I should be nervous...but I am so grateful!

With 6 days left before the BIG night...I should be nervous.  But, because I feel so blessed and honored with an unbelievable amount of support, my nerves are in check.  Being grateful is very important to me. I look at it like "karma" and take short moments to look around thanking God for all I have.  Everything from my boys, my husband, family and friends, my health... to less important, but wonderful things like...Skittles!  My favorite candy, which by the way I can hold in my dimple!  And, now you know what I listed on my judges bio as one of my special talents! 

So here goes....from the bottom of my heart I want to thank all my awesome sponsors!
My national sponsors who so graciously advertised on my ad pages are as follows:

AesthetiCare of Lawrence

Crown Automotive, Lawrence Bank, Static Hair Salon, Massage Envy, Colour Artistry, Billie Papuchis Consulting, Julie Neal Jewelry and Eve a Salon and Spa

My state sponsors which were awarded to me after winning my state preliminary and have spoiled me as well:
Vanbros and Associates...for everything!
Watercolors High Fashion...can't wait to reveal my evening gown!
Allyce King Swimwear...my swimsuit is awesome!
Laural Austin Photography
Luxury Nail Lounge in Overland Park
Emily Kuhlman with Stella and Dot
Kim Forsyth
Sassy and Chic

My new "Sister-Queens" that have held my hand through this whole preparation phase!  We are all on this journey together and I have no doubt we will need each other and continue to build great friendships that we will carry for years to come!  Mallory Landry Mrs. Missouri US, Rachael Neudecker Mrs. Tennessee US, Beth Isbell Mrs. Texas US...I can't wait to hang in Vegas with ya'll.  Who knew that a Jayhawk could be friends with a Missouri girl.  LOL!

Photo Credit: Laurel Austin Photography

This kind of adventure brings forth new friendships and relationships that, as cliche' as it sounds, is my favorite part of pageants!  Would you believe that 14 years ago(yes, I just admitted that) at Miss USA, I met a ton of drop-dead gorgeous ladies and thanks to social media we all still keep in touch!!!  Miss Hawaii 2001 just had twins...and I couldn't be more excited for her and her very "pink" family!

Last, but certainly not least...I thank all my family and friends, who take the time to send me well-wishes, good luck and blessings everyday!  I appreciate all your support and my heart is full!  I am so excited to represent my home state and all the married ladies out there.  As for the 3 most important guys in my life, Clint, Baylor and Banks...Your support is more than I could've asked for...this mom/wife couldn't have it any better!

So, today I challenge all of you to take a moment...and just be thankful for all you have....even the Skittles!  Go ahead, you "dimpled" peeps...give it a try!

"Life isn't measured by the number of breathes we take, but by the moments that take our breath away!"  Thanks Brie for sharing this with me...years ago.  Truer than ever before!

Kristie
Mrs. Kansas US 2014