Give Your All

It's been some time before I have last blogged, but it has been one busy month. Staying up to date with school and homework, staying on top of my duties for Miss Muscatine as well as preparing for Miss Iowa and also softball (meetings, practices, lifting and conditioning). As much as I have on my plate, there is nothing I would trade to be the busy bee that I am. As I start into my Junior softball season at Quincy University, we head down to Florida for our opener! I would love your support not only as your Miss Muscatine, but as a community to root on my team as we prepare for our year! If anyone would like to follow our games, they can find more information on our twitter page: "QUHawkSoftball" or also a live stream online at our Quincy University Softball homepage!

Over the last month I have been so honored to help promote, make appearances and even help out around the community at home and near school! Since last time I blogged, the first event to pop up was an awareness day for my teammates sister. 

SMA syndrome awareness: today we wore purple in honor of Hannah Scrum (sister of Rachel Scrum on Quincy softball team). SMA syndrome is a rare, potentially life-threatening gastro-vascular disorder characterized by a compression of the third and final portion of the duodenum by the abdominal aorta (AA) and the overlying superior mesenteric artery. Stay strong Hannah! 

Following after this awareness day, was an event in Muscatine! I was able to be a part of the Muskie Booster Cake Auction at Muscatine High School! While last year brought in 32,000$ for boosters, we surely broke the record this year! Might I add, ONE cake sold for 15,000$, how awesome!! Not only did I get to be around those from my community, but I got to interact, help raise money for the boosters and much more. Thanks to the Booster Club for allowing me to be involved! 

   
 

 

Another great event that is happening THIS SATURDAY (February 27th) is the Polar Plunge in Quincy, Illinois. The Polar Plunge, presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run and GEICO, is a unique opportunity to support Special Olympics athletes by taking a dip into the frigid Illinois waters in the middle of the winter.

In 2016, the Polar Plunge will challenge thousands of brave jumpers at 21 locations across Illinois. It’s a great way for everyone – individuals, organizations and businesses – to get involved in supporting Special Olympics Illinois! Quincy University is trying to raise money for Special Olympics! Anything can help! If you need, please donate through the Quincy Program or anything at all! Thank you for all your help! God bless.

http://soill.donordrive.com/index.cfm…

To donate:
1. Go to plungeillinois.com
2. Click "Support a Plunger"
3. Search "QU Hawks for SO"
4. Go to Roster
5. Find a plunger you would like to support

As this great event helps out Special Olympics, another great day to help Children through Children's Miracle Network is Tuesday, March 8th! On this day, IHOP will be holding National Pancake Day. IHOP will be giving out a free stack of pancakes which encourages guests to donate to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals! IHOP is doing a wonderful thing for these children and even just a dollar makes a difference! 

Check out this link for more information:

http://www.gocmn.org/events/ihop-national-pancake-day-2016

EVENT TO CHECK OUT!

"Kolors 4 Kids Fun Run"

Saturday, July 9th at 10:30am 

Muscatine, Iowa Riverfront

This fundraiser is to help raise money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa! What a great way to get outside, have some fun and donate money to a great cause!

To sign up or even volunteer: http://kolors4kids.com/event/kolors-4-kids-5k-fun-run/

As the Children's Miracle Network has helped out many children there is one in particular which stands out to me and my team. Our impact player: Sydney Mead. Sydney has been part of the Quincy University Softball team as of last year, throughout the year we treat Sydney as one of the players. As Sydney takes part in many of the Lady Hawks' team functions, we support Sydney as she continues her ongoing battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of blood cancer found in children. Tomorrow as a team, we will wear Orange as it symbolizes "leukemia"-- all in support for our girl, Syd. 

On Facebook, like "Friends of Syd" to keep up to date on her activities. Also, if you have the time, watch this amazing video of Sydney as she brought tears to many eyes. 

https://www.facebook.com/friendsofsyd/videos/1063302877066977/?fref=nf

One of the most recent events took place this past Sunday, where I got to be involved with the Runway Prom &Pageantry Photoshoot! The location of the store is in Mt. Pleasant and also has MANY dresses along with 50% OFF SNEAK PEAK this Saturday and Sunday! I not only was able to dress up in plenty of dresses but I also got to spend time with my Pageant sisters! It was an amazingly fun experience that I would love to do a million times! I will upload all of the pictures from the event when I receive them from the photographer but here is a few from the crazy times I got with my pageant sisters! Thank you again Runway Prom &Pageantry!! 

Check out their new page& this awesome video from the event:

https://www.facebook.com/649909785065112/videos/1034845896571497/

As this past month has been a crazy adventure, I also have been staying up to date with Blue Zone Project in Muscatine! Remember to like the page on facebook to keep up to date with information!

https://www.bluezones.com/2016/02/jamie-oliver/

Also! Around Muscatine Hyvee's there is now a 'Blue Zones Food' section. In this section, you will find MANY foods which are friendly, healthy meals for "on the go". This is an incredible way to have your meals prepped and ready to go within seconds! 

CHECK IT OUT:

Miss Muscatine 2016 Pageant Pictures 

All of the girls look stunning! A special thank you to Mississippi Pearl Photography for capturing the perfect moments!

http://mississippipearlphotography.shootproof.com/gallery/mm2016pageant/

As I have been at school in Quincy, I have still been in touch with my trainer: Jon Hunt from 8 ONE 8 Fitness. He has been a tremendous help on keeping me active and setting my workouts from 3 hours away. I wanted to give a special thank you to Jon as he has been very lenient with my schedule and helped me out over the past couple months. If you would like to get in touch with Jon or check out his page, please look at the link below!

https://www.facebook.com/8one8fitness/?pnref=story

I am still trying to raise money for Children's Miracle Network as this is my key in at Miss Iowa! I would love your help! My goal is up to 300$! 

http://missamericaforkids.org/Donate/kayleejones

My life will be very busy in these next couple months and I can not wait for the adventures ahead. One thing which has stood out to me within the last week is a quote I came across and has stuck with me: "you have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you". I hope you each can take something positive out of each day and keep growing with your lives! I will try to stay in touch with everyone as much as possible and I would love your support in my travels ahead! I hope everyone has had an amazing 2016 so far and I wish you all a great couple weeks ahead! 

Sincerely, 

Kaylee Jones, Miss Muscatine 2016

https://www.facebook.com/friendsofsyd/videos/1063302877066977/ GO MUSKIES! https://www.facebook.com/friendsofsyd/videos/1063

Positive Effects of Exercising

I have had a personal journey about the importance of achieving and maintaining respectable fitness levels, and the necessity for others to engage in a similar physical activities and eating healthy in order to sustain clean, happy and healthy lifestyles. Health related fitness enables us to carry out everyday activities, helps maintain health, curbs stress levels and reduces certain types of cancers and diseases. While a large majority might be motivated by weight loss at the start—it doesn’t take long to see the positive effects that regular exercise has on other aspects in our lives. 

1.Promotes Discipline- Finding time in a busy day jam-packed with work, school, softball practice, study groups, and other personal commitments for a yoga class or a run requires discipline seems impossible. Establishing this type of consistency in your life takes dedication, the type of dedication that makes you a better person.

2.Boosts Self-Esteem- Personally, I found that establishing and reaching exercise goals, just seeing the improvements to my strength, endurance, and energy levels has really boosted by self-confidence. The certainty I’ve established through exercise has shown me that I have the inherent power to set personal goals and strive to reach and succeed at them.

3.Creates Clarity- Exercise, for me, has brought a certain amount of clarity and focus to my life in the face of decision-making so I no longer feel overwhelmed. Exercise has helped me to make more definite and confident life decisions without anxiety.

4.Healthy Self-Awareness- Working out, for me, forced me to look within, confront and reward myself for my strengths, and pinpoint and work towards improving my limitations. This is a healthy self-awareness that helps me focus on my strengths and put my very best foot forward in other aspects of my life.

5. Improves Energy- Studies solidify that regular exercise releases endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” hormones, which boost mood, lower stress, and improve overall energy levels so you have more vivacity to do the things you love in life.

6. Balances Hormones-You might not associate stress with hormone levels, but anxiety-induced hormonal fluctuations have negative effects on our mood, self-esteem, and energy levels. Exercising can help suppress hormones in a more positive balance. 

7. Increases Concentration-It’s difficult enough to set specific goals for ourselves. Learning to focus on those goals in the midst of all types of distractions (i.e., social media and peer pressure) can make reaching them seem utterly impossible. However, staring with exercise, even daily walks or yoga, will help improve your focus.

8.Builds Stamina-Life is filled with hardships, unexpected obstacles, and unfair rejections. Yet in the face of financial, personal, or professional difficulties those who have the most emotional and physical stamina will refuse to throw in the towel.  Whether you choose exercise this will build the type of endurance required to overcome almost any emotional or physical challenge that life throws your way.

9.Fights Disease-Research has shown that exercise can slow or help prevent heart diseases. Exercise strengthens the muscles and joints, it is going to reduce your odds of having some of those aches and pains and problems most adults have.  

10.Pumps Up Your Heart-Not only does exercise help fight disease, but it creates a stronger heart. You will feel less fatigue. It will not take as much effort when it comes to breathing. You shouldn't have as much pain or soreness.

Physical fitness, along with healthy eating habits has transformed my life. I will use this opportunity to make appearances and share my own personal journey promoting why everyone should live life to the fittest! I will be more of a figure for Muscatine’s YMCA/YWCA for encouragement, motivation and advice. Most importantly, will become the spokesperson for The Blue Zones Project of Muscatine along with other health/nutrition stores. Remember, the best project you will ever work on is you! For anyone needing/wanting health tips for their eating habits or exercise program feel free to message me, I would LOVE to help!   :)

Dream Big

I am a young woman who has the aspirations to dream big and make as many memories as possible!

Many people now know me as Miss Muscatine, but some people haven't met the real me, Kaylee Dawn Jones. Since I've won Miss Muscatine, I can now say I have a secret... the last time I competed in a pageant was the age of 6. I haven't had the confidence or courage to step out of my comfort zone and try a pageant again. With a little bit of help from my mother and my sister, I tried a pageant one more time. If you haven't experienced a pageant or an event where your nervous all rush to your stomach then you should expand those boundaries- it's one of the greatest feelings in the world (especially when you are finished). Needless to say, I love nothing more than to be following in the footsteps of my mother, as she was previously Miss Muscatine 24 years ago. I could not thank God enough for this opportunity, I have dreamt to be just like my mother in every way and this is just the first step in being an amazing woman like her! Back to the younger me... I'm 20 years old, oldest sister of 4. I have 3 younger sisters: Kendi (15), Kyra (14) and Kadence (5). I have lived in Muscatine my entire life, and been involved in plenty of activities growing up. Throughout high school I maintained on the honor roll, and graduated in 2013. I have been a leader for Key Club (volunteer committee), Silver cord, special olympics, volleyball, softball, track and dance. In high school, many of the students including myself were very involved in volunteer work which accounted to almost 300 hours by the time I graduated. After high school, I went to Muscatine Community College, where I received a softball scholarship for two years. At MCC, I was involved in softball program, National Honor Society and also gained time to ring in more volunteer hours. During my time at MCC, I stood out while having a ranked number of stolen bases in 2014 and 2015. This led me to get noticed by Quincy University (Division 2) where I now attend school and play softball. Along with these two accomplishments, I am trying to obtain my Exercise Science and Sports Management Degrees. Over time I have become more involved with exercising and living healthy which led me to the Blue Zone Project in Muscatine, YMCA programs, student training as well as other nutrition programs in Muscatine. I am happy to say, every step of my life has made me the person I am today, without this opportunity I wouldn't be able to share my knowledge and aspirations with you. As I look back now, there is nothing I would change. I love the position I am in now, I love the person I have become. If I had one word of advice to leave with you all today... it's "go confidently in the direction of your dreams", if anyone has any questions, feel free to ask any time of the day. 

More information on Blue Zone Project: https://iowa.bluezonesproject.com/

My platform: Living life to the fittest is meant to impact people to live their longest, healthiest, happier life. What I would like to do with my platform is impact hundreds if not thousands of people around the country. What we lack in todays society is the knowledge of what we are putting into our bodies and how it can affect us outside. I want to be the person that can change the lives of those around me. I want to inspire people and have those people come up to me and thank me for what i've done. As Miss Muscatine, I will impact people to be the best they can be. Remember, the best project you will ever work on is you!

As my Spring semester has started, I've thought more and more about all the work I will have to do for the semester. Not only will I have to handle school, homework and my grades but also softball, practice, and lifting plus who could forget all the fun activities I get to be involved in as Miss Muscatine. It will surely be a busy semester as well as year, but I am up for the challenge. As i've said before, I love to stay busy and love to stay involved. I would much rather have ten things on my plate at once than just one. As I'm planning out my semester, I have found myself already ahead of the game. I have started to work on my blog. I have been organizing more of what I need to work for Miss Iowa. I have finished my 8 week online class in just 1 week (I can say I had no free time this week but I am SOOO happy to be done with 1 class already). Also... I have planned out my homework to best meet my needs around softball. I will be busy but I am BEYOND excited!

I have been qualified to the Miss Iowa Pageant 2016 in June! I am beyond blessed to represent my town and community and to show my respect for everything they have done for me over the past 20 years! I am so happy to be able to share this journey with each and everyone of the people from Muscatine, as well as the people I get to meet along the way! One of the ways you can help me out is "like" my Facebook page, and also follow me on Instagram under, "missmuscatine2016". One of the ways you can also help is by donating to the Children's Miracle Network. The Miss America Organization is a great way to be involved in many children's lives. In order for me to get to Miss Iowa, I need to raise 250$! I would love nothing more than your support to help me on this amazing journey! If anyone has any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask! Thank you!
 http://missamericaforkids.org/Donate/kayleejones

Other social media sites you can follow me for more updates: 

https://www.facebook.com/missmuscatine2016/?pnref=story

https://www.instagram.com/missmuscatine2016/

A better look at my beautiful sisters.

The person most excited for me to win the pageant... only because I have a crown and am considered a princess.  :)  

Have a wonderful week!!

Positive Awareness

As a college student, I still stay active in school and in softball. Tonight, back in Quincy, Illinois, I had a team meeting with my softball team (Quincy Hawks at Quincy University), we talked about what lies ahead for 2016. After talking for about an hour, our coach gave us a mission for the year to help ourselves and help each other one the team. I wanted to share a part of the long quote my coach shared with me. I thought maybe you all could take this along with you throughout your day/ week.

"I believe I'm here for a reason and my purpose is greater than my challenges. I believe that being positive not only makes me better, it makes everyone around me better. So today and every day I will be positive and strive to make a positive impact on the world"

The Lady Hawks (Quincy Softball) and 11-year-old Sydney (located in the center) were matched up through Team IMPACT, an organization that pairs children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses with local college athletic teams.
 
As Sydney takes part in many of the Lady Hawks' team functions, the Lady Hawks will join Sydney's support team as she continues her ongoing battle with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of blood cancer found in children. For her treatment plan, Sydney is in a 12-week rotation where she does inpatient chemotherapy followed by outpatient recovery.

Sydney has a huge impact on the Quincy Softball, most often leaving us all with a smile on our face and always being positive no matter what position she may be in!

I am a huge lover of quotes and inspirational pictures! You will be seeing a lot of posts of which help me look at life in a more beautiful and brighter way. I hope I can impact others in the same way! Enjoy!

All smiles

These are just some of my favorite photos from the night of the Miss Muscatine Pageant! Thank you to all who helped me along the way and thank you to those who are always there to help! This is going to be a year I could NEVER forget! 

It's just the start! 2016!

Crowning moment! Kaylee Jones- Miss Muscatine 2016!

I am so excited to start this amazing journey! I could not ask for more than this moment right now! I am beyond blessed and can't wait to share all the memories I make! 

Thank you

In case you don't already know...the 50th anniversary of Miss Muscatine is THIS WEEKEND! This weekend will be amazing, filled will people that I love, some amazing role models like former Miss America Mallory Hagan and previous Miss Muscatine's, and of course, the wonderful contestants competing for the title of Miss Muscatine and Miss Pearl City. While I am excited, I can barely believe that it has already been a full year since I won the title of Miss Muscatine 2015. 

Now I'll be the first to admit it, I have been putting off my preparations for this weekend. Why? Because I know that after this weekend, there will be a new Miss Muscatine and my chapter with the Miss Iowa Scholarship program will be coming to an end. That being said, I wanted to take the time to say thank you to some very special people as well as share some of my favorite memories for one last time.

While I will be giving a farewell at the pageant, I definitely won't have time to thank everyone personally (unless you want to stay all night) so bare with me, this is a long list of thank you's. 

First, my directors. Kindra and Ashley. Thank you for everything that you do. You pushed me when I needed it and inspired me to be at my very best. There is no way that I would have walked away with the honor of first runner up without all of your love and support. Thank you for taking me in and welcoming me with open arms to the Miss Muscatine family. While you will gain two new titleholders this weekend, I know that I will always be a part of the Miss Muscatine pageant. This year has been unforgettable and none of it would have been possible without you two. Thank you for also traveling all the way to Hoopeston, IL to watch me compete in the National Sweetheart Pageant. That week was one of the best weeks of my life and without you two it would not have been complete--especially because your late night house visits gave me a lot of laughter :) I know that I will always be able to count on you for advice, to be cheering me on in the audience, and for unconditional love. I hope that I made you proud this year, because winning the title of Miss Muscatine was such an honor. 

Next, Michelle and Jess. I am so thankful that pageantry has brought you two into my life. You two are quite the duo and it was a blessing to have you on my team. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would have never accomplished my personal goal of winning interview at state without you. I know that I definitely put you two to the test while trying to balance grad school and Miss Iowa paperwork, but know that I am grateful because you two definitely know how to work the magic! Throughout this year, I always looked forward to our phone calls--whether you were grilling me on CNN updates or calling just to check in and let me de-stress--hearing your voices on the phone always brought a smile to my face. Since you are often behind the scenes, many do not know what a blessing you are. While my time here in Iowa is coming to an end, I know that our countless phone calls and laughter will continue for a long time. 

Stacy and Heather Delong. Thank you for being one of the first people to encourage me to run in the Miss Iowa Scholarship program and for helping my find the perfect dress. I have never felt more regal than the moment I walked on stage in my evening gown. I also need to thank you for coming to my rescue on the night of Miss Iowa finals when the Adler theatre flooded and I was a hot mess sobbing on the phone to them that my life was coming to an end (dramatic...I know...but it felt like it). You two have been so kind, loving, and I couldn't have competed for Miss Iowa or Sweetheart without you.  I am so thankful to have such a great sponsor, but more than that, great friends.

To the rest of the Miss Muscatine board and the many other sponsors including Mississippi Pearl Photography, A New U Salon, 8one8, etc, thank you for being part of my year. I am so thankful for all that you have done, and for allowing me to represent Muscatine County.

My year was also extremely special thanks to all the wonderful people in the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program- both the state board, the other contestants, our hostesses, and all the other local directors were so unbelievably welcoming and supportive. To me, that is what sets this state apart from others. I’ve never had so much fun during Miss Iowa week than I did this past year. While stressing out over prelims and CNN, I constantly had a smile on my face and a sense of peace knowing that whatever were to happen, the crown would be in the hands of a great and capable woman with an amazing team to back her up.

While first runner up was an honor, there was some disappointment. I've talked about it in some of posts and to many of you individually. That being said, I never felt a hint of sadness or jealousy or anger, because our Miss Iowa Taylor Wiebers was simply amazing. Tay, thank you for being a great friend throughout Miss Iowa week, for keeping many of us laughing, and for standing there with me in the final two. You are extraordinary and you were meant for that crown 100%. I cannot wait to see where life continues to take you. 

The Miss Iowa program also brought me many other wonderful friends. Jess, where do I start with you. You have been one of the greatest people that the Miss Iowa program has brought me. You are beautiful, intelligent, and caring. You have been there for me in some of my most needed times, and we will be forever friends. Maddison, thank you for being our constant source of sunshine. I cannot wait to see where your journey to Miss Iowa takes you this year.

Stace and Christy, my sister queens. Both of you have been so kind to share your year with me, and I am thankful for that. Stace, you are a beautiful and strong woman. Don't ever let anyone tell you anything different. I cannot wait to see where your life takes you now that you are married (still can't believe it) and teaching.  Christy, can you believe it? Two Chicago kids both ended up in the Miss Iowa system?! Keep doing what you love and never give up on your dream of becoming Miss Iowa.

To the Miss Iowa Board, especially Leslie, Rachael, and Shauna. Thank you for welcoming a newbie to the state of Iowa and for always offering advice and answering my crazy questions. Above all, thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent the state of Iowa at the National Sweetheart Pageant. While I had an amazing year, getting to represent that state of Iowa before I leave was the cherry on top of an already pretty perfect year.

To my friends and family who have been there throughout this year, thank you, I couldn't have done it without you. I love you and I am so lucky to have you in my life.

As I sit here and type, I can’t help but reflect on this past year and smile. It has been a wild ride, and the people that have been a part of it have made it even sweeter. I am so thankful for each and every one of you who have been a part of my journey. You have truly touched me. Being part of the Miss Iowa Scholarship Program has taught me so much; about integrity, humility, friendship, perseverance, and strength. Thank you to every single person who has been a part of my journey, who knows? Maybe we will meet again. So for the last time, I am Kristen One, your Miss Muscatine 2015.

"Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire."

XOXO

Kristen One

P.s.  I hope to see you this weekend! (I'll probably be crying...but I still hope to see you there!)