The Election

Since my last blog was basically my congratulations to Governor Palin, I thought I was due for an update today. Again, I want to say how proud I have been of our dear Governor in this hard fought battle, and I am not ashamed to say that I was among the many who voted for her and Senator McCain. That said, I also want to wish my congratulations to President-elect Obama and all of his supporters today. First and foremost, I am thrilled that my children will grow up knowing that anyone of any race or ethnicity can be the president of the United States. What an historic time to be alive. While I don't agree with many of our new President's policies, I do respect him. The Bibile says, in Romans 13, that there is no authority except that which God has established. I respect and honor the authority given to President-elect Obama, by God and the people of the United States. I am grateful that I live in a country where I am free to disagree with him, but more importantly, I am free to pray for him. I am encouraging you all to do the same. To those who, like me, voted for Senator McCain yesterday, I am not asking you to pray that our new President would do what you want him to. I am not suggesting that you pray he would suddenly embrace different policies and become the President we had hoped for. I am saying, let's pray for Barack Obama, the individual. Let's pray that he would have wisdom and strength, directly from God. Let's put aside partisanship and pray that the United States would flourish under his leadership, because that's good for the country! Check your heart today, are you hoping to see him fail? I am talking directly to my conservative friends and family now. Let's not disrespect this new president the way so many have done to the current president. Let's not 'cut off our nose to spite our face,' so to speak. We are all Americans, and may God bless America.

Proud to be an Alaskan!!

Wow, what a week! I couldn't be more proud to represent Alaska this week, since our governor Sarah Palin was nominated as the vice-presidential candidate on the republican ticket. Governor Palin makes me proud to be an Alaskan and a woman. She is a woman of great strength and conviction who I've admired for several years. By the way, she was once a beauty pageant winner like me. :)
I couldn't be happier to be seeing her get such national recognition. We are all just thrilled here, as we already know what great things she is capable of. As Mrs. Alaska, I have had the opportunity to meet her and be photographed with her. It's unbelievable that could soon be a picture of me with the Vice-President of the United States! Whatever the outcome of the upcoming election, I hope Sarah knows that back home in Alaskan, our thoughts and prayers are with her and that she has already accomplished much to be proud of.

Return from nationals

Okay, I'm finally getting to my computer to update everyone about nationals.

Sorry I couldn't keep everyone posted while it was going on, but I didn't have a computer with me. It was a great experience! I met so many great ladies that I wish I could've brought home with me, especially Mrs. Alabama. Even "Mr. Alabama" and my husband hit it off, and we only wish they were closer. Then of course there was Arizona, Indiana, Georgia, Utah, Deleware, Virginia, Montana and Washington who I will also miss terribly, along with many others. I did not make the top 12, but I feel like we all accomplished plenty just being there. My dear Alabama made it though. My friends and family embraced her because she was a friend of mine, and they were all cheering her on. In the end, the title went to Gerianne Gunter of South Carolina, and she could not have been more deserving. She is accomplished, poised, gracious, and humble. Congratulations, Gerianne!

In the days following the pageant, my husband and I, along with some friends, enjoyed some roller coasters, comedy shows, and hot poolside days. It was a really great time. I sure missed my kiddos though and am glad to be home again.

The whole thing was an experience I will never forget. I am still so proud to be Mrs. Alaska and have represented Alaska nationally! I look forward to the rest of my reign here locally. Thank you all for your support.

My Amazing Sponsors

This post is dedicated to my amazing sponsors.
First of all, I've updated this page so you can view the great work done by Nordy Photography.
To see more, please go to their website nordbyphotography.com They truly live up to their belief that a photo should be a piece of art.
Also please give all your travel business to Alaska Travel Source, who is making it possible for me to travel to Las Vegas for the Mrs. United States competition. In fact all my supporters should call them right now and book your reservations to Vegas. :)
Last, but not least, I would like to sincerly thank two fantastic businesses in our community who sponsored my national program book ad: Alaska Energy & Engineering and Garness Engineering Group. Both have my everlasting appreciation, as they have supported me in many ways besides just financial sponsorship.
The state pageant and myself have had many great sponsors. I am greatful to each and every one and encourage you all to visit the "sponsors" page on my website. These are just a few who I just had to highlight! Thank you again to them, and thank you to each and everyone of you who is watching, supporting and praying for me.

Preparing for Nationals

Hi there all. I am busily preparing for nationals coming up in July. At this point I am selecting my wardrobe, getting in shape, having my national program ad designed, still looking for sponsors, making reservations for family and supporters, and so on. It is all very exciting as July draws nearer.
Admist it all, I try to get out and enjoy spring time with my daughters. They keep me entertained when they put on my high heels and do their "pageant walk," or when they use the hearth as a stage and say, "I'm Mackenzie Gray from Anchorage, Alaska." They do each others makeup and even pretend to give each other interviews, using big words like "relationships."
I'll be bringing my little princesses with me next weekend, when I read for storytime at Title Wave. Thank you all for following the adventures of Mrs. Alaska 2008.

Thank you all!

Just a quick post to say that the mrsak.com website has gotten over 1300 hits in the last 4 days since I was crowned. I just wanted to thank you all for being so supportive and just as excited about this as I am!

The Newly Crowned Mrs. AK!!

Here I am, the New Mrs. Alaska United States. I've never been a blogger before, so bear with me while I get the hang of this. I just never felt like anyone would want to read all about me, but suddenly I guess I'm interesting. The last month has been a whirlwind, and I get the feeling it's just the beginning. We're trying to get the official website updated, so keep checking up on that at mrsak.com
Thanks to God for this opportunity and thank you to all my sponsors and of course my very supportive friends and family. A special thank you to Rachel Garness and Anji Stubbs for making me into Mrs. Alaska material.