Homecoming

This last weekend I drove home to Frazee, MN for the Miss Perham, Miss Heart of the Lakes, and Miss Frazee pageants and of course, Turkey Days! It was so much fun to watch so many beautiful and talented girls compete for a title.  On Friday night, Paige Meyer won the title of Miss Perham and Caitlyn Thompson won the title of Miss Heart of the Lakes.  They both did wonderful and I wish them the best of luck at Miss Minnesota in June!  Saturday night was the Miss Frazee and Miss Frazee's Outstanding Teen pageant.  Congratulations to Katie Winter, Miss Frazee and Hailey Jutz, Miss Frazee's Outstanding Teen.  Then on Sunday, I rode through the Frazee Turkey Days parade.  Even though I was assured there would be enough cars and drivers, I was lucky to have drove my truck home just in case. The cars that were there to drive us did not know they needed to come back to pick up more girls and go through the parade a second time!  I slapped my signs on and got in the back of the truck just in time to pull in before the horses.  All in all it was a great weekend.  I was able to go to pageants, spend time with my parents, see some high schools friends and enjoy some Turkey Days festivities!

Miss Perham and Miss Heart of the Lakes pageant with Siri Freeh and Lauren Johnson

Miss Paige and I!

The new Miss Frazee, Katie Winter

Miss Minnesota, Natalie Davis

At the Frazee Turkey Days Parade!

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Water Carnival

Wow! First, summer couldn't come soon enough and now it is almost over!  July is a very busy month with pageants, parades, and just trying to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.  On July 8th I attended the  Miss Northwest pageant in Detroit Lakes.  All the girls did a wonderful job and I would like to congratulate Siri Freeh for the winning the title of Miss Northwest 2011 and Paige Meyer for winning 1st runner-up!

Local queens!

My sister queen, Brianna

1st runner-up, Paige Meyer and Miss Northwest 2011, Siri Freeh

 

This pageant was the kick-off to the Detroit Lakes Water Carnival that includes 10 full days of events and fun.  The parade was on the 10th day to wrap up the fun-filled event.  Sunday, was very hot and humid.  It rained for about 30 minutes at the start of the parade and then it held off until about 30 minutes after the parade was finished. I don't mind hot and humid, but not on a day that I am in a dress and riding through the longest parade of the year!  Again, I want to thank my boyfriend for borrowing me his truck for the parade and also driving me through the parade.

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Flashback: Week after Miss MN

People seem to think everything slows down after Miss Minnesota and we go back to our normal lives.  I am here to tell you that is false!  It has taken me so long to post on my blog because life has been crazy with work, family events, and appearances.  The day I got home from Miss Minnesota, I drove to Hawley to see my grandma and wish my dad a happy Father's Day.  Then, I drove to Hawley again on Wednesday to celebrate my grandma's 90th birthday party!  She looked amazing.

On Friday I drove to Perham for the Turtle Fest Parade.  My boyfriend was kind enough to let me use his truck and my dad has been my wonderful driver for nearly every parade I have been in for the past several years.  Saturday I drove to Lake Park for another family event, a baby shower!  My cousin Anthony and his girlfriend just had a baby boy in April, Anthony Richard IV.  He is so adorable and has crazy hair that sticks straight up on its own.

Proud father!

Sunday was a long day.  I attempted to go to the Miss Marshall County pageant, but ufortunately I never made it.  I left early to make the three drive to where I thought the pageant was, Middle River.  As I approached the town of 300 people I tried to guess where the pageant was based on the amount of cars parked outside.  I drove around and did not see anything, so I decided I would ask the gas station attended, but the gas station was closed.  I then tried to call some people to figure out the location of the pageant. The fourth person I called told me the pageant was held in Stephen so I asked the first and only person I saw in Middle River how to get to Stephen.  I was told it was 30 minutes away and to go east.  After 30 minutes I came to a T, which was never mentioned in her directions.  Now it is time to call my dad and figure out where I am or which way I should turn.  After five minutes of talking, he realizes that I went east and not west where Stephen is actually located.  By this time it was pouring, I had one working windshield wiper, I was wearing a nice dress in heels and I was nearly 45 minutes late for the pageant and still an hour away from Stephen.  I attempted to drive to Stephen and half way there, my other windshield wiper stopped working. I could see the lines, but it was blurry so once in awhile I had to pull over and clear off the rain.  I decided to just go back home when I got to Middle River since my wipers were not working and I was nearly out of gas.  I finally made it back to Thief River Falls so I could get food, go to the bathroom, and fill up with gas.  While I was there, one of my friends that I called about the pageant called me back.  I asked if she was at the pageant, who won, and of course, where it was located.  She informed me that the pageant was in MIDDLE RIVER!  So I was in the right town and on time for the pageant.  The reason the other girl thought it was in Stephen is because it was there last year and the Marshall County pageant switches between towns every year. Go figure!  It was very frustrating at that moment when I was driving around northwestern Minnesota for eight hours, but now I just look at it as a learning experience.  I can now tell anyone which towns are between Fargo and Middle River! : )  Even though I was not there to tell her in person, I want to wish Katie Peterson a warm welcome into the Miss Minnesota, America system!

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Day 5: Bowling

Today was a more relaxed day, well besides the six hours of rehearsal at the theater! We started the day at the Original Pancake House for a wonderful breakfast. They have many flavors and types of pancakes to choose. Some ordered banana, pumpkin, buttermilk, potato, just to name a few different kinds. After breakfast it was off to the theater. All we did there was rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! I think the audience is really going to enjoy our opening number and if you do come to the show on Saturday, get up and dance with us! Bowling and pizza was tonight. It was a lot of fun playing with the girls and watching the reactions on everyone's face if they got a strike.  Today is a short blog, but I thought I should still update you with what is going on this week.

Breakfast with Miss Minnesota 2010!

Megan, Tiffany, Allison, & Kathryn

My bowling team!

Tiffany, Moriah, Kathryn, Kimberly, & Meghan

Barb really wants to be Miss Moorhead!

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Day 4: Minnesota State Zoo & Bucca

Even though we had some rain tonight, the sun shined while we were at the zoo so it was the perfect time of day for us to visit the animals.  We saw many animals including; fish, monkeys, pandas, birds, goats, and much more!  Before we left the zoo, we went to the bird show.  There we saw an owl, falcon, and parrots fly around and above our heads. For a second, we thought the host killed the bird because she hit it with the luer and it went down into the water.  He turned out to be fine so that was a relief.  Then a rose breasted cockatoo, called Floyd, flew up to Kathryn's arm and grabbed a dollar out of her hand!  Check out the videos below to see for yourselft.  We had such a great time and signed many autographs for all the children we met at the zoo.

After lunch it was back to the hotel so we could pack all of our competition stuff to bring over to the theater.  Two vans were full of dresses, shoes, makeup, steamers, and jewelry.  We practiced our opening number dance for about 3 hours before dinner.  Dinner tonight was at Bucca di Beppo and it was amazing.  The served us three different types of salad, two different pastas, chicken, broccoli, and of course, dessert!  Dessert was cheesecake, chocolate cake, taramisu, and apple crisp.  Tomorrow will be a lot of rehearsal, but I am sure I will still have something to tell you.

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Day 3: Gillette, State Capitol, and Fuddrucker's

Today was a very busy day.  We started the day at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul, MN.  This hospital is a Children's Miracle Network hospital and a place Kathryn visits often.  This year, Kathryn has raised $18,000 for Children's Miracle Network!  I met many incredible kids who are all so inspiring.  A very memorable moment for me today is when a mother really opened up to me about her child, Dominic, who has to have surgery because one leg is not growing as fast as the other and it is also growing outward.  She started to cry, so I started to cry of course.  I gave her a warm hug before checking in to the hospital and that moment reminded me of why I raise money for CMN and do service work in my community year after year.  Gillette has about 25,000 patients each year that come in for different needs.  Mostly, they work with brain and bone diseases and corrections.  The lab where they make the braces, prosthetic limbs, and skull caps is only 1 of 4 in the nation!  Gillette was so kind to us.  We made cookies with the children, played games, and they fed us a wonderful lunch from Panera!

Emma and the queens!

Jr. and the queens!

After lunch we visited the state capitol and we were lucky enough to meet Governor Mark Dayton!  He shook all of our hands before and after meeting us.  Each of us gave him our autograph cards and we took a picture with him.  He was so kind and generous enough to spare 15 minutes with us.

Governor Dayton surrounded by queens!

Dinner was at Fuddrucker's tonight for burgers and shakes!  By that time I was a little tired of pictures so the only one I got was of the cute "kiddie" door handle in the bathroom.  Until tomorrow, if I am not too tired...

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Day 2: Glitz Fashion Show & QOL Interview

Today was packed full of excitement for me.  We started the day at Glitz in the Mall of America for a fashion show.  Each girl wore two different dresses down the runway to model.  Some dress were long evening gowns and others were short cocktail dresses, but all were gorgeous and I am excepting donations from anyone to go towards my gown purchase foundations! : )  After the fashion show we had the chance to visit with viewers, many of whom were family members and friends.  I was lucky enough to have my aunt Karen and my cousins Samantha and Madison come to see me model.  Next, lunch!  Crave in the Mall of America is a huge sponsor for the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Program.  Not only did they feed us lunch today, but they also provide lunch for the judges and appetizers for the audience on each night of competition, so please be sure to thank them if you grab a treat.

Now it was time to get back to the hotel for a little down time before my Quality of Life interview.  The judges were amazing.  They were all so interested in what we had to say and very friendly.  I was so happy to have the opportunity to share my platform, Habitat for Humanity, with people who truly care about service and giving back to the community.

I had a wonderful day, but I am already exhausted so I will get some rest now before another long day.

My cousins; Madison and Samantha

Red, White, and Blue!

We are Quality of Life finalists.

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

First Day: Miss MN Check-in

Good morming followers! I finally figured out the Internet at the hotel this morning so I can fill you in with my day yesterday.  I woke up bright and early to finish packing and write a paper for a school class.  Yes, I was taking a summer course and finished my final paper two minutes before I walked out the door to drive to Bloomington for Miss Minnesota check-in!

At check-in we handed in final paperwork, and we got settled into our hotel rooms.  This year my roommate is Allison Lordbock, Miss City of Lakes. After we settled into our new homes for the week, we made door decorations so we know where each girl's room is located.

That is all the excitement for now, but today is filled with tons of excitement. I can not wait to update you about the Glitz fashion show and my Quality of Life interview. Wish me luck!

My roommate for the week, Allison

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Miss Minnesota Send-off Party

Last night was my send-off party for Miss Minnesota. Joining me were Miss Frazee, Emily Kallis; Miss Perham, Brittany Bachman; Miss Heart of the Lakes, Kalli Randall; and Miss Northwest, Melissa Paakh!  Each one of us presented our wardrobe for Interview, Talent, Swimwear, and Evening Gown.  To start the party right, we had to greet everyone in our amazing and dazzling production number outfits!  While we were in our interview outfit we had the opportunity to talk about our personal platform and what we have been doing with it throughout the year.  I was able to talk about the house I am currently working on in Barnesville, MN and the progress we have made on the house in just a short period of time.

I wish I could post pictures of the send-off, but I don't want to reveal any of our garments until Miss MN! I will only post the five of us in our production number outfits.

From L to R: Miss Perham, Brittany Bachman; Miss Heart of the Lakes, Kalli Randall; Miss Northwest, Melissa Paakh; Miss Frazee, Emily Kallis; and Miss Moorhead, Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson (me)

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Habitat for Humanity: Barnesville, Day 2

Today was the second day I worked on the Habitat for Humanity house being built in Barnesville, MN. It was only day four of the Blitz build and when we started the day, the windows and doors were in place, almost all the shingles were nailed on the roof, and now it was time to start nailing on the siding to the house. 

I was very excited that all the shingling was not complete because surprising enough, that is by far my favorite thing to do when working on a house.  After shingling I was given the caulking gun to fill in all the little holes on the roof to be sure it wouldn't leak during a thunderstorm or blizzard.  While a few of us were shingling, the rest of the group started nailing on the siding.  After lunch, everyone was working on the siding for the house.  By the end of the day we had one whole side of the house done and half of two other sides of the house.  The siding does not need to be complete until Friday so I have a feeling they will be done by Thursday or very early Friday.

Getting instructions before we begin

Nailing in shingles.

Don't fall!

Cutting sheathing...Are you surprised they trusted me with a power tool?

Crew at the beginning of the day

Crew at the end of the day...sweaty, sore, and bruised

Crew leaders...they found out I was Miss Moorhead and I never heard the end of it.

I will not be working anymore this week since Miss Minnesota check-in is just around the corner. I need to start packing and finish all my homework for my summer class.  After Miss Minnesota, Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity will begin working on the house in West Fargo which is a Women's Build.  I have already started gathering a team of women that are going to help me work on this house!

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Habitat for Humanity: Barnesville

I am so excited that summer is finally here! Time to hit the beach, get my tan on, and relax...and build houses!  Unfortunately our region of the state only gets a few short months of nice weather so when we build houses, we need to build them fast.  In order to build fast, we need volunteers who are hard working and committed so yesterday I spent the day hammering nails to 2x4s, 2x6s, and plywood after working a 12 hour shift at my serving job!

Saturday was the "Wall Raising Event" for the family in Barnesville, MN. We spent the morning building the walls and putting them up. We also started with the sides of the house.  At 11:30 family, friends, and the community of Barnseville came to witness the dedication to the new homeowners and watch them "raise" one of the walls.  By the end of the day all the plywood was up around the house and the roof framing started to be put in place. I will go there again this week to work on the house some more. This year Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity is having another "Women's Build" starting in a a couple weeks in West Fargo. This is my favorite kind of build because it will only be women who build the house for this family, besides the crew leaders.

Also, today I was notified for being a Quality of Life Finalist along with Natalie Davis, Allison Lordbock, Bethany Beniek, Meghan Kuznia, and Aja Majkrzak! Congratulations to all of you ladies!

Beginning of the day

After all, but one wall had been put in place.

 Crew that worked on the house Saturday (I am in orange)

The new family, Mayor of Barnesville, and some family help raise the final wall of the house

It's up!

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Bison Service Challenge

My last blog came with exciting news of being elected the new president for the North Dakota State University Habitat for Humanity Chapter, but it does not stop there! Monday night, our chapter was invited to attend the awards banquet for the "Bison Service Challenge".  The challenge is based on the number of volunteer hours each organization accumulates throughout the year.  All together, NDSU students volunteered over 30,000 hours this school year.  If each hour was paid about $16 an hour, about $480,000 would have been paid out this year!  There are four different categories that can win: Athletics, Greek life, Residents life, and Student organizations. 

I am excited to announce, Habitat for Humanity won the award for the student organization category! With this honor, we are presented with a plaque and a $500 check that we can donate to the charity of our choice.  We chose to donate the money to the United Way because they sponsor 42 non-profit organization, so our money will go to more than just one!  Some of that money will even go to the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.  As Vice President this year, I am so proud of NDSU Habitat for Humanity's accomplishments and can not wait to take on the roll as President to increase funds, volunteer hours, membership, and awareness for this greatly needed organization, not just in my local area, but in my state of Minnesota, the Unite States of America, and the world!

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Hard Hat Breakfast

Yesterday morning I woke up at the crack of dawn to attend the 2011 Hard Hat Breakfast presented by Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, LAHFH.  While enjoying a wonderful breakfast, I was informed of the new builds for 2011 and listened to a few speakers who have payed it forward in our community.

This year marks the 20th anniversary for the Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Chapter!  After reviewing over 150 applications of families hoping for a new start to life with a warm home, five families were chosen. They will built in the Red River Valley area, including Barnseville for the first time.  One of the houses will be a  "Women's Build" in West Fargo.  I can't wait to work on that house surrounded by strong, independent women!

Adair Grommesh, the recipient of the Extreme Makeover house in Moorhead, was going to speak at the breakfast, but her son, Garrett, had an unexpected trip to Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul for surgery.  If you remember, Garrett is paralyzed from his waist down and had trouble maneuvering around in his own house.  This kid is so remarkable.  Despite the fact that he has had 25+ surgeries, numerous stays in the hospital and physical therapy sessions, the one wish he asked for was a new home for his classmate.  His idea was to "Pay it Forward" by giving his classmate's family his old home since it was live-able, just not wheelchair friendly.

Tekeema Shields, a 2010 LAHFH home recipient, told us her story and what this new house has meant to them.  Before receiving the house, Tekeema, her husband, and their five children rented a cramped, three bedroom town home.  She described one room as being the size of a normal closet that was shared by their two youngest girls.  The basement walls had cracks that lead outside, windows were broken, and they were short a banister to protect their young children from falling.  Everything was a safety hazard that had not been fixed by the landlord as promised.  They applied for a home two days before the deadline with little hope of receiving it since so many families had already applied.  Now they live in a comfortable home in West Fargo.  Tekeema is planning to start an at home daycare and her husband, Paul wishes to start a new business from home as well.  The future is bright for this young family and they could not be more thankful.

After hearing another inspiring story, I am reminded of how blessed I am to have lived in a home my whole life and how grateful I am to make more and more families' dreams come true of living the same life I did by being a part of this worthy organization. 

Shirley Dykshoorn, Executive Director of LAHFH

Tekeema Shields, 2010 Habitat Homeowner

On a side note:
Tuesday night we had our last NDSU Habitat meeting of the year.  We bowled, ate pizza, and voted for the new officers of the 2011-2012 school year.  I am proud to say, I am the new President of the North Dakota State University Chapter!  I am so excited for this opportunity and the chance to make change where it needs it.  I pray God will lead me and my officers will support me throughout the year.

Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

A Teasing Spring

Well, we all thought March's weather teased us and hope was in the future for a warm April, but Mother Nature still is not ready to bring the sunshine. =)  Despite the weather, this month has been wonderful.  The first weekend started with the Miss Minnesota workshop where I was able to meet every girl competing for the job of Miss Minnesota!  That night, at the Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen pageant, opened my eyes to the realization that Miss Minnesota is just weeks away. 

This last weekend, I strapped on my heels, zipped my dress, curled my hair, and....stood beside my sister, Trinessa, as she confessed her love to her new husband, Chad, in front of their family, friends, and God.  It was so beautiful, elegant, and colorful.  My sister wanted a bright and warm wedding even though it was 35 degrees outside.  Miss Minnesota is going to be an amazing experience, but last weekend I gained a wonderful bother-in-law!  I was able to put my pageant knowledge to use, and I helped the girls paint their nails, do their hair, and put on makeup (eyelashes). 

We kept a huge secret from Chad until just before Trinessa walked down the aisle.  (No, not the dress)Instead of the doors opening to my father and sister walking towards Chad, the doors stayed closed and a new tune began.  My sister surprised Chad with her talented voice singing a famous Beatles song, "Til There Was You".  He was so shocked and enjoyed every minute of it.  The night ended with dinner, toasts, and dancing.

I wish Trinessa and Chad the best as they start their new life together and hope I can be an Auntie really soon!



Always,

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Miss Minnesota Workshop Weekend!

Wow! Can you believe it is already April?  With the weather teasing us last month, March just flew by.  Last week my schedule was packed with scheduling for my senior year of classes, finishing my Miss Minnesota paperwork, attending Brianna's send off party, Miss Minnesota workshop, and the Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen pageant! 

Friday night my mom and I drove to Minneapolis for my Miss Minnesota workshop the next day.  I had so much fun finally meeting all the girls vying for the title of Miss Minnesota 2011!  There will be 21 of us girls spending a full week together.  Not only do we all have an interest in fashion, glitz, and scholarship money, but we also share a passion for serving others.  It was so fun to hear everyone's personal platform they have been working so hard on all year.

At the workshop we found out our contestant number, roommate, and what we will be doing the week of Miss Minnesota.  I am contestant number 17, which means I will be competing in Swimwear and Evening Gown Thursday night and Talent and On-stage Question Friday night. My roommate is the beautiful Allison Lordbock.  We both competed last year and spent time getting to know each other.  The week of Miss MN we will be going to the Minnesota State Zoo, the State Capitol, Gillette's Children Hospital, bowling, and out to eat at many restaurants that I don't normally go to.

Saturday evening was the Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen pageant!  My "little sister queen", Brianna Drevlow did an amazing job.  She was honored with the title of 2nd runner-up and won the talent award for her piano skills.  I am so proud of all the hard work she did preparing for the pageant and even more proud of the hard work she did promoting her platform to save our state parks.

At Brianna's Send off party

   Natalie Davis and Bethany Beniek                            Melissa Paakh and Emily Kallis

Some of the Miss Minnesota 2011 contestants

My mom joined me for the day!

Always,

Miss Moorhead 2010

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson

IHOP National Pancake Day!

Today is National Pancake Day at participating IHOPs.  Since 2006, IHOP has been celebrating this day and has raised over $5 million for local charities.  Today, IHOP is giving away a complimentary short stack of pancakes in return for a donation to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.  The IHOP in Fargo is donating the money they raise to the Sanford Children's Hospital in Fargo!

The Sanford Children's Hospital in Fargo is the only CMN Hospital in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota.  The Fargo Hospital treats about 3,500 children every year.  All the donations help fund education, research, and special programs.

I was privileged to greet guests along side the current Miss Badlands, Rosie!  She will be competing for Miss North Dakota the second weekend in June.  Hillery Mork, the CMN coordinator at the Sanford Children's Hospital in Fargo, stopped by for a visit before heading to the Grand Forks IHOP.  She has organized so many wonderful events to raise money for Children's Miracle Network.

    Children's Miracle Network Coordinator                Miss Badlands, Rosie Sauvageau

                       Hillery Mork 



The charming Carson

Always,

Miss Moorhead, 2010

Tiffany Schulstad-Peterson