Mrs. Colorado 2011 countdown!

Top 12 at Mrs. America

My reign as Mrs. Colorado 2010 is coming to an end  I can't help but think of my Mrs. America experience.  Getting to know such accomplished, friendly, and beautiful women was a humbling experience.  Being named Top 6 for the Mrs. America 2011 competition is an honor. As promised, here are my official photos from Tucson.   

Join me on memory lane...

Final night waiting for Top 12 announcement 

Announced in Top 12 

Competing in Top 12 in Evening Gown and Swimsuit

Top 6 Interview 

Who will be Mrs. Colorado 2011?

Competing in the Top 5 portion of Mrs. Colorado 2010

In a just a few short weeks I will be crowning my successor.  Who will she be??  The anticipation is so exciting!  It is so weird being on this side of competition.  Last year, this close to the competition date, I was working hard on all aspects of the competition.  In a "sport" where you have very little control over the outcome, I was doing all I could in the areas I could control.  Working out, watching what I was putting in my mouth, making adjustments to my wardrobe, collecting ticket money and purchasing tickets for my "crowd" - to name just a few things, gave me some control over my dream of becoming Mrs. Colorado.  Wednesday night's orientation I felt ready for whatever God had for me; whatever the outcome I knew there would be no regrets.  

Contestants - Sitting this side of the title, I know exactly what you are feeling right now, so with that -  I want to wish you the very best of luck!  May you enjoy each step of the way towards pageant weekend.  Please enjoy this journey.  It goes so quickly and you have worked so hard, it would be a shame if you didn't appreciate all that will come your way between now and Saturday night when the next Mrs. Colorado is crowned.  

My fellow Coloradoans - come out and watch the amazing production of the Mrs. Colorado pageant.  See details below:    

Preliminary pageant is at the Sheraton Denver West on March 3, 2011.

Final show will be on March 5, 2011 at the Temple Buell Theater in the DPAC. 

Both shows start at 7:00 pm. 

Tickets go on sale on February 4, 2011, through February 21, 2011, via mail. 

Tickets will be sold at the door. 

Come celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Mrs. America.

Call 303-593-1199 for more information.

Happy 2011

Gotta love boys!  My son got a new camera for Christmas, which I decided to use for our family's New Years Eve Celebration.  He apparently didn't receive the memo to keep those pictures sacred!  I wanted a record of our family time celebrating not only the end of one of my favorite years, 2010 but also a memento of me and Chuck's 18th anniversary.  He must have looked at the pictures and noted how dorky his parents were.  Oh well!  Here's a taste of what the now erased pictures captured: our family went to a beautiful and super yummy cajun dinner (at No No's in Littleton) which was followed by the movie,  Gulliver's Travels in 3d.  (I had a great picture of Payton and I with our 3d glasses on!  Bummer!)   We came home to a mean game of Yahtzee.  I got a Yahtzee on my first roll and can you believe I got another Yahtzee on the very next roll?  For those of you who know Yahtzee - this hardly ever happens.  My Yahtzees bonanza kind of took the wind out of my family's sails after that.  Playing for second isn't all that fun sometimes.  We rang in the New Year with sweet Dick Clark,  a kiss to everyone and a cheers with sparkling cider.  I feel like such a Mom - why did I have a hard time speaking and where did the tears come from?  Seeing my children at 18, 16 and 10 years old, I can appreciate how time just vanishes in a blink of an eye.  It's conceivable to think within 10 years Chuck and I will have "in-law children" and most probably have grandchildren! Maybe that reflection is what brought the flood gates.

Since I have no fun pictorials of my special New Years night, I thought I would take you back to the Mrs. America pageant.  I'll show a few of the "official photos" I received while I was there.

Please enjoy!

First night in Tucson, Orientation Dinner 

..you will have to click on this to see us up close.  

We got up at the crack of dawn to take this picture, we had to get the sun right as it was rising!

This was just a teaser of much more to come!  Going to Mrs. America was a dream come true for me.  It was the culmination of redeeming a dream I had many years ago as a teenager.  I'm so grateful Mrs. Colorado gave a reality to those dreams.  Now, back to looking for the right college for my daughter.  Is it wrong I'm narrowing things down by how short of a drive I'll have?  I want her close!!  

December 25, 2010 - Merry Christmas

On behalf of Emily Stark, Director of the Mrs. Colorado pageant and as Mrs. Colorado 2010, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all! We wish everyone blessing upon blessing this Christmas Day. May your time with your family and friends be filled with joy and peace as you celebrate Our Savior's birth.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17

Christmas with the Queens!

Mrs. Colorado x 15

....oh and 1 Mrs. America!!

My Christmas celebrations began earlier than normal this year. "Christmas with the Queens" hosted by Megan Yarberry, Mrs. Colorado 2009 was a great start to my Holiday Season. On December 3rd, the Mrs. Colorado titleholders who could make it, were found tackling the "Parade of Lights" traffic to meet up at Strings in Denver.

The Christmas tradition is a coveted yearly highlight for the Mrs. Colorado sorority. Can you imagine? A room full of beauty queens? What a fantastic group of women this is. Sitting around the table celebrating one of my favorite holidays, the birth of Jesus with very real Colorado women truly is an honor. Part of the tradition holds that the reigning queen's predecessor has the responsibility of planning the night. Megan did a fantastic job tackling the task. I have a feeling this planning sparks the competitiveness in each of us...I'm already thinking of what I will do for next year. This is a good thing...I'm very goal oriented. When I give up my title, I'll need plenty of tasks to keep me busy.

Speaking of competitiveness, the night culminated in a very spirited gift exchange. Having done this around the tree for years with my family, I was no longer considered the rookie in the room. I wasn't afraid to go after what I wanted from the LOVELY Debbie Barnhill, Mrs. Colorado 1993. Unfortunately, Sheri Engstrom, Mrs. Colorado 2004 had the same inhibitions! She was the winner of a beautiful "The Queen" necklace.

You could say the crown jewel of the Mrs. Colorado organization really is the sisterhood of women who make this sorority so priceless. Take a look at the Hall of Fame link I've added to see the amazing women who have - gone before me, so to speak! Merry Christmas Colorado - From all of us at Mrs. Colorado!!

http://mrscolorado.com/HallofFame.html

with our beautiful hostess, Megan Yarberry, Mrs. Colorado 2009

Christina Sacha, Mrs. Colorado 2008 and Debi Moore, Mrs. Colorado 1994

Raeanne Duca, Mrs. Colorado 2000 with her prize

Elisabeth Cartmill, Mrs. Colorado 2003 with a....crown!

Megan's beautifully styled table

....cupcake table

close up of the night's indulgence! Yum!

Royal Image Grand Re-Opening

The Royal Image Boutique Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

From the left, Royal Image Owner's Mom, Owner - Raeanne Duca, Wheat Ridge Mayor Jerry DiTullio, Mrs. Wheat Ridge Karen Thaler, myself, and Miss Colorado Teen USA 2011, Caley-Rae Pavillard

Congratulations are in order! The Royal Image Boutique recently celebrated it's Grand Re-Opening. The Ribbon Cutting and Fashion Show celebrating the boutique's new and beautiful Wheat Ridge showroom took place on December 2nd. Guests were invited to celebrate the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, fashion show, followed by refreshments and appetizers. I had the honor of being one of the fashion show models. The hard part about this particular fashion show was determining which of the HUNDREDS of gowns I would be modeling.

The Mrs. Colorado pageant is blessed to have the Royal Image Boutique sponsor the reigning titleholder. The Royal Image makes it possible for me to keep the "royal" look for many of my appearances and stage presentations. I have been working with Raeanne for several years as a client of hers and now, as her Queen Sister, I could not be more proud of this step she is taking with her business. The Royal Image is the premiere formal wear boutique in Colorado. With the Christmas and New Year's celebrations upon us, shopping at the Royal Image Boutique is a must! The new showroom is located at 6073 W. 44th Avenue Ste 200, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Contact the store for showroom hours, 303-466-9216.

TRI Owner Raeanne Duca, Mrs. Colorado 2000, Miss Colorado Teen USA 1986 and Mrs. Colorado 2010, Miss Colorado Teen USA 1990

with the fashion show models

(being with these young ladies has a way of making you feel...old)

with Caley-Rae Pavillard Miss Colorado Teen USA 2011

...finished in White.

Mustangs in the 2010 Carnation Bowl

#36 - My son!

I hear this quote quite a bit around my house,

"Big time is where you are at." These sentiments are proven true every year as we encourage our children in their sports teams. For the past 12 years, Chuck has coached our son's football teams. Once our older son entered High School, Chuck continued coaching our youngest son. It's the time of year when we are having the most fun. Football is our passion and has been since I watched Chuck play on our high school team. I fall deeper and deeper in love with my husband as I watch him coach my son and his fellow teammates.

There is nothing more attractive than seeing your spouse do what he loves.

This past season the 4th Grade Highlands Ranch Mustangs played an undefeated regular season, ultimately ending up in the Carnation Bowl against an equally ranked team. Unfortunately, the team lost the championship in overtime. Last year's 3rd Grade Mustang team played the same team - making it Payton's first "Championship" title. Following the heartbreaking loss this year, I explained to Payton that sometimes in life we learn more in failures than victories.

There is very little that can pull me away from watching my children participate in whatever the season may bring us. From Chalcey's volleyball matches, Chaz' football and wrestling matches, to Payton's football and wrestling matches - there is NO WHERE I would rather be. God gave my children to me, entrusting me to raise them the best I can. One day I will stand before Him and He will ask me how I treated His precious gifts.....I hope my answer to Him is, "I loved them with all my heart and did absolutely everything I could, as often as I could, to the best of my ability." Enjoy the following pictures of the special day. The 4th Grade Highlands Ranch Football Team made this Team Mom very proud.

Mustangs Captain (my son) with Head Coach (my husband)

...doing what he does on Offense.

....doing what he does on Defense

Chaz and I playing around in the stands.

my cake "footballs" for the athletes and cakeballs for the parents.

Last picture of the season!

Mustang Family - Coach, Athlete, and Team Mom

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.