Free Day (Day 3)

I got the opportunity today to spend time with my California crew. I am so privileged to have such a great group of people who make my pageant experience so great. First things first...Family is very important to me and I could not do anything

without my forever family. I am so happy to have my Papa with me every step of the way this year. I know my grandma is watching from heaven enjoying every minute of this. My mom (who always seems to duck out of pictures) is my foundation,

and without her I would have never been given the opportunity at a second chance at life. Kara is the most uplifting and motivational pageant coach...not to mention an extremely talented hair & make-up artist. Let's not forget my dear friend, Austin, who made me shine on the California stage last September and helped me obtain the title of Miss California Intl 2012. I am so glad you are here to support me and make me laugh. My sister

titleholder, Amanda, who is a true delight to always be around. I am so happy to spend this time with you and watch you shine. Last but never least...Eddie, you are and have been the greatest director twice! I value our friendship and love your support. Our friendship is unique and I would not change it for the world. Thanks for everything!

Mrs. International Finals (Day 2)

The Mrs. International final was amazing this evening. I was so surprised to see Sarah Bertrand (Miss Teen Illinois International 2010) who I competed with two years ago for the title of Miss Teen International. She looked beautiful and it was great to reconnect. I am so proud of my sister titleholder, Jessica Cassidy, for her 1st runner

up placement. She is such a class act and I am honored to reign with her. At the end of the night the coveted Mrs International crown went to Sarah Bazey, Mrs. Minnesota International. Congratulations Sarah...your story & platform are amazing.

Teenage California

Happy Birthday Mom...were going to watch a pageant! Not exactly the words my mom wanted to hear but over the course of these last few years she has definitely grown to love my "sport" of pageantry. Actually, I can say that it is days like this that are so special. Having the opportunity to drive an hour and have that mother/daughter bonding is priceless. More importantly we were in route to watch my "little" (Claire

Wright) compete for Miss Teenage California, and we would not miss it for the world! The pageant was huge and we enjoyed watching all the girls compete. It was so nice to see so many familiar faces from the International Pageant system on the stage competing. (Taylor Kandris **TOP 10**, Andrea Barrett,

Paige Knight, and Jayne Geist **3rd Runner Up**....great job ladies!) It was a pleasure to also see one of my sponsors, Tiffany Tollett from Crowns & Gowns, as well as Courtney Critz (Miss Teen Nevada International 2012), Shalyn

Stanfield & Kara Knudsen (Crowning Moments), Karen Wright (Claire's mama), Christian Pelay & Kristen Bradford (Crown Diva), and last but not least my sister titleholder Amanda Jenkins (Miss Teen California International 2012). I am so proud of all of the ladies who competed and congratulations to Cassandra Kunze for being crowned Miss Teenage California 2012 and to my "Little" for her 2nd Runner Up placement, so proud of you!

Cal Lu University Relay for Life

A BIG congratulations to my friend, Cristina Markiewicz, who championed California Lutheran University's first Relay for Life. It was a huge undertaking but all your hard worked payed off. There were over 400 Participants, 38 Teams, and $41,422 was raised!!

My sister titleholder, Miss Teen California International Amanda Jenkins, came down from Northern California to lead a team of her own. Jr Miss California International Chelsea Vuong and her family also joined us as well. It was so nice to get together to support Amanda's team, "Too Inspired to be Tired". During the day, we walked for those battling this deadly disease and at night we remembered those who had passed and are now looking down upon us. Today I walked in memory of my grandma, Kay, who lost her short battle to cancer 6 years ago. I can not tell you how much I was moved by the testimonials of the survivors that spoke during the event. I know that it took a great deal of courage for each of you to get on stage and share your story of your battle with cancer. I am honored to have walked today for such a great cause.