Miss Rodeo America

I had a wonderful experience at Miss Rodeo America. The 8 days of competition was very busy with an average of 5 hours a sleep each night. Most of our time throughout the day was spent in rehearsal learning dancing and staging in preparation for the fashion show and coronation.
Coronation was held Saturday afternoon; I am honored to have made the Top 10! Miss Rodeo South Dakota, McKenzie Hayley won the title. My biggest fan, my grandpa, Ralph Evans and I dancing at the Get Acquainted Party.
Paula Jameson, my national director, my mom, Joanne and I.
My dad, Lee and my mom at the Fashion Show After Party.

Hannah Hilsabeck, Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa, Heidi Gansen, Miss Rodeo Iowa 2011 and I at the After Party.

I am truly going to miss all of the other state queens I have met throughout the year. We have made life long friendships and memories.

Erin Watts, Miss Rodeo Missouri, Amanda Breitenfeldt, Miss Rodeo Wisconsin and Katie Chaffin, Miss Rodeo Illinois and I at the after Party.

I would like to thank everyone for all of their support and generosity this year. My year as Miss Rodeo Iowa has been more than I ever could have dreamed of and although I am going to be sad passing on the crown, I am very excited for Heidi because I know she will have life changing experiences next year.

Until next time, “Every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything."

God Bless,
Jordanne

Great Lakes Circuit Finals

Last week I was in Louisville, Kentucky for the Great Lakes Circuit Finals. I flew down on Wednesday night and activities started on Thursday. Visiting queens helped with check-in and handed out jackets and vests. We were all very excited to get our own vest donated to us by our circuit committee and sponsors. Circuit queens, Erin Watts; Miss Rodeo Missouri, Katie Chaffin, Miss Rodeo Illinois, and Amanda Breitenfeldt, Miss Rodeo Wisconsin.

Thursday night was the first performance; we carried the opening flags, chanced out cattle and carried sponsor flags during the performance. We were also able to help with a pizza party for the contestants. On Friday we were able to visit Church Hill Downs; where we went on a tour and watched a few races. We signed autographs at the Friday night performance along with carrying flags. Saturday afternoon we visited a couple Dodge dealerships and handed out hats and bandannas to children at the Saturday nights rodeo.
I had a wonderful time in Louisville and arrived home late Sunday night.

Over the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to speak at a few events. I was the keynote speaker at the District FCCLA meeting, where I spoke about community service. Last week I was also able to speak at the National Honor Society tapping in my home town where I talked about service and random acts of kindness.

On Monday afternoon I was invited to speak at the Carroll Rotary and Kiwanis Club. I was able to answer a variety of questions and I also gave my speech that I will give at Miss Rodeo America.

Jim VanDyke and Dave Teske of the Carroll Rotary Club.

I really enjoy speaking at events and am so thankful for all of the support I have had this year! I have been truly blessed and can’t thank everyone enough for all of their generosity.

I will be leaving for Las Vegas the day after Thanksgiving. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I head out to compete for Miss Rodeo America. Coronation will be Saturday, December 4.

Until next time, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." Thessalonians I 5:15

God Bless,
Jordanne

Top Rail Saddle Club Breakfast

Thank you to the Top Rail Saddle Club for hosting a benefit breakfast to help with my expenses for my trip the Las Vegas. The breakfast was held last Sunday at the Lake City Community Building. There was a great turn out and so many wonderful people who volunteered their.
I really enjoyed talking to each individual who attended and answering a number of questions about the pageant and my year. My community has been so supported this year, there are so many people who have not only supported me financially, but have given me so much of their time! I can’t thank everyone enough, God has truly blessed me this year and I pray I will be a good representative of my community and state at Miss Rodeo America.

Until next time, “We love because He first loved us." John 1 4:19

God Bless,
Jordanne

Send Off Party

My send off party for Miss Rodeo America was held at the Community Building in Lake City. Thankfully this time there we had electricity and didn’t have to worry about an ice storm!
Each year Miss Rodeo Iowa holds a send off party to give her the chance to model all of her clothes that she will wear in Las Vegas. It’s a great chance to give people an idea of what takes place in Las Vegas. So many people had no idea that I would be wearing leather dresses and they didn’t realize all the categories rodeo queens compete in.
This brown and turquoise jacket is for my horsemanship interview. It was made by Chelsea Schwarz from Iowa City.

This jacket along with a skirt was made by Ashley Kelber. I will wear this for my personal interview.

This dress I am wearing is my fashion show and coronation dress. It was made by Candice Carper of Oklahoma.

Visiting royalty, Tally Roepke; Miss Rodeo Cherokee, Heidi Gansen; Miss Rodeo Iowa 2011, Hannah Hilsabeck; Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa, and Kayla Barber, Miss Rodeo Lenox. Thank you so much girls for being so supportive!

I had a wonderful turn out and would like to thank everyone who came and supported me.
I will be leaving for Las Vegas the day after Thanksgiving. My grandpa has volunteered to drive all of my clothes out. With a weight limit of 50 pounds and a limit of two bags per person, my 10 pairs of boots, four leather dresses and a number of other outfits along with a few cowgirl hats, would never fit! Thank you grandpa!

One of my best friends, Brenda Haberl.

A Miss Rodeo Iowa long time supporter Wayne Woolridge of Cherokee. I can't thank him enough for all of his support!

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers; pray that I may be a servant of Christ and that all the words I speak be a blessing to others and a pure example of Him.
Again thank you to everyone who has supported me and been so generous throughout my year, I wouldn’t have had so many life changing experiences without your help!

Until next time, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

God Bless,
Jordanne

Cyclone Stampede

Last week I was able to attend the Cyclone Stampede in Ames. Hannah and I carried flags and chased out cattle. It didn’t take long for me to realize that fall is here, the temperatures dropped very quickly on Friday night. Saturday I was more prepared for the performances with a few layers of clothing!
Despite the chilly weather it was a lot of fun and I was able to see a few of my high school rodeo friends compete.
I have a couple weeks off before my send off party which is set for Sunday, October 24 at the Lake City Community Building from 2-4 p.m. I will model my clothes for Miss Rodeo America and give my speech. It’s FREE and open to the public…I hope to see you there!

Until next time, “I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way your generosity stores up a reward fro you in Heaven.” Luke 16:9


God Bless,
Jordanne

Justin Boots Championships in Omaha

Last week I was able to attend the Justin Boots Championship Rodeo in Omaha. Miss Rodeo Nebraska and Miss Rodeo Wyoming were also there.

On Thursday we did a school visit and then stopped at the children’s hospital. We met up with the Ak-Sar-ben Queen, Morgan Marshall, the Ak-Sar-ben Lady in Waiting, Gina Jespersen, and Miss Rodeo Cherokee, Tally Roepke.

The first performance was Thursday night. The Championship’s consisted of the top 12 contestants on the tour. They each competed in two rounds hoping to make the semi-finals and then the finals on Saturday night. Every performance was pretty intense!

For each performance we were able to help with mutton busting and after the rodeo we handed out buckles at the buckle presentations.

On Friday we had the opportunity to help with the Exceptional Rodeo. I was paired with Evan, he was so much fun! There were over 60 contestants and I was excited to see so many rodeo contestants there to help. After the rodeo there was a luncheon. I had so much fun and it was a blessing to see all of the smiles and excitement in the child’s eyes.

I would like to thank Carrie Goedeken and her family for allowing me to stay with them and the rodeo committee for all of their hard work each year.

Until next time, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27

God Bless,

Jordanne

National Cattle Congress Fair and Rodeo

The National Cattle Congress Rodeo was this weekend in Waterloo. Fall was in the air, it was a little chilly both nights I was there. On Friday I was able to carry the American Flag and chase out cattle. Then on Saturday Hannah was there to help me out. We had a lot of fun and I enjoyed signing a number of autographs.
Tally Roepke was very kind to make the trip to Waterloo to help with the Sunday afternoon performance since Hannah and I were not able to attend. Thank you Tally and Hannah for always helping out!

I headed back to my hometown to participate in my Uncle Dell’s Memorial Chili Cook-off. I will have to admit I like rodeos in the rain a lot better than cooking chili in the rain! My cousin, Nicole Blair and I teamed up and made “Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo Chili.” We had a lot of fun despite the cold and rainy weather. Unfortunately we didn’t come out on top, but we had a lot of people vote for us for the “People’s Choice Award.”
I will have a couple days off before I head off to the Justin Boots Championship Rodeo in Omaha.
Until next time, “Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:2

God Bless,
Jordanne

What a busy week and a half!

The last week and a half have been rather busy. I started off in Dayton visiting schools and enjoying lunch with a few of the committee members. Then on Friday I headed to Fort Madison. I stayed at the “Metcalf Hotel” owned and operated by Jeff and Kelli Metcalf. They are so kind and open their home each year for Miss Rodeo Iowa to stay during the hectic weekend.
On Saturday morning I helped with the pancake breakfast and special needs rodeo. I was surprised…there were over 200 contestants! It was a beautiful day and I had a wonderful time helping with the events. The committee does an outstanding job hosting the special needs rodeo and this year marks their tenth year.

After the rodeo I headed back to Dayton. I was able to attend the Dayton Rodeo Saturday and Sunday evening. There was a little rain, but not enough to ruin my “queen hair.”

Sunday night I stayed in Johnston so I was able to get up early and head back to Fort Madison to help with the Little Spurs Rodeo on Monday. I’ve never seen so many excited children. There was mutton busting, steer riding, stick horse barrel racing, goat tying, calf chasing and the greased pig contest.
It was a lot of fun to be there and help out. The announcer thought it would be funny to have the greased pig winner give the queen a hug; needless to say I was covered in Crisco!

Monday night I was honored to judge the Lil Miss Rodeo and All Around Cowboy competition. All of the contestants were so cute, it was a tough competition.
I visited schools on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning. I really enjoy children, so going from room to room talking about my favorite sport was a blast! It was neat to see how many of the students attended the rodeo and remembered the clown and specialty act from last year.

The Miss Rodeo Iowa contestants checked in on Wednesday afternoon. I was able to catch a bit to eat with them before the grand entry. I always look forward to the Fort Madison grand entry as I’m sure most of the spectators do! Each night there was over 400 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules that went through, it’s a rodeo in itself!

What a beautiful sight to see the American flag being brought in from the sky by Bobby Reid. Watching Old Glory come down from above gives me the goose bumps.

After school visits on Thursday Hannah, Rachel Kelderman; Miss National Federation of Professional Bullriders (NFPB) and I met up with the Miss Rodeo Iowa and Teen contestants for lunch. We had a few hours off that afternoon and I was able to do a practice interview with the panel of judges. We were honored to have Dr. Jennifer Schleining-Cerfogli, Tom Nealey and Kelly Azevedo there to judge. On Friday we started off with the horsemanship competition in the drizzling rain. After horsemanship we stopped and had lunch at Hy-Vee and headed back to the hotel to practice for the fashion show and prepare for the speeches and impromptu competition. Friday night was wet! It poured and for the first time since I’ve been to the rodeo the grand entry was cancelled. Hannah and I bundled up in rain coats and headed out. We had a good time and I was surprised to see so many people in the stands.
Saturday we were in the parade and then coronation practice. Coronation was held at the Comfort Inn. Congratulations to Miss Rodeo Iowa 2011, Heidi Ganson and Miss Teen Rodeo Iowa 2011, Charity Howk.
On Sunday morning the new queens along with Hannah and I headed out to serve at a pancake breakfast. I’m very excited for the newly crowned queens; their lives are going to be changed over the next year.

I had a wonderful time in Fort Madison and Dayton and would like to thank both rodeo committees. They both work so hard and put on outstanding shows each year.

Until next time, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37:4

God Bless,
Jordanne

Prairie Meadows Racetrack

Last weekend I enjoyed an evening at Prairie Meadows Racetrack. Butch Hammer, the President of the Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association invited me out for the Challenge Races.

I was able to sign autographs and do a couple interviews John Hernandaz. John has been involved with horse racing for years and before each race he gives his opinions on who will win and possibly place. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to give my opinion on a couple races. I think there was a little beginner’s luck because I was right on the first race! It was a beautiful evening and I had a wonderful experience.

On Saturday I will be heading down to Fort Madison to help with a pancake breakfast and the Special Needs Rodeo. After the rodeo I will head back to attend the Dayton Rodeo. I will be there on Saturday and Sunday night and then back to Fort Madison Monday morning. It’s going to be a busy week, but I am excited for the Tri-State Rodeo and look forward to the Miss Rodeo Iowa Pageant.

Until next time, “Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

God Bless,
Jordanne

Non-Stop Fun at the Iowa State Fair

The Iowa State Fair Opening Ceremony was on Thursday and Hannah and I were very fortunate to carry the American and Iowa flags. The ceremony was held in the new Jacobson Exhibition Center. The ceremony was live on Skype and they interviewed Iowa Soldiers that were stationed thought the country. It was a wonderful ceremony and I am so thankful for the men and women who dedicate their lives to keep our country free.

Friday I headed back to the fair where I was able to carry the American Flag and run a queens run before the Cowgirl Queen Contest. Hannah competed in the senior section of the contest and was crowned an attendant. Congratulations to her, she did a wonderful job.
On Saturday Hannah and I showed in the Governors Steer Show. I was second in the ring behind Governor Culver. My steers name was Big Red. Boy was he big and didn’t like to stand still. I had a hard time slowing him down, but did manage with a smile on my face even though he stepped on my foot several times. I was so glad I had boots on and had the owner in the ring to help me. Otherwise the news headlines might have read “Rodeo Queen Plowed By Steer.” I had a wonderful time and Big Red sold for over two grand. All the money raised goes to the Iowa Ronald McDonald Houses. This is near and dear to my heart as my sister and her husband spent over three months at the house in Des Moines when my nephew was in the Children’s Hospital.
Big Red and I at the auction.

I have a week off and then I will head out to Prairie Meadows and sign autographs at the horse races on Friday, August 27.

Until next time, “Whatever you do works at it with all of your heart as working for the Lord and not for men.” Col. 3:23
Another quote that really makes one stop and think is, “You can only love God as much as you love your enemy.”

God Bless You,

Jordanne

Rodeo Town USA

This past week was the 87th Annual Sidney Rodeo. I was asked to judge the Sidney Rodeo Queen Pageant which started early Tuesday morning. There were three wonderful contestants that competed throughout the day. Congratulations to Amanda McNees who won the title.
Hannah, Amanda and I before the rodeo performance. While in Sidney we visited local sponsors, stopped at nursing homes and had a several radio interviews. Iowa State University Queen, Alicia Davison, Amanda, the new Sidney Queen, rodeo bull fighters Cory Wall and Andy Burelle, along with Gizmo McCracken, the rodeo clown visiting the local nursing home.

Each night I participated in the grand entry, made a queen’s run, helped chase out cattle and was able to help with the mutton busting. After the rodeo Gizmo the clown, the bull fighters and all of the queens signed autographs.

Amanda and I signing autographs at the Dodge Booth.

Tie Down Roper, Bill Huber with Amanda and I after the rodeo.

I stayed with Kary Koso and her boys; Zack and Gage. They were so generous and let me make myself at home. I had so much fun playing with the boys and gave them a ride on my horse, Sammy.

Zack and Gage Koso.

The state fair starts this week and Hannah and I will be carrying flags for the opening on Thursday morning. On Saturday we will both be showing a steer in the governors steer show.
If you are in the area I sure hope to see you at the fair!

Until next time, “Every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything." Hebrews 3:4

God Bless
Jordanne

Cheyenne Frontier Days

I had a wonderful time at my first Cheyenne Frontier Days, the “Daddy of ‘Em All.”
On Friday morning I was able to show off my pancake flipping skills in Cheyenne. The state queens were able to help cook and flip pancakes for their breakfast that fed over 8,000 people that morning. The volunteers have everything down to a science, the line went all the way around the block and the longest you had to wait was about 15 minutes. We visited local sponsors and signed autographs before heading out to the rodeo grounds. Harry Vold provided us with horses and these horses have been doing this for years. I’ve always heard about the “fly bys” at Frontier Days and you better be ready when you let your horse go because there is no stopping them until the other end of the track! It was a lot of fun.
Each night they have a concert and we were able to introduce ourselves before the show began. We got to see Sugarland, Josh Turner and Allan Jackson. Dan Post boots is a large sponsor for some state queens, here we are with Greg Hensley.

I would like to thank my host home, David and Patty Thompson. I can’t thank them enough for all of their hospitality. They were so generous and came and watched us at each event.

My trip to Cheyenne wouldn’t have been arranged without all of the hard work by Arlene Kensinger and Ester Moore. They dedicate a large amount of time to schedule the state queens and treat us like royalty while we are there. I would also like to thank my mom, Joanne for driving out with me; I needed to be home to head off to Sidney on Monday night so she has been my chauffeur. The drive is about 10 hours and I couldn’t have made it on my own. Thanks mom!

I will judge the Sidney Queen Pageant on Tuesday and spend the week at the rodeo. I have always enjoyed the Sidney rodeo and can't wait to go!

Until next time, “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice for the Lord will do great things.” Joel 2:21


God Bless,
Jordanne