The Summit Medical Center Dancing With the Mountain Stars Gala

After taking a few weeks off after returning from Mrs. America, I was SO excited to dive back into what I love . . . being Mrs. Colorado. I have an exciting 8 months ahead of me and I look forward to all of the great opportunities.

I was honored to be a special guest and keynote speaker at the Summit Medical Center Dancing With the Mountain Stars Gala in Keystone, Colorado.

The black-tie event was a huge success with over 400 attendees. NINE professional dancers were brought in from L.A. to dance different dance styles with local "Summit Medical Center Supporters" or as we like to call them . . . celebrities. The amateur dancers trained for several months to put on a great show! They ALL were amazing!

All proceeds went toward equipment for the cardio-vascular lab. This equipment is key for the today's technology in preventing and detecting cardiac disease. The hospital has been there just over 3 years and has grown to be one of the main medical facilities in the mountain areas.

The goal was to raise $100,000 toward the foundation's $250,000 goal (which is half the cost of the machine).

I am always honored to share my story of the wife of a heart attack survivor, mother of two, Mrs. Colorado and an American Heart Association Ambassador.

Head of the Summit Medical Center Health Foundation, Deb Edwards. She coordinated the event and it was amazing!! I was honored to be there!

Paul Chodkowski, the CEO of the Summit Medical Center. Congratulations on a successful event and thank you for having me!

The Dancing With the Stars winner, Kelly Renoux!! She did an amazing dance to "Singing in the Rain". Fred & Ginger would have been proud! She is a Benefits/Compensation Manager for Copper Mountain and Winter Park Resorts.

Congratulations to the "People's Choice" winner. She did an amazing version of the Charleston! She is a nurse by day but she was a "show stopper" that night!

During the professional dancers finale. They were amazing!

My handsome date . . . my husband John.

Raeanne Duca, owner of the Royal Image Boutique, donated over $400 for the event. She provided the wardrobe for the fashion show a few months ago in Breckenridge.

Miss Wyoming and Miss Teen Wyoming USA

Of course my first photo HAD to be with my Mrs. America 2008 alumni, Mrs. Wyoming Michelle Woodard. She was an official judge for the Miss Wyoming & Miss Teen Wyoming competition.

I have had a blast over the past couple of years being part of the crew of Future Productions, the production company and state directors for 6 states for Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. This year was a bonus to also be a part of it as Mrs. Colorado.

The 2009 queens are . . . Miss Wyoming Teen USA, Amy David and Miss Wyoming USA, Cynthia Pate. Congratulations ladies and GOOD LUCK at Miss USA & Miss Teen USA.

Myself with the 2008 Wyoming queens. Cassie Shore, Miss WY USA 2008 and Callie Bishop, Miss WY Teen USA 2008.

I was there last year the night these ladies won and was there this year to watch them give their farewells. Good luck with your future endeavors ladies! You are FABULOUS!

The official Future Productions photographer, Mike Solberg, never gets HIS picture taken. I couldn't resist turning the camera on him.

I, of course, had to take some time to stop by and do some shopping at the booth set up by the Royal Image Boutique, one of the official sponsors.

A reminder of why I'm inspired!!

This is my beautiful daughter, Lila Christine. She is 5 years old and my princess!

Just a reminder, if you scroll down my blog photos you will see a picture of me in Tucson during the Mrs. America group pool shot in a red swimsuit and this red hat.

My daughter just loves this hat! She came in the other day in this outfit and said, "Mommy, I'm Mrs. Colorado!" Awww, every mother hopes their daughters want to be like them!

This journey as Mrs. Colorado has NOT been about being a "beauty queen" but about being motivated to do something that I am passionate about and about never giving up! My daughter has witnessed that and as learned so much from it.

After Mrs. America, she asked me if I was sad that I didn't win?? Before I could even answer her, she added, "Because you shouldn't be mommy, you did your best and that is all that matters. And, I still think you are the best mommy ever!"

Okay, enough said! That has made my year as Mrs. Colorado ALL worth while!

Competition photos from Tucson!

Mrs. America was an unforgettable experience. I walked away with 50 new friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Even though the night was bitter sweet because that was in deed the last time I competed ; I have no regrets and felt honored to end my pageant career as Mrs. Colorado 2008. A special thank you to Tricia Dampier, my state director for making this opportunity possible.

During collective judging of preliminary gown competition.

During the finale on final night of the Mrs. America 2009 competition. What an experience that was!

During the preliminary swimsuit competition. I was in the best shape of my life, thanks to my trainer Ray Kahn from Kick-fit Sports.

During the traditional Mrs. America state Costume competition. I placed top 10 in state costume. It was the Colorado mountain sunset. My costume was inspired by a photo of the Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado during sunset.

The delegates had a blast taking a tour of Tucson. We shopped, of course stopped for Starbucks and ended the night with dinner and dancing!

Wow, it has been like Christmas everyday since I returned from Tucson! All 51 contestants had a gift exchange over pageant week. Goodies ranged from jewelry, beauty products, candy and even some great books. I received so much stuff, I have been opening goodies since I got home. Thanks again Mrs. America class of 08'!
Miss you ladies!

New Mrs. Colorado Foundation Website!

The Mrs. Colorado Foundation is proud to announce the launch of it's new website!

• Read about the foundation and how it started
• Learn about our scholarship program and past recipients
• Follow our blog for news and events throughout the year
• Help us spread the word and consider donating today!

The Mrs. Colorado Foundation was started by women to support women. Visit our website and learn more about how you can get involved!

Click here to visit our website http://mrscofoundation.org/

Pictures from Tucson . . .

Whew!! What a whirlwind the past couple of months have been. I spent most of my summer preparing for Mrs. America then spent 10 days in Tucson having the time of my life. The final outcome was not what I had hoped for but at the end of it all, a kiss from my husband reminded me of what I am most proud of . . . being Mrs. Sacha!!

I was honored with an ad page award and was a top ten finalist in state costume.

Feel free to check out some competition pictures on the photographer's website at http://www.printroom.com/event.asp?domain_name=dsphotography&group_id=210&utm_source=campaigner.com&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=mrs.America&utm_campaign=mrs%2BAmerica

click on any gallery then you can "select a different gallery" and scroll down to Mrs. Colorado to see some prelim pics. Enjoy!

After competition I was able to capture a photo with Mrs. World 2008, Diane Tucker and Mrs. America 2008, Kelly McBee. Hmmmm, if only I were a foot taller!! L.O.L.

Myself with Andrea Pruess, Mrs. America 2006. It was such a pleasure to meet her! Who would have thought she was one of MY fans! LOVE HER!

Me with my Colorado gal pals.
And a big fat thank you to ALL of my family and friends who made the trip to cheer me on! I had an awesome cheering section! LOVE YOU!

My biggest fan . . . my husband, John!


Amy Nugent, owner of Crown Chic Boutique.
Thanks for all the great goodies!


A quick glimpse at state costume. I was the Mountain Sunset.


Getting ready for swimsuit competition.


Me & my roomie, Mrs. Nebraska Andrea Stine.
Congrats on a top 6 finish!!

A day at rehearsals.

Mrs. Missouri, our Mrs. Congeniality . . . well deserved!!

Mrs. Georgia was just stunning!

One of my favorites . . . Mrs. California. We dubbed ourselves as CALI & CO! Our hubbies even became buddies! Look forward to visiting her in Cali soon!

My group just before interview.

Delaware, Connecticut, DC,Florida and Me.

Ready for interview! Thanks to Make-up by Kari and D.J. from Timothy D's Salon. Thanks for making the trip to Tucson, I couldn't have done it without you!

Head coordinator, Bechevez, and myself could not resist the fuzzy bunny slippers during rehearsals!

My roomie and I before the National Anthem Project seminar.

We all got new Scala hats before a tour of Tucson and a night out to dinner.

Me & my roomie before loading the bus.

Yee haw! Michigan and Louisiana ready for Tucson!

Ready for some shopping!

Another day of rehearsals. Friends that will last a lifetime!

More beautiful gals!

Me & Mrs. CA had lots of laughs!

Just before the traditional group pool shot. It was a 5:45 a.m. shoot. But it was so much fun!

The hats were a gift and part of the pool shot, I loved it!

Myself with Mrs. Minnesota at the dinner hosted by the G.M of the Hotel. We all presented him with gifts representing our states. We had lots of fun dressing up.

It was a night for great picture taking.

More beautiful ladies at the dinner.

The national director, David Marmel, hosted a beautiful cocktail party in his suite for all 51 contestants. We enjoyed getting treated like Queens!

Mrs. Illinois and I competed together 15 years ago at Miss Illinois USA!! Here we are again! I gotta love my home state girl!!

Mrs. Tennessee was a true Elvis fan! Loved chatting with her!

I hadn't seen Mrs. Wyoming since she was crowned in June. Great to see a familiar face!

More beautiful ladies!

Bechevez is the head pageant coordinator. She was Mrs. Isreal over 10 years ago.

Heading off to David's cocktail party.

Myself with Mrs. Idaho at Orientation. This was the first time I got to meet all the beautiful delegates. What fun!

I couldn't pass up getting lots of pictures of the class of 2008!

Vermont, Rhode Island, Nevada and Michigan.

More pics of the 2008 class.

Wyoming, Iowa, Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Arkansas, Alabama, Connecticut, Nebraska, Rhode Island and Nevada.

New Mexico, Colorado, Tennessee, Washington, and Wyoming.

Myself with my roomie, Mrs. Nebraska, anxiously waiting to meet the rest of the ladies.

Ready for Orientation. So excited!

I got to meet just a few ladies while registering and picking up my "official Mrs. America banner".

Massachusettes, myself, New Hampshire, Nebraska, and Kentucky.

Me and Nebraska at our first official Mrs. America event. . . registration.

John and I at the airport before I head out to Tucson. We were apart for 6 days before he made it out. The longest we have been apart! Missed him so much!

Getting ready to get on the plane. I made it with only 4 suitcases . . . not bad!

My Send Off Party . . .

State Director, Tricia Dampier hosted a send off party for me just two days before I left for Mrs. America. I think she has captured the title "hostess with the mostess"! I had the time of my life getting advice from 12 former Mrs. Colorados and LOTS of goodies that were fit for a queen!!
Goodies . . .

more goodies . . .

and more goodies!!!

I loved ALL my goodies! Here I was surprised by a one of a kind B. David crown pin from Janet Horvath, Mrs. Colorado 1992.

Thank you SOOOO much ladies for everything! The sisterhood that I am now part of is the best prize of all!!!!!

107.1 Appearance

Before leaving for Tucson, Marney Duckworth Mrs. America 2006 and I were invited to be guests on the 107.1 Daven & Ana morning show. We were able to promote the Mrs. Colorado pageant and my send off to Mrs. America. We had so much fun! We covered a little of everything.

Marney has the "gift of gab"!

We make a great team!!

Thanks for having me 107.1, I had a blast!

The whole gang after a great morning show!

No gal can resist the crown!

Ana . . . the Diva of Radio!

Daven in action!

Off to Tucson!!!

It is 2:00 a.m. and I just finished packing! Three very large, over- weight suitcases later . . . I finally have the time to take a deep breath and say, "OMG, I'm going to Mrs. America!"

My flight is early in the morning so I am hoping to get at least a few hours of sleep (But I'm too excited! I feel like I'm going to Disney World!)

I have had a "crazy" couple of weeks to say the least! Finalizing my gown and state costume and getting everything at home ready for "mommy" to be gone for 10 days, has been a bit hectic.

Marney (Mrs. America 2007) and I had GREAT fun Friday morning on 107.1 radio with hosts, Daven and Ana. Then I finished the evening attending my "send-off" party hosted by state director, Tricia Dampier. (I will post pictures when I return from Tucson). One of the best times of my life. It was soooo awesome to hear all of the words of encouragement from the former queens. I got fabulous goodies to get me ready for Mrs. America. Thank you ladies! I love you!

I probably will not be "blogging" while I'm in Tucson because I'm going to try and absorb every last minute of this experience.

But I promise to have lots of fun pictures and stories when I return!

THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me throughout this experience and I truly cherish all of your support!

No matter the outcome next week, I am soooo honored to go to Tucson as Mrs. Colorado!!

National American Miss Pageant

Myself with the National American Miss Jr. Teen 2007 queen, Taylor Schettler. I attended the event and enjoyed watching all of the queens crown their successors.

Taylor crowning the new National American Miss Junior Teen Queen.

Myself with the National American Miss Colorado Teen 2007. She is just as sweet as she is gorgeous!

Fundraising Fashion Show

I was a speaker (and a model) at a fashion show hosted by the Dancing with the Mountain Stars event, a benefit for the Summit Medical Center Health Foundation.

The Royal Image Boutique dressed several models selling wardrobe for the upcoming event in October. 30% of all sales went to the Summit Medical Center for cardiovascular equipment.

As a newly named ambassador for the American Heart Association, I was honored to share my story. I look forward to the Dancing with the Mountain Stars event in October.

Myself with the host of this amazing event. Thanks for having me!

My beautiful sister titleholders, Amy Nakos Mrs. Frisco 2008 and Ronnie Bibb Mrs. Meeker 2008 were also models in the fashion show. We had such great fun!!

Ronnie Bibb could sell ice to an Eskimo!! I think she actually convinced Bob, an attendee to the event, that this pink rhinestone belt was perfect for him!

The Patriotic Pageant

I had a great time helping out backstage at the Patriotic pageant (a fundraiser for the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund). Celina, daughter of my hair stylist, D.J. Mc Dermott, competed in the pre-teen division. She was FABULOUS!

Proud parents, D.J. & Timothy with their daughters Tianna and Celina. Congratulations Celina on your essay award! We were all SOO proud!

Marley Smith, Miss Patriotic 2007 posed for a photo with some of her adoring fans . . . my daughter & niece and D.J. & Timothy's girls.

I was proud to pose for a photo with the 2008 Patriotic Queens Court.

Myself with the founder and director, Tiffany Sawyer Mrs. Colorado 2007.

ALL proceeds from the pageant go to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund. Tiffany had a great outcome, raising several thousand dollars for a great cause!

Congratulations dinner!!

I would not be half the woman I am without all of my beautiful girlfriends!!

This was a dinner celebrating my achievement of Mrs. Colorado and my dear friend Tiffany Yee, (on the opposite end of the photo) of her achievement ~ winning the title of Miss Fitness USA!

Of course we are both watching our "carbs" so we ate LOTS of sushi!!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!!

Always thinking of our troops on this special day!!

I had a blast being part of the Highlands Ranch 4th of July parade. I LOVE hearing the little girls yell, "it's a princess!"

My whole family was able to ride along in the parade. My husband John, my mother Linda, my niece Ashlee, my son Doren and my daughter Lila had SO much fun. It's always extra fun to have my family share in the fun of being Mrs. Colorado!

A friend of mine loaned us his convertible BMW. Someday I'll be able to trade in the "mommy mo-bile" for one of these!

Mrs. Highlands Ranch 2008, Lori Krout, was also part of the parade. She was
so festive in her beautiful royal blue dress!

Kickfit Sports Magazine Article

A week after winning the title of Mrs. Colorado, my trainer Ray Kahn of Kickfit Sports, wanted to run a story on my "winning work-out" in his on line magazine.

"Me???" I replied, "in a fitness magazine?"

I was thrilled to be able to share the story of all of my hard work to get into shape for the Mrs. Colorado pageant.

The article is published in the July issue of Kick Fit Sports.

Check out the article on http://www.kickfitsports.com then click on the Kick Fit Sports Icon.

Use your arrow keys or click on the arrows shown to flip through the pages.

I must admit the article shows quite a "lighter work-out" than the actual training that I did during my preparations for the pageant but Ray didn't want to scare anyone away with ALL the details of my workouts! He "kicked" my butt into shape after my second baby like a drill sergeant would! But it was all worth it, I needed it!
Hope you enjoy . . .

I had great fun shooting the pics.

Thanks again Ray for the "boot camp" workouts! U rock!

The Bunco Queen Pageant

What a fun night in Highlands Ranch! Proctor & Gamble sponsored a national contest call the Ultimate Bunco Bash. Participants wrote in and described their Ultimate Bunco Bash. The best descriptions won. One of the winners was Michelle Medina of Highlands Ranch, CO who chose a pageant theme. The prize was $1,000 and the assistance to help throw the ultimate party. Proctor & Gamble contacted me to be a "surprise" guest at their party and judge the Bunco Queen Pageant. WHAT FUN!

To show their appreciation, the ladies presented me with a $500 check to the American Heart Association on behalf of the "Highlands Ranch Wives" donated by Prilosec OTC.

Thank you SO much. It was an honor to be there!

The Bunco Queen and myself, enjoying the night as "The Queens".

The crowning moment!! She was a doll! She actually cried. LOVE HER! She played the part of Mrs. Massachusetts Bunco, but walked away as The Bunco Queen!

Bunco Queen 2008!

The top 5 finalist!Mrs. Massachusetts Bunco, Mrs. California Bunco, Miss Denver Bunco, Mrs. Evergreen Bunco, and Mrs. South Carolina Bunco.

Winner of the national contest, Michelle Medina (who played the role of Mrs. Colorado Bunco), myself and The Bunco Queen!

The freelance producer that was hired by Proctor & Gamble, Daisey Mertzel. She was responsible for putting on the winning party for these ladies. Thanks for organizing the donation to the American Heart Association and thanks for treating me like a "queen". I had a blast!!

Enjoying the life of a "Queen"!

Parker Days Festival

I had a great time kicking off the Parker Days Festivities with meteorologist, Ashton from Channel 9 news and my "sister titleholders" Janel Ames, Mrs. Parker and Shelly Sylvius, Mrs. Douglas County.

Following our Channel 9 interview.

We were so flattered to have a police escort take us to our spot in the parade.

Shelly Silvius, Mrs. Douglas County 2008, myself and the proud police officer, Janel Ames, Mrs. Parker 2008 and Valerie Boyd, Mrs. Arapahoe County 2008 all were part of the Parker Days festivities.

My princess Lila was having trouble being patient waiting for the Ferris Wheel to open.

After the Ferris Wheel!!

My daughter, Lila, found a good use for my crown & banner case while waiting for the parade to start. She collected over 20 roll-y poll-y's! Yep, all in my crown bucket!

Family & friends enjoying the festivities at the Parker Days Festival.

Mrs. Colorado Baby Shower & BBQ

Three former queens are having babies! We had lots of fun opening baby gifts and talking "girl talk". There was SOOO much talking going on, this was the only photo that I got.

Paula, Mrs. Colorado1995 is having a boy and Tiffany, Mrs. Colorado 2007 is having a boy and Elizabeth, Mrs. Colorado 2003 is having a girl.

Congratulations ladies!!

The Denver Heart Walk

We had such a great time at the Denver Heart Walk on June 7th. So overwhelming to see thousands of people come together to bring awareness to the #1 killer in our nation . . . heart disease. Thank you SO much to our family & friends who came out to be a part of the "Sacha Team".

A BIG thank you to everyone to donated on behalf of our team. The Heart Walk web page is not updated yet to show all the donations but will be soon. Our team raised over $500. Thank you!

We had two survivors on our team! Rita Case is a stroke survivor. She suffered a stroke at age 16. She proudly wears her stroke "survivor hat". And my husband, John, who survived a massive heart attack in Nov. of last year. You two, along with thousands of others, were the reason for this huge celebration! WE LOVE YOU!!

My favorite survivor and darling husband, John. I'm glad he was there to wear his "survivor hat".

I was able to give a quick interview with my ole' pals, Denise Pante and Marke McIntosh, from Colorado & Company with Channel 9, who were covering the event.

Rita Case, Mrs. Jefferson County 2008 and Michelle Field, Mrs. Highlands 2008

A special thank you to my "sister titleholders" for coming out to be a part of our team. It was SO great to have you ladies there.


We were so honored to support all of the survivors. Several even held up signs as we walked.

Childrens Hospital . . . A day I will never forget!

The face of an angel!!!

This is Taylen a brave little girl that I had the pleasure to spend time with today. One of her family members (Valerie Boyd, Mrs. Colorado contestant 2008) called the Mrs. Colorado office to see if I could come and surprise her and help her celebrate her last chemo-therapy treatment after a year of treatments! I couldn't wait to meet her! She was the sweetest, most positive, brave little girl I have ever laid eyes on. I got to spend over an hour with the family getting to know them, and what a treat that was! I walked away after meeting her knowing that I would never forget her. She has experienced more hardship in her young life than most people will ever face. Her beautiful face is forever in my head!

I was honored to be a part of her celebration!!

Her big sister, Tyanna has been such a rock for her little sister. I couldn't help but praise her strength as well. Her parents, Regina and Ty are so strong for keeping it together. You could sense the overwhelming sense of "gratefullness" about them. I even got to meet G-ma & G-pa, who of course made me smile. Truly a great family! Thank you for letting me share this day with you!

A special THANK YOU to TIMBUK TOYS who supplied me with over 30 sticker books to give to all the patients that I met with. The kids really enjoyed them! Especially the crown stickers!!

Taylen, her big sis Tyanna and myself. I brought them both fuzzy stuffed puppy dogs for their brave journey and success. I was so touched by their love for one another and SOOOO grateful I was able to spend time with them.

Sharing stories with these beautiful sisters was the best part of my day! Only 8 years old, Taylen, had experienced more "life" than I think I have in all of my 36 years! What a brave little girl. I was honored to be a part of her day.

Then I was off to do my rounds to all of the patient's rooms. It was truly a day I will never forget!


Sweet Amanda. She is going to be something great someday ~ she reached out and shook my hand and kept her little brother "in check" while we visited. I love a strong woman! She was such a pleasure to meet!

Little Miss Andrea. When I walked into the room with that crown on, her eyes got as big as golf balls! She was so in awww of the crown, she barely said one word. Little did she know, I was just as enamored with her! She had eyes of a movie star!

Princess Bailey! This one was a girl after my own heart! She had a crown pillow in her room and crown stickers on her scrap book . . . now thats a true princess! She couldn't speak but her smile was worth a 1000 words. I had to go visit her twice because her smile was so infectious!

Miss Haley, my sweetie from Montana. She was getting ready to go home today after 12 days of being in the hospital . . . YEAH! I asked her if she was going to be the future Mrs. Colorado, she adorably replied (with her hand on her hip), "Nope, but I WILL be the future Mrs. Montana!" I love her spunk!

My wonderful escort for the day and one of Childrens Hospital's best volunteers, Donna.