Busy past weekend!

It was a crazy weekend and it has been a crazy week! I'm so incredibly sorry for not posting this blog earlier!

Last Friday, I attended the Miss Nisswa pageant. Nisswa is my hometown and where I grew up, so this pageant has a special place in my heart. I grew up always wanting to be like those girls that I saw on stage... Now I'm one of them! I also competed in the Little Miss Nisswa pageant when I was in 2nd grade. It was amazing to be able to attend this years pageant represting Brainerd and Miss Brainerd Lake's Scholarship program. Congrats to the new Miss Nisswa, Mackayla Headlee and the new Little Miss Nisswa, Carly Maine!

The next day, was the Nisswa Jubilee parade. I think it's fair to say that Savannah and I had the sweetest ride in the parade! A blindingly shiny, red, 4-door, extended Ford truck :) This was my first parade riding in a truck, in the winter, and as Miss Brainerd Lake's Outstanding Teen... A first for everything! When the parade ended, I was walking around Nisswa in my crown and sash. I turned to my Mom and commented on how much I LOVE being able to represent Brainerd. This is my first time beng able to represent my hometown and the first real title that I have won. I have worked so extremely hard the past 3 and 1/2 years, and I truly believe that everything was leading up to this moment! Being 2nd runner my second year at Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2010, continual injuries causing me to switch my talent from dance to piano, being Miss North Metro Outstanding Teen, hearing my name called as 1st runner up at MMOT 2011... ALL of it happened for a reason. They wern't always easy things to handle, and many times I felt like giving up, but somehow I managed to pull myself up and continue persuing my dream of becoming Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. All of the those things happened because God knew I was supposed to be Miss Brainerd Lake's Outstanding Teen! He saw all of the hard work and dedication I had put into this and rewarded me with one of my greatest accomplishments up to date. I am so thankful for the love and the miracles He has provided for me!

One of our directors, Bill, and his girls!

And to end my weekend of appearances, Sunday I attended the mattress races at Ski Gull to benefit Kinship Partners! This was probably one of the most unique things I have gotten to do as a title holder (next to Donkey Basketball of course!). Basically we raced down a snow hill on mattress... It was SO MUCH FUN :) There was also a best costume award, and my team of 3 other titleholders dressed up in a beach theme. We wore sunglasses and our swimsuits over our winter coats and snow pants :)

Hope all of you are staying warm and enjoying the rest of winter! :)
Only 37 more days until Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012!
Much love,
Bailey

Ice Fishing Extravaganza and Ruby's Pantry!

I can officially call myself a true Minnesotan! Last Saturday, I volunteered with my sister queens Savannah, Miss Baxter Outstanding Teen and Haley, Miss Baxter at the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza. It was SO incredibly cold, and I probably should have had a few more layers on but regardless it was fun! Thousands of people and hundreds of ice holes later, the $150000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza has been going on for over 20 years now. People from all over the nation come for a day of ice fishing to win from hundreds of prizing ranging from a brand new truck to an ice fishing house!

Savannah, Haley, and I were greeters in the Mr. Heater tent and experienced some quite interesting people. All in all though it was a fun day and I can't wait to do it again next year!

Then Tuesday, I volunteered with Kalli, Miss South Central at Ruby's Pantry at the National Guard Armory in Brainerd. Ruby's Pantry is a Christian based organization that provides foods to all-income families. They recieve over-stock food or 1 day past expiration date food and distribute it at a low price. Kalli and I, along with my director Vicki, volunteered for the day and had so much fun! They do this every second Tuesday of the month and I'm excited to go back.

And the countdown to Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen has officially begun! 44 days! Crazy. I'm taking my fourth and final shot (I'll age out of the Teen portion) at my dream and I want to thank all of those people who continue to support me and love me, even when I'm at my worst.

Hope everyone had an awesome Valentines Day! :)
Bailey

Barb, the organizer of Ruby's Pantry!



Miss Coon Rapids 2012.

Yesterday, I headed down to Coon Rapids for the Miss Coon Rapids 2012 scholarship pageant. Prior to the pageant, we did some shopping at the Mall of America with Molly West, who competed with me at Miss Brainerd Outstanding Teen. I completed my entire wardobe for the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant, and I am so excited to show it off!

Congrats to the new Miss Coon Rapids, Samanthat Phillipi! Also a big congrats to the 1st runner up, Chantal Wilson, who is a former Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen and an awesome piano player! It was so great getting to see all of the girls and catching up. There were 4 girls that will be competing with me at Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, and it was great to chatting with them. It got me even more excited for March 31st when we all compete! Only 54 more days! :)

Also congrats to Megan Ehlert, Miss Coon Rapids 2011, and Emily Freeh, Miss Coon Rapids Outstanding Teen 2011 on an awesome year!

Bailey