Miss Minnesota

Even though this post is LONG over due, I thought I should still write about my amazing week at Miss Minnesota. I posted after the first day, but the rest of the week I was way too exhausted to even think about opening my computer. So, I'll start with Monday!

Monday we started the morning out at Gillette Children's Hospital. I was so excited for this appearance and it did not let me down! After our breakfast, we heard one of the family's story and their experience with Gillette and then went on a tour. The technology that is being used today on the patients is incredible. We were able to see some of the braces they make and the different patterns kids can pick out to have on their braces. We even got to see plastic taken out of the oven and put on a mold to cool! That child had chosen frogs (: After Gillette we headed back for some opening number rehearsal and then some relaxation time. I had a blast at the Saints game that evening! They even won which made it even better! I also ran into my friend and fellow queen, Katie Bull!! AH! It was sooooo good to see you! 

Tuesday started with packing and loading the bus to go to the Performing Arts Center. To say that I was stressed is an understatement. I COULDN'T FIND MY SWIMSUIT ANYWHERE! I checked every suitcase about 20 times. My poor roommate, Ashley, was worried I thought she took it! Hahahaha! After searching forever and still not finding it, I regretfully had to call my mom who sent up a hundred swimsuits with my directors! What a mess! We headed over to the VA Hospital after packing up. Having military members close my heart, I knew that this was going to be a fun time. I bounced around to different people hearing all their stories. One man I chatted with had served in Korea. It was fun to hear about his experiences and see his eyes light up when I talked about mine. After rehearsal, we went to Open Arms. Open Arms is an organization that makes and packs meals for those who are unable to and who have life-threatening diseases. I was on salad duty with Bailey Wachholz (Miss Brainerd Lakes), Ashley Laine (Miss Frazee), and Cassey Hickman (Miss Morris). We were probably the loudest group in the place. We didn't get as many done that we were supposed to, but we had fun doing it! 

Wednesday came very quick. I had my talent rehearsal at 10:45 and my interview at 3:00. I was so excited to see my directors! My talent rehearsal went perfect and I felt very confident with my interview. With hours and hours of waiting time backstage, we had to find some way to entertain ourselves. Our dressing room, the "nudity community", found entertainment in playing Heads Up. I had never heard of it before, but man did it create some laughs! On Wednesday prelims, I competed in lifestyle and fitness and evening gown. After trying on swimsuits with my directors after talent rehearsal, I finally found one that would do! I felt so confident on stage and knew I did the best I could have done! After prelims, I don't think have I changed so fast in my life. I was so ready to see my family! I went back to the hotel that night feeling accomplished! 

Thursday was my favorite appearance all week. We were able to visit the Minnesota Autism Center School. I LOVED IT! I even asked if you had to have a special ed license to work there (you don't!) Those kids are so fun! I didn't want to leave! One little girl drew a picture of me in my crown and sash. It is now hanging on my wall. Thursday afternoon I got to see my little princess Addie! She is a sassy one, but seeing her excitement on stage made me so happy! I competed in talent and on stage question that evening! I felt pretty good about my question and my talent wasn't as good as I had hoped, but I knew that there was nothing I could do after the fact! 

Friday morning we had a princess party with the Northern Lights Princesses. Addie and I had a blast decorating her crown box, making a wand, and dancing together. There is no other little girl I would have rather had! Our chaperones were so gracious as to let us have some down time after that. Ashley and I went back to our room and crashed. Well she did…I had fun snap chatting pictures of her (: Besides Sunday, Ashley and I did really well being on time to places….and then Friday night happened. We were casually getting ready for the Gala. Our schedule said to be down at 5:00. We went down at 4:50 and NO ONE WAS THERE! We nervously looked around and were confused. Were we early? I texted Bailey and of course, no response when I need it (ahem!!!) So I checked the schedule on my phone and it said we were meeting at 4:45! We had the wrong schedule and missed the bus! Thankfully, only about 10 minutes had passed when Kathy and Sarah Yeh came down to the lobby. As we told our sob story, they offered to give us a ride over! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! Ashley and I may have arrived late, but we looked DANG good! The gala was a blast. My feet hurt at the end of the night and I was ready for bed when Bailey called and told us to come over. What started as a dance party turned into a heart to heart until 4AM. I LOVE MY SISTERS. Although we were exhausted, I don't regret it at all. 

Saturday was a low key morning of waking up later, packing, and going to the school. More Heads Up was played and more giggles were had. I went into Saturday night very calm. I knew that I had done my best and I was okay with whatever the results were. My name wasn't called in the Top 11 and I was okay with that. I had had the best week and the scores didn't matter. t went backstage excited for my sisters who did make it! They worked just as hard as I had and deserved it. Congratulations to Savannah on being Miss Minnesota 2014! 

If you can't tell from all my details above, I truly had the best week. I already missed my roommate so much that I had to drive 5 hours to see her! I am missing all of the girls so so much. When you are with 24 other girls for a week, being by yourself is really quiet. 

For the rest of the summer, I'll be gallivanting around the greater Waseca area doing my thing! 

xoxo,

Katie

Miss Minnesota week day 1

IT'S FINALLY HERE! Yesterday I checked in for Miss Minnesota week! I met up with my lovely roomie, Ashley Laine, Miss Frazee! We have had so many giggles in our room and it's only been a day! I can't wait for the rest of the week! After check in, Ashley and I had a rough start…we were so busy chatting and getting to know each other that we were late for the bus! Whoops. We hurried down there and headed over to the Mall of America (one of my favorite places in the world). We got to experience Barbie Dreamhouse. I think I died when I walked in. I had wanted to go so so so bad, but didn't want to spend the money on it. I was so excited to say the least. So. Much. Pink. We baked cupcakes in Barbie's kitchen, rode in her sleigh and moped, and walked the runway in Paris. I LOVED IT!!! Then we went down to Nickelodeon Universe. The first ride we went on was obviously the Rock Bottom Plunge. We spent an hour galavanting around and had a blast. By the end, I was starving. We went to eat at the Sky Deck on MOA's 4th floor. After our delicious meal, we had game cards to play arcade games and bowl. Bailey and I tried our hand at racing. I'm a terrible driver, so she won. We went on a virtual roller coaster and then ended up watching Miss USA! It was a full and fun day! Ashley and I settled down in our room with some tea and caught up on the news after we got back. 

Day 2 is in full swing and it has been great! Tune in for more! 

!!!!!!!!

Today is the day I leave for Miss Minnesota week! I am excited and afraid I am forgetting something at the same time. I have double and triple checked my lists, made last minute trips to Mankato, and packed up all 6 of my suitcases. I can hear my mom scurrying around upstairs trying to get everything organized for me. But I am, of course, still laying in my jammies. 

None of what I have done this year would have been possible without the support of my amazing friends, family, and committee, so THANK YOU!

Mother - thank you for coming along to each dress fitting, stretching the budget even when we shouldn't, putting up with me when I'm tired and sassy, and knowing my talent piece by heart so you know exactly when I hit the wrong chord. You had no idea what you were getting yourself into when I said I was going to compete. Thank you for being supportive and loving throughout this entire process.

Dad - thank you for being my financial backer, my silent support, and calming Mom down when she gets too worked up. I know I spent way too much money this year. I am sooo lucky to have you (: 

Ry - even though you are 1,075 miles away, you have still been my rock throughout this year. You give me the tough love I need when I don't want to practice, but know when I need to stop because I'm over thinking it. You keep me updated on current events, and never stop supporting me. 

Jaem - thank you for being my personal shopper, fashion consultant, and person to vent to. Without you, I would probably be the most high strung contestant with weird clothes. You da best.

Joseph, Molly, and April - you three have seen me at my worst and my best. Thank you for sticking by me through everything. I am sorry for constantly talking about pageant things. (: Love you.

My committee - Christy, thank you for going on endless shopping trips with me, texting me notes of encouragement, and never letting me settle. Jen, thank you for always being there even when I need you last minute! Also, thank you for always having all the information I need when I am so scattered I don't know what is going on. Molly - thank you for being you! You have been there for me all year no matter what I need. You are a rockstar and I love you! Thank you for bringing Ellie everywhere so I can get my baby fix often (: 

The Odenbretts - thank you for being my go - to pageant family! I had absolutely no idea what I was getting myself into, and you have helped me learn so much. Sadie, thank you for being a great little sis. We have had so much fun together this year. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MY BABY SISTER QUEEN!

Lauren and Alyssa - I can always count on you two to make me giggle. Thank you for being great sister queens. Good luck this week, Lauren! I AM SO EXCITED!

Rachel - thank you for encouraging me, supporting me, and being there for me every step of the way. There is no one better I can look to in order to be the best titleholder I can be. You have been such a help this year! Love you! 

Sharri - thank you for allowing us to use your studio, being my sponsor, and just being great. You have such a busy schedule and it makes me sad that we never see each other. I am always so grateful for our 'little' chats! Thank you!! 

Brickhouse Fitness - thank you for being a great sponsor and allowing me to use your facilities and teaching me the things I need to know! 

Betty - thank you for all of my last minute trips to your house because I have had a clothing debacle and taking on every gown I have brought to you. You are a rockstar! 

Jacky Arness - thank you for giving me so many tips and words of encouragement. You always checked up on me whenever we saw each other and I loved that you cared so much! Congratulations, Miss North Dakota! I am so excited for you! 

I know I am probably forgetting so many others, but know that if you are reading this, I would not have been able to do so well without you! Thank you all! 

Waseca Strong

Balancing Miss Waseca, school, a brand new job, and figuring out my summer has been crazy. Thus, my blog has taken the back burner. Since my last post, I participated in the Easter Egg Hunt in Waseca that was put on by Grace Lutheran Church. I had a great time seeing so many kids from our community have a free for all at the park. I even got to see some of my favorite kiddos, Ellie and Rylee. 

Miss MN prep is going well. I'm squeezing everything in when I have time! I had a great time being interviewed by Kathryn Karg and her crew in early April! They had great feedback and gave me a lot to work on! My lovely baby sister queen's parents also have been a great help in preparing my interview skills! Thanks Luke and Rochelle! This weekend I am heading home to do some prep with my committee! It will be a busy weekend! I can't believe we are only 5 weeks away!

School has been so crazy with finals coming up and finishing up my clinicals in the school. My kindergarten class has been so great and such a learning experience. I had one little boy screaming today while his classmates were picking dandelions that "MISS SCHROEDER THEY ARE KILLING NATURE! THEY ARE KILLING NATURE!" There is definitely never a dull moment in kindergarten! 

Yes! You read it right at the top! I was accepted as the BSA (Bethel Student Association) Student Activities Director of Banquets and Dances. What does that mean? Next year I get to head a committee of 8-12 students in planning Bethel's Homecoming, Christmas, and Spring Banquets and dances along with the Halloween dance, BU's So You Think You Can Dance, and a bunch more fun activities! I am so excited to take on this challenge God has blessed me with! 

Things up at Bethel have been great, but things in Waseca have not been. I was so so disheartened and relieved to hear about the foiled school massacre that was planned in my hometown. Waseca has gone through so much suffering the past few years that I cannot fathom the amount of devastation we would feel if this would have gone through. I have so many loved ones at the Waseca High School including my baby sister queen, Sadie. Losing them is unimaginable. I am beyond grateful that God was watching over our small town. 

When I was reading the news articles about the event, I couldn't stop thinking about how someone could think such dark things. I am continuing to pray for the young man who found this to be his only way out and I encourage you to do the same. 

I did find a light in this terrible situation, however. Today, while scrolling through my Facebook, I noticed a picture from a very familiar place, the Waseca High School Commons (to the right). It was so uplifting to see the students make such a negative situation into something positive. The students and staff were encouraged to bring in newspaper articles of the Waseca students doing good in our community. I love seeing such inspiring things come out of my community! I am so so proud to represent such a strong town. 

xoxo,

Katie

Dreamcatcher Bingo and MMOT

It has been crazy! I haven't found time to blog for over a month, so let me catch you all up! 

The third weekend in March was the annual Dreamcatcher Bingo with Sleigh & Cutter. I have never seen Katie O'Leary's so full! It was so much fun to see so many people involved and having a great time raising money for an even greater cause! 

Last Thursday I had my first meeting with the Waseca Rotary for the Cake Auction! I am so so so excited to be helping with this event! The Rotary is raising funds for the Waseca County Weekend Backpack program and Semillas de Amor in Guatemala. The backpack program supplies food for a weekend to students in elementary school that are in need. Many people in our community do not realize how little some students have. This program allows the kids to have full bellies all weekend while they are away from school. Semillas de Amor is an orphanage in Guatemala that houses 24 children. The Waseca Rotary is donating water purification systems to the orphanage. Clean water + full bellies = healthy kids! The Cake Auction is May 15 at the Boat House in Waseca! I cannot wait for this event! It is going to be so fun! 

This past weekend was the Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen pageant! My sister queens, Sadie and Alyssa, have been preparing so diligently and it brought me to tears to see them shine on stage (I was actually crying). There hard work definitely paid off. Sadie was the best I had ever seen her! I was such a proud sister queen. And Alyssa took 2nd runner up! It was a successful day for both of them! HUGE congratulations are in order for Miss Lauren Algyer. You rocked the stage Saturday and are so so deserving of this! Congratulations! 

Saturday was also Miss Minnesota Orientation! It is crazy that Miss Minnesota week is only 2 months away. I can hardly believe it. It is SO real now! It was so fun to finally meet everyone. I decided on being contestant number 23 which means I will have lifestyle/fitness and evening gown on Wednesday (June 11) and talent and onstage question on Thursday (June 12). I also found out who I am rooming with!!!! I am so excited (I realize I say that phrase a lot, but I can't help it) to be rooming with Miss Frazee, Ashley Laine. We both love coffee, so we will obviously get along. (: We also got complimentary sunglasses (see the pic). Lauren and I were pretty excited about them if you can't tell. 

Miss MN is sneaking up so fast! I am so excited for school to be done because that means Miss MN is here! 

xoxo,

Katie

When times are tough

I spent my night doing my usual activities. I hung out with my mom, got ready for bingo, and headed over to Katie O' Leary's. I was a card seller, so while games were being played, I had time to scroll through my Facebook newsfeed. I came across this article. I am angry. I am sad. I am absolutely sickened. 

Ever since hearing about Caleb, I have been praying and asking why. This makes me want to scream "WHY" even louder at God. All night I have been trying to comprehend the position these people are supporting. I sat at my best friend's kitchen table staring at the website that said "God hates fags". This post is not to discuss my political view on same sex marriage. It is to discuss respect.

 Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I am thankful I live in a country where I am able to speak freely about what I believe. I am thankful for men and women like Caleb, my brother, and my best friend who are willing to give up everything in order to protect my ability to speak freely. I also understand that the people of the Westboro Baptist Church also have this right. 

All over their website they have pictures of upside down flags, signs talking about how much God hates America, and how soldiers die because America allows homosexuality. The most disheartening thing I found was a quote the said "Thank God for 8 more dead troops. We are praying for 8000 more." Those troops are people's loved ones. It is so extremely hurtful to hear these things. I cannot understand there reasoning. Yet again, I understand their right to an opinion. I just do not understand why they express it in such a disrespectful way. 

This is not the first time I have heard of the WBC, and sadly, it probably will not be the last. It is because of young men and women like Caleb that they are able to continue with their protesting. I hope and pray that God can change their hearts. 

As for now, I pray that our community can grieve together and support each other. It is a difficult situation that has just gotten harder. 

I love my community.

As a titleholder, I am often asked what I love most about the community. The answer is simple: I love the way the community pulls together and supports each other during a time of tragedy. I think back to seventh grade when Alec was killed, sophomore year with Jacob, junior year with Steven, and senior year with Abby, the entire community came together and did everything they can to support the suffering families. In our community, it doesn't matter who you are, you are affected. 

Last Friday, tragedy struck our small town yet again. Lance Cpl. Caleb Erickson of the United States Marines was killed in action on a combat mission. I was driving home from school when I got the news and the first thing I thought was "why?" He had so much life ahead of him. He had so many people who loved him back home. Why does God always have to take the good ones? 

 Caleb and I went to ECFE together. I have pictures of us hanging out with Sparky the Waseca Fire mascot, reading books at the library club, and so much more. So many people have posted on Facebook about how Caleb was known for making them smile. Although our exchanges were limited to youth group and quick hellos in the hallway during high school, he really did always make me smile. 

I will never understand God's plan. I have come to peace with that. Right now, I am able to appreciate the sacrifice that Caleb made to protect our freedom and a loving, supportive community. I believe that Catie DeBates said it the best, "Bluejays are known for their calls that carry for long distances. Remember to call upon one another during difficult times, and be there for one another." I am so beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up in such an amazing community and so many bluejays to call upon. 

And the 1st ever Mr. Waseca is….

A few months back, I casually mentioned the idea of a Mr. Waseca pageant to Sadie as a way of fundraising money for our CMN accounts. We both agreed it would be a great idea! We talked it up with our directors and put it in motion right away! They were all so great with helping us along the way because they are the ones who know how to run a pageant! As Sadie and I were crazily running around getting sponsors, contestants, and advertising, Molly, Jen, and Christy were writing scripts, printing programs, and collecting silent auction baskets! 

About a month before the event, I was getting pretty nervous about how the turn out was going to be. We only had 3 locked in contestants (one being Joey, so actually 2) and little talk about it. Out of the blue I received an email from the Mankato Free Press asking about the event and if I could be interviewed (WHAT?!). After the Free Press, the Pioneer Press wrote an article and many other newspapers followed. Just a few days after, Jen called me and said the WCCO wanted to interview us (Okay, crazy right?). I was so excited! I set a date for us to meet up with Frank (yes, Frank Vascellaro) and Chris Shaffer! They were a hoot! Sadie and I taught them the fitness routine, witnessed their talents, taught them how to walk, and asked them on-stage questions. If you missed it on WCCO ,you can watch us here! Just a few days before, Molly said she heard about us on the radio! But even with the publicity, I was still nervous (just ask Sadie)! Thankfully, we had 10 contestants in no time! 

I don't remember which director said it, but one of them said that with big events, something always goes wrong. Honestly, I was not a fan of that statement. But they were right, we had a contestant drop out last minute…and the night went on :) JUST LIKE THEY SAID! 

Our contestants were such good sports (even though they all complained about the fitness routine (: ) They all got pretty creative up on stage whether it was interpretive poem reading, singing, or ripping their shirts off during the fitness routine…

Larry cooked us up a DELICIOUS Italian dish for his talent. #nomnomnom Cooking was a great talent for him to perform! Lauren and I sure enjoyed eating it (: 

My lovely sister queen, Miss South Central, Lauren, helped in the deciding factor of who would be crowned! The beautiful Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen, Corinna Swiggum, helped us judge and impressed the audience with her sweet ka-rah-tay moves. Ken was, of course, such a hoot. I sat right next to him and he was cracking up the entire time which made my night 100x better. Our emcee was HILARIOUS. Shout out to Ann Fitch for being so great. Our event would not have been as successful without you! 

Congratulations again to Mr. Waseca 2014, Larry Johnson! Thank you for allowing us to use the American Legion and everything you do for our program! 

At the end of the night, we ended up raising $900! It was way past anything that I expected! Sadie and I could not have been more excited about it! It was such a great way to get the community involved in our program! 

Thank you to everyone who helped put this event on! Sadie and I are so grateful to all of you! 

xoxo,

Katie

Polar Plunge take 2

Yes, you read that right…TAKE 2! I was crazy enough to take the plunge AGAIN. Why? I have no idea. The plunge in Waseca had the proceeds go to the Waseca Marching Band (That's probably why…) I was a band kid in high school and I loved every minute of it (maybe not every minute, but most minutes. Definitely not when Mr. G made us do bleachers in the gym) Waseca is so lucky to have such a wonderful band program. If I wasn't in band in high school, I would not be the leader that I am today and I would definitely not have as many friends. I owe so much to this program, the least I could do was to jump into a frozen lake. 

Wondering what the heck we are doing...

And we're off! 

It was MUCH MUCH MUCH colder than the plunge in White Bear Lake. Sadie and I had the power of pink on our side though :) Also, the swords were to pretend we were fighting for Narnia…but we chickened out once we actually got up there. Whoops! Did I mention that the night before Sadie and I stayed up until 3:30AM decorating our superhero masks and watching Hercules? #sisterqueenprobs I have always wanted a little sister and I am so glad I can experience this year with her! 

The entire time up to the warming house, I couldn't figure out what was on my head! I was saying, "WHAT IS ON MY HEAD?! SADIE WHAT IS ON MY HEAD?!?!?!" And of course she was shivering and not even paying attention, so I just panicked that I had a fish on my head until we got up to change and I realized it was just my cape :) 

If you didn't notice, our pink shirts say "Girls rule the world" because clearly, they do! In case you are wondering where we got our amazing outfits, they were purchased at Wal Mart in the little girls section of all places. We just really like pink. At least I do, and I was really convincing when picking out our outfits :) 

The night before, Sadie, Alyssa, and I helped out at the American Legion's Adult Carnival. We helped with games, played games, and Larry even read us our fortune! We are so grateful for the American Legion allowing us to use their space for our Holiday Extravaganza and for our Mr. Waseca pageant on February 22 at 7PM (shameless plug). Larry has been such a wonderful sponsor and is so great about letting us use his space when necessary! THANKS, LARRY!!! 

Molly also discovered a game that "WAS JUST LIKE THE PRICE IS RIGHT!!!!!!" She was so excited about it that all of us had to try. :) If you can't tell by our faces, it was pretty exciting. Sadly though, we did not win. But Molly did get some tee shirts for us because no one can say no to the crown :) 

xoxo,
Katie

Kruger Memorial Vintage Snowmobile Dragraces

It is no secret to anyone that knows me that the Krugers have a very special place in my heart. It is always hard to think back to that horrible day, but I find myself doing it more and more often as I get older. It is still as clear in my mind today as it was 7 years ago. When someone is asked the question "Who is the most influential woman in your life?" most would answer with their mom or grandmother. Since that day in seventh grade, I have always answered "Hilary Kruger". Not that I don't love my mom and grandmas, I do love them. But Hilary has always stuck in my mind. She is the kind of woman I want to be someday. She is strong and confident and funny. She is down to earth and loving. She went through something that none of us can imagine and she came out on top. I hope that someday I am able to be half the woman that she is. 

Saturday after the parade, I headed out to the lake to see the Kruger Memorial Races. I got to catch up with Hilary and Zak for a few minutes while we watched a couple races. It is crazy to think that Zak is already a junior. I remember Hilary and Zak coming to pick up Alec from my house in seventh grade. Zak was just a little 10 year old then. He is now towering over me. It makes me so sad. I am so thankful God has put these two in my life. They are a true inspiration.

xoxo,

Katie

Sleigh and Cutter

What a weekend!!! I still haven't caught up on my sleep yet. I had to bring Joey back down to Waseca today because no matter how many times I told him he should bring dress clothes to school, he wouldn't listen. Boys will be boys I guess…but, I did get a nice nap in :) So that was a plus! 

Thursday afternoon Sadie and I attended the opening of the new Waseca Safety Center. What a beautiful building! The amount of work that the people of our community put into that project in such a short period of time is amazing. You would never know by looking at it that it was build in just a few short months. Ellie gave us a wonderful tour around the entire building! 

New parking for the firetrucks!

Trevor arrested us :(

Thursday night Sadie and I were interviewed by Frank and Chris from WCCO about what it took to be Mr. Waseca! If you watched the segment, I think it is safe to say they would both make wonderful titleholders! They were a hoot! Thank you so much WCCO for promoting our event! If you didn't catch us on tv, find it here ! 

Noah and the ladies :)

Ryan loves the crown!

Chris Brooks and the Silver City Boys!

Chris Brooks. That is all I have to say. Holyyyyyy smokes! Friday was a BLAST with my lovely team. I temporarily lost my voice from singing so much!! We literally danced the night away. Also, shout out to Lau's Meat Market for the amazing stuffed pork chops. So delicious. And to the VFW bartenders for making the best Shirley Temples ever. YUM! I also got to dance with my first one on one student, Eustice :) What a goofball. He was too embarrassed to dance with me at first because "YOU ARE MY TEACHER!" but eventually he came over and grabbed me by the arm. 

Too sleepy at the dance...

Saturday came REAL early. We were up and at 'em for the parade registration! It was only the start of an eventful day. The weather was beautiful and it was snowing just a little (it was perfect winter engagement weather). I had two of the best horses in the parade, Jeff and Rocky. Team Waseca was joined by royalty from all over southern Minnesota! It is always great to see the other girls! Special shout out to Katie Bull. :) It is so great to see all of the people that are involved with the festival! Ken does a wonderful job putting on this festival. If it wasn't for him, I am sure it would have died out many years ago. We are so blessed to have such a caring man in our community. 

xoxo,

Katie

  

Polar Plunge take 1

Saturday I was crazy enough to take the plunge! It was a balmy 12 degrees outside and myself along with 4 other of my Miss MN sisters decided to jump into White Bear Lake for the Special Olympics! We were all newbies and had no idea what to expect! After waiting a hour and a half, it was FINALLY our turn! We all stripped down to our orange and blue to represent Miss St. Paul's (Rachel Latuff) school, North View Junior High. 

Miss Midwest (Chelsea Swiggum), Miss Morris Area (Cassey HIckman), Miss St. Paul (Rachel Latuff), Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter (Katie Schroeder), and Miss Mankato (Kaitie Borneke)

Of course, as we all shuffled quickly outside, all the parents wanted to take pictures of us. IT WAS FREEZING!!! But we made our way to the jumping zone! The man yelled 3-2-1 and we all jumped….or pushed each other. 

We all made it back to the warming tent. I don't think I have ever moved so fast in my life to get into warmth! Once we got back, Chelsea realized she lost her crown in the lake…whoops. But luckily, the fish didn't want it! :) 

Even though it was so cold, it was so fun! And we jumped for such a wonderful cause! 

You can click here to watch us take the plunge! 

Saturday I kick off the Waseca Sleigh and Cutter festival by plunging AGAIN in Waseca :) Also, lovely blog readers, are you from Waseca? If you are, do you know a guy who would be great at competing for the Mr. Waseca title? Contact me for more info! :) 

xoxo,

Katie

New year, new beginnings!

Hello and happy new year to you all! I hope you all had a fun and relaxing winter break! I know I did! I am now back in full swing at Bethel fulfilling my first field experience in a 3rd grade classroom in St. Anthony. I was so nervous about 3rd grade, because I have only worked with younger elementary students, so that was what I was hoping for. I know that God always has a plan for me though, and boy, is His plan great! I have a wonderful classroom of students and the best cooperative teacher! Today was only my second day and she let me plan a lesson that she would teach later in the day. I was so nervous about doing well that I'm pretty sure I redid it about five times before I considered it done! Ms. Cooper has already instilled so much confidence in my ability and I am so grateful for this experience. 

Earlier in December I had the opportunity to travel down to Fort Benning, GA to see my best friend graduate from Basic Training and AIT. It was well worth the week of make up work the week before finals! I am so extremely proud of the man he has grown to be and he is continually blessing me each and every day. Most of you know that I am the BIGGEST sap in the world, but for all of you to know, I didn't cry! So hard to believe, I know. I'm pretty sure I wasn't totally convinced it was real life though! Brittney told me a few times "This is real life, Kate." 

                                                                                                                 

Brit and I also had a wonderful experience on our last day in Georgia! After breakfast on our last day, we headed back up to our room to pack and leave for graduation only to find that our door was broken! The poor manager couldn't even get it open. The grounds worker had to come and break in for us. Luckily, we were toughing it out in the "cold" weather. It was 45 degrees. We were loving it. 

This past weekend Team Waseca went gown shopping! I was successful in finding a ramp gown and Alyssa found a beautiful evening gown for MMOT! I'll admit I am a little sad that dress shopping is over for me…I love shopping and pretty gowns. 

After shopping, we attended the Miss Minneapolis/St. Paul pageant! I would like to congratulate Rachel and Julia on being crowned Miss St. Paul and Miss Minneapolis! You are both stunning and I cannot wait to get to know you! 

Lately, I have been reading so many inspiration posts on Facebook from the Miss MN class of 2014. The stories behind their platforms and the things that have made them who they are today are so inspiring. I am so honored to be among such an outstanding group of young women. 

I love you all!

xoxo,

Katie