Decemeber 2009 Holiday Parade

Hello Friends

Well on December 12, 2009. I had the opportunity to participate in the 15th Annual Tucson Holiday Parade of Lights. It was a fun experience, the weather was great. Not too cold. The parade route was lined with lots of people, so I got to wish the people of Tucson Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Prior to the start of the parade, my entry was next to some children's groups. I met with the children of the John Valenzuela Youth center, they represent gang prvention. It was fun talking with them about the how important their futures are and avoiding gangs. Its great to be a positive person for the kids. I also spoke with children who supported Toys for Tots and also met young marching band members from The Fountain of Life school. Overall the parade was fun, somewhat cold and great experience. Thank You to my friend Kathy Lauer for loaning me the car and to my husband TJ for driving and my son Alex for helping.
Happy Holidays to everyone and I will see you all in the new year!
Hugs
Elisa, Mrs. Arizona America 2009

December 2009

Well its the most wonderful time of the year!! Christmas season is my favorite.
I'm still keeping busy, yes event though the holidays. Come out and see me in the these upcoming events, I will keep you posted as we make it through December and the holiday season.
December 5 "Tis the Season" Holiday Festival Vail, AZ.
December 12 Downtown Tucson Holiday Parade of lights (televised locally).

Happy Holidays!!
Love
Elisa Rister
Mrs. Arizona America 2009

November 2009

Hello Friends

Well November has been a little crazy. I stay organized with the help of my husband TJ and my blackberry.

November 10, I was vounteer/guest at the Torii Hunter Celeb golf tournment. The event kicked off with a red carpet welcome at the Wild Horse Pass Casino, Chandler, AZ. It was fun to help welcome the celebs on the red carpet and I got the opportunity to meet some MLB players, some of the AZ Diamondbacks and Justin Upton. I wasn't allowed to take pictures with the players due to being a volunteer. I did get some fun after shots with the help of Mrs. Desert Ridge Jenn Rivers. It was a fun night.

November 12, My brother and his wife welcomed their first child to the family. My little nephew Baby Daniel was born on November 12 at 5lbs 11.3oz and 19.5 in long. I think my little nephew is the cutiest. That is me just being a proud Auntie.

November 21, I was inivited to volunteer at the LLS Celebrity Martini night at the Devil's Martini in Scottsdale. It was a fun casino night themed event, everyone helping to raise funds for the Leukemia Lyphoma Society. Thank you Tracy Elliott, Mrs. AZ 2007 for inviting me to help you out with this event and also thank you to Mrs. Biltmore 2009 Leeann Dearing for volunteering your time also. It was a great night!

I am thankful this holiday for all my family, friends and sponsors and espeically my husband TJ and my son Alex for all the support. I couldn't get my fun job done without all the help.

Thank you to my director Diane Ritter for all your hardwork and dedication, My Mrs AZ sisters for all your guidence and to all the sponsors of the Mrs Arizona America pageant.

Special thank you to Kris of Ric Erickson Studio, Kelly Wisnewiski Make-up Artist, Maya Palace, mombomb and spa one for helping me look my best and my lastest events.

Thank you for following my journey, I will be back soon with another update and I continue to work hard being your Mrs Arizona America 2009.

Love,

Elisa :)

My Events

November 10 Torii Hunter Golf Classic Celebrity Night, Wild Horse Pass Hotel Chandler, AZ

November 14/15 Attending Miss AZ USA Pageant, Mesa, AZ

November 21 Leukemia Society Martini Night, Scottsdale, AZ

November Public Speaking Pima County Juvinile Center, Tucson, AZ TBA

December 12 DownTown Holiday Parade of Lights, Tucson, AZ

Pictures from Mrs. America 2009

Hey Everyone

Here are my pictures from Prelims from Mrs. America 2009. I had a great time representing my state at the pageant.

Hugs

Elisa

Mrs. Arizona America 2009

Making Strides

On October 25 I participated in the American Cancer Society "Making Strides Aganist Breast Cancer." walk. It was a great day and I appreciate my team walking with me and helping me to raise funds and awareness to help further research for a cure. Thank you to my team, Kathy Lauer (United America Ambassador), Tana Castro Miss United America, my sponsors/owners of Maya Palace John and Susie Kopeland and my friend Holly Belhuemer. I hope you will continue helping me promote Breast Cancer Awareness.

See you at my next event.

My year as Mrs. Arizona America is going well and I am glad to have a supportive group of family, friends, sponors,director and of course my husband TJ.

Thank you and I will continue to make you proud as your 2009 Mrs. Arizona America.

October 23

Hi Everyone

I had the opportunity to speaking with a women's group called (M.O.P.S.) Mothers of pre-schoolers in Vail, AZ. As a volunteer for the Southern Arizona Susan G. Komen affliate and being Mrs. Arizona. I spent the morning speaking to this group of moms about the importance of Early detection awareness and breast cancer awareness. It was great to speak to this group because as mom's we tend to put our families first and forget about our own health. Its important to focus on maintaining our health, so we can be there for our families in the future.

Thank You to Kelli York, M.O.P.S. and Komen office for having speak to this group. Education is important. This is just a great opportunity I get to have as Mrs. Arizona.

Thank You for reading and stay tuned for events as I continue my journey as your Mrs. Arizona America 2009.

Elisa Rister

October 18

Well the weekend of October 16-18 my family and I made our annual Rister Family trip down to Tombstone, AZ for the 80th annual Helldorado Days Festival. This year was special because I got to participate in the parade. It was very hot, but I managed to stay cool and smile big for the people on the sidelines of the parade route on Historic Allen st in Tombstone. Lots of picture taking and cheers, but I think it was for my awesome ride. Thank You to my great family friend Virgil Haugen for loaning me your eye catching ride. It was a crowd favorite!

While in Tombstone, I had alot of fans that wanting pictures after the parade.

Thanks for reading:)

October 16

On October 16 I had the opportunity to travel down to GreenValley, AZ and speak to the women and staff members of the Santa Rita Nusering Home about Breast Cancer Awareness. It was great to meet and have time with the young women of the staff and provide information for them and meet a women who was 90 years old and a breast cancer survivor. The rewarding part of my title is being able to reach women of all ages. Thank you to the staff of Santa Rita Home.

Elisa, Mrs. AZ 09

October 10 and 11

On October 10, I attended the 2010 Miss Pima County pageant and had a great time to see some of the young women of Pima County compete for the title, very talented. I got to meet and spend time with the current title holders and friends. It was great night.

The next morning October 11, I spent Sunday morning shoot the new Maya Palace commericals and Photos. Maya Palace Boutique in Tucson has been one of my long time sponsors. They have great fashions and gowns, so if you are in the Tucson area please stop in and see them.

Thanks for reading :)
Elisa

Mrs AZ 09

My Update October 2009

Hello Friends,

Well October has been a very busy month for me, I have alot of opportunities to be out in my community and Southern Arizona to speak with women about Breast Cancer Awareness and Early Detection Methods. The best part of being Mrs. Arizona is that I can reach so many more women and have more ears that are listening. So hopefully I have made an impact.
I have been to alot of events, so I will post pictures and stories soon.
Thank you for being apart of my journey as your Mrs. Arizona America 2009.
Elisa

Updated Event List

September 30 MomBomb Photo Shoot Phoenix
October 3 Women's Wellness Fair Tucson
October 11 Maya Palace Commerical/Photo Shoot Tucson
October 16 Komen Speech GreenValley, AZ
October 16-18 Helldorado Days Festival Tombstone, AZ
October 18 Helldorado Days Parade
October 23 Mother's of Pre Schoolers(Komen Speech) Vail, AZ

October 25 Making Strides Aganist Breast Cancer Walk Tucson

Women's Wellness Fair

October 3, I was asked to attend the Women's Wellness fair. This event was held at La Encantada Mall Saturday afternoon. I was there with my local dentist Dr. John Carson and his staff. His staff help keeps my smile healthy! I got to meet lots of people and businesses and be an example of a healthy smile during Dr. Carson's presentation about his practice.

Thanks for reading.
Love
Elisa, Mrs. AZ.

Tu Niditio Charity Event

I attended the The Tu Niditio Charity event hosted by the Tucson Women's Council on September 26, It was amazing to see so much money raised to help these children, so many Tucson Business and celebrities contributed to this beautiful cause. What an honor to be invitied to such a special event.

Upcoming Events

Here is my Schedule of events: "Just keeping busy" :)

September 22 Celebrity Catwalk for Charity Phoenix

September 26 "Tu Niditio" Women's fashion Show Tucson

September 30 Mombomb Photo Shoot Phoenix

October 11 Race for the Cure Phoenix

October 16 Breast Cancer Awareness Speech, Green Valley

October 16-19 Helldorado Days Fesitval, Tombstone, AZ.

October 19 Helldorado Days Parade Tombstone, AZ.

October 23 Breast Cancer Awareness Speech, Mothers of Preschoolers Org. Vail, AZ.

October 25 Making Strides Aganist Breast Cancer Walk, Tucson.

Debbie Gaby's Celebrity Catwalk

Hello Everyone,

Well I have been keeping busy, I was in Phoenix on Tuesday September 22 and was honored to participate in Debbie Gaby's Catwalk for Charity. I was listed among lots of celebrities, which was very cool. It was alot of fun and getting to wear an awesome gown from Dillards. I got hang out with John Jay and Rich, Gena Nolan and of course my friend Diane T. and so many more.

Thank you to Mrs Gaby for having me there. I will be keeping busy over the next month so I will post new stuff often.

Thanks for reading :)Lots of Love

Elisa

Mrs. America Week

Hello Friends,

Well I am back from Mrs. America. The week started on Tuesday September 1, when I arrived at Ventana Canyon. I was dropped off by my hubby and mom. I met my roomie Mrs. Utah, Heidi. She is super sweet and we were good pals all week long. Tuesday night I attended our welcome dinner, where I officially got to meet all the other 50 beautiful ladies and pageant staff. 9-2-09Wednesday started with breakfast and rehearsals, followed by lunch and then an outting to support Tucson's Habit for Humanity. Lets just say I can't plant trees, but I sure tried. After and long monring in rehearsals and then an afternoon planting trees in the Tucson heat. We had a short tour of Tucson and then back to the hotel, with a quick change for our dinner party hosted by EL Charro Mexican Restuarant.

Everyday began for me at 5:30am, making myself look good for the whole day and going to sleep about 10,11pm every night.

9-3-09Thrusday- Began with breakfast, then a morning full of rehearsals. Rehearsals were fun, I got a laugh out of our choregraphers Frit and Frat. For some reason they liked giving me a hard time. But I'm tough I can take it. After lunch we went on a shopping venture and "red carpet"treatment at La Encantada. Then back to the hotel for our dinner party with Mr. J Walker president of tucson visitor beauru.

9-4-09Friday. Started again with Breakfast and then we were off to the Ventana Canyon Golf course for some morning golfing. Followed by a day full of fun filled rehearsals. Friday night another dinner party, this time for our wonderful site host Mr. B Johnson president of Ventana canyon. They was fun because everyone looked beautiful in their gowns.

9-5-09- Beautiful Saturday morning began for us at 6:30 am poolside photo shoot. Then off to breakfast and the seminar from MENC, then more time in rehearsals. Then dinner and off to more rehearsals and our delagate gift exchange, that felt like christmas I got some amazing stuff from 50 states. Then off to sleep and prep for interview bright and early for the first half of the states, l.ike myself. In the #3 spot.

9-6-09 Sunday morning was my interview, Judges were really nice and great conversation. The rest of the day was free til about dinner time then off to the Jazz Festival, then off to another night time rehearsal.

9-7-09 Monday morning and day fulll of rehearsals leading up to prelims tonight. I am glad that on Saturday my director Di ritter arrived and my friends/make-up/hair Kelly and Kora arrived, less stress for me having to do my own hair/make-up.LOL I had a great time being on stage, thats my favorite.

9-8-09 Tuesday!! Today is the day. final day of Mrs America week and final show. All day was spent on rehearsals then getting ready for the pageant. I got to be on TV moments before the show, local news Fox 11 asked me to the commentary and short story about Mrs America pageant. Benefit of being the hometown/homestate gal.

Unfortuantly I didn't make the finals, I was little sad, but I am glad that I have really great friends and family who came out to the pageant to support me. There love and support really lifted my spirits by the end of the night.

My Mrs America expericence was truely a dream come true, even though I wasn't a finalist. I am proud to have had the once in a lifetime opportunity to represent my State in my hometown. To me that is awesome. I am overall please with how i did and i know my family and friends are proud.

My journey has only just begun, I am still Mrs. Arizona America 2009. I will continue to represent everyone to the best of my abilities and be the best i can be.

Now its off to work and continue to be your Mrs. Arizona America 2009.

Stay tuned for more updates thoughout my year! Its gonna a be a great one!!!!

Lots of love

Elisa Rister, Mrs. AZ.