about the less fortunate in my own home town. Out of sight, out of mind and in a city the size of Boise, we don't see a whole lot of homeless and people that down on their luck. This experience has opened my eyes and I feel so blessed to have realized there is a need for all that they do as well as volunteers, helpers, businesses to contribute and everyone to help them make up this amazing charity.

I look forward to working with the Boise Rescue Mission mainly in the women's and childrens shelter, City Lights. In starting my involvement on June 2, my daughter really wanted to help out as well when she heard what I get to do. We have started serving meals on Wednesday's to get to know the women and children there and hopefully help empower them to grow strong enough to branch out on their own. I feel touched and so blessed to see my daughter help those in need. She does it with a smile on her face, she says "you're welcome" each time one of the women or children say "thank you" for serving their meals. I am so impressed with my 9 year olds ability to look aside from her friends, school, play time, fun time and do what she does willingly with a smile on her face. I'm a very proud mom and these experiences with her thus far, have been amazing!

My journey thus far...

Once I got my title, I started a rigorous course of action. I had to find the perfect dress. First things first, lol! I had purchased three different wedding gowns just to get married so I went to my favorite place of all time, the Mon Cheri Couture Boutique. I had done some modeling with this great boutique previously and knew once I got the title, THAT's the place where I need to get my gown. I feel like a million dollars in each article of clothing or gowns I've ever worn from there, so it was unquestionable as to where to go. I can tell you after only a couple of gowns, I found just the right one. All that I will say is tune in for pictures when I compete for the Mrs. Idaho title on April 23, 2011. It is a stunning, eye turning, capture your imagination and eye appeal type of gown.

Once this had been taken care of, I was off to get sponsors, team up and be in alliance with the people and companies that I have passion about. It was and has been such a hard decision on how to spread my time and which organizations to choose from. I have been giving back on a one on one basis to women in the community that need and want to learn how to live a happy, productive life. I decided the Boise Rescue Mission is a great place to start. I am currently doing a clothing drive for them. The womens and childrens shelter (City Lights) also need donations. They will accept anything from clothes, sheets, to pots and pans or even bikes and cars. This organization helps those less fortunate get a better start than being forgotten about. Between my friends, family and acquaintances, I expect a very large return in order to help the ones who need it in our community. I have collected many items thus far and will continue to until I am able to have a full truck load to deliver! They also have invited me to do a meet and greet at a golf tournament on June 16, 2010. I will be able to say a personal thank you to those that have contributed to raising funds for such a worth cause.

I am a believer in "knowledge is power." This is all inclusive and I mean it from every angle of life. Whether it's spirituality, emotionally, physically, mentally and any other area this could touch, knowledge will give anyone and everyone a step up to branch out and grow. The avenue I have chosen to live this belief is in the prevention and awareness of HIV/AIDS foundation named A.L.P.H.A. (Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS). It is a local foundation to get free testing and knowledge of how this disease can effect others. It's definitely not the "epidemic" of the 1980's but this is a real issue and can be devastating. I will be getting tested to show that it's ok to know your status. I will post the video on here once it's done and complete as well as getting the opportunity to help spread the message.

I will continually update this blog and hope that if it brings anything at all to your life, that maybe you can realize, with or without a "title" you can give back too. Let it help motivate you to be the best person you can be.

The day I got the news!

When I realized I wanted to do pageants, I was 28 (and still am!). I had no prior experience in competing on an experience of this level. I have a modeling and commercial back ground, but had an awakening when I realized that I am not helping enough, therefore, I decided to see where this path would take me!

I was laying in bed with my husband, well equiped with my blackberry phone (I can do most my work from it) and it started vibrating. The night before Mother's Day, 2010, I got the email stating I have been accepted as Mrs. Boise 2011! I was overcome with joy, excitement and anticipation and couldn't wait to start giving back at a larger level than what I was able to do prior. I couldn't sleep, was restless and started referring to my husband, Edward, as Mr. Boise! :-)

Hence, my journey has began...