Congratulations to the new Mandarin Queens!

This past Saturday, I was honored to be a guest at the Mandarin Festival's Mini Miss, Young Miss and Junior Miss Mandarin pageant. It was a wonderful pageant with a lot of really great girls. Thanks to Tono Fossum, the pageant was a success and all of the girls had an amazing time. But, this pageant was truly special to me because two of the contestants are some of my wonderful friends at Acres of Hope. Hannah, who is eleven years old lives at Acres and she was crowned the new 2009 Junior Miss Mandarin fashion winner. Go Hannah!!! And Breanna, an adorable four year old at AoH was crowned Mini Miss Mandarin 2009! Wow. Congrats to you both, I am so proud. And congratulations to the new Young Miss and Junior Miss Mandarin queens!

Happy Birthday, Hannah!!!

I began mentoring Hannah this August and we have grown very close. She was pretty excited when she opened her present to find her very own iPod Shuffle. We started off her birthday night at the local nail salon. Where Hannah and I enjoyed a nice manicure and pedicure then made our way to Chevy's with Lisa (Hannah's mom) and my mom. And what would a birthday be without a cake?? When we came home, some of the Acres moms, my mom, and Hannah's mom gathered around the table and turned off the lights while Hannah and I were in the other room. They lit the candles and called Hannah in to "pick up some toys". She was so surprised when she noticed the candles illuminating the room and everyone singing "Happy Birthday" to her!! We all such a blast and I hope Hannah had a special day. Happy Birthday, Hannah!

Lisa, Hannah, Heather, Baby Alex, and me

Celebrating Hannah's birthday! Heather and her two sons, Michael and Alex are brand new to Acres and everyone is enjoying having them! This picture was just before Hannah opened her 11th birthday present from my family and I.

Laura, Lisa, Hannah and Me at the Festival

Laura, Lisa and Hannah are all residents at Acres of Hope. I was so proud and honored that Laura, Lisa and Hannah all got up to share their stories with everyone who attended the festival. They are all such amazing people who have been through a tremedous amount in their lives. I am so proud to be a part of their healing. Thank you for sharing such a big part of your lives with us! You are all such amazing people and I am proud to call you my friends!

Keeping Hope Alive First Annual Harvest Festival

Keeping Hope Alive First Annual Harvest Festival

This Saturday was the day that I had been waiting for for a very long time. Ever since I heard about Acres of Hope, I have wanted to organize a fundraiser for them. But, I have never been able to actually do it...until now! I raised about $1,000 for Acres at the fundraiser and I feel very proud. It was so much fun having all of the moms and children from AoH come and see my house and especially have a wonderful time. I am so grateful for all of the wondferful sponsors who pitched in to make this event the best it could be. Thank you so much! All of the kids had a great time playing games, jumping on the bounce houses, petting the animals in the petting zoo and so much more! What an amazing day. I know that we will continue to make the Keeping Hope Alive Harvest Festival a continual event and hopefully raise even more money and raise even more awareness about Acres of Hope in the years to come. Thank you again to each and every person who made this possible. I truly appreciate it.

Oakhills Elementary School

This past Friday, I took a trip down Memory Lane when I spoke at Oakhills Elementary School. I attended Oakhills when I was younger and I actually got to go back and speak to the my old teacher's classes. I had a blast seeing all of the fun costumes that the kids were in. It was just too cute! A big thank you to Mrs. Ellison for allowing me to come and speak at Oakhills. It was good to be back!

Placer County Emergency Child Services

About a month ago, Dedria Brunett(Ms Teen CA Intl) asked me to be the Northern California Rep. for her orginization Luggage of Love. I delivered fourteen pieces of brand new luggage to the Placer County Emergency Child Services last week. From diaper bags to duffles, the children and teens are enjoying their luggage! Thank you so much Dedria for supplying the luggage, they really appreciate it!