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