Well, hello there, Arizona! My name is Kristin Baker and I am so happy and excited about being your state's representative as Mrs. Arizona America 2006. I guess lightening can strike twice! Let me start with telling you a little about myself:

My Current and Recent Community Involvement:
Mrs. Arizona America Organization - Contestant Volunteer
Christ Church School Parent Organization - Committee Member
Christ Church Youth Committee - Nursery Supervisor
Phoenix Country Club - Kid’s Care Committee Member
YMCA - Youth Services Committee - Member Volunteer
North Central Parenting Organization - Class Rep Committee

My Hobbies:
Attending sporting events - Diamondback and Cardinals Season ticket holders
Reading - favorites include: Historical Fiction, Biographies and People, US Weekly and In Style (hey it’s still reading… right?)
Finding quiet time
Going on “date night” with my husband
Note: Plan on developing more hobbies when I experience “Empty Nest Syndrome.”

My Special Talents:
Can make at least 3 of 5 field goals from the NBA’s 3 Point line
Can throw a mean fastball and curveball
Can scale Camelback Mountain in 26 minutes
Can take both kid’s grocery shopping at the Super Center Wal-Mart in under 3 hours !!!(and only forget one thing off my list)

My Sporting Activity:
I enjoy being physically active. I am still a tomboy at heart and love participating in most sports.

• Tennis - Member of the WILT League, representing the Phoenix Country Club
• Have an A3 Ranking
• Have won many Championship tournaments:

C Division Women’s Singles
B Division Mixed Doubles
B Division Women’s Doubles
A Division Women’s Doubles 2nd Place

• Hiking the beautiful mountain trails: Echo Canyon, Squaw Peak and North Mountain
• Weight training, water and snow skiing

The Mrs. Arizona America Pageant was held in May and I along with 22 other wonderful women, competed in traditional pageant competitions; personal interview, swimsuit and evening gown. The weekend was a total blast and a little stressful. The competition was stiff and as we arrive at the final two women, Mrs. Diane Tucker was named Mrs. Arizona and I, her 1st runner-up. To be completely honest, I was disappointed but only for a single second. I was proud of my performance. I won the Personal Interview category along with the Evening Gown category. I feel I gave my personal best on stage and never looked back.

When they called Diane Tucker, Mrs. Tucson, I also knew that she, too, had performed beautifully as did the entire top five. I believed that she deserved to win and would be a great representative for our state at the National Competition. I love to be proven right! At the Mrs. America Pageant, held in Tucson on Sept 6, 2006 (I know many of you followed her journey through her blog as well), Diane put forth another flawless performance and walked away with the crown and title of Mrs. America!! We are all so proud of her. And due to those amazing circumstances, I am now the very lucky woman who gets to step in as the new Mrs. Arizona America. I am thrilled and look forward to sharing with you all the exciting events that I will participate in; as well as reporting to you about the rewarding charity and good works efforts that are happening all around the state during my reign.

I would like to, at this time, introduce you to a few instrumental people in my life that you will often hear about. First, my husband, Rick Baker, who from here on and forever will be referred to as Mr., Arizona, is a native of Phoenix, a Brophy Boy, a U of A Wildcat, and Fiji guy. He is the President of the Bakorp, LLC, and the majority owner of Pacific Mobile Diagnostics Company in Arizona, as well as the owner of The Radar Company in Denver, Colorado. He is my supportive and loving husband of 8 years, and a devoted father to our two children. Next is Jaxson Baker, our 7 1/2 year old son, AKA the "Prince of Arizona and Jordan Brooke Baker, the truest "Princess” in our family. She is 3 1/2 years old. Of course, my fantastic State Director, Diane Ritter, who I am so lucky to have not only as an award winning director, but as my friend.

You will probably read about my dear friend Carolyn, who is my tennis partner. Tennis is my salvation, however, some would argue that it is a cold beverage in a fancy wine glass, but don't be fooled. Carolyn is without question one of the smartest women I know, as well as a superb mother and wife to her family of five girls and husband Mike. And last but certainly not least, my Birthday Bunch Gals; Ali, Amy, Kelly, Michele, and Molly. All of whom are talented women in their own right as well tremendous wives and mom's. I love you all.

-- Kristin