Cristie Kibler

I recently was invited to sing and speak at the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation's Program for 4th graders who had recently graduated from their program. Below you can see pictures from the Arabian Night's Horse Show and also pictures from the "after show" where I was asked by nearly EVERY student to sign to their copies of The Black Stallion! It was so exciting, I felt like such a celebrity! This program is an excellent way to teach literacy to children, so if you're a teacher I strongly suggest utilizing this program! More pictures from other appearances coming soon, including pictures from the Arlington Relay for Life!!

I had the opportunity recently to attend the 4th Annual Miss Texas Capitol Day. I love seeing how this event has evolved over the last few years, as each year something new and excited is added (and of course, our plans change depending on whether or not we are in session). This year we added a trip to the LBJ Library (my favorite president) and stopped at the Waco and Temple VA Hospitals on our way down to Austin to visit the Veterans. 

I truly loved seeing all of my pageant sisters and friends. Can't wait to see you all again at Spring Meeting in 2 weeks! 

Me with Miss Texas 2009, Kristen Blair, outside the State Capitol. Early morning! 

Miss Arlington, Miss Texas and Miss Woodlands

Shannon, Miss Teen Arlington. She thinks we look like sisters  She's in flats, I'm in heels ... otherwise there is only about a 1/2 an inch difference in our height! 

Miss Irving and Miss Arlington ... The I-30 Sisters  

The day after I was crowned Miss Arlington, I performed with God's Country Kids at the Cedar Hill Nursing Home. After singing "How Great Thou Art" I was approached by nursing home staff and asked to speak with a resident who was touched by the song. It turns out that this particular resident was about to turn 100 years old on January 7th, 2010 (at this point, this was a few weeks away). The resident, Mr. Benny Johnson, asked me to return on January 7th to sing at his birthday party. Of course, I agreed, but had NO idea how much this man and his birthday celebration would change my life. 

When I arrived at the Nursing Home on January 7th, I was led to the same room where GCK had performed weeks earlier, only as we walked into the room I could barely make it two inches into the room! It was jammed packed with people. As the birthday celebration began, I was amazed to see many elected officials from the City of Cedar Hill, Council Members and State Representatives in attendance to celebrate the Mr. Johnson's birthday. I, again, sang "How Great Thou Art" which quickly turned into a group sing along rather than a solo... I was holding back tears by the end of the song. 

Mr. Johnson was asked to say a few words about what he had learned and how he had survived 100 years on earth. He stood from his chair and and a booming voice stated, "Live by the Golden Rule. Treat others how you want to be treated. That's all you need to be happy." I was amazed that one man's simple words could hit so close to home. It is so true! If you treat others they way you would want to be treated, life would be much easier, I have tried to put his words into action in all aspects of my life and in all of my roles: Miss Arlington, student, Social Worker (to be), friend, daughter and teacher. 

(Everyone enjoying the party)

Finally, as the formal part of the party began to wind down, and it was time for cake to served to all of the guests and residents, the staff member who originally asked me to entertain asked me to get some practice in for my future profession (we had discussed my future career in social work at our first meeting). Her exact words were "My future social worker, ready to practice?" And with that, I was serving residents cake and ice cream! I was blessed to wear my two hats in one day: Social worker and Miss Arlington. Looking back, I realize that thanks to Mr. Johnson, I was also wearing the hat of student. 

(Mr. Johnson is the one in red in the back)

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! I wanted to post a few pictures from the Miss Arlington Pageant so that everyone could enjoy them! (I apologize that they are a little out of order!)

Also, I wanted to note that all of these pictures were taken by Ken Prachar of Portrait Gallery of Savannah. Thank you for the pictures, Ken!

I was blessed to have been crowned by my good friend Candice Bennett, who was Miss Arlington 2009

This is a picture of me receiving my Preliminary Talent award from Candice.

First walk as Miss Arlington

Modeling Evening Gown

I won Swimsuit! 

Singing "How Great Thou Art" for Talent

Welcome to my blog! I named it "Cristie's Corner" as I am an avid Winnie the Pooh Fan and thought it was appropriate. I will try to keep you updated with Miss Arlington appearances. For now, all I have to say is simply I am THRILLED to be the new Miss Arlington 2010. As someone who lives, works and goes to school in the City of Arlington, I am SO happy to be able to represent my home. My goal this year is to bring the crown home and win the title of Miss Texas on the very stage where I graduated with my degree from The University of Texas at Arlington! 

Thank you for ALL of your support!