Blossom Pageant

March 19th
It is a completely different feeling sitting in the audience during a pageant competition having competed before.  For one, you know exactly what they are going through, the nerves, the excitement, and the hope of capturing the title and crown.   Secondly, you know how hard they have worked, the blood, sweat and sometime tears that goes into preparing.
This time was no different, except for the fact that I was invited to make an appearance as Mrs. Colorado. 
This was a special appearance to me because it happened to be one of my new queen sisters productions. 
Megan McCarter is the director of Cannon City's Blossom Pageant. 
In addition, a hand full of my queen sisters were in attendance, which made the event that much more exciting.  
We also had some time to stop into Fandies Candy Company owned by Debi Moore, another fabulous queen sister. : )
It was a wonderful event and all of the contestants were just amazing.  I am really glad I was not a judge!
Congratulations to the new 2011 Blossom Queen, Caroline Solak

2011 Blossom queen, Caroline, Blossom director/sister queen, Megan, and 2010 Blossom queen, Taylor



My Mrs. Colorado sister queens



Only Fitting

 I am proud to call Parker my hometown.  I have lived here most of my life, leaving only for college.  I returned after getting married and now love raising my three children in this amazing community.
Representing the town of Parker 3 out of the 4 years I competed, it only seemed appropriate to reach out and see how I could get involved in the town that so graciously supported me all of those years.

Many Parker businesses have been following me since I first began competing and were just as thrilled as I was after capturing the title of Mrs. Colorado.

I had so much fun attending a few of the Parker Chamber events before leaving for Mrs. America.

March, 16th
My first stop was held at a place of business who has supported and sponsored me for many years, Planet Beach.
Sandy, with Planet Beach, asked me to attend the Parker Women's forum as her special guest.
I was so honored to be invited to say a few words to the more than 50 business women. 
These women all meet up to promote, network, and create business connections.

The amazing ladies from the Parker Women's Forum



The gals from Planet Beach




attending the Parker Women's Forum at Planet Beach (outfit sponsored by Kim's Closet)



March 24th
The Parker Chamber held a group meeting for all members at our local Costco.  If you have never been in a Costco, you really would be amazed at not only the savings you can receive by being a member, but also the many services they provide.   Plus, what amazing customer service.
During the meeting, I was again given the microphone to talk about my new title and my plans for the year. 

with Angela, Mike and Rita employees of Costco

with Emily, my devoted director

During my reign as Mrs. Colorado I am looking forward to not only teaming up with my community, but many others in our great state of Colorado.
I am proud to say I joined the Parker Relay for Life team, which will support the American Cancer Society. 
You can sign up and be a part of the Parker Relay for Life team too. 
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11GW?team_id=948076&pg=team&fr_id=30636

Off and Running

If you would have told me five years ago that my future self would be writing a blog about my year as Mrs. Colorado, I would have laughed.  What a difference a year can make let alone five.  During my four years of competition I would follow the current queen's blog and live vicariously through her experiences.  I would also day dream about the possibility of one day having my own blog as Mrs. Colorado, and imagine where my year would take me.  My daydreams have now become my new reality.

For those of you who don't know, my journey to the crown really became a family journey.  I am blessed with a large and very involved group, have you seen my Big Fat Greek Wedding?   After winning that Saturday night and being surrounded by so many loved ones, we all began to discuss the possibilities.   Of all the potential appearances discussed, not one person mentioned the one that presented itself to me first.

I know I have only had the title for a little over two and half months, but this one is by far my favorite.

One proud mom and her oldest baby, Braiden

March, 10th 2011

I received an e-mail from my oldest son's 3rd grade teacher asking if I wouldn't mind coming in to be presented to the 3rd graders.  Of course, without hesitation I agreed.  She went on to say that during creative writing my son had written about me winning, and it was all written from his perspective.  She would like me to come in so Braiden, my son, could read his paper out loud and present me as Mrs. Colorado.   I remember walking into the classroom and seeing all the children sitting on the floor with my little Braiden already up front ready to read about our experiences.  As he began to read and explain his excitement of that night and his emotions as I progressed to each level, I could not help but get teary eyed.  Here was my baby reciprocating the same emotions and feelings that I have towards him, in his eyes at that moment I was amazing.  What a feeling!  What a first appearance!!



Cherokee Trail Elementary 3rd graders



Thank you!

Appreciation- An expression of gratitude.

I often say it takes a village to raise a family and it takes a whole other village to raise a "Beauty Queen".
I realize that my experiences and successes would not exist if it were not for the amazing group of people that surround me.
I would like to show my Appreciation to the many people who have helped make my dreams possible.
 

To my husband, Billy, none of this would be, without you. 

My three amazing children, you give me the inspiration to make my dreams a reality.

My parents, and siblings you have created the foundation on which I stand.

Grandma GG and my in-laws, Larry and Marcia Ames, you give without expectations.

My parents, sisters, brother, husband and kids right after Mrs. America.

Grandma GG and myself right after Mrs. Colorado.



Right after Mrs. Colorado with my amazing in-laws, husband, and sister in-laws.



My many girlfriends, you have all played a very significant role in my life.



My soul sister and very Best Friend, Becca, right after the Mrs. America competition.



My girls, Gretchen, Mel, and Becca at my Send Off party.



To the best Glam squad, your talents are incredible and your support is heart felt and true.

Thank you for always making me look and feel my very best.

Working with you has been a blessing!!

DJ and Courtney with Timothy D's Salon, you are a girl's best friend.

Kari Kisch, your paint brushes are magical.

Megan with Graphique Photography, you never cease to amaze me.

Waxing the City, you have been a great sponsor



with Courtney and DJ.



with Kari Kisch



 



with Megan Anderson



A special thank you to these sponsors who helped me get ready for Nationals in such a short time.

•  Amy Nakos with Mind Redesign, you helped me realize what was inside this whole time.
• Gail Love with Love Skincare Center, my face has never looked better
• Kim with Kim's Closet, you are so generous and fashion savey.
• Raj P TerKonda, your skill and talents are priceless.
• Denver Tux, thanks for dressing the man beside the queen.
• Sandy with Planet Beach, your spa services and tanning beds gave me just the glow I needed.

I appreciate and will continue to support these businesses.  Thank you for believing in me.

Before I left for Nationals, I  was honored with an amazing Send Off party. 

 I was given the chance to celebrate with my family, dearest friends, and many fabulous beauty queens. 

 The party will have it's own post, but I do have many people to thank who contributed to the festivities.

Thank you to Emily and James Stark for creating this wonderful event.

Sheli Silvius and Jen Rindahl thank you so much for all your efforts.  We had the most fabulous auction items.

Thank you to Mark Silvius, Carmela Savoie, Julia Gentry, Doug Legler, Shiela Legler, Becca Smith, and Sharon Nuanes, your involvement did not go unnoticed.

We had such a great time and I was able to raise funds, which helped immensely for my National competition!

I am blessed beyond belief to have the unconditional love and support of the named people, and those names I may have missed.

 My journey this year, as Mrs. Colorado is dedicated to you!





Today is a Great day!

My crowning moment!

Mrs. Colorado 2011, Janell Ames

The Royal Family

I still can't believe it when I hear it, let alone when I say it.  I am the current Mrs. Colorado 2011.

It is crazy to think it all started four years ago with a simple "bucket" list I had created for myself, a way of rediscovery after having my third and final child.

I am so glad I took on the challenge and stepped out of my comfort zone to compete for the title of Mrs. Colorado.

 

The first year I competed, I stepped into a very unknown world.  I had never competed in a pageant before. I grew up playing competitive sports.

As the week of the pageant drew near I was excited, nervous, and a little scared, OK incredibly scared!

I had no expectations for myself and had decided early on to just have fun and enjoy the ride.

Boy did I enjoy the ride!!

There were so many things I loved about that weekend:

• I met and bonded with so many amazing women, many of which I am still friends with today.
• I was able to get pampered, get dressed up, and be apart of a fabulous production.
• I set a goal, worked hard, and achieved it.
• I was given the opportunity to self reflect and become reacquained with ME.

 and  finally...

• Girls weekend....need I say more!

Some of the amazing contestants from the Mrs. Colorado pageant 2008

 

Just like there is nothing like your first year of college, or your first child, there will never be another experience like my first year competing in the Mrs. Colorado pageant.  It only took one time and I was hooked and so began my quest for the title of Mrs. Colorado.

Mrs. Colorado pageant 2008 Melissa Kraft, Dana Gier, Christina Sacha, Megan Yarberry, Janell Ames (4th runner up)

Mrs. Colorado pageant 2009 Janell Ames, Shilpa Pope, Megan Yarberry, Rita Case, Christy Williams (4th runner up)

Mrs. Colorado pageant 2010 Ashlyn Bishop, Christy Williams, Shalon Polson, Janell Ames, Leah Bartos (1st runner up)

Mrs. Colorado 2011 Laurie Wagner, Kimberly Perez, Janell Ames, Courtney Grahm, Kathy Barlo

 
It has taken four years, but it has been worth every penny, every struggle, and every memory.   It has helped make me the person I am today and I wouldn't take back any of those years. 

I am so incredibly honored to represent the amazing married women of Colorado.

  

I am excited to share my year with you all.  I will be posting often and catching up soon, on all my latest events, appearances and more.

Mrs. Colorado 2011 - Janell Ames

Shalon Polson Mrs. Colorado 2010

&

Janell Ames Mrs. Colorado 2011

Congratulations to Janell Ames - our newly crowned Mrs. Colorado.  On March 5th, I had the honor and pleasure of participating in the 35th Anniversary Celebration of  the Mrs. Colorado Pageant.  Being the outgoing queen for this event was such a tremendous honor.  Before my final walk presentation, 22 past Mrs. Colorado titleholders were welcomed on stage, one by one.  Being able to walk through the sister queens as I said farewell made it a tremendous once in a lifetime moment.  The sisterhood we have at Mrs. Colorado is unlike no other and is one of the many reasons the pageant has the large amount of contestants competing each year.  

Perseverance pays off!  Janell Ames competed four times for the title of Mrs. Colorado and on behalf of the Mrs. Colorado organization, I welcome here into the Queen Sisterhood.  We all wish her the very best of luck as she continues her dream at the Mrs. America pageant this coming April.  

Stay tuned to the Mrs. Colorado website where you can view photos of this year's 35th Anniversary Celebration.  Take a look at the Fire- Dancing Opening Production number, along with the starring lineup of contestants in the Top 15, Top 10, and ultimately the Top 5! Congratulations to the State Finalists for a job well done.    

In signing off as Mrs. Colorado 2010, I would like to thank some very important people, who have helped me along the way.  

Raj Terkonda of the Longmont Clinic did a great job cleaning up my skin and has given me my best complexion.  He has a client for life.  

Brandi Bottoms, DDS of Chateaux Dental sponsored my winning smile.  I'm partial to her not only for the great dental work but because she is my sister.  She has never failed to support me in my dream undertakings.  Thank you Brandi.  

Abby Richardson at Solera Spa provided me with nail care during my reign.  Not only did my fingers receive a makeover, I now have a new friend.  Abby is amazing and I recommend her work.  

Raeanne at the Royal Image Boutique was always ready to supply me with gowns for my appearances as Mrs. Colorado.  With her, I was always the "best dressed" in the room.  Thank you Raeanne.  

I have enjoyed my year more than I could have imagined.  I'm so thankful I had the courage to chase my dream of becoming Mrs. Colorado.  I encourage that kind of dreaming in whatever you wish to accomplish.  Many people have the potential but lack the courage. Give yourself that chance!  

My family has been unwavering in their support. I'm so grateful God has given them to me.  The Polson family is excited to see what God has next for us.  

Thank you for joining me on my journey and reading about it along the way.  I will continue "blogging" at www.loveshalon.com and would love for you to follow me there.

May you be blessed in all you do. 

Love,

Shalon Polson

Mrs. Colorado 2010

Miracle of Miracles!

with two-time heart Transplant Miracle

my dress provided by The Royal Image Boutique

God allows us to see glimpses of His glory here on earth.  It's or responsibility to not only notice them but to acknowledge the work of His hands.  My last appearance before giving up my title as Mrs. Colorado 2010, I had the opportunity to acknowledge His work.  The sweet girl photographed above is only 18 years old and already she has undergone TWO heart transplants. To say she is a miracle really is an understatement. At the Hearts of Fortune Heart Gala, her sweet spirit and amazing story made the night meaningful.  I praise God for her life.  

Honoring our Veterans

with a United States Veteran and two 2011 state finalists

It's a humbling experience to be in the presence of a real life hero.  Sadly, the real heros are seldom lifted up to the seat of honor they have earned and deserve!  Society looks to the glorified heros on the basketball court or on the football field while forgetting the freedom and liberty we so often take for granted has been made possible by the men and women who have served and are now serving our country.  I will forever remember my time at the Veterans hospital.  Walking in and out of the patient's rooms and visiting with them humbled me and I am forever changed by the experience.  My children and I will be returning to serve in any way we can, I look forward to being there again soon.  Both of my grandfathers served in World War II.  My grandpa, Jim Crowe passed away many years ago due to complications with cancer.  His last days were lived out at the Veterans Hospital in Denver.  Our family is forever grateful to the caregivers who serve there.  

with part of the nursing staff at the Veteran's Hospital

with a VA patient and US Veteran

Some of My Best Friends Are Beauty Queens

Tricia Dampier, author of "Some of my Best Friends are Beauty Queens" celebrated the launching of her first book.  The book is a culmination of many years of pageant experience, a virtual "how to" for anyone interested in learning how to perfect the sport of pageantry.  Tricia walks the reader through the ins and outs of becoming a competitive pageant contestant.  Riddled with life experiences and spiritual lessons, this book is a must read for anyone interested in becoming the best you, even if you never step foot on the pageant stage.  Tricia was an integral part of my success at the Mrs. Colorado and Mrs. America stages.  I am proud of her - she completed a feat many only dream of. Today, she is a published author and motivational speaker with Girl-Speak.  Do you have yours?  This link takes you directly where you can buy your own copy.  Tricia's book

with Tricia Dampier

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!