Sarah Morreim Photography

Monday, December 31, 2012

An update and a reflect on the the past year.

Last Saturday, I volunteered at Kids Against Hunger in Nisswa with the Miss Brainerd Lakes' Outstanding Teen and Miss Central Lakes' Outstanding Teen contestants. This is a not-for-profit, meal packaging place that sends bags of food to people all over the world who are struggling with hunger. It is composed of white rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, and fortified nutrients. Each bag of food holds six meals. The food that we packaged that day will be sent to Haiti... We packaged over 5,400 meals!! It feels awesome to know that we helped that many people fill their stomachs and get the nutrients they need for the day.


That same day, I traveled in Lakeville for a private send-off for Miss Minnesota, Siri Freeh. It was a fun event, but it was even more fun seeing people I haven't seen in a while. There were many great laughs that night :) Siri leaves in two days for Vegas. Wish her luck as she starts the grueling week of Miss America!

Since this is the last day of 2012, I thought I'd reflect back on how awesome this year was. I think that it's fair to say that this year has been the greatest year of my life. Three major goals of mine were accomplish as well as many other goals.

In 2012, I was crowned Miss Brainerd Lakes' Outstanding Teen, fulfilling a dream of mine to represent a city a grew up in and grew to love. I have just five days until the next Miss Brainerd Lakes' Outstanding Teen is crowned and it is bittersweet. Time really does fly.

Also in 2012, I was crowned Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen. There are absolutely no words to describe how incredible it was to finally have that crown placed on my head. Sometimes I just sit and think about that moment. Everyone should know that if you work your butt off and if you believe you can accomplish anything, then good things will come your way. I thank the Lord everyday that I was given this honor.

In 2012, I competed on the Miss America's Outstanding Teen stage along with 52 other girls. For years, I followed the Minnesota Outstanding Teen that year and her journey to Nationals and yearned for my time on that stage. It was finally awarded to me and I suddenly found myself in the shoes of the Outstanding Teen's before me. It was an awesome thing.

In 2012, I gained friends and I lost friends. I found myself and struggled to get a grip on why people are so mean and vicious. I realized many things, one is that life will work itself out.

My goal for 2013 is to stay true to myself and not try to change and conform to the world around me. I'm going to let go of people who are no longer worth my time and energy. I'm going to cherish every little moment I have a bit more because I'm grateful that I'm here. I am so blessed.

Much love and hopes of a happy new year to all of you,
Bailey
MMOT 2012

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Busy Holiday season!

It is very clear that I have not blogged for a while! Here is an update on my life:

On Thursday the 7th, I answered phones at the Radiothon to End Child Abuse at the Westgate Mall in Brainerd. I was only able to stay for a bit but at least got to answer one phone! After twenty-four hours, the Radiothon raised over $60,000, an awesome achievement in an awesome community :)

On Friday the 8th, the Miss Brainerd Lakes and Central Lakes Outstanding Teen pageant had the big Trunk Show Fundraiser with guest speaker Don Baker at the Lodge in Brainerd. This was my local title before I won Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen so this local program holds a special place in my heart. It was so much fun spending time with the contestants, hearing Don Baker speak, and having quality time with my sister queens. The night was a success!


The next day was Christmas Ball at my high school. This is our big Christmas dance and is always held at Cragun's in Brainerd. It's fun to just get dressed up and see everyone else dressed up!

The Sunday after Christmas Ball was dedicated to carefully making our way to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota for my sister queen's send-off party as there was a blizzard. I also performed, and I wouldn't say it was my best performance but let's just say I tried.

Then Heather and I made our monthly appearance at Ruby's Pantry in Brainerd! I just love the people there and the Christian atmosphere.

Siri and I had a fun-filled crazy weekend a couple days ago! On Friday we were at the Southdale Mall ringing the Salvation Army bell for their Celebrity Bell Ringing Event and Saturday we were at the Minnesota Arboretum for their Making Spirits Bright Festival. It was so much being able to enjoy the day frosting cookies and reading books to the kids! Plus the Arboretum is absolutely beautiful this time of year.
They gave us chocolates after ringing the bell :) Siri and I were happy queens!
The below photos are credited to Sarah Morreim Photography









Finals week ended (thankfully) and I am not free to enjoy my break (AND MISS AMERICA!!!). I volunteered at the Sertoma Winter Wonderland in Brainerd at the Arboretum. This is an awesome display of lights but on by the Brainerd Sertoma Club! I highly recommend this for anyone wanting a fun thing to do in the winter (and you don't even have to go outside! It's a drive through light show). Yesterday, I rang the bell at Cub in Baxter for the Salvation Army with Northern Lights Princess, Andi, which is always fun! Andi adds a bit more energy to appearances :)

During this holiday season, my hope is that you enjoy time with family but also keep those in mourning in Connecticut in your prayers. Life isn't always fair sometimes but just remember that there is someone in the world that has is worse than you. Cherish the time you have with family and friends.

Much love,
Bailey
Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Bell Ringing and a Pancake Breakfast

Hello everyone! Just thought I'd give a quick update on the past few weeks :)

Last Friday, I rang the Salvation Army bell with Northern Lights Princess, Andi at the Westgate Mall in Brainerd. It was so fun doing this and getting to spend some quality time with her :) Watch out world, Andi is  a future Miss America!

Saturday morning I was at the Nisswa Community Center for a pancake breakfast fundraiser for Nisswa Parks and Recreation. Santa was even there! This was an awesome event and got me even more in mood for Christmas! My favorite time of the year!

I also received pictures from myself and Siri's holiday shoot with Sarah Morreim! Hope you enjoy the new look of this blog :)

Until next time,
Bailey



MMOT 2012