Foundations of Hope 2010 Gala

with my daughter

Who doesn't love a girls-night out? My daughter and Emily Stark (Mrs. Colorado Director) were my dates for the Hope House of Colorado, Foundations of Hope 2010 Gala. In my prior posting about HH, I hope you can see my heart for this organization. When I learned I was going to be a mom, I was in my junior year of high school and Chuck was in his senior year. Thankfully, the two of us turned to God and asked Him - 1.) Forgive us and 2.) Direct our paths. In addition to learning our role of becoming mom and dad, we were learning what it meant to be husband and wife, and college students. Without our faith in the Lord, we wouldn't be coming up on 18-years of a very strong marriage.

Early on in my pregnancy I was pointed to this scripture, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Hope House is essential for Colorado's teen parents. The young moms need to know they absolutely CAN have a future. They need to believe wholeheartedly God does have a plan for their lives. HH, helps them to know this.

My daughter and I participated in the gala's silent auction. We were in need of a special gift for my niece's baby shower. We found the perfect outfit and set our sights on it. Of course, someone else did the same thing! We strategically placed ourselves so we ultimately gave the last bid before time was up. Our competitive juices were flowing!! We were victorious in winning the item, ultimately accomplishing two goals. We had our gift and the money went to a tremendous cause.

Hope House more than tripled their financial goals that evening. It's such a blessing to see God's favor over this organization. Lives are being changed for the better there, and God is blessing them for it.

The SWEETEST photo gallery is up on their website, they shared this the night of the gala. Please take a moment and click on the link below.

http://www.hopehouseofcolorado.org/index.cfm/id/41/Photo-Galleries/

Mind Redesign

In my Mrs. America preparation, I had the privilege to work with Amy Nakos of Mind Redesign. Working with Amy on my mental blocks and the thought processes I have about myself ultimately gave me the freedom to go to Tucson mentally prepared for all aspects of the competition. My work with Amy not only benefitted me in competition, but in my day to day life. One of the areas I really wanted to work on was getting over my anxiety of being in front of a crowd. My goal was to be able to speak at Mrs. America successfully - representing Shalon at her best. After making Top 6, I had the opportunity to speak at the pageant - accomplishing my goal of comfortably conveying my message to the audience and the judges.

Click on the attached link to learn more about Mind Redesign. Click on pageantry and listen to the Pageant Competition teleseminar with the former Mrs. Colorado Director, Tricia Dampier.

http://www.mindredesign.com/Pageantry.html

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

with Columbine High School FCA athlete and counselor

I often giggle at God's sense of humor. He has blessed me many times with working out details that ultimately show He has everything figured out. His plan for me is always better than my plan for me. I thank HIm for that!

Earlier this year, Chuck and I were invited to attend the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Partnership Banquet at Invesco Field. You know Chuck was excited, there are very few things in life that warrants rearranging his little league football practice. The keynote speaker of the night was none other than Bobby Bowden, former Florida State University Head Football Coach. Coach Bowden is second in all-time wins for Division I. Our family has high regard for athletics and the impact coaches have on their athletes, ultimately influencing them for the cause of Christ. Attending the FCA event was a privilege. Coach Bowden shared a lot of insights in coaching and as Chuck knows first-hand, Bowden reminded the importance of being "available." Many of the players are lacking a father figure in their lives and the coach relationship helps fill that void. The very exciting part of the night for me was sitting next to the two beautiful women pictured above. The Columbine athlete was very brave to stand in front of the attendees and give her touching testimony. FCA has made a huge impact on her life and she couldn't wait to give God the glory in the results. God has placed her in perfect care, her FCA counselor was a former Columbine student who was in the lunch-room during the Columbine incident we are all very familiar with. Having the opportunity to fellowship with these two remarkable women of God, really was more than I could have asked for.

I'm a proud Mom.

Chalcey giving her testimony at Valor High School

Parents want the best for their children. Being a parent is one of the highest callings God gives. You pray your children hang out with the right kids. You want them to do well in school. You hope you are raising them the way God wants you to. Chuck and I are not the best parents in the world, we know we mess up a lot. However, when we look at our daughter Chalcey, we know we are on the right track. Chalcey isn't perfect. She works hard at school. She works hard at Volleyball. She has a heart for others and she knows her value.

Chalcey's value comes from God alone and on June 10, 2010, God reminded her He has a plan for her life. That morning I received a phone call shortly after Chalcey left for her 8:00 volleyball practice. The man on the other line told me my daughter had been in a single vehicle accident, she was being stabilized and would be transferred to one of the two closest hospitals. His superior grabbed the phone and told me exactly where they would be taking her. I can remember dropping to my knees, paralyzed by the unknown. My two boys were home with me and Chuck was in Casper, WY working on a project. I quickly dressed, called family members and drove to the hospital in a daze. When I arrived at the hospital, Chalcey was in getting her ct-scan. Her room was riddled with remnants from the accident. Broken glass, leaves, twigs, dirt, muddy and bloody workout pants. On the bedside table the nurses notes delivered a blow, it stated Chalcey had rolled her car and flipped it twice over C-470. God miraculously kept Chalcey's life in his hands. He allowed her to sustain only a concussion and a broken nose. Her VW Cabriolet was crushed, but she wasn't.

Recently, Chalcey shared her experience in front of her peers at Valor Christian High School. Her friends gave me the seat of honor...front and center, next to them. The students were in awe over the pictures of the car. They learned Chalcey had looked down at her ipod and lost control of her car. Chalcey challenged them to be distraction free in their cars, hoping she might have saved a life in sharing her experience. Chuck and I were so proud walking out of the gym that day. Our daughter is becoming a woman before our eyes. She knows her worth, more valuable than rubies!

Halloween at Hope!

with the Teen Moms of Hope House

Halloween traditionally isn't a holiday I celebrate too seriously. This year, however, I got to attend the tail-end of the Hope House of Colorado's Halloween party. Hope House was started by two teen moms, who like me have a heart for the teen parents of Colorado. Hope House of Colorado runs a residential program and Community program for teen moms. Hope House desires to expand their vision nationally, so young moms in all sates can become self-sufficient through completion of their programs. I understand, firsthand, the need for organizations like Hope House. Being a teen mom myself, the first years of learning to become a mom while working towards my life goals made life challenging. Having a group of people who believe in you and your abilities, who provide resources to help you be successful makes all the difference in the lives of these young families. I look forward to the future partnership with this organization. There are many ways you can help serve go to www.hopehouseofcolorado.org.

Passion for Fashion

with Karen Overton co-founder Christian Women Development Association and event co-chair

in front of a Pakistani bridal gown

When I am invited to events around Colorado, one of the most common questions I get is, "What is your platform?" The Mrs. Colorado pageant traditionally is not considered a platform pageant, however every woman who competes brings with her a heart or passion for something. My number one goal in life is to bring God the glory He deserves - everything that is good in my life is a result of His work alone. My passion and my heart is to be a champion of marriages, of women, of mothers and families. When I heard about The Christian Women Development Association and the work they are doing for the Pakistani women, I knew it was a perfect fit for this Mrs. Colorado. CWDA provides an education and training program to the women of Lahore, Pakistan. Josna Azim of CWDA says, "to educate a man is to educate a person, but to educate a woman is to educate a family, and ultimately, a nation." CWDA's Christian mission for Pakistan women began in 2000, impacting and educating over 3,000 women and children.

Fashion Group International and CWDA recently joined their talents and organized a luncheon and fashion extravaganza. I was honored to sit with the co-chairwoman's Karen Overton. Karen is a woman among women. Her heart for impacting others in unmistaken upon introduction. To learn more about CWDA's efforts for the families in Lahore, Pakistan go to www.womensdevelopmentassociation.org

with key-note speaker Aroona Shahrukh

Red Carpet - Odyssey 2010

Walking the Red Carpet

with Mrs. Colorado sponsor, Lori Kemmet, DDS

Broomfield Crossing Rotary and A Precious Child joined forces this year for the Odyssey 2010 Goes Hollywood Gala. The event took place at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield. All who attended received star treatment by walking the red carpet flanked by paparazzi (Broomfield High School drama students.) Dave Aguilera hosted the evenings events. Funds raised from the silent and live auctions benefitted "A Precious Child" charity. APC received close to $80,000 which will in turn be used to improve the quality of life for the areas underprivileged children and families. For the live auction, I wore a topaz and diamond necklace valued at $1400.00.

Behind the Mask

with Behind the Mask Co-Chair, Bridget Orton

The Center on Domestic Violence celebrated it's 10th Anniversary this year. On October 20th, I had the pleasure of meeting some of Colorado's finest at the center's anniversary celebration.   The multi-media event took place at the Colorado Convention Center's Wells Fargo Theatre.  Guests enjoyed a Silent Auction, Reception, and Theatre Program benefitting the Center on Domestic Violence's  fundraising efforts.  The evening was built around a theatrical performance designed to leave the audience with a glimpse into the emotional and physical turmoil of domestic violence.  The night's event was aptly named, Behind the Mask, representing the many women, children, and men who hide the violence behind the mask they create out of their shame and fear.  If you are interested in donating to the University of Colorado-Denver's School of Public Affairs domestic violence program,  contact monica.petersen@cufund.org reference fund #0321467.  

with Behind the Mask guest

with Behind the Mask committee members and guests

Cookie Johnson

with Designer, Cookie Johnson

Saturday, October 9th, my daughter Chalcey and I were at the Park Meadows - Nordstrom's CJ by Cookie Johnson Launch Party. Cookie Johnson - wife of NBA star Magic Johnson, began designing jeans out of frustration in finding jeans that fit the average woman's body type. Guests were invited to try on the new fall styles while models wearing her CJ's casually walked the store.

SCTNOW Stilettos and Fun Run/Walk

Denver's 1st SCTNOW Stilettos Race and Fun Run/Walk

Saturday, October 2nd, a dream was realized. The volunteers and coordinators for SCTNOW Denver, pulled off a fabulous Stilettos Race and 5k Fun Run/Walk at Elitch Gardens in Denver. Over $30,000 dollars was raised for the Stop Child Trafficking NOW organization. Donations will continue to be collected through November, so if you haven't had a chance to donate, please go to www.SCTNOW.org.

The money raised from the SCTNOW organization funds Special Operative Teams to gather information about the Child Trafficking predators here in the United States and abroad. The culmination of the Special Operative's predator tracking - results in convictions.

It was an honor to have my own Mrs. Colorado team participate in both the Stiletto's Race and 5k run. I took both my stilettos and my running shoes so I could participate in both races. I wouldn't be much of a Mrs. Colorado, if I didn't win the Stiletto's Race - my self inflicted pressure. If you look closely, you'll see in one of the pictures, I was the recipient of the 1st Place Trophy. I hope to defend the title at next year's SCTNOW race. I quickly unbuckled the heels and traded them for my tennis shoes. I'll admit, the 5k was a lot easier to run!

Thank you again for all who came out to support SCTNOW. Thank you especially, Team Mrs. Colorado!!

with Emily Stark- Mrs. Colorado Director and her daughters

with SCTNOW Denver event coordinator Julia Gentry

with SCTNOW volunteers and a few "Team Mrs. Colorado" members

Martino TV - SCTNOW

with Holly Martino

On September 30th, Martino TV went live at Elitch Gardens, where on October 2nd, Denver's first Stop Child Trafficking NOW Stiletto's Race and Fun walk/run would take place. A group of SCTNOW volunteers and race team captains were asked to be a part of the television segment. Tom and Holly Martion have been very active in spreading awareness about the very important and necessary, SCTNOW organization. Representing the Team Mrs. Colorado, Holly asked why I was interested in being associated with the organization. I explained how I had never heard there was even a need for such an organization and how Colorado being a transit state, should really make anyone in Colorado want to be involved.

Child Trafficking is said to be the fastest growing crime in the world, involving over 2 million child victims. To learn more about SCTNOW so you can get involved in bringing awareness and/or to donate, please go to www.SCTNOW.org.

Mrs. America Week

With Shelley Carbone, Mrs. America 2011

Alphabetical order- how I praise thee! The simple fact - Colorado and Connecticut are right next to each other in terms of listing the states in Alphabetical Order, allowed two kindred spirits to find each other. In life, there are Reason, Season, and Lifetime friends. Shelley and I will be lifetime friends and we have the Mrs. America organization to "Thank" for bringing us together. I'm very proud of the newly crowned Mrs. America.

Our first night - Orientation Dinner

Standing next to my roomie, Mrs. Nebraska - Nicole Panneton

Another "Lifetimer" I found in Tucson! Corrie Frances- Mrs. Arizona.

Our grouping of ten was so fortunate to have Corrie to help us with our choreography. I couldn't imagine what we would have looked like without her. I'm not sure she knew she was going to actually have to teach while she was competing.

President's Dinner - we presented our state gifts to Mr. Johnson,

the Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort President.

In the Lobby waiting for rehearsals to begin....again.

My partials...Raquel Thomas, Mrs. Maryland & Mrs. America 2011 1st Runner up, myself , Corrie Frances, Mrs. Arizona, and Shelley Carbone, Mrs. Connecticut aka, Mrs. America 2011. Right before we competed in preliminary competition.

The girls in black during a rehearsal break.

Our grouping during Preliminary Competition

Next Stop, Mrs. America.

Mom and I on our way to Arizona

The Mrs. America state representatives were scheduled to arrive in Tucson on August 31st. My Mom and I went a day early to make sure I was situated and ready for the Mrs. America festivities to begin. Mom has always been my biggest supporter and having her there to help me, at my "last play at the plate" was really special. It was also very needed. My Mom and my daughter have the gift of packing and organizing. I'm living proof certain things actually skip generations. WIth a little help from me, the two of us were able to get the Colorado - Nebraska room in tip top shape before our pageant week. My Mom is a flight attendant for Frontier Airlines. I loved seeing her in her workplace. Her ease of traveling made my Mrs. America travels a lot easier. Mom flew back to Colorado on the 31st - to get back to work and prepare for her travel back to Tucson for the Mrs. America competition.

Queen Sendoff Party!

Prior to leaving for Tucson, Arizona for the 34th Mrs. America pageant, I had the pleasure of dining with the past Mrs. Colorado Queens. The Mrs. Colorado organization is distinctive in how connected the past queens remain. As I continue with my reign as 2010's representative, blessings anew are brought to my attention. The sisterhood and support of these remarkable women- a priceless gift I'll cherish for years and years to come!

The night of my sendoff party I heard about the queen's experiences at Mrs. America and what they would have me know to be best prepared for the experience. The party was organized beautifully by the former Mrs. Colorado director, Tricia Dampier. No detail was missed and the evening was one to remember.

Thank you Mrs. Colorado Queen Sisters- You blessed me and you are all Colorado Treasures.

Opening my Mrs. Colorado garment bag from Christina Sacha, Mrs. Colorado 2008

with Mrs. Colorado 2001, Traci Todd

SCTNOW Cut-A-Thon

Stop Child Trafficking Now - Denver's Cut-A-Thon!

August 22nd started off perfectly at the Cut-A-Thon hosted by Solera Salon. It was an honor to see the numerous vendors there to support the efforts of SCTNow Denver! Everyone is gearing up for the SCTNow Stil0etto's Race to take place on October 2nd, at Elitch Gardens. There will be a 5k walk/run in addition to the Stiletto's race, so if you are afraid of the "running in heels" challenge - feel free to lace up your tennis shoes and run or walk instead! I would love to have you on my team, Mrs. Colorado. Go to www.sctnow.donordrive.com and click on the Denver Walk/Run. Search Mrs. Colorado on the search tab. I look forward to seeing you there on October 2nd!!

Delaney Wadsworth

Delaney Wadsworth

Delaney Wadsworth turned three years-old on March 26th. On July 3rd she was diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Glioma, a cancerous tumor growing on and around her brain stem. The doctors say the tumor is inoperable. Her parents, Jason and Brenna received the heart breaking news that once diagnosed with this tumor 5% of the children live only 9-12 additional months. A benefit dinner for the Wadsworth family took place on Sunday, August 22nd. My family and I were invited to be a part. We were asked to introduce our friends and (we consider) our family, The Caballeros - a praise and worship band.

As Mrs. Colorado my goal is to be a voice of encouragement and hope to the people God places along my path. I think last night, hope was given to all in attendance as we watched the bravest little soul, Delaney sing to a packed gym - Jesus Loves Me. Delaney's parents have taken a leave of absence from work so they can raise their daughter and be with her in her last moments. The family is asking for prayer, that God would perform a miracle and cause her tumor to vanish. Would you pray along with us?

Delaney is a pageant queen at heart. She's already a competitor and on September 11th there will be a "Lady Bug" pageant held in her honor. I told Delaney that she is a Princess and because she is one, she deserved a crown. I gave her one of mine and decided my crown would stay in it's case this night.

With Princess Delaney

Introducing my favorite Boy Band and their Dad- The Caballeros, Praise and Worship Band

Delaney and a baby kangaroo

Singing Jesus Loves Me

Chalcey, Chaz and Payton (my kids) with Micah and Eli Caballero

Momprenuer

Let's talk! One of my favorite things to do, especially when it's about being a Mom. This past Saturday, August 21st, I was asked to join the Mom Advocate, Ann Marie Foonberg - Creator and President and her assistant Allison Foster on their Saturday radio broadcast 760 KOA. I was the featured Momprenuer of the week but was given the freedom to jump in on the conversation throughout the hour long broadcast. Being "Mom" to Chalcey, Chaz, and Payton is one of the most beloved titles I'll ever hold. Whenever I have the chance to be an encourager to other moms in the community, I'm on board. The Mom Advocate is all about being a positive voice and resource for Moms. Go to www.therealmomtv.com to learn more about Mom Advocate Radio Show and The Real Mom TV. I had so much fun on the show and I can't wait to go back to share about my Mrs. America experience.

Military Creative Expressions

Art Auction - Benefitting Fort Carson Soldiers

August 12th I met several of Fort Carson's finest at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Artwork created by soldiers were being auctioned off to benefit the Military Creative Expressions course. Soldiers who have returned from their service in Afghanistan and Iraq are benefitting from an 11-week course which is helping them deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Aspen Pointe's Kim Nguyen is the creative art therapist who the soldiers claim to be an integral part of their therapy.

with a Fort Carson Soldier and his stepdaughter

with Art Therapist Kim Nguyen

Fancy Nancy at Dillards!

Kid's Day at Dillards - Flatiron Crossing

Saturday morning - August 7th, Chalcey and I were quite at home at Dillards - Flatiron Crossing. It was Kid's Day at Dillards and I got to read a Fancy Nancy book to the kids. Fancy Nancy loves to dress up and loves the color fuschia...I love that color too! The children decorated cookies, got their face painted, competed in a coloring contest and signed up for lots of free merchandise. Chuck was particularly excited about this appearance. When I got home he wanted to know if the kid's thought I was fancy enough for Fancy Nancy...I think he just likes saying "Fancy Nancy!!"

Fancy Nancy Fans

Friends from our hometown - Thornton, love the face the oldest is making. :-)

With family friend Linda and my Mother-in Love Christa.

Private Artwork Viewing

With Kim Nguyen, Creative Program Manager of Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group

I traveled to Colorado Springs on August 10th where I was privileged to a "Mrs. Colorado - Private Viewing" of what I consider to be very inspirational art. The renderings are from Fort Carson soldiers who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Pikes Peak Behavioral Health Group's Military Creative Expression's class helps the soldiers better deal with the PTSD. I have been asked to return to an auction on August 12th where these beautiful pieces will be sold to the highest bidder. The funds will go towards scholarships for the therapeutic art class. I got to pick out two pieces and I cannot wait to meet the artists who created them at the upcoming auction.