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It's been a while since I've really had the opportunity to post on my blog. I have been assisting a dear friend of ours who has colon cancer. I have been taking him for his chemo treatments since the end of July '09. Praise God that the treatments are working. He has two more sessions of chemo treatments and then he will be off treatment for a few months. Watching and listening to this friend has brought me to a greater level of understanding of just how precious life is and how we are to be living our lives. Each day is a gift that should never be wasted on anger, hatred, frustration or jealousy, etc. When I look at the BIG picture, it comes down to choosing our battles. Is there really any battle worth going to war over? Absolutely not, especially when you realize that God is in control and will always take care of things. Hope all is well with my friends out there and God Bless each of you.

Mrs. America Pageant

From left to Right: Marcie Aceto, Mrs. Illinois America Executive Director, Anji Meidel, Mrs. Illinois America 2009, Joe Aceto, Mrs. Illinois America, Executive Director and last but not least Dee Lane (me) LOL.

The Mrs. America pageant had another great year. Congrats to their new winner, Mrs. Missouri, Andrea Robertson now Mrs. America.

Our Illinois girl gave it her best shot and was happy with the outcome. She and I both believe that God puts us where he needs and wants us and although sometimes the end result is not what we hoped for, God truly does know what's best for us. Congratulations, Anji, on a job well done.At least there were not a bunch of critters, other than 2 scorpions, that found their way into the Grand Ballroom and of all places, right with the state Directors. Gotta love Tucson during monsoon season. Many beautiful women and gowns this year.

For those of you who know me, you'll understand that this little trip away was just what the doctor ordered. I have been assisting a dear friend of my husband's and I, who is in stage 4 with colon cancer and it has taken up quite a bit of my time for which I do not mind. I wish everyone could know this person. He has such an amazing outlook on life and I am in such awe as to the things he has taught me at my age. It also puts life into perspective on what is really important and what is not. I also believe that we are put on this earth to serve others, it is not about ourselves but rather what we can do to help those in need when we are able. I still continue to try to live by this belief each and every day of my life and I thank God for showing me the ways that he can use me.

Top Five at MRS ILLINOIS AMERICA, 2009

Left to Right:

Melanie Thomas, 3rd runner up

Amy Gregorio, 1st runner-up

Anji Meidel, Mrs. IL 2009

Darby Hills, 2nd runner up

Karen Brasile, 4th runner up

Best wishes to Anji Meidel as she prepares for the national competition in September. All of the ladies did an amazing job.

I love coming back every year to the Illinois America pageant. We have such a strong sisterhood among the formers. It's hard to believe that it's been 17 years since I was Mrs. Illinos (1992) The Acetos always put on the most incredible production. Welcome to the family, Anji!!!!

Wow, what a wonderful weekend at the Mrs. Illinois America Pageant. It was truly tough competition. We were so happy for the new winner, Anji Meidel. she will truly represent the title well for Illinois. Have also posted a picture of my daughter, Kelsey, 22, who is like a mini-me. She and I had so much fun together, which is rare these days since she is in college and lives away from home, so I truly savored the weekend with her.

It's been a while since I have posted, but we have been so busy with our business and then to top everything off, our town was hit with yet another flood. UGH! That is three floods in one year. Thank goodness, this one was not as bad. Thank you, Lord! Our daughter, Kelsey, became engaged at Christmas, to a very nice young gentleman. They informed us about a month ago that they had selected a wedding date of May 22, 1010. Well, you know what that means.....lots of plans to be made. We're well on our way.......I'll be posting pixs of Kelsey and others shortly. Life has been nutty lately.....LOL! Wishing all of my pageant buds the very best in your competitions this year. There are a couple of you, not competing,....... I just want you to know, you will be missed.

Wow, last night my husband and I went to see "FIREPROOF" at our church and I have to say that this is one of the best movies about marriage that I have seen in a long time. It sure puts relationships into perspective. I highly recommend that every married couple goes to see this movie. Was a little disappointed to see snow on the ground this morning after watching it all melt last week, which only made me more anxious for spring to get here. Just want to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day. Make it a special one!

Since this is my new blog, I promised some of you I would share my experience at the Mrs. Florida Intl. pageant this past Sept. '08. Was a great time and met a lot of wonderful ladies.. Made the top 12....yay! My best to the new winner, Deanna Rollyson, Mrs. Florida International 2008.

Love the flowers Anj...Thanks!

HAPPY 55th BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

My darling husband woke me this morning with a delicious hot cup of coffee. Now you would have to know me to realize that I don't eat or drink in bed BUT today was an exception, so bring on the caffeine. This was followed by a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my dear friend, Anji. They are so pretty....thanks, Anj!