The Big Question-

I am very early in the process of this pageant. Those who decide to read are going to get a very candid view of this pageantry process. I have never done ANYTHING like this before.. Im not even talking about if you decide to come cheer me on and say a little prayer that I don't fall flat on my back walking across the stage in heels. I am referring to the fact that I am not normally a very open person. Im shy, Im a little scared that people who read this blog~ that they will think I am all kinds of terrible things...honestly though~ if you have read any of my other posts, you will quickly realize I am growing out of the "oh no, what will such and such think" because really; I started this blog to make an effort to journal...its for me and anyone who wants to learn from some of my experiences. Heck, if we;in our precarious human condition, don't have to make EVERY SINGLE mistake ourselves..and we can learn from other women and support each other along the way... isn't that what sisterhood is supposed to be? Well,I think that's EXACTLY what Father in Heaven had in mind. So please in all my fallibility BE NICE,honest..but NICE!

Why did I decide to enter the Mrs Alaska Pageant?...
Initially I found the idea of entering the Mrs Alaska pageant as a terrific opportunity to get myself physically fit and to represent other mothers here in Alaska. I feel qualified for this because,I am married and reside in the great state of Alaska (both being required for entry)Since in the application there was no mention of having a sparklingly clean house, kids that can resist antagonizing each other during sacrament meeting or even membership on the PTA I felt fairly qualified. There are definitely more qualified mothers out there that CAN put these items on a Bio sheet for the pageant....and I am sure that these are women if they decide to enter the pageant, are very likely will win.
I however have the most amazing stretch marks of anyone I know! As I prance myself across the stage I hope that the judges realize that requiring women who HAVE had several children to don a bathing suit and walk across a stage in heels, no less.. is Ridiculous!

Moving past the rant of "whats insane"lol!and onto the part of doing this pageant that excites me and makes me WILLING to do the embarrassing stuff.

As I have approached individuals and businesses I have found that I have the awesome opportunity to stretch and grow into someone that can represent the wife's and Mothers this state. By being a wife and mother, I get to talk to people about the joys and challenges of these jobs everyday. I am able to share with people daily what they deem as burdens;cooking cleaning,helping with homework, are actually huge blessings. I often share that when things are nothing short of near disaster, that taking a picture, before you "clean up the mess" can sometimes show us mothers a comical perspective. I feel that there is value in marketing the blessings and comedy at times in being a wife and mother. I feel in my pursuing of the Mrs.Alaska title..I have the opportunity to give service in my community.

No one would argue that the calling of a wife and mother is one that is full of daily challenges that push us each day to stretch to meet our full potential. This is because of how precious and necessary mothers are in the Lords plan for families.
I love serving my family. I truly love being a wife I am blessed with a really supportive and loving husband. I honestly cherish every day that I GET TO BE a mother to 8 amazing children. Its challenging but I can tell that my job is important.I know that what I do each day matters.
This pageant has given me the opportunity to not just to evaluate my importance in the home as a mother,but to want to serve those kids that are not so blessed.It exciting to me to look at what MY personal view of what my full potential is, and to recognize that with the blessings of a supportive family. I can help to mentor other youth that are experiencing what I experienced as a child/teen. I have always felt that I was one of the lucky ones. I NEED give back to the community what the Lord has so freely given to me.I know first hand, what many of these youth are currently experiencing. I feel blessed to be able to use this pageant as an opportunity to get recognition to the organizations that truly help these kids.

So....I go in for an interview at The Covenant House to volunteer tomorrow. I have so many ideas of ways I can help,I can hardly wait to work with the Volunteer Coordinator to see what areas I can do the most amount of good. If the only thing I get out of this pageant is the realization that I have the power to serve. Than I won! I am so excited about the opportunity to be involved with this organization. The opportunity to help several teens at a time is exciting to me beyond words. Jared and I have raised up and out 5+ teens that were from other families. We loved doing it but at the stages OUR children are its not feasible to add to our already large brood,at this time. This keeps me doing what I LOVE, without putting undue strain on the kids that the Lord has already Called me to serve.