I stopped at Starbucks the other day, as I often do while on the road, and I was excited to receive my coffee in one of their red holiday cups!  I was also excited when I realized that the weather is cooling down, and I would get to use my car heater in the early morning hours!  Reminders that the holidays are right around the corner seem to be popping up everywhere, and I couldn’t be happier!!  With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, I want to share with you some of the things I am thankful for.

    There were two events this month that reminded me how fortunate we are to live in this incredible country.  Prior to voting on November 4, I paused for a moment and thought about what it meant to be able to cast my vote, and have a voice in this democratic process.  That evening, I was blessed with an opportunity to attend Senator John McCain’s election night watch party in Phoenix, and while the evening was disappointing for Senator McCain, it was tough to be somber, in light of the history that was made that night.  Not only did we see record voter turnouts, but we also witnessed Dr.  Martin Luther King’s dream become a reality when President-elect Obama took the stage as the first man of minority race elected to the highest possible office.  I am proud to be an American and am grateful for the strides we’ve made as a nation.

    I traveled to Miami this month in search of the perfect gowns for Miss America.  While my search was successful and I am so thankful for that, I stepped off the plane in Phoenix and was reminded that finding the perfect gown is a minute detail in the grand scheme of things.  As I walked toward baggage claim, I saw lots of red, white, and blue balloons, many young children bearing welcome home signs, and several men and women in military attire.  I was moved to tears as I was reminded of all the men and women serving in our Armed Forces, many of whom will spend this holiday season away from home.  My sincere gratitude goes out to those men and women and to their families here at home, for their dedicated commitment and selfless service to our country.  May God Bless you and keep you safe.

    Since returning from Los Angeles, my schedule has been filled with so many incredible opportunities and events.  By the end of this month, I will have spoken at 17 different schools, and been a part of several other fund raisers, media events, and business meetings.  I am so thankful for this organization and for the people behind the scenes who give so selflessly of their time, energy and love.  Thank you Steve, Monica, Greg, Cindy, Katy, Erin, Stephanie, Cheryl, Gary, Kristen, Jim, Mark, Wally, Lori, Judy and the rest of the Miss Arizona staff for all you do!  I hope you know how much you are appreciated!  The advice, prayers, support, and love mean so much to me and I am so thankful I can call you friends.  What a blessing it is to share this year with you and to be a representative for this extraordinary organization.

    Miss Southeast Arizona was also this month, and I want to thank the participants, and Mary Hyder, for your understanding!  I was only able to attend the last few minutes of the pageant because I was driving in from Phoenix and I really appreciated the warm welcome you all showed!  I am also very thankful that another young lady will have an opportunity to compete for Miss Arizona 2009!  Congratulations go out to Ashley Reichstein, the new Miss Southeast Arizona, as well as Tina Townsend, Miss Southeast Arizona’s Outstanding Teen!  I look forward to seeing you both around the state this year!  And, congratulations to Stephanie Baker on her amazing year as Miss Southeast Arizona!

    Most of all, I am so thankful for the incredible family I have supporting me every step of this journey.  Thank you to my aunts, uncles, cousins and closest family friends for the encouragement you continue to show me!  It means the world to me that so many of you will be in Las Vegas to share in the Miss America experience, and I sure am blessed to be a Moncayo and a Nurss!  More than ever this year, I have relied on two very important lessons from my grandparents.  They have always taught me that the two things no one can ever take away from us are our education and our work ethic.  There have been numerous times that I have had to rely on my educational background this year, and it is because of them that I have developed the work ethic I rely on every day in this job.  Thank you, Grandma Rosie and Grandpa Joe for sharing your wisdom with me, and for always supporting me in my endeavors.  I love you!

    God has also blessed me with the most amazing mom, dad and sister who not only show me their support, but give me unconditional love, and for that I am grateful!  Congratulations on your retirement, Dad, and thank you for always being a part of our girlie activities!  You and mom are incredible examples of hard work and commitment, both at work and at home, and I thank you for all you’ve taught me over the years!!  And Sissy, thank you for keeping me grounded and always reminding me of what’s most important in life!  You are my best friend and I couldn’t do this without you!  I love you all more than I could ever express!  I also have an amazing “bro,” Adam, who has been so patient and supportive this year!  I am so grateful for his wisdom, understanding, and strength, and I appreciate all that he is in my life!  I love you! 

    Lastly, I am thankful for the love, grace, mercy and salvation that come from my Savior, Jesus Christ.  He has given me countless blessings and has provided guidance for my every step.  I am grateful for His unfailing love, and pray that His will is fulfilled in each of us!

    As we all prepare for the holiday season ahead, I pray we will take time to focus on the blessings we have to be thankful for, and that we will always remember the true meaning behind our annual celebrations.  May you all be blessed with friendship, joy, and peace in the weeks to come.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless!