The Mrs. Oklahoma International Pageant

The weekend was a blur....

This weekend was the pageant for Mrs. Oklahoma International!  I was completely unprepared for the amount of work that goes into being a contestant and the work everyone does for the show!

Me not being a "pageant girl", this was a whole new experience.  Lucky for me, I was never alone...in case you haven't noticed I don't go anywhere without being surrounded by those who support me, it's a group effort really!

Jamie & Kiki were there to support me the whole way...my biggest & dearest fans...

The weekend was a whirlwind, but luckily I had Gabby Warren and Julia Sigler on hand from
Bodyworks Massage and Spa to help me with my hair and make-up. If you are not familiar with Bodyworks, it is a wonderful, relaxing place to be and these ladies make everyone feel like royalty!
They came all the way from Ponca City to help me this weekend!

It takes a team to become picture perfect! :)

Friday was orientation and learning our opening dance number...

Saturday morning was more rehearsal....lots more!  I needed it...

The afternoon started with private interviews...each woman talked to four judges about their platform and ways they would like to help their communities and Oklahoma!

Just a few of the smart, strong, beautiful ladies...

Then it was time for the show...purple opening numbers to dance in...




A few ladies before the show...



Then a mad dash for fitness wear and evening gown with our husbands escorting us across the stage!



Sorry, the pic is a little blurry, but
you get the general idea!

After the show we had a cake reception and wine provided by our wonderful sponsors
All Things Cake in Tulsa, OK and Put a Cork in It Winery from Bricktown in OKC.
We visited with family and friends....




Always happy to see my baby girl...



My parents...



My other parents...  ;-)



Mrs. Oklahoma International 2010



Look how tired my loving husband looks and
he still had another day to go..

I would love to say I went straight back to the hotel and slept BUT...I was way too hyper so I ran from hotel room to hotel room (Mom, sister, Gabby & Julia) talking non-stop until finally at 2 am I wore myself out and we started over again on Sunday!

Sunday started with rehearsal...that dance number was a doozy...hahaha

Then off to hair and make-up for the afternoon show!

We started on stage and they announced the Top 10, based 50% on our private interviews.  When my Aunt asked how I did on my interview, I said "Well, I was myself.  So, you tell me how you think it went!" heehee
Apparently that was okay because my name was the first called into the Top 10.  They said it was in random order but you will never convince my family of that!! :)



As proud as I was to be called in the Top 10, it was hard to see so many wonderful ladies not called to the front.  The judges had their work cut out for them this year! 

Those in the Top 10 had to do a complete repeat of Saturday, plus an on Stage Interview and question...




This was make or break it time....

Once we repeated fitness wear, and evening gown with our husbands then it was time for the final announcements....drumroll please...




Top 10


To one of the most kind-hearted indiviuals I have ever met...Mrs. Autumn Pohl, Mrs. Oklahoma International 2011!!  Autumn is working support groups in Oklahoma for OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  When her brother's OCD started affecting his daily life she realized their was no where in Oklahoma to turn to for help...so she is creating her own help!!  She is a strong, smart, beautiful woman and she will do a great job representing our state!

I'm proud of myself for making it in the Top 10 but mostly I'm proud of myself for stepping outside my comfort zone, for trying something that terrified me, and for giving it my all!




Thank you to Lauri Rottmayer...such a wonderful director!


To all those who have given me support along the way...old friends and new--I love you and Thanks!  I still have the rest of 2011 to rock my Mrs. Ponca City title and you can bet, I'll make the most of it :)

Here's a few pictures to leave you with...



This is my dear friend Kari who I drug into the world of pageantry with me...
whether she liked it or not!   She's loved me and supported me throughout
this entire process!  And this picture pretty much sums up the
stress level for the weekend ;-)



Just to show you...I never take myself too seriously, and neither
do the people around me!  This was what I ate immediately after
the pageant.  Well, this and some bread, and some...
You get the picture!!

Love you all--always reach for your dreams and never be scared to fall. 
As The lovely Rachel Roberts, Mrs. Oklahoma International 2009 shared with us...

I believe that God only gives three answers to prayer...
1."Yes!"

2. "Not Yet"
3. "I have something better in mind"

(Vashi Ram Chandi)


...and I can't wait to see where this year leads me!!

Sunie