Operation Teddy Bear

With my platform for Miss American Fork and also for Miss Utah I have been focusing a lot on supporting the families of our military. I teamed up with Kraig Throne who is with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and we came up with Operation Teddy Bear. Operation Teddy Bear is a non profit organization that provides bears, uniforms, and voice recorders to the children of deployed soldiers. The bear is designed to be a symbol of the child's loved one that is serving. We also include a uniform for the bear to be dressed in and also a voice recorder so that the parent or loved one can record a message on the recorder and it will be placed into the bear for the child to replay over and over again. So far we have passed out over 200 bears and are looking to give out over 2000 within the year of 2011. We have had funds come in but are still looking for more. If you are interested in donating you  have two options
1. For small donations you can go to your local Wells Fargo bank and tell them you want to donate to Operation Teddy Bear.
2. For larger donations please contact me at missaf2010@hotmail.com or Kraig at operationteddybear@hotmail.com and we can give you more details from there

Also all donations can be used as a tax write off. If you want to email either me or Kraig we can get you all of the information you need!!

Show you care donate a bear. 

OPERATION TEDDY BEAR: Operation Teddy Bear helps children with parents serving overseas - KSTU

OPERATION TEDDY BEAR: Operation Teddy Bear helps children with parents serving overseas - KSTU

Thank You's

Considering it is the season of being thankful I thought I would take sometime and say thank you to some of the people who have helped me while being Miss American Fork.

Mom: Wow I could not being doing this if it wasn't for you and the constant push and drive you help me achieve everyday.  Thank you for always being here for me....you really are wearing this crown with me and I truly appreciate the love and support you give me on a daily basis. You're my best friend. Thank you for being so willing to help all the time, even though you are extremely busy. Thank you for coming up with such creative ideas and making sure we accomplish them. Thank you for always being there for me to talk too, It really means a lot. I love you!

Dad: Thank you for being so supportive and helpful these past couple of months. It really has meant the world to me having you be apart of this wonderful journey. Thank you for always being so excited for me, it is your enthusiasm and love that gets me through my rough patches and I'm very grateful for you. Thank you for teaching me how to market myself and how to have a good work ethic. Thank you for always being there when I need to talk, and thank you for always being so understanding....you always know the right things to say. Thank you 
for that constant reminder that I can do it and to work  my hardest. Thanks for being the best dad ever, I love you!

Rebecca: I don't know what I would do without you. Thank you for not only being my friend, but also the best cousin a girl could ask for. Thank you for our hour long talks and thank you for being my shopping buddy :) I love you so much and i'm grateful that you live so close.

Matt: If you only knew how much you do for me on a daily basis. Thank you so much for always being there for me to talk too. Thank you for being so supportive. Thank you for always being honest with me. Thank you for constant reminder that I can do this, and that I'm beautiful.  Thank you for always cheering me up and putting a smile on my face, I know I can always count on you for a good laugh. Thank you for being my best friend.........I couldn't ask for a better one. I love you.

Coney's and Kisses!

Oh happy day!!! Coney's is now in American Fork! I was invited to come to the Coney's Grand Opening on Saturday November 13! It was so fun to be able to go and congratulate such a wonderful company and welcome them into the city! If you've never been to Coney's you should diffidently go, they have AMAZING frozen custard and everyday they have a different flavor! They also serve delicious gourmet hot dogs and hamburgers! Along with the amazing food I also made a cute little friend while I was there! This cute little in the pictures was no stranger and decided to give me a few little kisses on the cheek while we were taking pictures! after that he wanted me to hold him and look how cute he is.....I just couldn't resist the invitation!

Veterans Memorial

Growing up I never realized how special the 11 of November was, until this year. I was really lucky to be able to attend the "Freedom is not Free" memorial for the Veterans at the Tabernacle last Thursday. What an amazing ceremony it was. We were lucky to hear from two students who spoke about the cost of freedom, and we were lucky to hear from Spencer Cannon who is such an incredible man and gave a phenomenal speech. After the speakers we got to hear from the American Fork Chamber Orchestra. I have always had a deep love for music, and the Orchestra brought tears to my eyes with each song they played. 

 After that they read the names of those in our city who lost their lives in service, so that we could live the glorious lives that we live every day, followed by a wreath hug in their honor. I have never felt so many mixed emotions than I felt while attending this amazing ceremony. I felt guilt for the lives lost in order for me to have the freedoms that I have today, I felt lucky that there were people out there who love me enough in order to serve their country, and I felt an excessive amount of sadness for those sons and daughters, wives and husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends, and mom's and dad's that have loved ones serving this wonderful country. To those men and women that are serving, who have served, or who are planning on serving, thank you for making this world a better place.....I don't know what we would do without you.

Cornbellys

On Thursday night my family decided to pack everyone up and head over to Cornbellys for some family fun. While we were there I got to ride the mechanical bull for free :) which was pretty fun and shoot a giant pumpkin shooter they  also have some fun corn mazes and a haunted lizard and corn maze if you are brave enough to go through them....I chickened out and didn't go through the haunted corn maze...although my five year old brother did! So even though Cornbellys is no longer open for the season, make sure to mark a day on your calendars for some good ol' family bonding time at Cornbellys :) 

Downtown Trick-Or-Treat!

I love Halloween!! It is so fun to be able to dress up like something for the night and get enough candy to last you a whole year! If you aren't familiar with the downtown trick-or-treat that American Fork does it's fantastic! They get businesses that are on Main Street in American Fork to pass out candy to little trick-or-treaters. It's a great way to promote your business and also to support your community! I got to be at the start of the route, which started at the senior citizen center! It was so fun to see everyones costumes they were all so creative! Well around  4 o'clock we did costume judging and I was lucky to be apart of that! There were the COOLEST costumes.....from Pumpkin Princesses to Cereal Killers I had the best time! 

 

My cute brothers and sister came and saw me :)

American Fork Symphony

If you have never attended an American Fork Symphony, you need to!! They are phenomenal! We were lucky enough to be able to be introduced at the American Fork Symphony concert tonight. I have never heard such beautiful music, I was so impressed with all of the wonderful talents that I was able to see tonight and all of the hard work that everyone puts in to make those concerts so wonderful. Thank you so much for having us tonight it was out pleasure to be apart of your amazing concert.

Halloween 5K Fun Run!

On Saturday October 23 I got to judge some costumes at the Halloween 5K Fun Run!! It was so fun to see all of the creative costumes and be able to watch as little children to grandparents completed this 5K! It was also fun to spend time getting to know all of the great people who helped put the race together, the people of American Fork city truly are amazing people who are always willing to help each other out. Normally when I go to an appearance I wear my crown and sash so that people know who I am, not matter how hard I try to fit in I seem to always stick out like a sore thumb...unless it is Halloween! Then everyone assumes that being Miss American Fork is just your costume! I don't know if it's the blonde hair or my lack of common sense but it didn't occur to me that people would think that I would be Miss American Fork for Halloween! So after being at the race for a little less than 5 minutes I had person after person asking me if it was real. Overall it was very entertaining to see some of the reactions :)

Meet The Candidates Night!

Here is a little secret about me, ready? Well I have been avoiding singing The National Anthem all of my life. Not because I don't love our beautiful country but because for some reason that song terrifies me to sing! Well I finally overcame my fear when my dear friend Kraig Throne asked me to sing The National Anthem at the Meet The Candidates Night on October 19. It was great to become educated on what each of the candidates stood for and what they would do to better improve the state. Make sure you mark your calendars and vote on November 2nd! 

Friends Week At The American Fork Library!

I don't think there is a better place to make friends than the library! I was blessed to be a part of Friends Week at the Library on Monday October 18th I got to sit at a table and tell people about the program Friends of the Library! The American Fork Library has a group called the friends who meet together once a month and plan activities to help support and raise money for the library. When you sign up to be a friend of the library you agree to volunteer some of your time when they have activities and events. I was lucky enough to meet some of the friends of the library and I have never met happier people who honestly love to serve their community. One of my favorite things about being Miss American Fork is getting to meet such amazing people! If you are not already a friend of the library make sure to stop by and sign up!

Miss Utah's Outstanding Teen!

On October 1st and 2nd I had the opportunity to support two of my dearest friends Chloe Johnson and Tiffany Vincent in the Miss Utah's Outstanding Teen competition. It was so fun to watch these girls compete for the title of Miss Utah's Outstanding Teen and they both did a spectacular job, I am so proud of both of them! congratulations to Chloe Johnson for winning 2nd runner up, you deserve it and I'm so proud to call you my "little sister." Also congratulations to Tiffany Vincent for doing a pageant and putting yourself out there and being the amazing girl that you are, you truly shined like star and I hope you will consider doing another pageant. People think that pageants are easy, but let me be the first to tell you that they are anything but that. A lot of preparation goes into being in a pageant and you learn a lot about yourself , the woman that you are, and that woman that you want to become. I look up to any girl that has ever competed in a pageant  because although they may look like a beauty contest, it is far from that.

Great Food & Great People....It Doesn't Get Much Better Than That!

Chloe & Me With The Cow

I have never been more excited for a business to come to American Fork Then I was for Chick-Fil-A. If you haven't already eaten there, GO! Not only is the food phenomenal, but so are the people. With a business that is run off of unforgettable values how can you not hope for their success and want to support them? During the introduction there was a quote that was read that stated "People don't fail, Business's do." And with the people and team that are running this business, there is no way that they will fail. I have to admit I get so excited when I drive past and see how busy they are because they deserve it! Chloe and I were lucky enough to get invited to the Premier Night last Tuesday August 24. We were welcomed with a red carpet, delightful food, great service, and wonderful stories. Later that week we were lucky enough to be there for the ribbon cutting of Chick-Fil-A Grand Opening and participate in taking the "first bite" of a Chick-Fil-A sandwich from the new store. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to meet amazing people like Dusty Pyne and the workers of Chick-Fil-A.  I cant wait too see the great things this business does for our city.
Premier Night!

Chicken Minni's 

I Thought These Were SO Cute!

Welcoming Them Into The City

Could You Tell I Was Hungry? haha 

City Council Meeting

I cannot begin to tell you how lucky American Fork City is to have such an amazing Mayor and such a supporting city! Mayor Hadfield is such a great supporter in the Miss America Organization and is really great about including me and my royalty in things around the city....needless to say I LOVE OUR MAYOR! Well on August 24 we had a great opportunity to attend a City Council meeting where we were introduced and even given a round of applause for the great year that is ahead of us. It was a privilege to attend this meeting and hopefully they will have me back again soon.

Introducing Myself and Chelsi (1st attendant) 

Shaking everyone's hand

Pioneer Crossing Opening!

On Monday August 23rd I was so lucky to have the privilege to be invited to attend the opening of Pioneer Crossing. It was so great to see all three city (American Fork, Lehi, and Saratoga Springs) come together for such a special event, that will magnify the growth and population of these cities and help not only transportation but help the business that line American Fork's main street.

Me and Chloe 

This little girl was so cute.

Before They Opened The Road Opened

After They Opened The Road

Me and Chloe

Pioneer Crossing

I had the great opportunity to go look at Pioneer Crossing with Mayor Hadfield and Congressman Jim Matheson. I didn't know what I was doing so Hailee (the former Miss American Fork) was sweet enough to come and help coach me through the appearance.  If you aren't familiar with Pioneer Crossing it will be a east-west connector from American Fork through Lehi to Saratoga Springs. The project also includes improvements to the I-15 interchange at American Fork Main Street. It is scheduled to open on August 23,2010.

Pictures of the Adventure!

Hailee and I laughing at our spectacular outfits :)

Me, Hailee, and Melanie Marsh

Jim Matheson, Mayor Hadfield, Me, and Hailee

The Start To A New Beginning

Life has a funny way of surprising you with things you never thought would happen, I have to admit that if you had told me a year ago that I was going to be the next Miss American Fork I probably would have laughed and told you that you were totally crazy. For those of you who don't know me my name is Lauren Tucker and I was lucky enough to be crowned Miss American Fork 2010-2011. I am honored and excited to be representing a city that is so amazing. 

Here is the Royalty for 2010-2011 

Chelsi Lukins- 1st Attendant

Lauren Tucker- Miss American Fork

Chloe Johnson- Miss American Fork's Outstanding Teen

Tessea Nelson- Miss AF's Outstanding Teen 1st Attendant 

I think what made the Miss American Fork pageant so amazing were the girls. These are the most amazing, thoughtful, caring girls you will ever meet.  I hope they know how much I love each one of them. It was great because there were only 5 of us we all became such great friends. So I'd just like each of them to know how much I appreciate and Love each of them.


Chelsi: I am so excited for the year that is ahead of us. You are so amazing and have the greatest spunk about you that gets everyone excited about what we are about to do :) You are so caring and loving and have so much going for you. You are going to be the best 1st Attendant a girl could ask for :)


Danielle: I have never met someone who is so confident and knows who they are and someone who just shines. You are going to do the most amazing things in your life and i cannot wait to hear about them :) You are so fun to be around and always smiling and laughing and having a good time. Thank you for everything you did for me. You always knew how to put a smile on my face :)


Leah: I am so glad that I was able to get to know you better. You are such an amazing women. Thank you for being like an older sister to me :) Our dancing backstage was priceless and you were always willing to just sit and talk with me about everything :) You are seriously an inspiration to me and I hope when I grow up I can be like you :) Go change the world. I love you.


Cassidy: You are the sweetest girl I have ever met. Your heart is made of gold my friend :) and I am blessed to have you as a friend. Thank you for always being someone I could laugh and joke around with. Words cannot even express my thanks to you :) You are strong and beautiful and changed my life for the better :) I love ya with all my heart!! 


A Big Thank You To....

My Dad

Hailee Childs 

My Mom

Matt Griner

Staci Robison

My Mom and Dad

Chelsi Hughes: My Little Miss

Stephanie Vincent

Jonny Walker, Davis Rutter, and Stephen Hill