This afternoon, I joined Dave Otto of Sassy 107.1, on his afternoon radio show. We talked about Mrs. World, the upcoming Mrs. Colorado Pageant, and the Mrs. Colorado Foundation.
Mardi Gras Bash benefiting Special Olympics of Colorado
Last night, Scott and I attended the 5th Annual Mardi Gras Bash benefiting Special Olympics of Colorado. Don and Bev Vallejos were our gracious hosts.
with Committee Member and my hostess, Bev Vallejos
with "Stretch"
with Jim Benemann of CBS 4 News
Great Chefs of the West
Last night, I attended the Great Chefs of the West Cook Off benefiting the Kidney Foundation. Mrs. Denver County 2007, Jeanine Minary was so kind to join me. We had a great time visiting with committee members and other attendees, as well as meeting some of the chefs and tasting delicacies from Colorado restaurants. For more pictures of the event on Black-Tie Colorado, visit http://www.blacktie-colorado.com/premiere_events/thumbnails.cfm?id=1622
with Jeanine
Salute to Hospitalized Veteran's
I spent Valentine's Day visiting hospitalized veterans at the VA Medical Center in Denver. Just one of the many patients I visited, celebrated her 94th birthday last week. What a joy it was to listen to her stories and others' throughout the day.
with Emmet, my volunteer escort for the day 
with Barb, volunteer coordinator
2nd Annual Ballads, Bugs and Ballet
with Ericka McDaniel and Christina Dinegar, event organizers from Central City Opera Guild 
performance by Mozart & Co.
For more information about the event, http://www.denver.org/Events/index.php?app=eventDetail&id=61757
American Heart Association Annual "Heart Ball"
with my husband Scott 
with "Heart Ball" Emcee and Mrs. Colorado 2006 Emcee, Ed Greene of CBS 4 News
For more pictures from the event on Blacktie Colorado, http://www.blacktie-denver.com/premiere_events/thumbnails.cfm?id=1611
Mullen Mother-Daughter Luncheon January 28th
I was honored to keynote the Mullen Mother-Daughter Luncheon on Sunday, January 28th. Since I was back in Nebraska the day before, my mother was able to travel with me to Denver and join me at the luncheon. I delivered a keynote titled, "Someday your face will stick like that...and other timely advice from my parents." I was humbled by the 200+ turnout, learning from organizers that it was their best turnout in years.
with my mom, Lynda
with organizers Chrisi Tolbert and Jeannie Stafford
Venango Chili Cook Off Saturday, January 27th
I met up with Jennifer Bradley, Mrs. Nebraska to judge the annual Venango Chili Cook Off. I took on the honors of judging the spicy division. It brought back memories of a Seinfield episode--"George likes his chicken spicy." For those of you who weren't Seinfield junkies like I was, take my word on it, that chili was hot! It was fun to see Jennifer and revert back to our ways at Nationals...having a great time clowning around together.
with Jennifer
signing autographs
judging
with my son, Owen
Ladies Night Out with Dr. Terkonda, January 25th
I stopped by last Thursday evening to sign autographs and raffle off prizes at Dr. Terkonda's office (official Mrs. Colorado sponsor).
with Dr. Terkonda
with Jamie and Sandy (my amazing estheticians!)
Final evening at Stock Show with KYGO
Last night, I wrapped up my second and final appearance with KYGO at the National Western Stock Show. I really enjoy the live radio appearances and hanging out with the station staff. During one of the live feeds, Owen got the chance to talk on the radio as well. He let everyone know that he is "two" and after some prompting from Paul "The Professor," Owen said "K-Y-G-O." After I was finished, Scott and I took Owen to the "Kids Ranchland" where he was able to pet sheep, baby calves, bunnies, and surprisingly, his favorite...pigs.
KYGO at the National Western Stock Show
Oh, my old stomping grounds. It was great to take in an evening at the National Western Stock Show with Catfish of 98.5 KYGO. I've been going to the National Western Stock Show since I was a little girl. One of the things I talked about on air last night was my experience showing the Grand Champion Bull at the National Western Stock Show when I was only 10 years old. I plan to return next weekend for another live broadcast with KYGO and to visit the Stockyards, where many of my family friends are displaying livestock.
Mrs.Hawaii
On a recent family vacation to Hawaii, I had the opportunity to get together with Sharlene "Pebblz" Nakamoto, Mrs. Hawaii 2006. Pebblz arrived in a limo to pick up my family for a day of taking in the main island. We visited Pearl Harbor, some nice beaches and Waikiki. It was fun to catch up with Pebblz and experience the island of Oahu with her first hand. Thanks Pebblz!
More pictures of the beautiful islands and our trip...
Christmas at Champa House
It was fun to play Santa for the evening with the women and children at Champa House. I read a story to the little ones and then Tricia and I handed out gifts for all.
For more information about Champa House, visit http://www.denverrescuemission.org/champa.html
For more information about Champa House, visit http://www.denverrescuemission.org/champa.html
Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
I had the pleasure of helping out with the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis held at Washington Park in downtown Denver. I was co-Emcee with KOSI 101.1's Murphy Huston. We had fun talking with participants, watching the kid's Snowman Run, and judging the costume contest. I also led the race, riding in style on a Harley.
with Murphy Huston
Queen's Christmas Party
The annual Queen's Christmas Party was held at the Melting Pot in Littleton this year. We dined on fondue, exchanged gifts and kicked off the holiday season!
with Jennifer Lamont '05 and Emily Stark '02
Amy Nugent '96 and Debi Moore '94
Shae Stuard '99 and Gina Harvey '98
with Tricia Dampier, '89 and State Director
Traci Holman '01, Elisabeth Cartmill '03 and Sheri Engstrom '04
with Raeanne Duca '00
Tricia, Raeanne and Janet Horvath '92
Debi
Manitou Springs Christmas Parade
What a beautiful December day in Manitou Springs! After enjoying the parade with Scott and Owen, I sat with Santa greeting all to Christmas "wishes" and cookies. I signed autographs and stepped in to help Santa with little ones who were hesitant to sit on his lap.
Celebrations Bridal Show
After the TTTS Race for Hope, I made a quick "wardrobe" change and drove to the historical Stanley Hotel in Estes Park for the Celebrations Bridal Show.
I signed autographs, took pictures and presented four lovely ladies with a chance to win the grand prize of $4000--found in the form of a ring, hidden inside a wedding cake! 
with Leonard and Scott of Colorado Sound
with Christie Adams, owner of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Estes Park
TTTS Race for Hope
This morning, I started the day at Washington Park for the TTTS Race for Hope. For those of you who aren't familiar with TTTS, it stands for Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. "It affects pregnancies with monochorionic multiples when blood passes disproportionately from one baby to the other through connecting blood vessels within their shared placenta. One baby, the recipient twin, gets too much blood overloading his or her cardiovascular system, and may die from heart failure. The other baby, the donor twin or stuck twin, does not get enough blood and may die from severe anemia" (http://www.fetalhope.org/TTTS.htm).
The turn out was amazing despite the cold weather. I joined Bill Harris (former Denver Broncos) and Tom Terwilliger (bodybuilder and former Mr. America) in addressing the group before the run. I hope you take some time to read the information on the Fetal Hope website. Just having my son only two years ago, I can't believe how unaware I was of conditions such as TTTS and other fetal distress syndromes.
with Lonnie Somers (Fetal Hope Foundation Founder), Bill Harris and Tom Terwilliger
Before the race
Tailored Angel Anniversary Party
I spent this evening at the Tailored Angel in Westminster. Celebrating their 6th year of business, the Tailored Angel proudly sponsors each new Mrs. Colorado with her crown ring. I signed autographs and of course, shopped. I have now added the cutiest crown belt to my collection!
with co-owners of Tailored Angel
with fellow shopper Sheri Engstrom (Mrs. Colorado 2004)
Veteran's Dinner in Idaho Springs
Scott and I were honored to be a part of the B.P.O.E 607 Elk's Lodge in Idaho Spring annual Veteran's Dinner and Awards Night. In addition to all Veteran's, policeman, firefighters, EMTs and local teachers were honored at the dinner. I presented awards with Rick Scott (Veteran's Service Officer) to all of the honored guests. I also shared a few words with the group and I think it only fitting that I share some of those here in honor of all Veteran's on this special day.
When I think of Veteran's Day, I can't help but think of my lifelong friend, Steph. Steph and I grew up in the same small town of Wallace, Nebraska. Steph was like another sister to Mandy (my younger sister) and I. A few years ago, when she returned from Afghanistan as part of the 101st Airborne Division, she was so thoughtful to take her only free time to drive to Lincoln, where other friends of mine were hosting a baby shower for me. I was on an emotional roller coaster at the time--I was just starting my 7th month of pregnancy. But my emotions ran even deeper for my friend Steph who informed us that she would only be in the States for another month before deploying again--this time to Korea. I remember breaking down and crying. "How can they do this to you? I just feel so sorry for you." Steph immediately put her arms around me and said the following in my ear....
"Never feel sorry for me. Never feel sorry for any of us fighting for this country. Feel sorry for the fact that a war is going on in this world. Feel sorry for those who are suffering overseas. But never, never feel sorry for me. I chose this path for my life. I'm proud to fight for freedom."Steph has always been a strong, determined and dedicated woman. But it was at that very moment in time that I couldn't have been more proud of her. This same woman who used to spend hours with me and Mandy in our bathroom putting on makeup and teasing our hair was now flying Chinook helicopters and leading 900 soldiers in an effort to help others, to fight for all of us back home. No longer could I feel sorry for someone who was doing exactly what she loved and was meant to do.
Recently, Steph shared these words with me...."I didn’t know as a young woman how much I would love being a Soldier. I didn’t know I would crave leading troops. I didn’t know how easy it would be to embrace the failures and defeats, as well as the successes, of a group of people, to take ownership for the direction the group is headed.....On this Veteran's Day I think of the men and women who have come before me. Those brave soldiers who have paved the way for me, who allowed me to grow up in a small town in Nebraska without the fear that my freedom was at stake. I deeply thank them for their sacrifice to this great country. I think of those who have given their life in this War so that I may be here to write this short story."
Thank you to all of the Veteran's, those currently serving in our military forces and all who have died fighting for this great country. Thank you for defending my freedom so that I too can write this story.