Miss NFPB 2010 Rachel Kelderman

what a busy girl I have been!

2010-12-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

So its quite obvious I am very far behind on my blog! I have stayed at so many cute motels and homes this year that did not have any Internet access, so my blog got very far behind very quickly :< I am sad about this because I have so many amazing stories to share. So I will share a few highlights.

I had my Coronation

Judged window displays in Albia, Iowa

Had the best time ever in Albia, IA in a Tornado and drove my cousins truck!

Hung out in Vegas with my best friends

Cruised around Clovis, New Mexico in style!

I love the kids most of all

Did many radio interviews


Made wonderful friends with NFPB bull rider Caleb Ruyle and his girlfriend Danielle

Had some family time

Picked up a stray dog in Trenton, TN! my nephew loves him

Been having some cold Christmas fun


Worked a kids stick horse rodeo

In 2 weeks I will once again make the journey to Oklahoma City to compete for Miss Rodeo USA! I am so excited. Please visit missrodeousa.com to follow the pageant. After I get back from the pageant I will update my blog. Love you all, thanks for the amazing year

Church and rural Iowa

2010-11-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

The next day was Sunday, so this meant church day. We went to the church my dad grew up in, I met so many people that said to me " I knew your dad when he was this small" it was fun for me to meet people who used to know my dad when he was a kid.

Next it was time for a little history, we drove all around the county and learned every detail! Where my grandma was born and the places she went to school and the farms she lived on. Where her and grandpa went on their dates, where they got married and where they went to the roller skating rink. I of course took a ton a pics, I will only post a few on here as not to over whelm you!

Dad, grandma and Linda at the Tracy Christina Reformed Church where grandma and grandpa got married.

Tracy, Iowa

The Tracy, Iowa post office

This is a day I will not forget! It mean so much to me to learn all this Kelderman history.

Back at the house, Crystelle thought my magnets looked good on her blue rental car and I agree :>

Grandpa's Memorial Service and Trenton, Mo NFPB

2010-11-16T17:45:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we all headed to the Cemetery to have a memorial service for my grandpa. He passed away last summer but this service was for all the Iowa people that could not make it to Colorado and also to leave his ashes.
In the summer of 2009 when they had his funeral I was living in Las Vegas and I could not go home for it.
This meant so much to me to get to be part of this service.

It was a really hard time, I cried the whole service. I got up and spoke and that made me cry more. I got to hear from so many of grandpa's childhood friends and learn about a part of him I never knew.
After the service we all headed back to Evelyn's house and had a huge potluck in her front yard. I signed dozens of autograph sheets for all the people! I felt famous in that small town.

My Grandma and Aunt Linda

Tuney Kelderman, Grandpa's Cousin speaking at the service

As you can tell it was hot! and yes I was in all black. But it was worth every moment in the sun.

After lunch I got ready to hit the road, Dad and I drove down to Trenton, Mo for the bull riding that night. It was put on my Double S, so that's Shad Smith and Todd Crase. This was my first time to meet both of them.

After a beautiful drive thur southern Iowa and Northern Mo, dad and I arrived at the saddle club arena. The local saddle club put on this bull riding as a fundraiser for the local woman's shelters. I was so honored to be a part of such a neat event, dad and I both bought raffle tickets to support the cause, even though we didn't win anything.

Tried to get a pic of this horse yawning and we got one!

The arena in Trenton, Missouri

They had a local saddle club member present the American flag, so I was brought into the arena and introduced. I was so happy to have my dad there to see me. (and so he could take pics)

Prayer- Cowboy Style :>

In the arena with the Double S guys doing a tribute to the Veterans

Next it was time for autograph signings, I love how Shad and Todd do it, a huge table with all the bull riders and bull fighters signing posters, so everyone can meet them :>

This was my first experience as queen with Humidity! It did its job on my hair

I got so sign a baby! Career highlight :>

This local gal was getting ready to run for county princess.

After a long fun night Dad and I headed back to Oskaloosa. We hit a few road closures because of washed out bridges, but God kept us safe.

Iowa here we come!

2010-11-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

On Thursday May 27th my dad, his sister, my Aunt Linda and I hit the road to Iowa. This was going to be a very special week for us there. A stomach bug had been hitting our family for a few days and as much as we prayed I would not get it, I got it bad that morning. I was so sick and weak that as I was trying to pack, I was putting in like one boot and one sash! I was a mess.....

We picked up my aunt and I took the back seat in my Saturn Vue. I think I threw up at every rest stop. I was so miserable, but glad to have my dad to take care of me. We stayed the night in Nebraska and by morning I was feeling much better! We had to be to Oskalossa by Friday evening so we could make it to the Fish Fry Dinner!!
My dad was born in Oskaloosa and most of all the Kelderman side of my family is there. Since my grandpa Kelderman was born and raised there he wanted his ashes to be put there by his parents grave. This is the reason for our visit and of course I had bull riding's I could not wait to get to :>

We made it in time to go with a whole clan of people to Eddyville, IA to Dave's Welcome Inn. Evelyn Jensen, the sweet lady who took us all in for the week, she told me I had to be the queen when we went, so I quick changed my clothes. My cousin Crystelle flew in from Nashville to be with us. When we walked into the restaurant, the owner yelled for every ones attention and told them all who I was and to come to the bull riding in Albia the next weekend!

My Grandma, Crystelle and I

My dad and his Catfish!

Dave, the owner of Dave's Welcome Inn

Some how I got the all wrangled up for a photo!

That's a whole lot of Dutch people :>

Grand Marshall??

2010-11-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

After visiting the Senior center and being recognised by the Town Hall and Mayor, I received a phone call from Jeff Wilkes from the Rotary Club. He told me that I had been chosen as the Grand Marshall for the Erie Winterfest Parade!

It will be on December 4th!

So excited for this! He also asked me to come speak at the rotory club.

Watch out Santa :>

Outstanding Erie Resident

2010-11-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

Rachel at town hall
Click on this link and then scroll down to the part called Proclamations/Presentations. There you will see my name. Watch the video of Mayor Joe Wilson and I.

On May 25th I was recognised at the Erie Town Hall meeting. A brand new Mayor had just been sworn in and he wanted me to come and be recognised! I was so honored. I love my little town and this was so cool for me!

I was presented with a certificate for being an outstanding citizen!

Shaking hands with Mayor Joe Wilson

Erie was started as a mining town, this is a tribute to those who lost their lives in the mines.

I was a celebrity at the Dr. office

2010-10-18T20:51:00.000-06:00

The next day I went to see my doctor for a regular check up, want to stay healthy all year. When I was being walked down the hall by the nurse one of the other nurses jumped out in front of me and said "Where's your crown?" I was startled and happy! I felt like a celebrity. In the room I found my newspaper article that my Doctor had cut out and had been holding onto for me. It was so sweet and I felt so happy to be recognized!

Thank you Doctor Pittinger! you know how to make a girl feel special!

Erie Community Center

2010-10-18T20:47:00.000-06:00

On May 20th I was invited to speak to the Erie Senior Citizens during their weekly lunch meet-up.
I was so honored to share my life story with these people and they where all so kind and happy to have me.

I really enjoyed myself!

Thank you Diane Evans for arranging this and inviting me!

With some of the senior citizens

These ladies where so kind :>

Old Western Round Up-Loveland, Colorado

2010-10-04T21:16:00.000-06:00

On May 19th Mom and I headed up north to The Ranch in Loveland, Colorado. The Old Western Round-Up was there for the weekend. All kinds of "makers" had their work on display. Everything from saddles to bits to boots! So amazing to see the custom designs. I met some great people and only bought one thing! I was proud of myself for not spending to much money!

I met some very nice people who had a new product they where featuring at the show. Based out of Arizona they make a product called " Brim Spur " a custom silver piece that goes on the brim of your hat. Vincent is the guy who makes them, his Colorado reps where at the show. They gave me a brim spur with with turquoise on it. And then ended up sending me a custom one with a bull on it that matches my crown perfectly!

The Brim Spur guys and I

On the way home we stopped at a few tack shops and they hung up my coronation flyer.

Mom thought I needed to try on this holster!

Back To Co

2010-10-04T20:13:00.000-06:00

That night the guys came back from LA and I crashed with them at Eastside Cannery so we could get up real early and head out, We drove the entire day and made it home that night.

I was so blessed to have had such a great weekend with my Vegas family and go to a great PRCA rodeo.

Gas prices where crazy high on our way home!

Back into the snow and cold

Helldorado Rodeo day 2

2010-10-04T20:04:00.000-06:00

The next day I spent the day with friends, Kandress and I went shopping and lounged in her hot tub! yeah it was a rough day :>

That night was rodeo night again and a whole bunch or my Vegas friends came to the rodeo and for most of them it was their first time at a rodeo! So neat for me to be the one to introduce them to rodeo.

I once again ran flags and did a queens run. I had fund hanging out with the beautiful Lauren Neil Miss Rodeo Nevada, I also helped her hold up a rope for the Riata Girl Trick Riding Act ( they are pretty amazing by the way )

Here I am bringing in the flag, ducking it under the gate

This one you can't see my face, but I am on the gray horse

Miss Rodeo Nevada and I

It was packed!

The gang and I after the rodeo, Ruth just had to get rodeo corn!

Highland, Jack and I

and Ruth got in on this one :>

Ania and I, She is from Poland and this was her first rodeo

One of all of us! What you have here is some of the best wedding photographers in Las Vegas

Helldorado Rodeo day 1

2010-10-04T16:55:00.000-06:00

The next day was Saturday, Rodeo Day! I was missing the NFPB fishing that day, but I was also having so much fun with my Vegas friends. I was so excited to carry flags that evening at the Helldorado Rodeo. Kandress and I got dressed, he husband approved of our outfits and took this picture for us, so he hit the road! lol

Kandress and I ready to go!

After we finally found a place to park my PT Cruiser, we found the queens and directors.
I asked Kandress to just keep snapping photos of me, I showed her where to go stand while I warmed up the horse and chatted with the other queens. I knew most of them from my time in Nevada. It was like old home week, and about 12 other queens! So fun. Thank you to the guys from Flying U rodeo for the horse to ride.

Kadress found herself a clown!

Getting ready to ride

Talking with the committee and putting in bobby pins

I ran flags in the grand opening and did a queens run. They have huge TV screens at each corner of the arena, so you can watch yourself as you go! It's pretty neat.

My friend Shaun came and hung out with us ladies.

The rodeo went so great and I felt so blessed to be there.

Kid's Mix, Sunset Park, Las Vegas

2010-08-23T16:32:00.000-06:00

Yes it was hot and hot! But I do love kids so I was excited to go mingle with some. I talked to a lot of people about the NFPB and I really enjoyed it. Here are some pictures from our afternoon there.

Tara and I pretending to fight each other

We met a NASCAR driver

The DJ from the radio station that put on the event

Las Vegas Rebels Mascot

and my favorite one! Who does not belong in this picture? lol

day 2 in my old stomping ground

2010-08-23T16:11:00.000-06:00

The next morning I hurried over to Nina and Tara's house and we piled up in Nina's car. It was hot just like I remembered :>
We went to a place I had never been before, let alone even heard of. SkyZone was a huge warehouse of trampolines. Nina had some of Tara's friends waiting there to surprise her!

We all put on the special shoes and jumped till my belly hurt.

Tara and I had a great time jumping

After an hour of some amazing exercise we went to Metro Pizza. This was one of my favorite places when I lived there. It was Tara's birthday and a dozen of eleven year olds and I ate pizza and laughed a bunch.

Tara got some really nice gifts

After lunch Tara and I went to the restroom and when we came back, we where like 2 different people! Both now dresses as queens.

Miss Nevada PreTeen 2010 and Miss NFPB 2010

Next we headed to Sunset Park for Kids Mix.......

Gonna be a good week :>

2010-08-23T15:39:00.000-06:00

By the next day I had made a decision and worked out details and I loaded up bright and early in the same red van mom and I had driven to St. Joe. But this time it was not filled with good smelling leather and clean ladies. Instead it was 3 boys and me....

My brother Josh and his friends Matt and Simon where headed to L.A. for the weekend for a car show. My brother and Simon both make clothing and wanted to hit this show to sell shirts.
My brothers website is eeffect apparel I have done almost all the photography for him :> Simon has a page as well and his is ninja status apparel . Now neither of them have anything to do with horses or rodeo, but I give them so much props for starting their own business and working so hard.

I had made arrangements to spent the weekend staying with one of my Vegas friends Kandress. When I lived there she was a wedding coordinator and I was a photographer so we spent alot of time together and became good friends. I also told my friend Nina that I was coming and she made plans for me to spend time with her and her daughter. Her daughter just won Miss Nevada PreTeen, so we planned on doing some appearances together. Nena asked me if I was going to the rodeo and I had not even realized that it was rodeo weekend in Vegas. I quick send a message to a lady I knew there named Bunny, we had been on the Miss Rodeo Nevada committee together. She told me to get dressed and come on down when I had time and they would have me run flags. I was sure excited to help while I was in town!

My view from the back seat of the van.

So about 12 hours later we arrived, with 4 drivers it makes it easy to make good time. I did the final drive into Vegas, since it was my hometown.

I had make arrangements for the guys to stay at Eastside Cannery, since it was right by my old house and I had put Josh there before, and it is so clean and new and always great deals. I got myself a rental car from Alamo, for only a few $ a day, they where so desperate for business, I got a great deal! I was the driver of a white PT Cruiser for the weekend :>

They guys spent the night at the hotel and then drove on to L.A. the next morning. I spent the night at Kandress's house, her husband and her stayed up and made me chicken and mashed potatoes! my fave

Autograph sheets

2010-08-23T14:59:00.000-06:00

I have already talked about getting my photos taken, so once that was done I was able to put together my autograph sheets. One of my best friends put the backside together for me. Thanks Kellie Carr

Be sure to check her out at Plus One Productions

I dropped them off to be printed at Ron's Printing in Longmont, Co. They had 500 done for me in 2 days! Amazing :>

Visit them at Ron's Printing

Here are 2 pictures I took with my iPhone after I picked them up

What, May came quick?!

2010-07-29T16:39:00.001-06:00

During the next week I tried like crazy to get the location nailed down for my coronation. Some days I got so stressed about it that I decide I just wanted to give up and not do it. But then I had a reality check and got excited all over again. I only get to do it once so that was making me crazy because I wanted it to be perfect.

I also met with my designer and good friend Janelle Baldwin, together we created an outfit that I would wear at my coronation. She is truly amazing at making queen clothes, I was beyond excited for my new outfit.

My best friend from high school, Heather Rehfeld and I spend a day running errands and catching up on life. Her little girl, Raelynn, is just precious and it was fun to spend the day with them.

That weekend I was supposed to go up north for the branding at the Johnson 99 Ranch in Laramie, Wyoming, my best friends family. But the nasty rain and snow ruined it for us. But thankfully Stacy still made it to town on May 8th and graduated from the University of Wyoming. I am so proud of her.

On May 10th, I drove up to Loveland, Co to visit 3 amazing ladies. Rachel, Pelar and Mira Conaway have become lifetime friends for me. A few years ago Pelar was the Larimer County Fair and Rodeo queen and had an amazing coronation/fundraiser, so I had them pour all the advice they could on to me. Then Mira graced us with a song, this girl is the next Carrie Underwood, I have loved watching her grow as a young lady and as a singer.

On May 11th I had a phone meeting with the manager at Murdock's Farm and Ranch Supply in Longmont, Colorado. My grandparents had met Jill one day and told her about me and she offered to get on board and sponsor me! We had a great meeting and I became pretty excited to work with her. Thankfully my grandpa Ralph and grandma Joyce have never met a stranger, and I am so glad they talked to Jill.

The next weekend left me with 2 options, travel to Missouri and go to the NFPB fishing tournament or hitch a ride with my brother and his friends and go to my other home, Las Vegas, for the weekend??

I seriously pondered this like crazy, I could not decide what to do? So stay tuned to see what I decide.....

and since a post is always better with a photo-Here is a pic I took of Heather's little girl

Super Monday at the Mart

2010-07-29T16:10:00.000-06:00

The next Monday, my mom and I went down to the Denver Merchandise mart, its one of our favorite places. We did some shopping for my fundraiser. Its so fun to shop for clearance items and then sell them at my auction. When we where there I met some amazing people. They picked me out because they recognised me from my newspaper article, I felt famous.

Dave and Janet Root run a wholesale jewelery and native American items company called Root Creations. They instantly took me into their lives like I was family and offered me some things for my auction. in the room next to theirs where their friends of Pzazz Studio. They sell hanky panky brand of ladies undergarments as well as some amazing pajamas. They offered me some items for my auction as well and we agreed I would come back June 8th and pick some ting up. I left there that day feeling like I had really accomplished something.

And mom and I did a lil shopping so that was good too :>

pics from Mason City

2010-07-06T19:39:00.000-06:00

The awesome http://www.gspear.com/ took photos at Mason City, he did a you tube post of the pics, so check it out here, I am in the first 3 photos

mason city bullriding photos

Celebration Christian Church

2010-07-06T19:35:00.000-06:00

On Sunday May 2nd, I was invited to speak at the church where my grandparents attend. They have been members of this church for years and the whole church family has always supported me.

I was introduced after the worship was done and I was blessed to speak and share my story. I spoke all about my trials and triumphs of competing and how I never could have done it without God being #1.

So many of the congregation offered to help me with donations and items for my auction and I was so grateful.
I was then asked to help with the Vacation Bible School in June, and they planned it around a day that I would be in town. Pretty excited for that, since they will have a western theme!

My Grandma Joyce, Mom and I

After a wonderful message from Pastor Potts, I went to his home for his wife's birthday party. It was so great to fellowship and tell all these people about my years and where I will be traveling and the food was great too!

Thank you Celebration Christina Church for making me one of the family!

Playing on you tube

2010-07-06T19:10:00.000-06:00

review of the finals! Click here

I do not know who this guy is...yet, but he did a you tube video covering the finals so you can check it out.

Plane View Farms

2010-06-01T15:56:00.000-06:00

The next Saturday, May 1st, I went to my neighbors bright and early. They where hosting an open horse show at their barn and asked me to do some photography. I have been riding with them for years and after a summer of riding lessons with Tim, I won horsemanship at every pageant after that! So they know what they are doing.

I don't know much about jumping and hunter under saddle, but I learned that day!

I was so cold sitting in the indoor arena, it made me really excited summer was coming.

The next day was going to be a fun one for sure, I was very excited for Sunday. I played with the kids that afternoon.

I think Delilah knows how to use my iPhone better then me!

Boulder Daily Camera

2010-06-01T15:45:00.000-06:00

On April 28th I met with a lady from the Boulder Daily Camera Newspaper. She did a great story on me.
Then on April 30th, the photographer from the paper came over to my place and did video of me riding and photos. It was really fun.

People made such nice comments on the on-line story.

Check it out here:

Daily Camera Story

Shoot With Jonathan Castner

2010-06-01T15:34:00.000-06:00

After I got back from Mason City, I had a meeting with a photographer friend to get some studio shots. He came to my house and set up a studio in my living room!

A couple outfit changes and a quick shot with my dog! It was really fun.
Be sure to visit Jonathan's website and if you need a Denver photographer, he is great!
http://www.jonathancastner.com/

here is my favorite shot from the day, Leroy and I

Saturday in Mason City, Iowa

2010-05-20T23:09:00.001-06:00

On Saturday morning, I slept in and I liked it! I know there will not be alot of sleeping this year so I took advantage of it while I could.

For lunch I went across the parking lot to a place called "Taco Time" Everybody had been raving about this place and how great the food is. So being from Colorado where green chili is served with just about everything, and having parents that took us out to eat Mexican food every Friday night, I figured I better see what the rage was all about.
Well I must say I was very disappointed. It was worse than any Mexican food I had ever had. I could have made better myself. I had no idea what the fuss was all about, or why the place was packed at lunch time. "Have these people ever been out of Iowa for real Mexican food", I kept thinking to myself with each bite of my food that clearly came out of a can.

These was no rain on Saturday, which made me smile.
I got to the rodeo grounds early and made my rounds talking and visiting with people.

I ran the American flag and the NFPB flag again this night and helped with mutton busting. Girls won mutton busting both nights, I think girls are just better at alot of things! Another great night of bull riding and cowboy poker was behind us. Don set up a table for in the arena again and I signed autographs and talked to kids.

These girls tried to get into the mutton busting, but it filled up so quick. They where so sweet.

Then I had a group of high school aged boys that send their moms over to get my autograph!

Their moms made them come meet me. Ha it was so cute, they where so shy.

This kid missed his Senior Prom that night, so he could come help behind the chutes.

Iowa has some good people.

On my way out I met a very sweet lady and her cute dog. Tara Jackson and I had to stop and visit her.

She put clothes on her dog and Tara and I laughed and laughed. I figured I better pose with it!

When else will I see a fluffy dog in sunglasses?!

After many long goodbyes and hugs, we all parted ways. I really enjoyed my time with all these people and kept thinking about how sad I am going to be when my year is over. Already so sad and only on my first event!

Almost everybody hit the road to head home, I stayed the night and got up early to drive home.

About 9 hours later, I made it back to Erie, Colorado. I was happy to see my dog and tell my family all about my first bull riding.

I snapped this shot as I left town.....

98.7 Kiss FM and the Friday night bull riding!

2010-05-07T19:43:00.000-06:00

As we walked into the radio station, I got some text messages from my friends saying they had 98.7fm turned-on on their computers and that J Brooks had been announcing that the Queen would be arriving soon.
At 8:30 I went on live with J Brooks and we talked about winning the title, where I would be traveling this year, and all the details about the bull riding in Mason City. J was really nice to me and it was a great first radio interview.

As Don drove me back to the Days Inn, it started to rain and yes it rained all day!
I sat myself down at the complimentary breakfast at Days Inn and watched the news about the Missouri couple who had just won the lotto. Made me want to start playing! I met some nice people who where in town on business and I invited them to the bull riding that evening.

Right when I got back to my room and changed my clothes, I got a call from Dusty and Clint, they where next door at Perkins and told me I had to join them. I ran in the rain and it was fun!
So I ate some more breakfast and chatted with the guys. Well then it was to work we went. Clint needed to buy shavings for the trailers for the bulls on the ride home. So we went to a huge farm store, it was amazing, like Walmart but for farmers! Being in a huge store with these guys was like shopping with 4 year olds. They kept trying to run each other over with the cart.

We took the shavings back to the fairgrounds and spread them out in trailers. Then everybody sat around an talked while it slowly drizzled rain. I hopped back in the truck with Clint to go back to the hotel, when he got a call someone needed starch! To walmart we went, and I taught Clint how to use the self-checkout! Such a gentleman, he always opened the door for me. Thanks Clint

Back at the hotel, I got "all dolled up", as the guys put it. I was so excited as I drove in pouring rain to the arena! My first night was sure to be amazing.

I met with Don and his wife Sharon, Sharon ran the ticket sales and Don, well he just ran around. It's a lot of work to put on a bull riding, but they made it look effortless.
I was blessed with a great big Palomino horse to ride. He was a good boy. I ran the NFPB flag and then the American Flag. It was amazing!
After I put the horse away, I quick ran to the meeting spot Dusty and I had made, he met me there and it was into the arena we went for our act. I was pretending to be a Nashville Recording Artist, and he was the goofy clown who hated my singing. We had a fun time and at the end I got a big ole shotgun and shot him! best part of the weekend for sure.

Next I helped with the mutton busting, walked around and greeted fans, sat and talked with Don and Sharon, cringed with Tara Jackson during the cowboy poker and made new friends. At the end Don set up a table in the arena and Chris Pyle the announcer, told everyone to come meet the queen. Many children came to meet me, it was great!

Before headed back to the hotel, I quickly realized I was not in Vegas anymore because every fast food place was closed, luckily I found a Burger King that was still open for a few more minutes. At the hotel, everyone's trucks where gone, they where all out partying. Clint and I texted each other and decided we where both too old to go out and party!!

My first night was great and I hit the hay, excited for Saturday...

Into Iowa I go

2010-05-04T20:53:00.000-06:00

My drive thru Eastern Colorado and Nebraska was a good one, I beat the rain storms the whole way. The rain hit Colorado so bad the whole time I was gone, so I was so happy I did not hit it once during my drive.

Many times I saw wild turkeys on the side of the road in Nebraska, I made a comment on my Facebook that you would never see that in Vegas! Some of my Vegas friends made comments that they do see a lot of Wild Turkey in Vegas, but its the liquid type! Can you imagine wild turkeys wondering the strip....

I drove about 13 hours when I made it to Des Moines, IA. Even though it was only 2 more hours to Mason City, I decided to stop and rest. I stayed at a cute family owned old hotel and they had a 13 year old bassett hound dog that greated me when I got there, so I knew it was going to be a good place!

The next morning I completed my drive thru Iowa and I arrived in Mason City. I had reseved a room at the Days Inn, which happened to be the place where everyone else was staying. I checked into my room, got some lunch and unpacked my car. I went over to the fairgrounds and met up with everybody. Clint and Tara where watering their bulls and Dusty Myers, Adam Proctor and Jeff Walkowe where watching!
Frank and Jeff Walkowe had brought bulls as well and once the aminals where all taken care of, we went into the arena and set up chairs. After we put up hundreds of metal chairs, we then zip tied all the chairs together to meet fire code. I met with Don Sapp, he is on the North Iowa Fairboard and puts on the bull riding every year. We went over all the details for my radio interview the next morning and he offered to drive me. I was excited to have a driver, I felt like real royalty!

After we where all done at the arena, I went to dinner with Clint, Tara, Dusty, Jeff, and Adam.

The next morning I was going to meet Don at 8am in front of the hotel, at 7:55am the front desk called and told me he was there and ready to go. I quick put on my hat and ran down to meet him.
After many turns down one way streets thru downtown Mason City we arrived at 98.7 Kiss FM. I was glad Don was driving, I would have been lost for sure....

Colorado Hometown News

2010-05-03T22:44:00.000-06:00

After my wonderful photoshoot, I spent the next 2 days getting ready to leave for Iowa. I packed some things and then packed some more. The less I tried to pack the more I seemed to pack! Funny how that happens.

On Monday morning I had a phone interview with Doug Pike of Colorado Hometown News.
He wrote up a great article on me. I used some pictures from Dave Purcell.

coloradohometownweekly

I also had Dave add the text to my photo so I could print some temporary autograph sheets to take to Iowa. I had them printed on Tuesday night at Office Max in Thornton, Co and they only charged me half price! That was so nice, thank you Office Max!

I was so excited to get up Wed. morning and hit the road!

After I hugged my parents and kissed the kids and filled up on coffee, I made a detour into town to get the paper and see my newspaper article. Then it was toward Iowa I went...

A day with Dave Purcell

2010-05-03T22:17:00.000-06:00

After a great Saturday in Greeley, I was looking forward to Sunday because I was meeting with a photographer!
I met Dave Purcell a few years ago at a Denver Photographers Meet-up Event. He was one of the super nice guys who offered to shoot me again and help me anyway he could.
He did the headshot I used for the Miss NFPB Contestant photos and all the photos I used when I ran for Miss Rodeo Nevada.

Dave is one of those guys who just emails me and says" Hi Rach, what can I do for you?"
Someone you definatly need in your life! Someone who is willing to help!

Dave and his friend picked me up and we hit my hometown!
Dave invited my mom to join in a few pics....

These are taken at our house, as well as the pic of the top of my blog.

Next we headed down the road to one of my favorite old barns. I have done so many photoshoots here with friends, so it was fun to have pictures of myself here.

Here is one of the favorites that I used for my temporary autograph sheets.

It has gotten good reviews so far!

I had so much fun that day and then I used Dave's pics for the Erie Review Article

Colorado Hometown News

Dave has a really fun logo

Be sure to check him out on his Flick site

Dave's Flick Site

You can also see more pictures of me on there and see the nice comments people have left about his work.

So if you are ever in need of a great photographer, be sure to look Dave up!

Thanks Dave, You are great!

Miss Rodeo Colorado 2011 Preliminary Pageant

2010-04-27T21:27:00.000-06:00

On April 17th mom and I left the house at 6:45 and headed north to Greeley, Colorado.
Once we got to the fairgrounds we fed Rhianna's horse, Jim Bob and then headed to the fair office.
I was quickly welcomed with hugs from my MRC family. The MRC committee are some of the most amazing people and I have always considered them family. I ran 6 times for the Miss Rodeo Colorado title, so they got to know me really well. They all just kept saying how happy they where for me and how much I deserved to win this title.
The current MRC Kasie Pigg is a great gal who I have competed with many times. She introduced me to the 8 contestants, even though I knew most of them! They where excited to have me, but I just might have been more excited to be there!
I was then asked to write the questions for the girls to answer on stage, this was fun!
Once the girls where all introduced to the judges, I headed over to the 4-H building to take my place on stage to emcee the speech portion of the pageant. I entertained the crowd between the speeches. I talked all about the NFPB, the pageant, my title, my travels, my sponsors and then I wowed to crowd with some Colorado trivia!
The ladies did their speeches on why someone would want to spend a long weekend in their hometown.
They all did amazing and we learned so much about each town.
My mom snapped a pic of me before I left the stage

Next I joined the ladies who where wrapping up in their interviews and took each one outside and did photos of them, my skills as a photographer where put to work!

Next we enjoyed a great lunch and the girls all tried to wow the judges with their skills of eating while making conversation! A great skill for a rodeo queen to have.

As people made their way in for the fashion show, 2 of my favorite people came to see me. Both of these ladies where Larimer Fair and Rodeo Queen title holders. Here I am with Pelar and Sarah.

Next it was time for fashion show! Each lady modeled a dress and answered a personality question and then modeled a pants outfit and answered a rodeo question. I wrote up some great questions and I loved hearing each lady's answer.
My mom was put to work in the dressing room, taking care of each girl, zipping and fluffing! She is such a good queen mom.
I also used this as a chance to get some shots with the girls.

With Cassidy Cabot

The most adorable future rodeo queen

With Rhianna Russell and Megan McCullough

With Kellsie Purdy, last years 1st runner-up

I found a jacket I need to steal from Cassidy, and then I found out my friend Jenna Johnson(last years Miss Rodeo Minnesota) made this. So Jenna you will be getting a call :>

Rhianna and I, we love brown hats

With April Biernat, first time we met was this day, but she is such a sweetie!

Once the ladies wowed us with their modeling skills, it was time to saddle up!

We looked outside to see pouring rain and it was raining more each minute.

Up to the covered crows nest mom and I went and Leroy too, yes my pup came with me!

I once again did the emceeing as the ladies rode a set pattern and did a queens run.

I am so beyond proud of these cowgirls for making riding in the rain look so good!

Here I am after horsemanship......

I was cold and wet! Mom and I used this as the perfect moment to drive down the block to get some coffee at the gas station.
Back to the 4-H building we all waited for a while, the judges scores where added up.
When the moment came, they decided to take all 8 ladies to the finals pageant! I was so proud of them all.
The pageant will be June 28-July 2 during the World's Largest 4th of July Celebration, the Greeley Stampede.

Then I grabbed a few shots with my friend Kasie Pigg...

Kasie trying to be as tall as me! Its never gonna happen girl ;>

Thank you MRC committee for having me, I was so honored.

Greeley, Colorado

2010-04-26T21:51:00.000-06:00

On Friday April 16th I had lunch with one of my best friends and babysat my niece and nephew. Then I headed to Greeley, Colorado. I met with my friend Rhianna Russell who was up there to run for Miss Rodeo Colorado. Her and I went over all the ins and outs of the prelims pageant. I did this pageant 6 times! So I feel like an old pro.

We headed to one of my most favorite places in this state, Greeley Hat Works!
We got our hats all cleaned up. I am so picky about my hats and I only let them work on them. Trent and all the guys there have always been so great to me.

They decieded that if I was going to be the queen of bullriding then it would only make since if I wore a hat just like the bullriders wear. Cause we all know bullriders do not wear they exact same shape and style as the queens do.
So here is a picture of me in a bullriding hat, what do you think??

Not quite the most flattering style on me, but a fun idea to consider :>

But if you are ever in Northern Colorado, you have to stop at Greeley Hat Works.

Tell em I sent ya!

http://www.greeleyhatworks.com/

Back in Colorado

2010-04-26T21:35:00.001-06:00

Once I completed my 9 hour journey, I was so happy to be home. I could not wait to hug my dad!
I spent the next few days making plans for my year. Talking to sponsors and making arrangments for my fundraiser. I also made plans for my first journey which would be to Mason City, Iowa.

One of my best friends was getting ready to compete in the preliminary pageant for the 2011 Miss Rodeo Colorado title. So I spent some of the week with her and was asked to come to the pageant as the special guest and help emcee the event.

We then helped my grandma Kelderman celebrate her 80th birthday. Here is a picure of my family and I, and yes my dog Leroy is in the blanket. More on him in a future post.

Before we left St. Joe

2010-04-23T16:07:00.000-06:00

That Sunday night with my family was a really fun one. We headed to the Rib Crib for dinner. I took this as the first opportunity to go out in crown and banner. I took the time to meet the Manager, Angie, and shake her hand and thank her for the dinner they served us at the arena a few nights before.

We also stopped by a gift shop, so my sister could do a lil shopping for some brain shaped pencil sharpeners. Hey what ever makes her happy. Here Mitchell is showing off his brain shaped yo-yo.

At Rib Crib, Mitchell and I got a birthday picture.

The next morning, I took my family to the airport. It made me so happy they had been with me. I then headed back to St. Joe and dropped by the Stetson Hat Outlet. I picked up the hat I had picked earlier in the week. I will have pictures of it soon, its getting a lil work done to it now.

I then packed up the van and it was time to hit the road to go back home.

I took the Nebraska route and I had a great drive. 9 hours later I was home!

Awards Banquet and Crowning

2010-04-19T13:39:00.000-06:00

The morning of April 11th, 2010 is a day that changed my life forever.

All of us girls slept in until about 8am and then packed up all of our things, moved out of our room and got ready for the day. I moved into my family's room just down the hall. My nephew Mitchell was celebrating his 4th birthday this day and I woke him up by singing happy birthday to him. Then he helped my by becoming a make-up artist and putting my eyeshadow on for me, he actually did a pretty good job!

I got dressed in one of my favorite dresses, made once again by Janelle Baldwin. We packed up all the children and hit the road to travel once again to Terribles's casino for the banquet.
The lunch they provided was super good, fried chicken and mashed potatoes is what filled me up.

All the ladies looked great!

When Kelsea headed up to introduce us girls, I felt like you could cut the tension with a knife. I was so nervous and so excited.

Congrats to Suzy Fife of Iowa for winning, Photogenics, People Choice Award and Ad Sales. Suzy was such a sweetie and I really enjoyed getting to know her. I look forward to seeing her in Iowa this year.

Congrats to my new friend and fellow Coloradoan Sunni Patin, Sunni won the Spirit Award. And she won my heart, we shared a bed during the pageant and had so much in common, I can't wait utill she is back in CO this summer and we can hang out.

Next was my new friend Micki Musick. When I helped photograph the Miss Rodeo America pageant this past December, I met Micki while she was Miss Rodeo Arkansas. She is such a sweet girl and she won the Speech Award and 1st Runner-up!

I then was awared the Horsemanship award, which is a huge honor!

Well then it came down to the moment of truth, I was looking at the faces of my family and that where literally on the edge of their seats.
As Kelsea read off the prizes I would be receiving I was curling up my toes in my boots, so ready if she was to call my name! and then she did! I can't express how I felt at that moment, cause I was so in shock

As Rachel placed the crown on my head, I felt like I was in a dream. All the years of my hard work was finally paying off.

After the crowning, I helped Rachel and Clint present the awards to all the award winners of the finals. It was really fun! Then it was time to sign my contract, take all my prizes to the van and then back to the Holiday Inn.

We took the kids to the pool and packed up some of the van. It was so nice to relax with my family for the evening. I talked to my dad on the phone and yes I cryed. I so wish my dad could have been there for the moment, just thinking about it now is making me tear up.
love you dad

The rest of Blog #1

2010-04-19T12:39:00.000-06:00

Good Morning friends,
So now you get to hear all about the fashion show!

On my last blog I told you we had dance practice twice so we all could really rock it!
Here is a picture of us in our dance practice gear, Shirts from Couture Cowgirl

So now that we where full from eating too much at Whiskey Creek, we put on our donated outfits.
Jeans from CJ Jeans, Shirts from Cowgirl Trailer Trash, Jewelry from Silver Steer Boutique and belts and boots of our choice. As the showroom filled up with people, we all got very excited.

Here is Rachel and I giving our best "model" pose!

We all did a dance and showed them how we do it! Then each lady modeled her outfit and answered an on stage personality question. Quick change into our fun jeans outfit of our choice.

I wore an outfit I have always loved, made my friend and designer Janelle Baldwin of Fort Collins, Co.

We then all answered the same on stage question, the question was about if we woke up the next morning and we where suddenly NFPB President Clint Jackson, what would we do all day? It was fun to have him in the audience when we answered this question!

Next we all put on our dressed and modeled them and then it was speech time!
I was so excited to do my speech and I wore a dress I designed and was made for me by Donna Riva of California.

After speeches we all got back on stage one more time for everyone to have a final look!

All of the ladies did so good at speeches and we all learned something! Next it was into rodeo attire and we headed to the Stetson Hat Outlet in St. Joe. We all got to shop and have some fun and pick out the hat we would like to have if we won the title.
Rachel decided to try a new style of hat, I don't think it will catch on!

I found this super cute shirt, I love orange a bit too much!

After lots of fun at Stetson we packed up in Rachel's truck and headed downtown to a Chamber of Commerce social. We met many of the owners of local businesses and sponsors of the NFPB

Here we all are with the representatives from AFLAC, a great new sponsor of the NFPB. Next it was time to help with the pony rides again at the Civic arena before the bull riding began.
The NFPB puts on such a fun night with fire! and I love fire!

All of us ladies continued to meet and greet the crowd and raise money for the people's choice award. We helped with the mutton busting again and then signed autographs after the performance.
It was such a fun night and we even saw a 90 point ride!

Off to bed we went because Saturday morning was coming early.

As Saturday morning rolled around, we where all pretty excited for the day, it was going to be a long but fun one.
This day I curled my hair, I had been trying different styles since I cut off my hair this past summer. It is still short and I like then I can do it strait and curly!

Breakfast buffet at Terrible's Casino is where we headed. Terrible's had the most amazing breakfast buffet I think I had ever seen, I am allergic to so much breakfast food, but this place must have know I was coming because there was so much for me to eat!

I really enjoyed our morning at Terrible's, I used to go to Terrible's when I was living in Vegas, but the one there is nothing like the one in St. Joe!
After breakfast we got the permission of our waitress to go outback to the riverfront and do some photos.

I have been called "long legs" my whole life, and in this photo you can see why!

We grabbed a quick pic with the manager of the buffet and then had a bit more fun posing with the fun decor at Terrible's

After we all where stuffed, we headed to the Civic Arena for the VIP Rodeo. This is one of the most amazing things I have been apart of. When I was there before competing for the title of Miss NFPB, I had so much fun and I couldn't wait to do it again.

I think all of us ladies where looking forward to meeting these VIP people.

After the Special rodeo, we had to get ready for our interviews.
Each girl was given 15 minutes to wow the jugdes.
We each then had a surprise interview where we had to pretend to interview a potential sponsor for the NFPB. This was the funnest interview I have ever had.

After all the pressure of interviews, we all took a written test and did photos with Paula.

One more outfit change and it was back to the Civic Arena for more pony rides, mutton busting, money raising and autograph signing.

This was Rachel's last night as queen and she did look amazing!! What a great role model she is to us all.

This was the end of the pageant, because the next morning was the awards banquet and crowing of the new queen.
We all went to bed excited for the next day!

My first post!

2010-04-16T21:19:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my blog, thanks for reading~I hope to keep this updated as much as I can, because this girl loves to blog!

I first want to start by talking about the pageant and then I will introduce myself.

On Tuesday April 6th my mom and I hit the road, we where on the road by 8am so we could get to St. Joe in a reasonable hour. We hit rain almost the entire way thru Eastern Colorado and Kansas. It made our drive much longer then it needed to be, but we made the most of it. We stopped alot and laughed alot. My mom is an amazing road trip buddy! We decied to take a senic detour in Kansas City and this turned into about 2 extra hours of driving, I would not recommend this, even thought is was super pretty!

Once we finally arrived in St. Joe at 9pm we checked into our room at the Holiday Inn and got to bed. Then the next morning my "crew" was arriving at the Kansas City Airport. Even though their flight was delayed because of the snow in Denver, they finally made it! My Grandma, Sister, Niece and Nephew came to support me. My dad stayed home to take care of our critters and my brother was at a car show in Nashville.
We had the night to relax and went to the pool and Houlihans resturant.
The next morning was the start of the pageant.

This is how my day started, a good morning kiss from my sweet Niece Delilah. I always know it will be a good day when it starts like this!

All of us girls checked-in in out Horsemanship outfits.

We had orientation in the Holiday Inn and then headed right to Horsemanship. Since the hotel did not have our room ready, we moved in after riding.

We drew order for how we all would go all weekend, I was #3.

Horsemanship went great and we all rode like champs and the horses where awesome!

We all did a pattern set by Rachel Burton, answered questions in the arena and then we did 2 flag runs and a queens run.

Here is me sharing a laugh with the judges, I laugh alot.

As we all prepared to check-in we learned a 4 of us would share one room! we all had that look of shock, but by the end of the week, we all became really close friends and got to know each other really well.

All the donated items from our amazing sponsor where layed out on our beds! We loved them, here is

Rachel posing with them on the bed Sunni and I shared.
Next we all changed into our outfits for the first performance of the Finals. This was the first night we would be collecting votes for the People Choice award, so we all dressed to impress!

We started off the night by giving pony rides to kids, the money went to help "Camp Hope" a local orgnization for handicapped children. After pony rides it was time to hit the stands and solicite money for the People's Choice Award. Each girl designed a can of their choice, it had to have our name on it and a picture of ourself.

Before intermission we went to the arena to help with the Mutton Busting. This is always one of the crowd's favorites. This night they gave away a bike to a boy and a girl in the crowd.

When the bullriding was over, we all signed autographs for our fans. Then the Rib Crib had provided us with the best BBQ, it was so good, I ate way too much.

Here is my "Crew" on thursday night

Time for fashion show practice! We all danced pretty fast so we could get some rest.

We all hit the hay pretty quick on thurday night, cause we knew we had a few more busy mornings.

Friday morning brought us a 730am breakfast with President Clint Jackson and Vice President Frank Walkowe. The food was great, everyone ate buffett, I ate oatmeal! It was a great way to start the day.

Then it was back to dance pratice to make sure we knew for sure what we where doing later in the day at the fashion show and speeches.

Well then it was time to eat again and we headed to Whiskey Creek. They are so nice over there and welcomed us with open arms.

Me doing a lil posing :>

After lunch it was time to head back to the Holiday Inn and change for our Fashion Show performance.

I will write all about this on the next post! There are so many pictures from it that I want to share.

keep reading,

Rachel Kelderman

Miss NFPB