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