Dr. Bridenstine's annual customer appreciation event

I had the privilege of being invited to attend Dr. Bridenstine's celebration in Lenexa this afternoon. Dr. Bridenstine is one of my Mrs. Kansas US sponsors. My girls enjoyed playing on all of the inflatables, dancing, and the picnic of course. It was wonderful to see Kim McDowell and her daughter Megan there too! They drove in from Wichita just to attend this event. Dr. B invited the Lenexa fire department to come and the kids got to explore the fire truck and ring the bell.

I was also able to help out some wonderful young women from the University of Illinois in Chicago, who are working on their thesis studying beauty. One is a plastic surgery fellow who is using computer technology to help disfigured children rebuild their faces. The other is earning her doctorate in orthodontia and studying how jaw structure and tooth alignment affect the face and lips. I know I am not doing their work justice in my brief explanation but it was amazing to see how their research will help children all over the world have a more normal life through reconstructive surgery.

Here are a couple of pictures from this afternoon!

Touch A Truck Event in Overland Park

Today I was invited to attend the City of Overland Park's 50th Anniversary at a special event called "Touch A Truck." This event had several community helpers such as the police department, fire department, EMS, OP Bomb Squad, Animal Haven, Wayside Waifs, KCPT, Johnson County Library and so on. The event was free with food donations to Harvesters. They had over 5,000 people attend! Needless to say, I ran out of lollipops and autographed pictures for the kids about half way through the event! I saw so many young children climbing through fire trucks, buses, ambulances, you name it! I was so happy to see so many friends and their children enjoying themselves this afternoon! I even got to meet the Mayor of Overland Park. Here are some of my pictures from this fun day!

Autism Speaks & Race for the Cure

Hello all! What a great weekend! I was at Olathe Bible Church on Saturday helping raise money for Autism Speaks. I met one of their directors who has invited me to help out with the Walk Now for Autism Speaks race in October! They had a raffle, a car show, a BBQ contest, helicopter rides, pony rides, and tons of families at this event! Although it was hot, I had fun meeting people and seeing some friends in my community!

This morning I ran a 5k for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Kansas City. 28,000 people registered to walk or run in this event. They raised over $1 million dollars! I also ran my personal best time in a race of 26:56 and finished 23rd in my age group! Not bad since it was really hot and so many people. I was inspired by all of the survivors and reading the back of people's shirts where they listed who they were running in memory of. I have so many friends and neighbors who have fought breast cancer. What an awesome event!

America's Mrs. US results and other updates

Just home from Mississippi and the national competition. I did not win the crown but won first runner up. Congrats to Mrs. Kentucky on winning the crown! It was fun to see Kimberly McDowell and her wonderful family and meet so many new friends! Mississippi was full of trees, sunshine, and history. I had a lot of fun with my daughter Alyssa, Mom, and Dad.

I am moving forward! I will be at the Cruisin' Car Show at Olathe Bible Church this weekend from noon to 1:30. You can find me at the Autism Speaks booth.

I am really excited to do the 5k Race for the Cure in Kansas City this Sunday morning. I haven't been feeling that great but hope to be in tip top condition by Sunday. Can't wait to run with some girlfriends from Prairie Life Fitness Center in Olathe. Ford is sponsoring our team and I want to run to honor all of my friends and neighbors who have fought breast cancer.