Mrs. America 2008 Tucson, Arizona

Ok, so it's been forever since I've updated this blog. I have been trying to decide if I should just start a personal blog and link this one to it...that's probably what I will do. In the meantime I am working on a blog for our family. We moved from Illinois to Alabama 5 months ago and a blog is a great way to keep all of our friends and family updated on what our family in Alabama is "up to". Further posts will be on my personal blog. Anyhooo, I had the wonderful opportunity to go back to Mrs.America this year and have a reunion with all of my girls from last year. I tell you what, there is no other sorority I would rather belong to than that of my Mrs.America class of 06 sisters.

I met my good friend and roomie for the trip, Holly Ernst (MN 06' ) at one of the cutest queen boutiques. Last year I was focused on competing and didn't shop for much crown stuff, but this year was a different story. Oh, what fun!! We also had a surprise meeting with Batsheva, the contest coordinator. Gotta say I'm lookin' a little disheveled from the traveling, but oh to be back with my girls in such a beautiful place....what a blessing!

This was the cutest hoodie ever!

This was prior to our reunion dinner at Firebirds in the LaEncantada shopping complex. From left to right: Julie Rinehart Illinois, Jill Putzier Kansas, Marney Duckworth colorado and Mrs.America 07, Holly Ernst Minnesota, and the beautiful, glowing mother-to-be Jennifer Bradley Nebraska.

The three roomies for the awesome midwest girls: Jill, Holly and me, Julie.

Richland County Fair

The reigning 2006 Richland County Fair Queen Briana Harlan borrowed my Mrs.America state costume for the opening number of the 2007 pageant. Although I was unable to attend I am told Bri looking amazing and the contestants did a wonderful job performing the opening number. Congratulations to the new fair queen and best of luck at your state competition!

Mrs.Illinois America 2007 Finals

Mrs.Illinois America 2007 Top 5: (left to right) 4th runner-up Julie McDermed, 2nd runner-up Darby Hills, Mrs. IL/AM 07' Hallie Thompson, 1st runner-up Heather Jahangani, and 3rd runner-up Anji Meidel.

Prelim awards were chosen by a separate panel of judges. The award winners were as follows:

Mrs.Amity- Darby Hills, Chicago

Mrs.Photogenic-Anji Meidel, Gurnee

Best in Costume-Anji Meidel, Gurnne

Best in Swim Wear-Melissa Esposito, Libertyville

Traveled the farthest-Janice Russell-Couch, Cairo

My beautiful sister Tiffany came to Elgin with her family to show their support of her big sister. Other members of my family that came up for the weekend were; George and Debra Cammon (my mom and dad), Wes Cammon, Katie Landreth, Richie Hampton, Tiffany and her baby girl Vayda.

A huge thanks to Debbrah of Debbrah's of Paducah for the fabulous gown she so graciously dressed me in for the crowning. You helped to make it an unforgettable experience.

The Crowning of Mrs.Illinois America 2007

First of all let me apologize for the red tint of the photos. The lighting on stage always turns the photos red. There are a few photos with better coloring coming later. Sorry for not getting this information posted sooner. On July 1st our family moved to Muscle Shoals, Alabama and now that we are settled...and I found my USB cable...I can get everything updated. Please enjoy!!

Mrs. Illinois America 2007

Hallie Thompson

Julie Rinehart Mrs.Illinois America 2006 with Hallie Thompson the newly crowned Mrs. Illinois America 2007

The sisterhood of Mrs.Illinois America: Dee Lane 92', Karen Cline 98', Paige Moseley 96', Maria Harrison 04', Monica Skylling-Burke 99', Hallie Thompson 07', Kim Keck 91', Julie Rinehart 06', Kaili Harding 05' and Michele Barber 03'.

The Rinehart Family: Joe, Julie, Bay and Jackson

Our family appearance during the show

Here are all 3 of my guys, Jackson, Bay and Joe, backstage waiting for our turn to go on stage. They got a firsthand look at how the show looks from behind the scenes.

Our Executive Producer, Joe Aceto, was so excited to have this golf cart personalized with "Mrs.Illinois America". I guess you could call my "carriage"...during the show my husband drove the golf cart out to center stage with the whole family in tow. It was fun and really cute! My boys sat on the back waving and smiling.

Bay and Jackson answered questions from the emcee, Jim Gibson. This was Jackson's public speaking debut; however, Bay was on the WTHI channel 10 newscast last spring so he was an "old pro".

Mrs. Illinois America 2007 Finals

Following the final rehearsal we enjoyed a boxed lunch and a little more time to visit before prepping for the big night. In the photo below from left to right is: Mrs. Gurnee Anji Meidel, Julie, Mrs. Libertyville Melissa Esposito, Monica Skylling-Burke Mrs.IL/AM 99 and Carol Gunnell.
To keep myself busy and I spent some time in the lobby prior to the show. Representing the married women of Illinois as Mrs.Illinois America was an incredible experience. This was a bittersweet evening...needless to say I did a great deal of reflecting on my year and how quickly it all goes by.In the above photo I am with the Illinois Executive Director Marcie Aceto.

Prior to the Finals with Dee Lane Mrs. Illinois America 1992.

My oldest son Bay, waiting for the show to start. He even brought his sign from Mrs.America!

Morning of Finals, June 30th

The morning of Saturday, June 30th everyone arrived at breakfast full of smiles and ready to go. There were lots of photos taken, gifts given, and chatting heard. During this time I always get everyone to sign my program book. Following breakfast we were off to the Hemmen's Theater for finals rehearsal.

Here are a few of the ladies receiving some of the gifts from our generous sponsors. They are (l to r) Holly Fishburn Mrs., Lisa Mazza Mrs. Elk Grove, and Katie Love Mrs. Sugar Grove.

What a great opportunity for a group photo with the judges. A beautiful start to an amazing day!

Following a nice a breakfast and lots of gifts we had another great photo op. Above left to right: Ann Marie Smidt Mrs. New Lenox, Julie and Julie McDermod Mrs. Frankfort.

Dinner and Judges Ball, June 29th

Each year following the Preliminary Competition there is a Judges Ball for the contestants and their families. This year's Ball was full of energy and entertainment. Dee Lane Mrs. IL/AM 92' did a wonderful job decorating and serving as hostess. Two awards were presented at the Ball. Most in Ad page sales went to Kristin Melton from Norris City and Most tickets sold was Hallie Thompson of Naperville. They each received a fur coat for their efforts.

Mrs. Gurnee, Anji Meidel, and I are enjoying the judges ball while catching up on the last year. She was our 3rd runner-up last year and has been a wonderful supporter of the Mrs.Illinois America system.
In the above photo I am with Darby Hills Mrs. Chicago. She was so fun and easy to chat with, what a gem! This gown was a gift from Alyce Designs from the Diva Collection. It is one of my favorite gowns...I couldn't wait to wear it again.

As a contestant I always enjoyed the meals we had as a group. They offered an opportunity to relax and learn a little more about the ladies you are sharing the weekend with.

All meals during pageant weekend include the delegates, current titleholder and pageant staff. This photo was from dinner prior to the start of Preliminary competition. From left to right: Kaili Harding Mrs.IL/AM 05' & Chairperson of Prize Committee, Monica Skylling-Burke Mrs.IL/AM 99' & pageant Coordinator, Carol Gunnell Pageant Coordinator, Marcie Aceto Executive Director, Julie Rinehart Mrs. IL/AM 06', Kelly Messmore Mrs. East Peoria, and Darby Hill Mrs. Chicago.

We were waiting outside of the Joseph Room for Dinner. Above left to right: Ann Marie Smidt Mrs. New Lenox, Kristin Melton Mrs. Norris City, Julie, and Katie Love Mrs. Sugar Grove.

Mrs.Illinois America 2007 Pageant Weekend

Our pageant weekend started out with my boys and I traveling to Elgin, IL for the big competition. My guys are always so excited about the pageant weekend. The host hotel has a pool with a mushroom waterfall and dinosaur slide, so Bay and Jackson enjoy the time we spend there...and so the weekend began.

One of the best "unlisted" gifts as Mrs. Illinois America is the wall of photos at Marcie's home. When I first visited her home I saw she has a beautiful framed photo of each of her titleholders on a special wall. Above is a photo of me presenting my director Marcie with my crowning photo.

The 27 year tradition of the Mrs.Illinois America pageant has brought many exemplary women through the doors of the Hemmen's Theater. All of those ladies have had the wonderful experience of working with Tracey Tarantino of ZZAZZ productions, the pageant choreographer. I appreciate her focus and attention to detail. Tracey, thanks for all of your time and energy!

Mrs. Norris City, Kristen Melton, and I were visiting while she waited for her interview. Her hometown is only 1 1/2 hours from Flora. She and Mrs.Vandalia, Holly Torbeck, were the two ladies from the southern part of the state.

Debbrah's

Yeah!! Here I am at Debbrah's in Paducah, Kentucky. To my left is Debbrah and on my right is Randi, both are so much fun to visit with and can always help me find what I need. Miss Debbrah is very graciously dressing me for the crowning as I pass on the tradition of Mrs.Illinois America. With every visit to Debbrah's I also dine at my favorite restaurant, Cynthia's Ristorante. They prepare an amazing California Tuscan fare that is always sure to please!!

Champion Laboratories Health Fair June 9, 2007

As a Family Maternity Services RN at Richland Memorial Hospital I had the opportunity to assist my patients and their families with not only an exciting time in life, but one that also brings about some anxiety. One of my passions is educating women about a healthy lifestyle and important steps to be proactive in their health maintenance. I was asked to be a part of the collaborative team that helped to make a breast health program available to women in southeastern Illinois. This program is funded through the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Ticket for the Cure program. My role was to develop the education curriculum, pamphlet and presentation information. I was so honored and excited to develop this program and know women throughout our area would be reached.

The American Cancer Society booth was full of information and wonderfully helpful ladies. They had such a great idea and offered everyone free packets of sunscreen.

Signing an autograph while at the RMH Breast Health Program booth at the Champion Lab Health Fair on a gorgeous sunny day!

While at the fair I caught up Michelle Alumbaugh. She and her husband, Matt, used to live in Flora where he was my husband's employer during college. Their two boys were about the age of my two now. So to hear they are high school age was surprising. I guess time certainly does fly!
What a great learning opportunity for me. I had a grand tour of the of inside an AirEvac Lifeteam helicopter and a wonderful discussion with the crew. After having transferred patients to other facilities I was very curious about care during the flight. Thanks to Crew#11 for answering all of my questions.

Clay Cancer Society Support Group Meeting

The individuals that make up this group are wise beyond my years, so I not only shared my stories with them, but enjoy hearing and learning from their life lessons. There is always a photo of me in mid-sentence and considering I am always talking I guess that makes sense.

They had several questions regarding my title and the experiences I have been afforded. I have many wonderful memories to share thanks to the Mrs.Illinois family.

What a fun evening to hear their stories and oh my goodness, they were hilarious! As it turns out many of them knew my grandparents and could share memories with me. I know I appreciated not only the opportunity to speak to them, but I came away with an amazing gift of laughter and memories. They are an incredibly strong and courageous group of people facing life and it's trials together. They take each day as it comes lifting each other up when it's needed. They also make an amazing contribution to our community. This support group helps those in need of assistance with the treatment process financially and emotionally. They are active in the American Cancer Society Clay County Relay For Life and countless other ways throughout the year. Thank you for allowing me to share this evening with you, I was was truly blessed!

Guest Speaker at Mary Kay Meeting

Thanks to Lisa for extending an invitation to me as their guest speaker for the quarterly meeting. Lisa Goodwin, Independent Sales Director with Mary Kay can be reached at slwmg@verizon.net or www.marykay.com/goodwin

Sharing information with the ladies during my presentation. I look like I have demon eyes...yikes!!

Signing autographs for a sales representative's grandchildren.

I was honored to have the opportunity to speak with a motivated group of women about continuing to dream. As we become adults and enter into "Life" we sometimes get so busy we forget to dream. It is important to continue setting goals and pushing ourselves to get there...it keeps us on our toes!! I shared with them my passion for Women's Health Issues and encouraged them to find their passion and pursue it. Thanks Lisa and to all of the wonderful women I met.

St.Jude's Children's Hospital Fundraiser

Saturday, February 24 I returned to Flora for the St.Jude's Children's Hospital Fundraiser hosted by the Flora Healthcare Center. We served a hot ham and beans meal prepared by the staff. It was the perfect meal to serve on such a cold and rainy day! For a short time I was employed as a Registered Nurse at this facility while my grandmother was a resident. It was a wonderful caring place for her to rehab following times of illness. A huge thank you to the staff for showing care and concern for my grandmother along with their commitment to the community. The St.Jude's Children's Hospital is on the forefront of Pediatric Oncology and a place many families find hope. I was so proud of my husband for running the Memphis, TN marathon in support of St.Jude's and finding the cure for childhood cancers. Find a way to support St.Jude's and join the fight! The first photo is with the beautiful St.Jude's Ambassador, she is quite a young lady. The group photo is with some of the staff from the Flora Healthcare Center.

Mrs.Illinois America Luncheon February 23, 2007

L to R: Michele Barber '03, Paige Moseley '96, Monica Skylling-Burke '99, Julie Rinehart '06, Kaili Harding '05, Delores Lane '92, Teresa Cavaligos '90
Mrs.Illinois America 05 Kaili Harding and Mrs.Illinois America 06 Julie Rinehart (me, yeah!!)
Kaili and I catching up with Mrs.IL AM 03 Michele Barber.
The Executive Producer and Director, Joe and Marcie Aceto.

There have been so many wonderful surprises that go along with the Mrs.Illinois America title. Of course you know about my strong desire to hold the title and be a part of the Mrs.Illinois family. Another one of those little extra surprises was the annual Mrs.Illinois luncheon. What a great opportunity to meet some of the former titleholders and have time to visit with each other. The only bummer was the weather! I am from southern Illinois and our weather is about 10 degrees warmer than the Chicago area. Surely I don't need to explain how cold it gets in February. They were just coming out from under the snow and we had none at home. Aside from the freezing weather the afternoon was a blast! My husband and I had the opportunity to spend some time at my director's home and then enjoy dinner with them, their daughter Julie and Dee Lane. Later that evening we had a wonderful visit with Kaili, Mrs.IL '05, her husband Rich, her mother, and the newest member of the family beautiful little Adeline, Kaili and Rich's daughter.

My oldest son Bay and all of his classmates made me cards of well wishes before I competed at Mrs. America. Those were brought to Tucson and there for good luck. He was so excited to have me visit his school and so I had been waiting for the perfect time to share the experience with his class. One week they read a story about "My Favorite Vacation" and then were to write a story telling about their favorite trip. Well, Bay chose to share his latest trip to Tucson, Arizona. This presented it's self as the appropriate time to tell the kids about the beauty of Arizona and teach them a little bit about the southwest. Mrs.Woodrow has a very well-behaved class of young ladies and gentlemen. They were so patient and shared with each other the photos of catus, mountains, and all of the amazing things Tucson has to offer. Of course, Bay was my helper and shared much of his experiences with his classmates. I think one of his favorites is the story of the coyotes in the parking lot eating from the Pringles cannister. Thanks to all of 2A for a wonderful afternoon!

Christmas Card Photo

Ok, I promised to post the photo we had chosen for our Christmas cards and yes this is currently March, but better late than never right? The black and white photo was on our Christmas card this year. I just love it!! The second photo is of my adorable little guys, Bay and Jackson. As mentioned in previous posts these were taken the day we returned from Tucson following the Mrs.America finals. All went well considering how tired everyone was. Hope you all enjoy!!