Sweetheart Dinner

In January I was asked to be a special guest by one of my piano students.  Her youth group from Redeemer Lutheran Church was hosting a "Sweetheart Dinner" to help them raise money to go on a missions trip.  Of course I jumped at the opportunity and I ended up having a GREAT time.  There were around 40 guests and I was honored in beginning the program while the salads and soups were being served.  Because this was both an Valentine's event as well as a religious event I choose to sing Leona Lewis' "Footprints in the Sand" and Mandisa's "God Speaking."  Before I sang "Footprints in the Sand" I read the poem that has become so famous.

One night I had a dream--
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way,
but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,
you should leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
during your times of trial and suffering.
"When you saw only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

...Mary Stevenson

Isn't it such an amazing thought to know that we are never alone?  It is such a blessed idea to understand that I will never walk alone, and despite the moments when I feel alone, God is always with me.  I forget this sometimes and singing the songs I did helped me remember the reason I am here, and who has provided me with my talents and opened doors for me.  

After my performance I was able to enjoy dinner with two couples at the front table and enjoy the other entertainment of the evening.  (One of which was my piano student Rachel!  I was SO proud of her!) 

Rachel entertaining the audience with her piano talents.

My piano student Rachel and I after the dinner.

I want to leave you with the lyrics to Mandisa's "God Speaking," it opened my eyes a bit that evening and I hope it touches your heart as well.

"God Speaking" Mandisa

Have you ever heard a love song, that set your spirit free?
Have you ever watched a sunrise and felt you could not breathe?
What if it's Him.
What if it's God speaking.

Have you ever cried a tear that you could not explain?
Have you ever met a stranger who already knew your name?
What if it's Him.
What if it's God speaking.

Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove He is enough.
He’ll do, and He’ll use whatever He wants to.
To tell us, I Love You.

Have you ever lost a loved one
Who you thought should still be here?
Do you know what it feels like
to be tangled up in fear?
What if He’s somehow involved?
What if He’s speaking through it all?

Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove he is enough.
He’ll do and He’ll use whatever He wants to
To tell us, I love you.

His ways are higher 
His ways are better
Though sometimes strange
What could be stranger than God in a manger?

Who knows how He’ll get ahold of us?
Get our attention to prove He is enough.
Who knows how He’ll get ahold of you?
Get your attention to prove he is enough.
He’ll do and He’ll use whatever He wants to,
To tell us I love you
God is speaking, I love you

With an touched heart,

Kayla 

Miss Omaha :)

I pulled a Christina folks!

As I'm sure many of you either watched...or heard shortly after, Christa Aguilera made a mistake singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLV.  I was appalled.  As a singer, who has performed in front of thousands, I thought for sure that she shouldn't have made such a mistake.  I was arguing about it all night with people who were making excuses for her, like the nerves, or the crowd, or the echo...I just didn't find it expectable.

As I was preparing to sing the National Anthem for the Omaha Storm Chasers tryouts, I focused solely on the lyrics.  I have sang the National Anthem thousands of times, from small audiences to the Miss America stage in 2008.  It is one of those songs where you just sing, and don't think about the words while doing so.  Because it is then, that the mistakes happen.

I was in Oak View mall, lined up behind about 12 singers who were also auditioning when I saw Mike DiGiacomo from The Morning Blend in Omaha (we met at the Dancing with The Stars event).  I whispered his name to say hello.  He later got my attention saying, "They are letting YOU sing?!"  as to which I replied with a little shake off the shoulder, as in a, "duh, they are!" kind of response.  While in line I could feel the nerves creep up on people around me so I decided to engage in some conversation.  I talked to a man behind me and he asked if I did this kind of thing often.  I told him I was involved in pageants and sang the National Anthem tons of times and gave him some encouragement too.  As it was my turn to sing, the announcer welcomed me as "Miss Omaha 2011, Kayla Batt."  I took the mic and began to sing.  "Oh, say can you see"...Wow, look at all the people here..."by the dawns early light"...I wonder who's in the mascot suits..."what so proudly we hailed"...I'm hungry, maybe I'll grab some RedMango later..."at the twilights last gleaming"...I like that girls shirt!....
...WHAT'S NEXT?!?!?

You guessed it...I FORGOT THE WORDS!  They just left me.

I turned to the man on the side of the stage and asked to start over but he told me just to keep going.  As a man prompted me in the audience, I continued singing and I hope with all my heart that I sang the rest of the words right because at this moment I don't know if I did!  As I left the mall I called my director Marianne to complain about my performance.  "I forgot the stinkin' words, Marianne!  I've NEVER done that before!"
"Well," she said, "you pulled a Christina!"

Needless to say, karma bit me in the butt with this and I have learned my lesson.  As for the audition, I still don't know if I will get the chance to sing, but I have heard from a couple sources that despite the loss of words, I sang it beautifully.  Hopefully I will get the chance to perform, without forgetting the words, for the Storm Chasers.

A hint of embarrassment and a lesson learned,
Kayla
Miss Omaha

Dancing with the Stars!

Relieving some nerves with smiles before my performance. 

After ten minutes of rehearsal, hair and make up, an hour of rest and meeting the rest of the crew, it was time to start the show!  Since October, I have been making the forty minute drive to Omaha for one hour rehearsals with my dance partner Jeremy.  I was asked to participate in this amazing event by Elizabeth Edwards and with some convincing, I was able to do it.  This would be the second "Dancing with the Stars" event Elizabeth has put on to fundraise for the Ronald McDonald House Charity.

Within the first couple weeks, Jeremy and I had decided on doing a waltz to "Earth Song" by MJ.  I entered this competition with the idea that I wanted a serious challenge becuase I wanted to learn how to dance...for real.  With my personality, I was expecting a hot little salsa, or quickstep, with some bumpin' music, but Jeremy had something different in mind.  With my height, and to set me apart from many of the other dances, we went with a waltz.  And believe me...it was a HUGE challenge.  Do you realize I had to transform myself into this graceful, elegant, floating woman?!?!  It wasn't a very easy task needless to say.  But through Jeremy's patience and my hard work we did it!

I was chosen to open the competition that night, and was informed about this a few days in advance.  I have to tell a few stories in here though.  After my final rehearsal the Thursday before the competition, I chose my costume and felt great about the dance.  It wasn't until my mother arrived in town the next day that the nerves started kicking in.  I was very sassy and emotional.  Inside I was freaking out!  I know, I know...it's all for charity, and all for fun but I don't dance!  (Not publicly I don't!...in the comfort of my own home though, that's different).  On Saturday January 22nd, my mom and I met my sister in Omaha for lunch and the whole time I was all sorts of worked up.  My mom kept commenting on it and finally I just yelled, "I'm nervous mom!" which she responded to by saying, "But you do this kind of thing all the time, Kayla."  I said, "No mom I don't, I do pageants, and sing...I'm NOT a dancer!  Doing this is like entering me into a 3rd grade spelling contest!"  (if you didn't know, I am a HORRIBLE speller so that would be about as nerve racking as this dancing was!)

Jeremy and I at the start of our dance.

Turns out that after some fist pumps to calm my nerves and a pep talk "back stage" with Jeremy, my nerves left me and I was able to dance!  I had such an amazing time and was so happy that my mom and sister, my director and friends on the board, and all of my boyfriends family were able to make it to the show.  (The weather was horrible and we all ended up staying in Omaha that night!)

The wonderful coordinator of this whole show, Elizabeth Edwards!

Through this event we were able to raise THIRTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS for the Ronald McDonald House!  It was such a fun evening especially watching all the performances of the other contestants!  I met many great people and was blessed to be part of such a wonderful event and LOVE that I have gained some real dance experience as well.

A huge thanks to Elizabeth and Jeremy...you guys are the best!

The entire cast of "Dancing with Omaha's Stars"!

Missing my dancing already,

Kayla 

Miss Omaha

FINALS at MISS AMERICA 2011

The night we had all been waiting for...Miss America 2011 final night.  Where the competition would be cut from 53 women down to 15 all the way to 5.  Before the show though I will talk about my day.  Auntie and I decided to hit the mall one more time before our trip ended where we found some lovely gifts and  a delicious lunch.  After getting ready for the show we headed to Planet Hollywood and discovered the LONG line we had to wait in.  So we took some photos. :)

NH, AL, NE

My Aunt Nanny and I before the show.

Miss CA OT '07 Jordan and I 

It was so great running into Jordan!  We were great friends at Miss America's Outstanding Teen and I hadn't talked to her in years.  Unfortunately, walking over to see her was a BIG mistake.  As I tried to get into line again with my Aunt and my girls, I was told no...by a very intimidating woman in an orange security vest.  I tried to explain the situation that they had my ticket and I was with them, but apparently that was no excuse at all as she steered me the other way, towards the end of the line.  Little did she know that the ropes didn't go all the way around the bar, so with some sly movements and a bit of trickiness, I dodged the security women and made it back in line with my group!

After getting to our seats in the balcony, we discovered a problem.  The seats my aunt and I were supposed to sit in, were taken...by lights.  I had a little confrontation with the woman seating us as did a few other people with the same problem.  They were able to fix the situation by moving us to the floor in the front section!  It was a very nice upgrade.

As the show began I sat with my "N" sign in anticipation for what was to come.  The announcement of the top 15, then 12, then 10, then 5 and Teresa was still in.  I had gotten so nervous that I wasn't even clapping anymore and my hands were clasped so tightly I couldn't feel my fingers.  She did it.  The first woman from Nebraska to ever win Miss America!  I am so happy for her and the state.  What an honor!

The new Miss America, Teresa Scanlan

After the crowning, I headed out into the mall to find my girls from New York and Washington.  We decided that the Quicksilver store shown in the photo below wasn't that busy so we decided to make it our venue for our photo shoot.

WA, NE, and NY having a photo shoot.

This is the photo were, hypothetically, we will all be competing against each other again and will be fighting for the win...I won this one obviously!

LOVE these girls!

TaDa

You have to love our red, white, and blue!  I had such a great time with these girls and it was SO hard leaving them!  After the shoot I headed upstairs for visitation where I was able to see most of my girls for the last time.  I got to hug my Miss New Mexico, Madison, one last time and give her the encouragement that she worked so hard and performed wonderfully...what an honor to be on that stage.  And what a joy for me to be able to watch her every step of the way.  Saying goodbye was the hardest, but hopefully, I'll get to see all of my girls very soon!

Lauren and I (MN)

After visitation, and getting to see Teresa for only a short moment, Taylor, Megan, Ryan and I decided that Ben & Jerry needed some company.  We made our way through the mall and found not only ice cream, but pizza too.  As we were sitting there devouring our delicious snacks we saw Miss America judge, Mark Wills. He stopped and said something along the lines of, "So this is what pageant girls really do?"  We didn't even hide it!  I was great talking to Mark.  He shared with us his experience as a judge in both the Miss America system as well as the Miss USA system (don't worry he definitely favored us!).  He told us what kind of attributes the girls that stood out to him had and how much he truly understood the importance of the Miss America Organization.  One thing he said to us that he hadn't realized before was that in choosing a winner he was making one girls dream come true...while potentially destroying the other 52's dreams.  I said that it was a really difficult concept to understand and be okay with.  Being a competitor though, I think we all have an understanding that maybe not all of our dreams are going to come true but what an amazing experience getting there.  I will strive for my biggest dreams and goals with the realization that it's all in God's hands and the best I can do, is my best.

Mark Wills and a few sweethearts. 

Saying goodbyes in real life are just as hard and talking about them later.  I had the best time in Las Vegas with my girls and with my Auntie and Uncle, it was terribly hard to say goodbye...hence my sad face below.

Our last photo together :(

As much as I enjoyed the trip and how happy I am that Nebraska has finally made their break through, I was very ready to be home again.  Nebraska welcomed me with open arms and I am blessed to say I am from such an amazing state.  Until next year Vegas.  

With much love, 

Kayla

Miss Omaha

Day of Rest in Vegas...or shopping!

Former Outstanding Teen's with the current MAOT, Lacey Russ

One day, free of competition...you'd think a possible "sleep-in" day...and you'd be wrong.  I was up and in the La Casa Hermosa suite to visit with the current Outstanding Teen's and some formers as well.  Unfortunately most of the girls in my MAOT '07 class were not there...this left me to be the oldest in the room.  Do you know what it's like to be surrounded by the young, wild, and energetic class of 2011?  I felt like such a Vet.  But I discovered quickly that I was not alone; I found my Maryland, Kasey.

Miss NE OT '07 and Miss MD OT '07 Kasey Staniszewski

After some photos, cookies and muffins I left with two former Outstanding Teens (my NH and MA sweethearts) to meet with the Sweetheart crew for a few photos before the parade.  And thanks to the wonderful Joe Whiteko, we snagged a few great ones!

A handful of the Sweethearts before the parade!

I must insert a little humor here.  Apparently when a group of good looking girls like ourselves get into a group and surround ourselves with photographers...people begin to think you're famous or something.  We had quite a few onlookers stop to take our photograph and ask for autographs as well (possibly assuming that we were the Miss America contestants).  We all got a little kick out of it but quickly realized we didn't want to hounded so we separated and headed to the Show me your Shoes Parade at Paris.

My Uncle Marky and Aunt Nanny who made this trip happen for me :)

It was over 60 degrees and sunny.  You would think that coming from Nebraska I would be basking in this weather and in fact I was.  But my comfort quickly turned into sweat and more sweat.  Ugh...the joy of being...human, I guess.  (Shhhh...don't tell anyone that I sweat, pageant girls aren't supposed to!)  After watching part of the parade and running into the Nebraska crowd, I resided on a little park bench to rest my feet and to soak up some rays.  I then had to say goodbye to my Uncle who was headed back to Colorado.  After a well desereved meal from a delicious little French cafe, NH, AL, HI, ID and myself decided to make a walking 1.7 mile trek to the OTHER thing we came to Vegas for...SHOPPING!

Sweethearts Shoppin' (NH, HI, AL, ID, NE)

The hotel I dream of staying in someday!

Our venture to the Fashion Mall down the strip lead us to hundreds of stores and a much needed dose of clothing.  I must say that I got a little too overwhelmed in the largest Forever 21 in America and made my way instead to Kennith Cole...oops.  They had a great sale what can I say!  I loved the time that I got to spend just chatting with the girls.

Sweetheart Photo

Seeing as we walked 1.7 miles to the mall (two of us in heels) we opted for a cab ride to the Hard Rock Cafe on the strip where a group of us Sweethearts planned on meeting for supper.  Our server was amazing and did a great job putting handling such a beautiful table.  And he must have overheard a conversation about how much I appreciated dessert too because he brought me this platter of desserts...all of which I declined.  (Maybe I shouldn't mention that the only reason I declined was so I could make a purchase at Ben & Jerry's instead...)

The tray full of dessert that I turned down...be proud Marianne!

Sweethearts after supper at the Hard Rock Cafe on the strip.

I wish more of the Sweethearts could have come but I enjoyed each bit of the day/evening and wouldn't have traded any of it for anything.  I have made such wonderful friendships with these girls and plan to continue each one of them.  It is going to be an exuberant experience following their journeys as local titleholders, their state pageants, and the days they become the state titleholders.  No matter what though, they will always be my sweethearts.

I thought this was a neat picture.

SOoo...I nearly posted this blog as is, when I realized I forgot one very interesting story.  As I've explained previously, there are many random men in Vegas who offer services, cards, promo's for clubs, etc.  Well, after leaving the Hard Rock, all of us were headed back to Planet Hollywood and as we walked through this small market I saw four men trying to give out CD's.  Now you may not know this but they stick their hand all the way into your line of vision and say something along the lines of, "Check out my music!"  "Ladies don't you want some great new music," and many other things.  Funny thing is, if you snatch one of these CD's they inform you that they would LOVE a donation...HAh!  So as we approached these men, I heard many things offering their CD's, and with each offer, I responded with a, "No thank you!"  

One of the gentlemen said to me, "Are you judging my music?!"

"No sir, I am not." I responded, "I'm not judging you or your music, I just don't want it."

Again he replyed, "You judgin' me?"

"No sir, I'm not."

At this point I heard the man make a comment, a funny one at that in accordance to the response of laugher I was getting from all of the girls.  I begged one of them to tell me, but they were all fighting back tears from laughing so hard.  I finally broke Miss PA and she told me what the man had said...

"Check out that wagon, she be draggin'"  As inappropriate as it sounds, and as it is actually, I couldn't help but laugh.  Let's just say that I'd never gotten any sort of comment quite like that one!  Only in Vegas!

Sealed with a laugh,

Kayla

Miss Omaha