Last BLOG here!

Thank you all for following me on this journey to Miss Nebraska.  But if you want to continue following me on my journey to MISS AMERICA please check out my new blog

www.missnebraska2011.blogspot.com

That's right, I won Miss Nebraska 2011 and will now be traveling the state and prepping to compete on the Miss America stage in January!

Thank you!

Kayla
Miss Nebraska 2011

Saturday-Nebraskaland Days opening ceremonies, Miss NE OT pageant, Miss Nebraska 2011 FINALS!

The one and only day that we contestants got the chance to sleep in and my stinkin' internal alarm clock went DING DING DING DING DING at 6:30 in the morning.  I set my REAL alarm for 8:35am.  I suppose it gave me lots of extra time to do a little reading, lots of cleaning, and plenty of thinking.  And of course Facebook time, WHICH gave me the knowledge of finding out that the new Miss Idaho, Geneveive Nutting was crowned last night, my sweetheart sister!  So proud!  And good luck to all the other sweethearts tonight.  Stephanie, Steffi, and Elizabeth!  

At 11:30 am all the contestants headed out to the arena to sing the National Anthem to kick off the Nebraskaland Days events and then we had a little break before it was time for the Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen pageant!

After we got done singing!

Staci Craighead Miss NEOT 2010 singing the National Anthem.

It was so nerve racking watching the teen pageant, like more so than having to wait to find out the top five for tonights competition.  There was such a good group of girls that I had no idea who was going to take the crown.  I must first congratulation all my ladies: Kaelia Nelson for non finalist talent, Meghan Thalken for 3rd runner up, Sarah Summers for 2nd runner up, my little sister title holder Aleah Peters for 1st runner up (this was her first year competing! So proud!) and a HUGE congratulations and welcoming into the family of Nebraska's Outstanding Teens Brooke Ludemann!

I have known Brooke for four years when we met at the Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Pageant in 2007, the year I was crowned.  She was just a 13 year old girl then and she has grown to be such an amazing young lady who will do a phenomenal job representing this state at nationals in a few months.  I am so proud to welcome you into the family of outstanding teens.  You are simply wonderful and completely and wonderfully gifted!

Folks, its 4:31pm.  Supper is at 5pm and I have to be at the school at 6pm.  The show starts at 7pm and shortly after that the top five will be announced.  My tummy is already full of butterflies and my body is covered in goosebumps...okay so that could be because I'm not under my blankets and the AC is blowing on me.  Oops!  But tonight is in God's hands and that in itself puts my nerves at ease and my heart at a slower rate.  I can say that I am ready to know the top five, watch the competition unfold again and be onstage while a new Miss Nebraska is crowned.  Thank you for your continuous prayers, thoughts and blessings, I couldn't have done any of this without you.  

Don't stop praying,

Kayla 

Miss Omaha

my song of encouragement this morning David Crowder Band

Friday- rehearsals, golf tournament, parade, garden party

At the golf tournament this morning with all the bugs!  Yummy!

This morning was a little bit of sleeping in...okay so I opted to give up my shower this morning to get some extra sleep :)  All of the contestants met at the high school to go over how tomorrow night will work with top 5 and all and then it was off to the golf tournament.  And although we weren't there long we go to drive the golf carts around for a bit.  I must have swallowed nearly ten bugs while trying to talk and drive.  It's dangerous let me tell you!  After visiting some of the golfers we headed back to the school to pack up anything we didn't need to take home, had lunch and headed back to our host family's for a few hours rest.  I took advantage of that time and took a teeny snooze, showered and got ready for the parade!

My Mindy :)

It was a perfect afternoon for a parade and was quite a turn out as well!  I got to ride in a very lovely convertible...don't ask me what kind because I already forgot.  Guess I'm not much of a car girl.  But it was great to see all the supporters and families out cheering for their girls.  Once home from the parade I had only an hour to prep for my night at the Garden Party!

Kaelia Nelson (Miss Chadron's OT) and I at the Garden Party.

 We got to write a bio and create and outfit and purchase a purse that fit our personality.  I decided to go with an eighties/rocker/Steven Tyler outfit equipped with a clutch big enough to hold a full size hairspray can!  And oh yes, I used it!  I had the chance to wear my hair naturally curly, which for any of you who don't know...that's how I wear it on a daily basis.  Easy peasy!  It was so much fun to see the creativity that all the girls had with their outfits and it was great to actually get to sit down and talk to my family and friends.  

Modeling my "Purse" onality outfit!

Aunt Nanny, Gram, me, mom, and Chabree

Stunna!

It was difficult to leave the party tonight only because I always wish to spend more time with my family, but they were all very understandable, hugged and kissed me and waved goodbye.  All in all, this day off turned into a very successful day of fun!

So as I sit here in my bed (listening to MJ) all I can think about and anticipate is tomorrow evening.  It's so crazy to me how fast this week went.  It seemed like only yesterday that I was getting here and now it's almost departure time.  It has been an amazing week and I'm so sad to see it go but still so ready for what tomorrow brings.  At 7:00pm tomorrow night our final show of Miss Nebraska will open with our dance and then the top 5 will be choosen, compete in swimsuit, talent, evening wear, onstage question, and then the winners will be announced.  It seems so surreal at the moment but I know all of that will change tomorrow.  I have been so lucky to have all the support of my family, my friends, my boyfriend, my fans, my pageant ladies, and everyone who is so important in my life.  I have never felt more secure with who I am and who I surround myself with until this week.  Each of you in my life is a blessing.  

I am ready for what tomorrow night may bring and am so eager to round out the adventure of Miss Nebraska Week.  I spoke with a dear friend Alex, from Oregon, tonight and she sent me a text saying this. 

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phil 4:6

God and I have had many heart to hearts this week and I am so secure in knowing that he is there for me in all of this, no matter what happens.  I find my strength through Him, my love through Him, my confidence through Him, my faith through Him, and my peace through Him.  He has truly blessed me with talents beyond belief and I love, absolutely love, sharing them with everyone and giving Him the credit.  So I can sit here comfortably (not only because I'm in bed) and know that tomorrow night is in God's hands and I am at peace with the outcome already.  But I can also share that the excitement I carry is beyond description and I am ready for the night to be here!  

"I can do all things through him who gives me strength" Phil 4:13


Until tomorrow friends,
Kayla
Miss Omaha

Thursday prelim-swimsuit and talent!

I thought I'd get a head start on my blog tonight before the actual competition so that you would all have a little bit more to read.  Unfortunately, I ran out of most of my time catching up with my host family and eating supper so here I am with only 10 minutes to write before I head to the school to prep for the evening!

It has been an adventurous day with changes to the opening number dance, swimsuit music as well as the parade of contestants music, but none of that will damper my spirits.  It is crazy to think that when I get back on this blog to edit it before I post that swimsuit will be done as well as talent.  Okay, so prelims are gonna be done.  Which means that finals are on Saturday!  Holy smokes I can't believe that this week has flown by so quickly and by tonight I will be just waiting and anticipating the crowning Saturday night.

Tomorrow is filled with activities including: rehearsal, golf tournament, parade, garden party (which includes a bit of family time...if they come!)  Then Saturday we will kick off the official Nebraska Land Days week with the singing of the National Anthem and then the Miss Nebraska's Outstanding Teen Pageant, then finals night where we will drop from 11 girls right down to five.  Wow!

But it is time for me to pack my bag and get ready to head to the school.  Until tonight folks!

Well folks, I did it.  Swimsuit prelim and talent prelim.  I am so, so, so honored to have won both of those awards and don't even know how to consume all of my happiness.  I feel so entirely blessed to be recognized for all the hard work I've put into preparing for this whole experience.  I am surrounded by absolutely incredible women (and men) daily and I am so humbled to call many of you friends.  This experience has been one of the best in the world for me and I am so eager for the events tomorrow and extremely anxious for Saturday night!  Please continue your prayers for God to give me strength and wisdom and peace in all that I do.  

If some of you are following me on facebook, I was posting a scripture verse each morning because God texts me at approximately 6:15am each day.  (By God I mean the website that I set my phone up to, to send me a memory verse every morning, I just simply entered that number into my phone as God!)  The last couple of days I haven't received a text and was beginning to think some horrible things because of this.  But it was the moment I picked up my phone tonight after the awards and celebration time with my family that my phone vibrated.  It was God.  And this is what he said to me:

"And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness."  James 3:18

It puts it as simply as that and that is what I get to use to describe my night, my thoughts and my feelings.  I am at peace. 

Goodnight again,

Kayla

Miss Omaha

Wednesday Prelims-onstage question & evening gown

I don't have much time to write tonight but must say how very thankful I am to have won evening gown prelim tonight!  It was so great to see all my family and friends tonight and I am so anxious for tomorrow night with swimsuit and talent!  Thank you all for your support through all of this, I cant thank you enough.  I am still at peace with everything and its such a calming place to be.  

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8

"The Way" Jeremy Camp

goodnight ya'll,

Kayla 

Miss Omaha

Tuesday-interviews, rehearsal, little sister fun and more rehearsal!

"Consider it pure joy brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work  so that you may be complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:2-5

This is what I began my day with this morning before my interview.  I have faced many trials this year and I have persevered and that's why I'm here today.  In my journey to Miss Nebraska, I strove to find this "girl" that they would look for and try to do everything that I thought they would want when I instead found out exactly who I was.  It's not a matter of what they want to me anymore, but a matter of what I have to give.  I am simply me and that's what I have to offer the judges and everyone participating.  I am striving to let my light shine and to be the very best Kayla that I can.

Leaving interview this morning, I felt confidant that I had shown them me and that's really all that mattered to me.  It was off to talent practice for me and I successfully finished my costume and its malfunctions as well as performing my song to the very best of my abilities.  Once I was done with that it was a hoodie over the face, ipod in the ears and head on the pillow for a bit of a nappy poo.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to fully fall asleep for long because of the 60 degrees that they keep it in the dressing room but I was able to get a bit of rest before lunch and little sister rehearsals.

My little sisters Haylee and Anabelle.

We rehearsed the opening of the second act which is our little sister dance (with our little sisters) and they did great!  It's always a challenge to get all the girls dancing together but Kathy (choreographer) does a fabulous job with them.  After that rehearsal we got to exchange gifts with our little sisters, do some autographs and eat Dairy Queen ice cream cake!  During this time I learned that it's extremely normal for children in the 2nd-5th grades to have phones...texting and all!

Can you believe this?!

Anabelle with hot pink teeth!

My day was filled with joy and blessings and prayers and I am so very thankful to be here!  It's off to bed for me with an early morning wake up call and a very busy day.  Wednesday night prelims tomorrow...bring it on!

goodnight all,

Kayla 

Miss Omaha

  

Monday-Rehearsal, picnic, more rehearsal!

An early rise to this Monday morning and after hair and makeup prep it was off to the High School for the day.  I always feel so bad because all of my host siblings have to get drug out of bed and into the car to take me but this morning they were very happy!  I even got a lesson on Starwars Lego's at breakfast.

Darrell's treat so he doesn't yell at us :)

My crazy friend Nicki!

Pretty girls at rehearsal!

Rehearsals started right away with our opening number dance that we learned last night.  Let's just say that it's much easier to dance to when we aren't wearing high heels.  It shall be an interesting conquest once the dresses are on.

All in all the rehearsals went fabulous and although I sweat like a boy and probably stunk like one too, I know the dances and can't wait to learn the rest with my little sisters tomorrow.

All the girls at the picnic!

The picnic was a great event and talent rehearsals afterward went very smoothly!  We will have an amazing show for everyone this week, and a very talented one at that.

Tomorrow is interview and as contestant number 1 I will begin my interview around about 9:15am.  I am very eager to meet the judges and feel very good about it.  It's the beginning of the competition tomorrow and it will only get more exciting as the week progresses!

Your thoughts and prayers are so helpful and I thank each and everyone of you for thinking of me.  God has given me many amazing people in my life.  I know today's blog is a short one but this girl needs some rest and sweet dreams.

Saying goodnight in peace,

Kayla

Miss Omaha

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."  Hebrews 10:35

Opening Ceremonies!

The three hour drive to North Platte this morning couldn't have lasted any longer it seemed but with my Redbull and water and a few phone calls, I was at the Airport Inn with the other contestants ready to kick off the day and week!  And what a pleasant little surprise when Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan walked into the room!  We weren't expecting her until Monday or Tuesday, but were graciously surprised.  Both she and Nicky spoke to us about what to expect with the job of Miss Nebraska.  It was all helpful information and these women have represented the state so well.  After lunch we all headed to the mall (if you've ever been to the North Platte mall you'll think of it as more of a hallway) for opening ceremonies where we were reunited with our little sisters!

My little sisters Haylee Serrano and Anabelle Gillen!

I had the pleasure of meeting Haylee at orientation but I didn't get to meet Anabelle.  They are both fabulous young ladies and I am so excited to be able to spend the week with them and get to know them.  

The beautiful Nicky Haverland, Miss Nebraska 2010.

Congratulations to the community service winners Jessica States and Kati Poppert.  They are both fabulous women and very deserving of the awards.  

Community Service Winners: 2nd place Jessica States, winner Kati Poppert.

My sister title holder Mindy Schreiber, Miss Douglas County.

After I left the mall I made my way to my host family's house (so they are basically real family since I've had them for three years now) where I found two of my host brothers running around with no clothes on while eating ice cream bars.  You may think that's crazy, but it's home.  And just think of how much easier cleanup is!  I was greeted with a giant chalk version of me in the driveway, a drawn picture of my on the chalkboard in the dining room, a sign by the front door and an entire Ziploc bag full of princesses that my host sister made for me.  I asked her how long she'd been working on them (there are probably 25 different ones) and she said "since yesterday!"  She must have had her hands full!  I am so anxious to be here and have halfway unpacked, finished rhinestoning and even uploaded pictures and watched some news.

My host sister Tonja.

I had an amazing chat with God this morning on the way into town and know that I am in the right place in my heart and that's all that matters.  I hope to be posting videos at the end of each day this week, but we'll see how busy I get.  It is Miss Nebraska week!  Oh yes, my grandma Mary and great aunt Donna were at a convention in North Platte this afternoon so I got a surprise visit from them at the mall.  I love them both dearly!

Time for a bit of supper and then off to rehearsals!

Kayla 

Miss Omaha

ps. the hand soap in my bathroom smells AMAZING!  I can't stop sniffing my hands.

It's here, it's here, it's really HERE!

See that excitement...not even close to what my face looks like right now!  (I just didn't want to embarrass myself with my excited face...maybe later in the week!)  I would have liked to get one us these up and posted last night but after the beautiful wedding and reception I was in for the long trek home to Lincoln and was awake enough only to shower and fall into bed before falling asleep...(okay, so the couple of really long blinks in the car could possibly count for sleeping too.  Don't worry, I blasted the music and the AC and shivered to stay awake!)  I can't believe as I sit here (hair done, no makeup) that today is the day that it all starts.  I have been on one crazy ride since my crowning in October and wouldn't give it up for the world.

I always tell people that this program is so great because of the scholarships awarded and what the program itself stands for, but in these last few months, even the last year, it has been a discovery of the friendship for me.  I have gotten to watch my New Hampshire sweetheart as she was announced 1st Runner Up this year and can now proudly say that I know Miss Hawaii 2011, Lauren Cheape.  My Miss Alabama Sweetheart is one of my closest friends and I have this system to thank.  I have made bonds and created friendships and relationships across the country and wouldn't have been able to do it without MAO.  Even when looking at my current competitors for the Miss Nebraska 2011 title I can proudly say that I have one great group of friends.  Some that I have spent years competing with, some that I spent high school with, and Mindy, who I got to spend my year with.  I couldn't ask for a better sister title holder.  We had the opportunity to do many appearances together and I couldn't be more proud.  What a sweet and loving woman who I have seen grow throughout the year.  It's these friendships; these bonds that I have created, that truly mean the world to me.

Going into Miss Nebraska I am up against ten of the most esteemed woman in the state and feel honored to have the chance to participate with all of them.  I can look at each and every woman in North Platte today and feel at ease with the fact that every single one of us has the potential to be Miss Nebraska 2011.

This is my third year trying for Miss Nebraska and I'm ready.  It has been a struggle always finding the time to go to the gym and do tons of community service this year, but that's okay.  I have conquered some of the biggest struggles I've ever faced this year and because of that I know that I can handle the job.  This year was about striving for this goal to be Miss Nebraska but through the process I have discovered exactly who I am.  I am the daughter of my Heavenly Father, I am a teacher, a student, a sister, a friend, a girlfriend, a sinner striving to be a saint, but most of all I am Kayla May Batt.  I have locked myself into place and strive now to show Nebraska me.  I love my competition wardrobe, I love my talent and I love my body; what else is there?!  I can't wait to build stronger relationships with the woman at Miss Nebraska and enjoy the crazy, hectic, busy but totally fun week.

Your thoughts and prayers are so appreciated and I couldn't ask for a better family and friends.  Your support is so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who has been through the ups and downs with me this year, Joel, Chandra, Abby, Sarah, you have all been so patient with me as a friend and I will never be able to thank you enough.  Thank you Nan, Mark, Gram, Mom, sisters, your support has always been unconditional even though we may not always agree on things, I know I can always count on you.  Marianne and Tracy, you've done wondrous things for me this year and I can proudly say I have the BEST directors ever!  I wouldn't be here without all of my friends and all of my pageant supporters and I couldn't be here without my faith.  I am so thankful to have Christ in my heart and I know that he has a plan and a guidance.  I pray with all my heart that He strengthens my heart through this process and shines through me.  Because he is my Rock and Salvation and is the only one who can stand beside me through all of this.  He is my Daddy.  

I will leave you with the verse that sets me into gear in the morning and the one that puts me to sleep at night.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  James 1:2-4

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8



I love you and thank you with my whole heart,

Kayla
Miss Omaha

Ps.  I will leave you with a song that has helped me in my discovery of myself.   Strip Me

Almost Miss Nebraska Week! Almost Miss Nebraska Week!

It's two days away from Miss Nebraska week and I am in Altoona, Iowa at my sisters friends wedding playing wedding singer.  I don't think I've ever been so tired from driving after my weekends of traveling cross country but it is part of the job isn't it?  After my weeks of traveling between Omaha and Lincoln and Gothenburg and Alliance and Iowa and back, I have officially completed my wardrobe.

~evening gown
~off night gown
~swimsuit
~opening number outfit
~production outfit
~interview outfit
~parade outfit
~"purse" onality outfit

And last but not least, my talent outfit.  I received my complete outfit on Monday of last week, got my rhinestones in Tuesday, didn't get the glue until Wednesday and have been bedazzling like crazy since then and I am pleased to say that I am nearly, almost, within inches of being done gluing 2800, 16mm rhinestones on my outfit.  And I must say...it is looking fabulous!  I was extremely intimidated by the project at first but and now very proud to have put in all the hard work and effort to complete it.

I took the day off of work today to complete my project and pack and I said goodbye to my babies at work and my three best girlfriends  before making my way to Iowa.  I was immediately set back by the car accident  on I-80 and was driving 25mph on highway 6 to Omaha.  Needless to say I did not follow my mothers suggestions of just sitting back and enjoying the drive, I instead choose to turn my music up louder and yell and rant loud enough that the car behind me could have heard.

I made it back to interstate and after a stop in Omaha made it to Iowa.  I enjoyed the rehearsal and dinner and now I'm ready for bed.  So much for a day of sleeping in as I have to be dressed and ready at the church at 9am.  Who needs sleep anyway, right?  :)

Tired and over ecstatic for the upcoming week,
Kayla Batt
Miss Omaha

ps. I received my autograph pages today...I can't wait to sign them and give them away!