Christmas is a busy time for everyone and as Mrs. Kentucky, it has even been busier for me this year, but I am loving every minute of it! On Tuesday, December 10, I was honored to attend a Mandisa (a former American Idol) Concert at Southeast Christian Church. What an awesome testimony! I than took the rest of the week to do my favorite thing…shop! Now, now, remember it is Christmas!

The weekend was a mad rush! I started on Saturday morning volunteering at my church’s “Toy Store.” This is an outreach program that assists local agencies in providing parents with gifts for their children. It was amazing to see men and women come in looking so discouraged, than leave with a feeling of hope and a renewed spirit. I greeted a majority of the day and had the opportunity to pray with several of the participants.

Saturday night was the Annual Queens Christmas Party. It was my first so I really looked forward to going. The Queens and their spouses joined together at Queen Mom's house, it was a fantastic time and everyone looked fabulous, especially QM whose purple and black gets rave reviews from me. We played games (thanks Queen Yates), chatted it up of course, took a million photos (we're Queen's...lol) and ate tons of wonderful food. I finally got to meet Tony, Julie Dorsey’s brother, and the resident singer at the pageant. Seems he was under the weather last year so I had never met him. What a great guy! We are all so excited that he will be returning this year. Jo Ann presented him with the Volunteer of the Year award that he was supposed to have received during the pageant.

Sunday, December 14th, I made an appearance for the Dream Factory. There were lots of crowns there, but for some reason I had mine and my gown but chose not to wear them. God had laid something on my heart and I was really just in the mood to serve, so that's what I did. I helped children and served meals and the funny thing is that even without my crown many still knew who I was. God reminded me that my platform is "Planting Seeds of Service," so I should go forth and do that task with excellence. So, on this day God used me in a different way, and that was to let Him shine through me by just operating in love.

I look forward to continuing my year with many appearances and letting God to work through me. Thank you for your words of encouragement, love, and friendships. I hope each of you have a very Merry Christmas and a joyful and Happy New Year! God Bless you and your families.

"Queens Club" Annual Christmas Party

Saturday Dec. 13, the Annual Queen's Club Christmas Party was held at Queen Mom's home. Husbands visited while the girls laughed and talked pageant. Once again the food was outstanding, with everyone bringing a dish (man, these Queens can COOK!).We surprised Jo Ann with a Memory Book...each "Queen" did two pages of memories of their year...she loved it! No one had seen Jo Ann's Director of the Year Award so we had to have a photo made with her, the Award and her girls! Oh, how we love to have photos made! As you can see, there are lots of beautiful ladies in this group....wonder who will be our next member??? Maybe YOU?

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving holiday! Remember you do not just have to celebrate this day once a year, you can partake in its true meaning everyday!

Our family had an awesome holiday spent at home. However, Gary and I did spend part of our day at Wayside Christian Mission men's facility, where we did administrative chores and served over 600 plus men Thanksgiving dinner. It was truly a blessing to be able to serve with a joyful spirit. As you can see, I am still trying to live my platform, “Planting seeds of service”Traveling to Nashville over the holiday weekend (to support my beloved U of L Cards basketball team), we had the opportunity to visit the Opryland Hotel. All decked out for Christmas made the hotel a winter wonderland; Noa'Sosa was in love with all the lights and colors, but he wanted no part of Santa! Oh, of course we made a pit stop to the mall ((((-:

Guess what, we stayed at the Lowe's Vanderbilt Hotel, the sister hotel of the Lowe's Ventana Canyon Resort Tucson, that I stayed at while competing at the Mrs. American, now how cool is that!I have a ton of holiday events, volunteer activities, and of course basketball games coming up. I love getting to “dress up,” so I cannot wait to participate in each festive celebration.

The most important events, and the ones that truly keep me humble, will be those where I am giving back and reaching out to help provide happiness for someone else. It may be just a smile, a friendly greeting, or even an encouraging word; my goal is to improve the quality of life in as many people as I can, year round, not just during this time of year.

Matthew 7:12 gives us the Golden Rule: Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. I try to keep those words tucked in my heart as a reminder not to be a respecter of people; you never know when you are entertaining angels.
By the way, I just read three terrific books:. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, plus How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie, and The Art of War., written by Sun Tzu… I highly recommend all of them!

I am looking so forward to the opportunities to continue sharing unconditional love and living life on, and with, purpose. This holiday season; please join us as we strive to live, laugh and love the life that God has given us! Happy Holidays!

Another Dale Carnegie Award

On Thursday Nov 6th I won another award in my Dale Carnegie Courses. I was given the outstanding performance award for a speech I made that had to show emotion and connect with the audience in a powerful, passionate way.

On Saturday Oct 11th I was given my first opportunity to judge a pageant. It was awesome. I meet so many wonderful, dedicated individuals and it was truly the experience I will not ever forget!

Me and my fans at the airport headed to AZ for the Mrs. America pageant!

Halloween

Gary, Noa'Sosa and I on Halloween. We had a huge party, over 62 guest. Noa'Sosa was Mickey Mouse and he had everyone over to his clubhouse. Gary was and Old School basketball player and I was Bat Women!

National Readers Week

Monday Nov 10th I was invited to John Paul II Academy to celebrate National Readers Week. I read to five amazing classes, which included 7th and 8th grade students. I was greeted and escorted by members on the student council and school photographers. I was very impressed with the overall school climate. The students were inquisitive, well behaved and interacted well. They wanted to know if I went to college and I shared with them that I have four degrees, their response was you can be a Beauty Queen and smart? Kids, you've got to love them. The teachers, administrators and students ROCKED. I hope they have me back again!

Mrs. My Old Kentucky Home

I emceed my first ever pageant on Saturday Nov 8th in Bradstown KY. It was the Mrs. My Old KY home preliminary pageant and featured seven beautiful contestants. Queen Mom and Katina Justice were also in attendance and a good time was had by all. I wore a gown that was provided by the Wedding Boutique in Lexington.

Belle of the Bluegrass Pageant

Sunday Nov 9th I was a special guest at the Belle of the Bluegrass and Capital City pageants. I asked all the on stage questions for the teens, Miss and Mrs. contestants. Tons of beautiful girls and tons of beautiful dresses. I had the honor of crowning Mrs. Angel Fulkerson as Mrs. Capital City and Mrs. Brandi McCoy as Mrs. Belle of the Bluegrass. Oh, and I wore a gown provided by BRP, it was gorgeous!

Saturday November 1st appearance at Rodes.

Saturday October 18th 2008 I was a special guest at a community (Newburg & Iroquois) youth league organization who supports adolescent athletics.

Tuesday October 21st I made an appearance to be featured in an upcoming issue of the Southeast Outlook Newspaper!

Wednesday October 8th 2008 I appeared on the Urban Lifestyles TV program. I was featured in their fashion segment.

Dale Carnegie Award

Congratulations, Ra'Tonya! This is a hugh honor for you and we are so proud of your success! The Crashing Through Award is presented by a vote of your fellow classmates, making it even more prestigious! I appreciate your hard work on behalf of the Mrs. Kentucky Organization.
Jo Ann Peterson (Queen Mom)
Ex. Director

"It's a Girls Thing" CELEBRATION at Cable Baptist Church!

Kentuckiana Kids Day

Whitney and I at Greathouse Elementary for Kentuckiana Kids Day. Whitney will be competing in the Miss KY USA pageant in December!

Kentuckiana Kids day at Greathouse Elementary School!

Thursday July 10th I was invited to Queen Yates home, where I practiced MOCK interviews! Using this style was a first for me, but the format proved to be very beneficial! The interviewers were aggressive, offered great feedback and quipped me with useful tools to make sure I am on top of my game at the Mrs. America Pageant. While there I also got to be an interviewer on a panel for two young ladies that will be participating in the 2008 Miss Kentucky Pageant!

Saturday July 12th Gary and I traveled to West Virginia to the Mrs. West Virginia Pageant where I made an appearance! It was good to be on the other side watching the ladies as they perfected their opening number routines, practiced their stances and prepared for the evening. While at the pageant I was recognized and shared the stage with Kelly as we dialogued about my journey. As the evening came to a close I had the opportunity to assist with handing out awards to the contestants.

Thursday July 17th, Friday July 18th and Saturday July 19th I traveled to Lexington to witness the competition and crowning of Miss Kentucky 2008! I made appearances at the Miss Pageant and was recognized on the night of the finals.
Saturday July 19th I made an appearance at a local coffee shop with WAVE #3 personality Connie Leonard. While there she briefed me interviewing techniques.
Wednesday July 23rd, Gary and I attended the Governors Cup Party where I made an appearance and assisted withe the silent auction.Wednesday July 23rd Noa'Sosa and I were featured in an article for the Velocity publication entitled "What I'm into!"

Thursday July 24th My family and I were invited to the Best of Louisville Bash held at the Melwood Art Center, where I made an ppearance.

Saturday August 2nd Gary and I attended the Balloon Race pancake breakfast at Sacred Heart Academy. I made an appearance and served hotcake's to the community and the owners / staff in charge of the hot air balloons.
Monday August 4th, I made an appearance at the RaShaan Roland Willis golf outing, which is a tournament held to raise funds for St.X and Norton's Children's Hospital.

Saturday August 16th, Queen Mom hosted a going away party for me along with the former QUEENS!

Sunday August 24th I departed form Louisville. When I arrived at the airport I was suprised by a host of family and friends who were there to see me off and pray with me. I was shocked and I cried. I was trying to keep it together so my makeup wasn't a mess, but too many hugs and encouraging words let the flood gates open! I arrived in Tucson that afternoon. My destination was the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. This was the real beginning of the next level "Mrs. America!" I arrived and checked in. I felt sorry for the bellhops because I had tons of language and a huge UPS shipment! I meet my roommate for the 1st time, Mrs. Mass! Beautiful lady and I began to get settled. I received a phone call that I was needed for photos in the lobby and obliged. I ended up being featured several times in the program.
Monday August 25th my Queen sister arrived, Mrs. West Virginia. We had lunch and then began to prepare for our 1st meet and greet / orientation. The event was held in the Ventana Room and I wore a knockout gown provided by BRP in Glassglow, KY! I felt amazing and ready to compete!
Tuesday August 26th breakfast was at 7am and morning rehearsal started at 9:30am. We received our opening number dresses and shoes today. After rehearsal we went to get ready for our dinner in the Presidential Suite with Mr. Marmel and the Mrs. America staff. We were given Vera Bradley bags, which came in handy! All the women were so beautiful, I was taken back and reminded of how truly powerful and wonderful the female race is. It was a great time of reflection ands getting to know 50 dynamic women.

Wednesday August 27th breakfast was at 7am with rehearsal right after. We received our red Carol Wior swimsuits for the show, along with a gorgeous red wide brimmed hat. Tonight we had dinner and presented the President of Loews with gifts of appreciation. I wore a white Grecian gown from, Rodes in Louisville, KY. Thanks to Pam and Susan and all the folks at Rodes for keeping me BEST DRESSED the entire week!

Thursday August 28th we had a 6am swimsuit photo shoot poolside. Then it was off to breakfast at 7am followed by morning rehearsal. This evening we were granted a night out on the town. We went on a bus tour of Tucson. We went shopping, my favorite sporting event, and Mrs. WVA and I tore it up! The rest of the contestants could not hang. Dinner was hosted by a local Mexican restaurant. We also got cowgirl hats today and we all wore them on our outing and had a blast!
Friday August 29th, my family arrives today and I can't wait to see them all, but I really just want to kiss my husband and hold my baby! Breakfast was at 6:30am this morning because of a scheduled seminar. We met with MENC: The National Association for Music Education. After our seminar we headed to rehearsal. We had the night off so of course I played with Noa'Sosa. laughed and talked with my husband, sat in my daddy's lap and loved on my momma. I so needed this time with them. They poured into my spirit, prayed for my and filled me with the courage, words and wisdom to carry on!
Saturday August 30th breakfast was at 7am and then it was off to prepare for interviews. Interviews lasted all day and then it was time to rehearse for Prelims! I felt great about the interviews and I hit another home run. Rehearsal was no joke we were there all night and saying that I was tired would be an understatement!
Sunday August 31st I started the day with breakfast followed by rehearsal. We had time in the afternoon to prepare and get ready for Prelim competition which was at 7pm. I wore a gown provided by Miss Priss in Lexington, KY. Elizabeth and your staff had me looking phenomenal. I was exotic and all together fabulous. My dress was TOTALLY me and Mrs. World this year and Mrs. Kenya both were in love with my gown! For the costume portion of the show I wore a Louisville Slugger baseball uniform, I was the cutest baseball player you've ever seen! I felt fantastic after prelims, I knew I worked it, had prepared and given it my all! At that point I just lifted my head to the sky and said thank you Jesus, You are awesome and I thank You for sending me on this assignment!
Monday September 1st breakfast was at 6:30am and then it was off to the Univera seminar. We learned about Univera products and the benefits to our health. It was followed by rehearsal for the rest of day and night. We were putting in work, but it felt good! It was now or never because SHOW TIME was approaching! Tuesday September 2nd, tonight is the night! Someone will be crowned, but I must remember II Corinthians 9:25 I compete not for a prize / crown that will fade away but for the Crown of God's glory a crown representing eternity! Whatever the outcome I have had an unforgettable time at Mrs. America. I am truly blessed to be on this journey and represent the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I just want to say BELIEVE! Can you believe, do you believe and will you believe? If you are willing your hearts desires will come true and you too will be Somewhere Over the Rainbow! We had rehearsals all morning and then it was off to get ready for the big show. We did our opening number, presented gifts to the mayor, represented our state in the Parade of Costumes, competed in swimsuit, and evening gown. It was truly an amazing show and the ladies made the experience unforgettable! I haven't even departed from them and I miss them already (TX, KS, MI, MS, MA, MD, DC, GA, WVA, NH, IL) what a wonderful time! Wednesday September 3rd, it's time to leave but not without new friends and fond memories that will last forever. I don't know if I can go back to the real world yet (it's going to take some getting use too!)
Friday September 5th, I am back. On Wednesday evening when arriving back to Louisville, I was greeted by my family, even some from out of town it was awesome to be welcomed back with open arms.

Friday September 26th, I made and appearance at Greathouse elementary school, where I greeted students all day and offered them encouraging words. I was there to remind them to keep up the good work and to let them know that their efforts, good grades and wonderful behavior aren't going unnoticed.

Saturday September 27th, I spoke at a girls rally at Cable Baptist Church. I shared with middle and high school females on the topic of image. I presented a workshop on personal style and being your BEST you!