“Thoughts become Things.” This quote is what helped me through this last year as I prepared for the 2008 Mrs. Idaho America Pageant. My thoughts and goals of becoming Mrs. Idaho came true on April 12th, 2008. I will never forget how relieved I was to make the top ten, ecstatic to make the top five and as I was announced Mrs. Idaho it felt too good to be true. It was an out of body experience. I feel extremely blessed and honored to have this opportunity to be chosen to represent the married Women of Idaho because I was amongst the best of the best.

Hello! I am Jackie Walker, a thirty-five year old, determined mother to five active children and dedicated wife to my supportive husband Justin. I am proud to be a native of Idaho and grew up in the south-eastern part of the state, Ririe, near Idaho Falls. While attending BYU Idaho, formerly called Ricks College, I was heavily involved in education, the Ricks College Clogging Dance Team and intramural sports.

While at BYU Idaho my 2nd year and first day back I had sworn off boys, but there was an extremely handsome guy hanging out in my apartment. Over time and 2 ½ years of writing letters I knew he had all of the qualities that I wanted in a husband. Justin and I were married in Salt Lake City, Utah and celebrated our 12th year anniversary in January. We have five beautiful children; Kayden 11 years old, Alesha 9 years old, Hallie 7 years old, Garrett 4 years old and Tycksen 8 months old. They help keep my priorities in order and keep me humble. We currently reside in the Boise area.

After marriage, Justin and I resided in the Sacramento, California area for about one year while I finished my education in Massage Therapy, Iridology and Reflexology. There I found a new love for natural healing, preventative medicine and overall health awareness. I find it extremely rewarding when I can make a difference in the touch of my hands being guided to help heal a persons’ body and see the positive change as I give massages.

I enjoy staying very active. My hobbies include spending time with my precious family, volunteering at my children’s school and their field trips, volunteering as a cheer coach for my daughters and other girls, being involved and volunteering at my church, chauffer to the many activities that my children are involved in, and traveling with my husband and family on vacations. The activities I enjoy throughout the different seasons of Idaho are snowmobiling, swimming, boating and wake-boarding in the many lakes, motorcycling in Emmett, skydiving with my husband, playing basketball with girlfriends and kids, clogging and horseback riding.

My overall goal as Mrs. Idaho is to hold this position with great care being an example and being involved and dedicated. I have made goals over this last year that I feel strongly and passionate about. First, I am going to use my gift in massage to help raise money for my platform, the Epilepsy foundation, and continue to bring awareness through day to day conversations. Second, I will stay involved with Susan G. Komen for the Cure with their many fundraiser events. Third, help keep the National Anthem alive by teaching it to our children in school and other opportunities through special programs and events. And fourth, I am in constant concern for the well being of women of all ages and want to continue to encourage strong morals and values. I will show the women of all ages how “Thoughts become things.” We all need encouragement to think positive, control our thoughts and believe what we can become. It’s amazing what happens when we do! Trust me I know! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my family and hopefully I have planted a thought of how the Mrs. Idaho America Pageant is nothing but a positive experience.

Mrs Idaho America 2008

Jackie Walker