Mrs. America - September 2

My roommate, Mrs. Nebraska, and myself after planting our tree for Habitat for Humanity. It was rewarding to end the day knowing we helped with this great cause.

I can’t believe it’s the end of day two at Mrs. America already! We’re having a great time here in Tucson! Today began with rehearsals, then we all headed over to work with the very noble organization, Habitat for Humanity, to plant trees in a local park. Afterwards we headed to the “El Charro”, where we dined on delicious Mexican food.

1st DAY OF REHEARSALS

My group of 10, except we’re missing Mrs. Alaska in this pic.

Occupying our time by taking pics at rehearsals while waiting our turn to dance.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Digging a hole to plant our tree in.

Here is everyone who had hats on during our hot, hot, hot afternoon.

DINNER AT "EL CHARRO"

The whole group of us before dinner.

With Diane Tucker, Mrs. World 2007

With Frit and Frat, the official Mrs. America choreographers

With Mrs. Louisiana, who actually had family who lived in my small hometown of Canon City, Colorado! Small world!

ROOMIES!

With the candidate coordinator, Batsheva.

Orientation

And so it begins! Tonight was the first official event to kick off the Mrs. America Pageant week.....orientation. We had a great dinner, followed by the pageant staff speaking about our exciting week ahead.

August 31st Dinner

I decided to leave a day early (on August 31) to Tucson, so that I could unpack my many bags and boxes and unwind before the Mrs. America festivities began on September 1. It was a great day of rest and relaxation, that culminated in a handful of other women who arrived early eating a great dinner together at the Flying V restaurant. I couldn't think of a better way to spend my first evening!

The group of us after dinner

Me and my roommate, Jennifer Hart/Mrs. Nebraska. We are having the GREATEST time together!

Mrs. America......HERE I COME!

It seems as though it was just yesterday that I was crowned Mrs. Colorado, and now the time has come for me to represent my state at the Mrs. America Pageant. I anxiously packed my bags for nearly a week, waiting for the day I’d leave. Now I’m here at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, preparing to work hard at making my dream of becoming Mrs. America into a reality.

"Don't forget to pack your courage for your journey to greatness."

-David Weinbaum

Thanks to my sponsors and supporters!

They say “It takes a village to raise a child.” Well, it also holds true that “It takes a great team to build a beauty queen”.

As I’ve been preparing for this once in a lifetime opportunity to compete in the Mrs. America Pageant, I have been so fortunate to have the support from multiple businesses and individuals. To the following proud sponsors and supporters of the Mrs. Colorado Pageant, who have generously provided their services and time:Christina Sacha/Creating the Perfect You for image consulting and coaching, Tricia Dampier for interview coaching, Raeanne Duca of the Royal Image Boutique for my great wardrobe, Megan Anderson for being the mastermind behind my head shot and ad page for Mrs. America, Dr. Lori Kemmet for making my smile perfect through cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Raj TerKonda and Heather Eckert for making sure my skin is flawless and providing me with great skin care and make up products, Kent Paul of KPaul Fit for making my body “pageant perfect,” Alichia Ryan for refreshing my face, “At the Beach” for giving me a healthy tan through the VersaSpa tanning system, and Debbie Barnhill for the introducing me to the amazing Galvanic Spa.

Also to the local businesses from my hometown of Canon City and surrounding areas who have offered their financial support and services towards my journey to the crown:Ginger Ovinek of Capture the Moment Photography for the my “lifestyle” photo shoots, Fandies Candy Company for donating the gifts given to each of the 50 candidates at the Mrs. America Pageant, The Abbey Winery for donating two elaborate gift baskets for my “dignitary gifts”, Elite Family Fitness for the gym membership. And to Kwik Stop, the Fremont County Humane Society, Tom Halus, Starpoint, Mandi and Casey Zimmerman, and Moore’s Quality Earthmoving for their generous donations.

Many thanks to my parents (Glenn and Kristy McCarter) and my in-laws (Bill and Penny Yarberry) for offering unending support in every way I needed it. Much appreciation to my TRUE friends who have shared in my joy of being Mrs. Colorado, and encouraged me in my dream of becoming Mrs. America. To my “Queen Sisters”, I have learned so much from you all and have treasured your advice and expertise. And last, but certainly not least, thanks to my amazing “Mr. Colorado,” my husband Scott. Without Scott, none of this would be possible. This preparation process has been a very time consuming and tedious one, and he’s been incredibly understanding and offered a helping hand whenever I needed it.

“When we are dreaming alone it is only a dream. When we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of reality.”
-Dom Helder Camara

Colorado State Fair Parade

On August 29th, I rode in the annual Colorado State Fair Parade. My husband’s grandfather used to organize the parade itself and was heavily involved in planning aspects of the fair, so it was only fitting that I ride in this parade that was such a huge part of his life. His grandfather now resides in a nursing home, but they were actually able to bring him, and a few other residents, out to watch the parade.

I had the most handsome driver in the world…..my husband!

“Elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist”, the beauty queen’s rules of parade waving!

Here we are with Scott’s grandfather, a great man!

Mrs. Colorado Send Off Party

"Sisterhood is the essence of all the wisdom of the ages, distilled into a single word. You cannot see sisterhood, neither can you hear it nor taste it. But you can feel it a hundred times a day. It is a pat on the back, a smile of encouragement. It's someone to share with, to celebrate your achievements."

~ Anonymous

My mentor, dear friend, and former Mrs. Colorado Director, Tricia Dampier, threw the most amazing send off party to Mrs. America for me on August 28th! I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to celebrate my final days before leaving for Tucson than to spend it with this group of my true friends…..my Queen Sisters. One of the greatest “perks” of being Mrs. Colorado is to become a part of this sisterhood of former queens. We spent the evening at a great restaurant, 240 Union, while the ladies shared stories about me and gave great tips and advice for my duration at Mrs. America. The girls all spoiled me with lots of crown goodies, which I will treasure always!

Tricia gave me this beautiful 50th Anniversary Barbie Doll. Inside the box it says “Generations of Dreams,” and there is a Barbie wearing a CROWN right on the front of the dress…..talk about perfect! I’ve loved Barbie dolls my whole life, and have always enjoyed collecting them. So it was perfect when I was nicknamed “Queen Barbie” by the sisters.

My wonderful friend and mentor, Debi Moore (Mrs. Colorado 1994)

It has been SO special being Emily’s “first queen”. She is a great director, and I look forward to many more memories with her this year! (Emily-Mrs. Colorado 2002)

Me and my pageant “BFF,” Christina. (Mrs. Colorado 2008)

L to R: Marney Duckworth (Mrs. Colorado 2006/Mrs. America 2007), Paula Arand (Mrs. Colorado 1995), me, and Raeanne Duca (Mrs. Colorado 2000)

L to R: Traci Holman (Mrs. Colorado 2001), me, and Debbie Barnhill (Mrs. Colorado 1993)

Sheri Engstrom (Mrs. Colorado 2004)

L to R: Amy Nugent (Mrs. Colorado 1996), me, and Elizabeth Cartmill (Mrs. Colorado 2003)

L to R: Jennifer Lamont (Mrs. Colorado 2005), me, and Sharon Nuanes (Mrs. Colorado 1981)

Christina bought me this awesome robe! It’s pink, has crowns and rhinestones all over it, AND has my name and title embroidered on it…..PERFECT! This will be worn frequently while getting ready at Mrs. America!

A super cute crown tank from Sheri Engstrom….more pink and rhinestones!

Crown wine charms and crown swizzle sticks from Elizabeth Cartmill….how fun!

This table was set up with pink cupcakes (pink is my favorite color in case that hasn’t become totally obvious), Barbie dolls, and fun “Queen” cocktail napkins. I absolutely LOVED my Barbie themed party!

Russell (Tricia’s hubby) even came to my send off party! What a good guy!

"Animal Welfare and Protection Society" Commercial

With animals being my personal platform during my reign as Mrs. Colorado, I was thrilled when I was asked to be in a commercial for the “Animal Welfare and Protection Society.” This is a no kill shelter for lost and abandoned pets in Pueblo. I am a HUGE advocate of shelters such as this, because they give all animals a chance. The commercial was to advertise the new facility that they are building, which will be an environmentally safe design that will bring aid to the animals of today as well as in the future. They are a non-profit organization, and are entirely funded by donations and the generosity of volunteers. For more information on this incredible facility, please visit www.puebloawps.org.

Here I am getting ready to shoot the commercial.

These are the creative minds behind the camera.

Naturally my sweet dog, Neiko, appeared in the commercial with me. He is sure to be a celebrity after this! My husband, Scott, was disappointed that he didn't get any camera time though.

This little puppy took a real liking to Neiko, but he was not too excited about her. He prefers to believe that he’s the only dog in existence.

It’s always fun when I have “fans” come visit me at appearances. These kiddos belong to one of the guys who was filming the commercial.

Fox Box - August 21, 2009

On August 21, I had the opportunity to appear on Fox 31's "Fox Box". Fox Box is a segment of "Good Day Colorado" that invites special guests to discuss events currently making the news. The host of the show, Shaul Turner, along with Terrence Roberts (CEO, Prodigal Son Initiative), Ian Bagg (Actor/Comedian) and I all chatted about hot topics such as the debate on healthcare, whether or not our society is accepting of same sex relationships in politics, Michelle Obama's casual attire on family outtings, and the lady who believed to be pregnant with 12 babies. It was a great panel, with each of us bringing up strong points about the issues. I hope to be a return guest on Fox Box in the future, it was a lot of fun!

Children's Hospital Special Visit

One of the greatest things about being Mrs. Colorado is when a person requests your presence, knowing that it might brighten someones day. My mother and father-in-law have good friends who have a granddaughter, named Hailey, who was attacked by a dog when she was a young child, and was paralyzed from the waist down. Although Hailey leads a very normal life, she still requires surgeries every so often to keep everything in check. She was scheduled for one of her surgeries in August, and it was requested by her grandparents that I make a "special visit" to see her.

I had a wonderful time with Hailey, as we chatted about her involvement in 4-H where she participates riffle shooting and "Decorate Your Duds" (in which she received Grand Champion this year). She will go to the State Fair and compete in both categories in a few weeks, and looks forward to going elk hunting with her family this winter.

Make-A-Wish Foundation "Wine and Wishes"

On August 7th, I attended the “Wine and Wishes” event for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The objective of this event was to raise enough money to help send five “Wish Kids”, along with their families, to Hawaii. The theme for the night was a “Hawaiian Luau,” with delicious Hawaiian cuisine, hula dancers, and a silent auction with a multitude of great items to bid on. During the evening, I assisted at a raffle table where a $500 Tiffany’s gift certificate was awarded to the winner. While I made valiant efforts to win that gift certificate, it didn’t happen. None-the-less, it was a very successful evening with many people out to celebrate this noble cause.

For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to get involved, or to make a donation, visit their website at http://www.wishcolorado.org/.

My handsome husband, Scott, was my date for the evening. I’m so fortunate to have a husband who is so supportive. With most of my appearances being at least two hours away from home, he has graciously taken off work multiple times to be by my side as “Mr. Colorado.”

Karlyn Tilley of CBS4 was the emcee for the evening, and she did a fabulous job!

This was one of the “Wish Kids”, she was absolutely adorable! She entertained the crowds while cutting a rug on the dance floor, and even sang a song as a “bribe” to coerce more bidders during the silent auction. Looks like her “wish” of meeting her favorite musician, Demi Lovato, has inspired a star in the making.

Another “Wish Kid”, who was absolutely hilarious! He performed a bit of a comedy routine for the crowds, telling funny stories about his recent trip to Hawaii provided to him and his family by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

And this was the third “Wish Kid” of the night, who had just had his “wish” come true the week prior to the event. As an aspiring chef, he wanted to meet with the top chefs of Denver to learn their secrets. Watch out Denver…..this kid is going to take the cooking world by storm someday!

The most desired item of all the silent auctions was this authentic Fender guitar, autographed by Denver's own “The Fray”. This was the lucky guy who won the bid, and as you can see he was grinning from ear to ear.

"A Precious Child" Golf Tournament

Based on the concept of “A little laughter and a lot of love,” the A Precious Child organization is one based on providing children the basic essentials in life. From food and shelter, to providing school supplies, to offering support when difficulties arise in the home, A Precious Child is dedicated to meeting the needs of a child. On August 7th, I was given the opportunity to participate in a golf tournament benefiting this wonderful organization. Also offering her services for the morning was a very talented photographer Julie Karp, of Julie G Photography (http://juliegphotography.com). All the pictures displayed below are her work.
For more information on the A Precious Child organization, to volunteer, or to make a donation, please visit their website at http://www.apreciouschild.org/.

These wonderful ladies and myself drove around in golf carts on the course taking pictures and cheering on the golfers at the tournament. On my left is the founder and Executive Director of the A Precious Child Organization, Carina Martin.

Here I am pictured with Jeff Bailey and Dr. Lori Kemmet, who are supporters and sponsors of this noble cause. In addition, Jeff and Lori were both my judges at the Mrs. Colorado Pageant this year.

Here I am ATTEMPTING to look like a golfer, my husband laughed hysterically needless to say.

A great snapshot taken by Julie G Photography

This cute pooch belongs to Carina Martin (Executive Director of A Precious Child), and was featured in Oprah’s June 2009 issue of “O Magazine”. He is named after Denver Bronco’s football player, Champ Bailey.

Another great photo by Julie G Photography

2009 Miss and Master Patriotic Colorado Pageant

The 3rd Annual Miss and Master Patriotic Colorado Pageant was held on July 25th. The pageant began in 2007 when former Mrs. Colorado, Tiffany Sawyer, decided to organize this event donating all the profits to the families of fallen soldiers. Thirty-nine participants entered the pageant this year, raising over $4,000 for this great cause. With Tiffany being one of my “Queen Sisters” and a good friend, I was happy to lend a helping hand however I could. I acted as the “Judge’s Escort” and auditor, as well as assisting with handing out awards to the winners. For more information or to participate in the 2010 pageant, please visit the website at http://www.misspatrioticcolorado.com.

The 2009 Miss and Master Patriotic Colorado Pageant winners, the Director (Tiffany Sawyer) and myself.

The Pageant Director and my dear friend, Tiffany Sawyer. I was Tiffany’s 3rd Runner Up in 2007 when she was crowned Mrs. Colorado.

Standing next to the most coveted table of the afternoon….the banners, trophies, and the CROWNS!

2009 Toddler Miss Patriotic Colorado

2009 Miss Pre-Teen Patriotic Colorado

2009 Baby Miss Patriotic Colorado

2009 Little Miss Patriotic Colorado

2008 Jr. Miss Patriotic Colorado

All 39 participants singing along to the National Anthem in their “Patriotic Wear”

After Five Women's Group

These pictures got lost in my camera, so this post is making it up a bit late. This was my first “hometown” appearance as Mrs. Colorado. So not only was it extra special being my first hometown appearance, but the titleholders and some of the candidates from the pageant I direct (the Canon City Music and Blossom Festival Pageant) were also in attendance at this event. It was a wonderful evening put on by the After Five Christian Women’s group. They had a great guest speaker, and we dined on delicious food. I acted as the “Gown Commentator” while my titleholders/candidates modeled their evening gowns for the ladies.

A proud director with her titleholders, a few of the candidates and dear friend, Jamie Patrick

Jazz Concert Benefiting the Mrs. Colorado Foundation

On July 30th, I attended a wonderful event that benefited the Mrs. Colorado Foundation. It was held at the Solid Grounds Coffee House in Littleton, and the featured entertainment was a very talented jazz group called the Michael Shults Quartet. They graciously donated over percent of the cover to the foundation.

Here I am pictured with the Michael Shults Quartet

Royal Image Boutique Open House

July 18 was a very busy day for me, as I was scheduled for three appearances. My first of the day was for an open house at the Royal Image Boutique, owned by former Mrs. Colorado, Raeanne Duca. She has great clothing, and I will be wearing a lot of her pieces during Mrs. America Pageant week in September. Raeanne also specializes in evening gowns and special occasion dresses, in addition to carrying jewelry and accessories. Check out her website at http://www.royalimageboutique.com/.

One of the Mrs. Colorado 2009 contestants, Pamela Gabarron, stopped by and bought some very cute clothes.

Bare Escentuals Cherry Creek Mall

My second appearance of the day was at the Bare Escentuals store in the Cherry Creek Mall. I had a fun afternoon greeting customers, signing autographs and taking pictures. The staff treated me like royalty, even giving me a makeover. Their products are amazing! Bare Escentuals was gracious enough to act as a sponsor to the Mrs. Colorado Pageant this year, offering complimentary make up application to the contestants during preliminaries and finals.

Here I am pictured with the AMAZING staff at Bare Escentuals in the Cherry Creek Mall.

What girl doesn’t love getting a makeover? My eyes looked amazing when she was done!

It’s always so fun when little girls see me in my crown and they ask me if I’m a “real princess.”

A few boys were even lured into the store to get an autograph card!

"Queen for the Night" party

My third and final appearance on July 18 was a very special event honoring a woman who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Julie is a good friend of one of the women who I competed with in the Mrs. Colorado Pageant this year, Laura Felix. Being the kind hearted woman that Laura is, she organized this wonderful evening full of Julie’s family and friends, as well as many of the 2009 Mrs. Colorado candidates. I only wish that everyone who is challenged with a health problem could have such an amazing support system as Julie does.

Here I am with the beautiful and brave Julie.

This is the woman who pulled this whole event together, Laura Felix. If only everybody had a friend as great as her.

Myself, Julie and the 2009 Mrs. Colorado candidates who came out to show their support.

Here I am with my mom and Laura. I have to give thanks to my mom for being my traveling companion and my own personal paparazzi while at appearances. Living in Canon City, most of my appearances are at least an hour to two hours away, and my mom is kind enough to keep me company on the long drives. Plus, it gives us some much needed “mother-daughter chatting time.”

Denver Children's Hospital

I was honored to spend another afternoon at the Denver Children’s Hospital; this time was devoted to visiting the kids in their rooms as a “special guest”. I don’t think that I’ll ever leave that place without feeling totally humbled and inspired by these amazing kids and their families. Every night in my prayers now, I’ve permanently added the Denver Children’s Hospital. It was a wonderful afternoon of visiting, as EVERY child that I spoke with was most likely going back home within the week, what great words to hear!

Here I am with a fellow “Megan.” We were so excited to not only have the same name, but also that we spell it the same way too.

This was the Children’s Hospital volunteer who took me around to visit the rooms during the afternoon. I admire these volunteers so much for what they do!

Style-a-Thon

On July 12, I attended the “Style-a-Thon”, which benefitted the Mrs. Colorado Foundation. It was held at the beautiful Solera Salon in Centennial, CO. Some of the stylists volunteered their time to offer their services, with the only cost for this great day of pampering being a donation made to the foundation. The event proved to be very successful as over $2,000 was raised.
The Mrs. Colorado Foundation was created by Mrs. Colorado 2006/Mrs. America 2007, Marney Duckworth, and has provided deserving women in the state of Colorado scholarships to further their education. The Mrs. Colorado Pageant works as a partner with the foundation to help raise funding. For more information on the Mrs. Colorado Foundation, or to make a donation, visit the website at http://mrscofoundation.org.

This is DJ McDermott, the hair stylist extraordinaire to the Mrs. Colorado Pageant. DJ has done my hair for the Mrs. Colorado Pageant for the past three years now, and is a true artist to hair styling. DJ was one of the stylists at the Style-a-Thon who volunteered his services for a good cause.

Here is DJ pictured with Jennifer Lamont, Mrs. Colorado 2005.

Pictured with Alichia Ryan, who is a gracious sponsor to the Mrs. Colorado Pageant. She offered her hydrafacials during the day, which everyone absolutely raved about!

Raeanne Duca of the Royal Image Boutique (and Mrs. Colorado 2000) set up shop for the day, with all the profits she made going towards the Mrs. Colorado Foundation. I always get into trouble when I go shopping at the Royal Image Boutique, because she carries the greatest clothing and accessories! Check out the website at http://www.royalimageboutique.com/.

Here I am pictured with a Denver celebrity, Denise Plante, of the Colorado and Company TV show on Channel 9 and co-host of the KOSI 101.1 morning show.

Photographer Ronnie B donated his time by shooting pictures of the event. He took this fun candid shot of me, amongst many other great photos of the day. Check out his work at http://www.digitalsbyronnie.com/