Looking Forward To April

Hello everyone,
I don't have any news on any current events that I have done recently but I thought I would share my excitement for what is in store for me this next month. I am so extremely excited for the month of April for so many reasons. As Miss South Central, I am used to having events to go to just about every single weekend but this coming month is full of events that I cannot wait to go to!! To start of the month of April, I will be auditioning for a talent show here in Winona. I thought this was the perfect opportunity to practice performing on stage in preparation  for Miss Minnesota. If I am chosen to perform I will be in the talent show later on in April. The next things on my list for April are Miss Minnesota Orientation and the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen pageant. I am so excited to meet all of the girls competing for Miss Minnesota this June and I am super excited to watch my "little sister", Alyssa Crum, perform on the MMOT stage. I am so proud of the young woman she is and I know she will do a fantastic job. The following weekend, I get to attend the Dinner For The Ladies here in Winona. DFTL is an event that is free for us ladies, and we get our cars valet parked by the guys and then are escorted to our seats and served dinner. It is a night to be treated like queens and I get to spend some quality time with some amazing people. The following Monday and Tuesday I will be performing a tap dance in the Winona State University Senior Dance Show. Our group has been working hard to learn the dance and I can't wait to perform it. Next is Easter Break. I recently became and aunt and I will finally get to meet my nephew Felix over Easter break. I have been creeping on Facebook to see the little peanut that he is and I have heard that he rarely cries (cross your fingers)! The following weekend I get to speak at the Winona State University Relay for Life about my platform while a fellow student donates her hair! I am hoping to hear a lot of stories from families affected by cancer about their experiences with a loved one losing their hair while battling cancer. To wrap up the month of April I get to spend quality time with my roommate and some friends from her fraternity :)
I know this month is going to fly by super fast but I will cherish each and every moment as I only have a little time left here at Winona State University before I start the nursing program in Rochester. I will be updating my blog as these events happen so stay in touch to see how the wonderful month of April turns out :)
Love Always,
Lauren

Kidnapping the Teens

 A couple weekends ago we got to kidnap our teens for a night of fun. We spent all day doing Miss Minnesota and Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen prep work and finally we got to show the teens their surprise. We went to Buffalo Wild Wings as one big group and then the blindfold went on. Alyssa was freaking out as I guided her to the vehicle that would take her away to a mystery location. We arrived at Grand Slam and then took off the blindfolds! Sadie and Alyssa were so shocked, excited, and ready to have a good time. The night continued with Laser Tag, a Trampoline park, bumper cars, arcade games and a round in the batting cages. I am so proud of Sadie and Alyssa for all of their hard work and I know they will do a fantastic job at MMOT.
Lauren

Project Compass Dance

 The Project Compass Dance was so amazing. My fellow Dance Society members and I helped serve dinner at the dance and then showed off some of our moves. The members of Project Compass are of all ages and have a wide range of disabilities. Project Compass gives these people activities to do in order to come together as a community and have a good time. The members of Project Compass have such warm hearts and a lot of energy for life. It was a blessing to be part of this night and it is one that I will never forget.
Lauren

Mr. Waseca

What a night! The first ever Mr. Waseca pageant was an absolute success! I have to admit that it was very hard to be in the judges seat. Even though the title of Mr. Waseca doesn't greatly impact the rest of the contestant's year, it was still difficult to decide who deserved the crown. The night was filled with a lot of laughs and a lot of talent. We saw everything from poetry readings to singing and from wood carving to cooking. The men were judged on fitness, talent, formal wear, and on-stage question. At the end of the night it was Larry Johnson who was crowned Mr. Waseca. He did a wonderful job and the dish he made for the judges won us over. Congrats Larry and I hope to see more guys run for the title next year!
Love Always,
   Lauren

Sleigh and Cutter Parade

 Out of all of the parades I have been in, this one was the best! For this parade, we didn't know what we were riding in until the time of the parade. I was so excited to see what I was riding in because it was a tiny covered wagon pulled by 2 mini horses....it was ME size!! It was so fun to be riding in that and got to sit and get to know the driver throughout the parade. Afterwards we got to go see the ice sculptures and I don't think we have ever taken so many pictures! I also got to see the Jesse James Gang from Northfield which is also one of my favorite festivals. Even though I only got 2 hours of sleep the night before, it was still an amazing day!
With Love,
      Lauren

Sleigh and Cutter Dinner and Dance

 The Sleigh and Cutter Dinner and Dance was an absolute blast. The night started off with us being on WCCO news and then we got to enjoy a fabulous dinner. Afterwards, we changed into our cowboy hats and got the party started. Corrina performed her talent and we also sang the National Anthem. Pretty soon, Chris Brooks got onstage and the dancing began. Alyssa danced with a young boy just about all night and my dance partners were a group of young girls who always told me that they want to be just like me :) We danced the night away until the band was done performing. I tried getting Ken to dance but he was having more fun just watching others enjoy the night. The night was a huge success and they have never had the VFW so packed. Hopefully Chris Brooks will be back next year!
Until Next Time,
      Lauren

Ice Plunge

 Brrrrrrrrrrrr! The Sleigh and Cutter Ice Plunge was quite the experience. I have to admit that the water wasn't as cold as I thought but that was probably because I was in such a daze and focusing on how frozen my feet were. If I ever did it again I would make sure I had shoes on!! However, I think that this was a one time deal that you do just to cross off of your bucket list! I think I will stay on top of the ice from now on!
Stay Warm,
      Lauren