My Little Miracle Friend

Meet My Little Miracle Friend.

Little Mr Oliver Keezar was born with an AV Canal Defect and down syndrome. The hole in Oliver's heart was extremely large and had to be repaired or Oliver would not have survived. I met Oliver after he had gone through his heart repair surgery, and the little warrior has already gone through another surgery since. He is truly an inspiring little man. His Mom has given me permission to share his story on my blog, but see the Caring Bridge site for his full story. His family is thankful for the Children's Miracle Network, as Oliver has utilized many of the benefits it has provided.

He also has a beautiful big sister Piper, who happens to be a huge Princess fan! :)

 

August/September Outings



Hi All!

This is baby Savannah; she was born at the Bemidji Animal Land this summer. Animals are a huge passion and love of mine. Growing up I wanted to be a veterinarian or zoo keeper. I am very fortunate that the owners of Bemidji Animal Land are relatives of mine, and that every summer I get some hands-on-behind-the-scenes time with the animals. Playing with Savannah was priceless! A hole in my flip-flop and a few scratches was totally worth it!

Having the opportunity to work out there, while attending college in Bemidji, opened my eyes to my love for animals again. Is it strange that cleaning cages, listening to screeching birds and cleaning up after a 50lb bull dog all day was fun for me?! Maybe someday I will do something in the animal science field.  

Karlstad, MN held their annual Moosefest celebration on August 13th. The town is busy with a parade, food vendors, flee markets and activities through out the weekend. My Mom's side of our family is from Karlstad. It was fun seeing the bunch of them! Check out this good looking group!

One of the afternoon activities was a "Jail." Donations were given to have people put into the jail, and later to bail them out. All the donations were given to the Hopes, Smiles, and Dreams Organization. This organization is for children with life threatening illnesses. It gives the kids tickets for the Kickin' Up Kountry concert held in Karlstad. They have a full day of fun.

My little cousin Ross decided to donate to keep me in jail! He though he was pretty funny.

Up, Up, And Away!

My very first hot air balloon ride!

This baloon is in honor of Missing in Action War Victom Heros.

It was very cool to have my first hot air balloon ride this year as Miss Marshall County, as a big part of my year is working with the Children's Miracle Network. And of course, the Children's Miracle Network logo is the Balloon.

I have been working closely with the Miss Middle River Pageant, September 24th, 2011.

A few of the contestants and I at the Newfolden Newfest Celebration.

Miss Moorhead/Miss Red River Valley Teen Pageant!

                                                Katie and Katie :)

Congratulations Ali!

Beauty and Fun!

Where were you on September 11th?

I was in the 5th Grade music class and I will never forget watching it on the tv.

Then, I really didn't understand what was going on. But now, it is a piece of history that I will carry forever. Someday my grandchildren will ask me about this day. Newfolden MN, hosted a Remembering September 11th program. How incredible it was! The speeches left me speechless, and how they reenacted the day left me breathless. With planes, fireworks and hundreds of motorcycles, this will be a day I will never forget.



Summer of 2011 as Miss MC

Representing my home Marshall County as Miss MC 2011= fantastic :)
July has been crazy busy! The Thief River Falls Fair, Marshall County Fair, the start of my Kardio with Katie class, attending Zumba classes, Stephen town celebration, Marshall County Ag Bash, parades,the Little Miss Summer Fest Pageant and more! I have enjoyed every minute of it!
I regret missing a few of the other Miss MN local pageants this month, sorry ladies! Wish I could be there to support you!

The Marshall County Ag Bash:

An evening devoted to the MC fair, with an amazing supper, hundreds of prizes, games and fun.

The Thief River Falls parade:

One of the funnest parades I have gone through. The crowd was spectacular!

I hear this young boy's voice "Wow she's cute!"

 Then his parents telling him "Yes, she is a princess! Wave to her!"

As I turn to look I see the young boy busy waving....but not at me. He was waving at a little girl dressed as a yellow crayon behind me on a float! How Cute!

A wonderful friend of mine, Erin Dahlen.

The Little Miss Summerfest Pageant:

These girls are adorable : ) I had the honor of attending the first Little Miss Summerfest as visiting royalty when I was Miss Middle River 2008. It was such fun to attend again this year as Miss MC 2011! I had the chance to speak to the girls about self-esteem and to the crowd about my platform and the Children's Miracle Network. 

The Stephen town celebration and parade. So much interesting history in this small town.

My Great Grandparents Albert and Mary Berg

The Marshall County Fair parade. 
One of the biggest, nicest parades around! Thank you Dad for shinning up the Big Blue Ford!

Our sashes say -Miss America- above our representing area's name. A carnival man noticed this and as I walked by he said "What in the world is Miss America doing in northern MN!" It was hilarious.

Rodeo Princesses!



My Mom, such an inspiration.

I had the honor to host the Marshall County Talent Show. 

Arctic Cat of Thief River Falls had a huge 50th Aniversary celebration!

The band Eagle Creek (above) has invited me speak about my platform and the Children's Miracle Network at their concerts throughout the year! They are great and a fun group of guys. I can't thank them enough for giving me their time.

I also got to meet the band Restless Heart.

This is Keith, my number 1 fan (aka my wonderful boyfriend)

Here I am performing the National Anthem at the MC Fair Demolition Derby. The crowd seemed to really enjoy the solo done on a flute.

Congratulations Marshall County on a terrific fair this year. It was an honor representing.

Congratulations Michelle! Miss Thief River Falls 2011 :)

The lovely lady to the left is Breanna :) beautifully representing Miss Red River Valley Teen.

Always remember to Believe,

Katie :)