I'm Thankful For ...

Happy Thanksgiving! I can't believe we only have a little more than a month left in 2013. While I watch the first of two football games on television (seriously love holiday games), I thought I'd take a minute to write about the many things I'm thankful for today ... and everyday!

I'm thankful for my family. My parents and sister are so supportive of me that I really don't know what I'd do without them! They remind me everyday what unconditional love really is and have been by my side for my entire life. Such sweethearts! Just want to make them proud. I added a picture of my parents and I at my rehearsal dinner below - they're so darn cute!

I'm thankful for the Vanbros team and especially my excellent director, John Vannatta. I don't take for granted the fact that John and his brother Jason have more than 25 years experience in the pageant industry and are positive and encouraging forces who would do anything for their queens. Love you guys!

I'm thankful for my sister queens. One of the most meaningful aspects of pageantry to me has been the close relationships I've forged with the four other titleholders from Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and the current Mrs. United States who I've been fortunate enough to take my journey with so far this year. Kristy, Amanda, Janet and Lori you are all wonderful! I posted a few pictures of us below.

I'm thankful for my sponsors. You know they say it takes a village ... and that's so true! There's absolutely no way I would have had such great success at the national Mrs. United States Pageant this summer if it wasn't for the talented group of professionals who helped me be the best me I could be. I'm not only a better, more polished contestant but also a more mature and self-confident person. Great people who want the best for me - make sure that you check out the list to the right.

I'm thankful for the opportunities I've been given as a result of my title. I truly believe that once you win, your year is less about yourself and more about others. The people I've met at appearances, and the things I've been able to do since winning last March, have really enriched my life and made me a better person. No doubt about it!

Finally, I'm thankful for my friends and my fab husband, Alex. They keep me grounded and help me keep things in perspective ... and always keep me laughing! Great people. And Alex is (obviously) really special; a very supportive, lighthearted and calm person. A perfect balance for me! There's a picture of the two of us at our wedding below.

That's about it for today. I hope you have a wonderful Holiday season, regardless of what you celebrate or who you celebrate with. Enjoy your Thanksgiving! And take a few minutes to think about who and what you're thankful for ... which I'm sure is plenty!

All the best,

RYK

Me with my Mom and Dad at my rehearsal dinner last year.

From left to right my 2013 sister queens (minus Lori); Janet, me, Kristy and Amanda. 

Me with Kristy and Amanda at the Stratosphere in July.

Me and Kristy goofing around at the Miss Missouri and Miss Missouri Teen USA Pageant. 

Alex and I at our wedding last year!