So far, one of my favorite parts about being Mrs. Illinois International has been the amazing and inspiring people I've met. In my past experience of being a professional dancer, we were often the connection between the crowd and the team; an ambassador, if you will. Fans would often tell us their stories and invite us to their charity events so we could support them and their cause. I'm so excited to see pageantry is very similar in that we are also invited to support causes that are so important to people who want to make a difference. I am often told stories in hopes that I will share and be a voice for them. That is something that I take very seriously and that I am honored to do. I have heard our year as title holders be referred to as a "year of service." I truly feel I was given this gift for a reason and I am so very thankful for that. It's a satisfying feeling to be a part of something bigger than yourself. It's not all about me ...I first learn
Being a parent means loving your children more than you've ever loved yourself. It also means getting used to going to the bathroom & taking a shower with an audience! Welcome to my blog about navigating through parenthood, celebrating the good, coping with the hard, and managing to keep a little bit of yourself through it all! We are the proudest parents to 3 year old Cristiano, and 6 month Ashlynn Grace. She is our NICU grad, brave CP fighter, and mommy's hero.