“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” –Jeremiah 29:11

Could there be a better place to pose?
I think Trevor's prize saddle collection  will suffice! :)

Let me begin catching you up on the last few months. This past December I had the opportunity to attend the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, NV as the very first Miss Rodeo Montana “Lady in Waiting”.  What a trip! In Vegas, I got to attend the majority of the Miss Rodeo America Pageant events. I’m sure it goes without saying that I LEARNED A LOT!  I have a big year of preparation ahead of me and came home very motivated. Congratulations to the gorgeous Chenae’ Shiner on attaining the Miss Rodeo America crown. One of the highlights of my time in Vegas was getting to meet and visit with the one and only Jennifer Douglas Smith. She was sensational on her “Rodeo’s Rich and Famous: Million Dollar Cowboy Club” talk show at the MGM Grand.  Jennifer is one sharp, classy woman and her enthusiasm is SO contagious! It is surreal to think that in 9 months I will be competing in Vegas for the Miss Rodeo America crown.

Alaini and I with Mr. Jimmy Harrison of Double H hats.
My Double H hat is GORGEOUS.
 Thank you, Jimmy, for your support of MRM.

We had a beautiful coronation ceremony at the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals in January! It was so much fun for Alaini Lorash, Miss Teen Rodeo Montana, and I to get to spend time with each other and be able to do some thinking about what we are most excited for and need to work the hardest on this year. Truth be told, we stayed up past 2am every night chatting our hearts out. I am very proud of Alaini and look forward to rodeoing with her this summer and seeing her grow and blossom! She and I are both originally from the Red Lodge, MT area and got into rodeo queening thanks to some great encouragement from our parents and thrill of the Red Lodge Home of Champions Rodeo. Held every year on July 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th , this rodeo has always been one of my favorite times of the year! I have claimed Alaini as my little sister. As any older sister would, I get tickled when I think back and remember Alaini’s first queen pageant. She was running for Little Miss when I was running for Queen. She had the cutest lil’ cheeks and was so in love with her horse. I remember giggling with her during the hot, sunny parade as all the little tykes, full of smiles and determination, ran for the candy in the street, shy about the pretty girls on horses waving to them. Dreams come true. That’s my mantra this year.  I hope you will make it yours also! 

God is doing BIG things and has BIG plans for your life!  

Little Hyvin Vermandel and I at the MPRF!
 I had more fun hearing about her aspirations
 to become a "barrel racing rodeo princess".
Follow those dreams cowgirl!

P.S. Don't worry, Alaini, I WILL be posting pictures of those early days! I just need to find them! :)

**A special thank you goes out to all of our generous sponsors! It was so great to  meet everyone involved with Miss Rodeo Montana, Inc.!