Northstar

May 10th, 2011

Our wonderful Mrs. Colorado director, Emily Stark, has two sweet twin daughters.  The girls, Sydney and Lexi, attend Northstar academy in Parker and were putting on a special Colorado History production at their school.  They so graciously invited me to attend as their guest.  What a special event to be a part of and I actually learned many things I didn't know about Colorado.  I was given a chance to talk to the children about who I was and what I had been doing.  Thank you so much for the warm welcome and special honor.



with Emily's girls, Sydney and Lexi, and a few of their girlfriends



A Special Mother's Day

May 8th, 2011

Mother's day has always been a special holiday for our family and this year was no exception, except for the fact that my Mrs. America adventure would be aired on national television.

I am blessed with a large family and one that has decided to live within the same area code, BOTH sides of the family!  We started the beautiful Sunday by attending church with my in laws and after gathered at my mother's for an early dinner and viewing party.  What a great way to spend the day and to celebrate the women in my family.  I am who I am because of the beautiful, strong, and compassionate women I call grandma and mom.

with sisters Julia, Samantha and Courtney and Mom and Grandma Very special women in my life!

I was extremely excited to relive my Mrs. America  experience and to see how our fifteen days would fit into a two hour special.  What a treasure I will have to share with others for years to come.  What an amazing ending to an incredible adventure, receiving 2nd runner up at Mrs. America.

enjoying every minute of being on stage at Mrs. America.

Hattitude

May 4th, 2011
Diane from Soignee, whom I met last month shooting the Her Life magazine spread, invited me to attend the annual fundraising event, Hattitude.  She had two spots at her table, one for me and the other for Emily.  I have never attended, only heard great things about this event which raises funds for women in theater.
Around 600 people gathered for the afternoon festivities sporting their beautiful outfits and matching hats.  We had a lovely lunch, exciting entertainment, and the gorgeous Denise Plante emceeing the event.



with some of the amazing women I spent the afternoon with at Hattitude



Just the Begining

Less than two months into my year as Mrs. Colorado and things seem to be going really well.  I am incredibly busy, yet working on finding balance between my first priority as wife/mom and my new role as Mrs. Colorado.   This has only been possible because of the amazing support system I have and have created.  There are times that are more difficult than others, when I can see my children needing a little more mommy time, but all in all it has been just as I had hoped. 


Manor House Bridal Event
May 1st, 2011

Raeanne, a queen sister and owner of  The Royal Image Boutique, has a bridal event scheduled at the Manor House.  I jump at the chance to parade around in bridal gowns and beautiful bridesmaid dresses.   What girl does not love the idea of a wedding, even after 11 years of marriage I envision the day I will renew my vows.......someday!
The Royal Image Boutique is located in Wheat Ridge and has a wide selection of prom, pageant, and bridal gowns.


Wearing one of the beautiful reception gowns provided by Royal Image Boutique






MAY 2011

A change of Seasons

As I sit and look over my calander and focus in on the month of May, a flood of emotions are stirred up.

I am happy, after all May is my personal birthday month and within this great month there are five other family members who also celebrate their birthdays.  We also have two special holidays within the month of May, Mother's Day and Memorial Day and this means we will be gathering with family and friends.

I am overwhelmed, my calander looks as though a pen has attacked it with the many appointments, parties, appearances, meetings, and dinners that seem to fill up my days.

I am excited, I have ten appearances as Mrs. Colorado scheduled.  What a great month to get out into the community and experience something new. 

I am confused, my children are ending a school year and for me that means they are getting older and one year closer to leaving the house.  Rationally, I know I still have time until that officially happens, and I also know that it is the way of life to love and encourage your children to become self- sufficient adults, but a season shift is quickly approaching and I am not always good with change. 
My baby, my sweet little girl will graduate Pre-K, which means she will enter Kindergarten this coming fall.  I will have three children at the elementary school for the first time.  I am happy and excited that they are successful and moving along brilliantly within the education system, but a part of me is sad that the work I have done for the past nine years being a "stay at home" mom will be coming to an end.  This is what I have known, this is what I am used to, this is what I am good at!

I am celebrating, school is ending which means it is summer.  I love having the kids home to find adventures, swim in the pool, stay up late, and sleep in.

I am inspired, I will take this change in season to again rediscover who I am.  What do I want to do, what do I like to do, and what will I do. 

I am blessed, life is good!!

My three precious babies who give me a reason to walk the walk.



I love being a sideline mom  and seeing our baby proudly wear the family name.



Back from Nationals

Care 4 Kids

April 27th, 2011

I was honored and excited to be asked by Valentina Anderson, also a Mrs. Colorado contestant, to attend her event.  Valentina is a special woman who has a huge heart and spends much of her time raising funds and awareness for the organization, Care 4 Kids worldwide, which focuses on the essential and lifesaving needs of children in poverty.
This particular event was held at Little Europe restaurant in Denver where we indulged in traditional Russian cuisine and had the opportunity to bid on some great auction items.  The proceeds from this event went towards new playground equipment for an orphanage in Ukraine.  It was a huge success!



with Julia Bourlakou and her family.  She organized the event.



with Valentina Anderson and Julia Bourlakou

Delish Demure

April 28th, 2011

I am part of the group Douglas County Divas, which is a networking group.  The Divas hosted an event at an upscale and cheeky boutique in the DTC area called Delish Demure.  This is a great place to shop for that one of a kind outfit for any special occasion.  I had a great time visiting with everyone.

with the lovely ladies from Delish Demure

Miss Teen Colorado World Pageant

April 30th, 2011

The first year I competed I had the privilege of standing next to the one and only Christina Sacha, who that same year went on to win the title of Mrs. Colorado 2008.  I look up to and respect Christina for so many reasons, so when I was asked to make an appearance at her debut as the director for the Miss Teen Colorado World Pageant I was thrilled.
Christina has grown up in pageants and has held many titles over the years, she has judged, and also coached, but this has been a dream of hers for some time, to have her own pageant.
I love these types of appearances, it is a chance for me to see many of my queen sisters, to get completely dolled up, and to be a part of another person's life changing experience.  It was a fabulous evening, Christina and her crew did an amazing job, the contestants were all beautiful, and a new Miss Teen Colorado World was crowned.

Congratulations to all the contestants and to the new Miss Teen Colorado World queen, Victoria Korthuis.

with the new Miss Teen Colorado World 2011, Victoria Korthuis

 

with Heidi Hume, Miss Teen Colorado World 2010

with Megan McCarter, Mrs. Colorado 2009

with Shalon Polson, Mrs. Colorado 2010

Mrs. America

Competition Photos
April 11th - April 14th

Here are a few competition photos from Mrs. America.

My group of five right after interview.

My state costume, a mountain biker. Yes, the bike was extremely heavy.



State Costume competition




Competing in swimsuit

Swimsuit competition on preliminary night

We kicked off  finals by marching through the audience carrying our state flags. It was a very proud moment for me.



Right after being called into the top ten. They went on to call an additional 5.




Ccompeting in top 15 during finals. After being announced into top 15, we had to quickly change into different colored swimsuits.



Top 6






Answering a top 6 question. We were asked to use one word to describe how we were feeling, I said:  Surreal.

Competing in top 6



Top 3, waiting to hear the results.



Mrs. Florida, April Lufriu, is crowned Mrs. America 2011 What an amazing women!!



Top 15




Top 6



Top 3





An Experience of a Lifetime

Mrs. America
March 31st - April 15th, 2011

As I browse through my pictures and reflect on my time spent at Mrs. America, I am taken back to an indescribable experience.  It was nothing like I thought it would be, it was so much more.  No words or pictures can even come close to describing my adventure.  The feelings or emotions  I felt during the fifteen days I spent at Mrs. America are similar to that of being on a roller coaster.  I was excited, thrilled, exhausted, nervous, homesick, pumped and READY!! 
The most challenging part of this whole thing had to be the packing.  Fifteen days with sometimes several activities a day and also accounting for weather, plus accessories, this was a huge job! : )

Ready to head out the door for Mrs. America



These two boxes  full of clothes and shoes were shipped in addition to what I brought on the airplane. This picture is what they looked like returning home, pretty beat up!



I arrived in West Virginia and was ready and open to what ever happened.  The outcome was already determined, I just needed to do what I had prepared to do, and let it unfold.  I think this attitude is what helped me the most during my days spent at Mrs. America.
I met my roommate, Mrs. California- Jennifer Glava that first day and was so excited to find we had many things in common.  I have found a lifelong friend in her, as well as, in many other ladies.  I enjoyed meeting many of the state representatives and hearing about their goals during their reign.  What amazing women.

My roommate, Jen, and I receiving our opening number dresses.



with Mrs. Minnesota, Mrs. South Dakota, and Mrs. Montana at one of our formal dinners



with Mrs. Connecticut, Mrs Rhode Island, Mrs. California and Mrs. South Dakota in the lobby after lunch




with Mrs. Michigan, Mrs. DC, Mrs. California, Mrs. Delaware, and Mrs. Hawaii at one of our cocktail parties. It was so much fun getting dressed up for the evening events.




with Mrs. Nevada, Mrs. Maine, Mrs. California and Mrs. Idaho at our Habitat for Humanity Building project. The little boy, who we were building the home for, came out that day and handed out safety goggles to us. Very fashionable!!





all of the girls at the Habitat for Humanity Build

 


We were taken in groups to experience the many activities offered at the Greenbrier. Our group getting ready to go horse back riding.




with Mrs. Minnesota, Mrs. New Hampshire, Mrs. Hawaii, and Mrs. Kentucky at our dignitary dinner. We presented our state gifts to the owner of the Greenbrier, Jim Justice.



with Mrs. Delaware, Mrs. Hawaii, and Mrs. California getting ready to hit the greens. We had fun practicing our golf swings.




with Mrs. Vermont, Mrs. Utah, Mrs West Virginia, Mrs. New York and Mrs. Florida exploring the beautiful shops at the Greenbrier




with DianeTucker, Mrs World 2007, at our orientation dinner.




with Mrs. Hawaii, Mrs. Florida, Mrs. California, and Mrs. Idaho getting ready to have dinner



Our time spent rehearsing for the show seemed monotonous and exhausting, but looking back those are some of my most fondest memories.  It was a chance for us to learn something new, like a dance routine, a chance for us to get to know each other, without the competition on our minds, and a chance to experience something that so few would ever get the opportunity to, and appreciate the honor.

with Mrs. Rhode Island during one of our MANY rehearsals



with Mrs. Kansas, Mrs. California, Mrs. Hawaii, Mrs. Connecticut, and Mrs. Florida taking a very quick break from rehearsals to grab some lunch.



with my roomie, Mrs. California, enjoying high tea, which was held every day at 4pm

What a wonderful tradition, the exchanging of state gifts. Everyone is to bring a gift from their state, it was like Christmas all over again!

Florence and her daughter, Barbara, rehearsing for the big show

with Mrs. Hawaii at rehearsals before preliminary competition

 Having so many loved ones by my side as I crossed the finish line really made this whole journey complete.  I would not be where I am today if in were not for the love and support of my family and friends.  It meant so much to me that they made the trip out to West Virginia.  Team Colorado definitely had the biggest and best supporters.



After the preliminary competition



Having a little fun after finals

with Becca and Sheli

more family

I am so proud of myself and the way everything worked out, of course I would have loved to bring home the title of Mrs. America, but at the end of the day I am just as excited to be Mrs. Colorado 2011.

Queen Sisters

Queen's send off party
March 28th, 2011

One of the many reasons I continued to work so diligently towards the title of Mrs. Colorado, was in part for the amazing sisterhood you enter into once being crowned.  It is a sorority of sorts, filled with intriguing, unique, and inspiring women.  I have had the chance over the last few years to meet and get to know many of them, I have competed with some, I have coached with some, and I have been inspired by many.  I am so incredibly honored to now walk along side them and create my own foot prints as a Mrs. Colorado.

Wrapping up the celebrations before leaving for Mrs. America I was given a traditional queen's send off party hosted by my new queen sister, Janet.  This party is always given by the queens to the current Mrs. Colorado before leaving for nationals.
It was a wonderful evening and I was so excited to hear about their stories and receive advice for my own journey to nationals.  I was also showered with beautiful gifts and words of encouragement.

with Shalon and Megan

opening some of my gifts

So many fun and thoughtful gifts from my queen sisters.

A Send Off Fit For A Queen

Send Off Party
March 26th, 2011

Three weeks to the day after being crowned Mrs. Colorado 2011, I was given the most wonderful display of support and encouragement, a fabulous send off party.  Not just any send off party, but an event to raise funds for my national competition, an opportunity to show off personal flare, and a chance to celebrate with my most favorite people.  All attendees were encouraged to adorn their most beautiful chapeau.  Everyone looked amazing and it was really wonderful to see reflections of personality in what they chose to wear.

with the family

with two beautiful ladies, Muriel and Karen.

with some of my "girls"  Becca, Paige and Mel

These lovely ladies greeted guests as they entered. Sharon, Becca and Carmela

with more family



some of the beautiful contestants who came out for the party



with grandma GG

with Sheli Ralph Schomp BMW served as a nice back drop to our festivities, Boston's, Chick Fil A, and Nothing Bundt Cake generously donated all the food, beverages, and desserts, and an amazing crew helped gather the many items up for bid. I felt so special to be surrounded by so many amazing people.  We had former queens, current title holders, friends, family, and many new faces come out to enjoy the festivities.  We even had Her Life magazine come out to cover the event for the "See and Be Seen" segment in the May issue.

Once again a huge "Thank you" goes out to all of the individuals who made this party such a success, I love and appreciate you all so very much.
It was a great night full of laughs, great food, and good times. 

Her Life Magazine photo shoot

Opportunities
March 20th
It can be so great when two worlds collide. 
The first year I competed in the Mrs. Colorado pageant I was awarded the title of  Most Photogenic. 
With this award you are given a one year modeling contract with Donna Baldwin Talent of Denver.  I never in my wildest dreams thought of myself as a model, maybe dreamed but never thought I could ever become one.  I have been blessed with so many amazing opportunities throughout my four years with Donna Baldwin.
I was contacted by the agency right before leaving for Mrs. America and was asked to do a spread in the "Her Life" magazine.

I truly believe people are put into your life for a reason and this was exactly one of those moments.
Modeling the fabulous clothes for Soignee and meeting the owner Diane Lessnau was a wonderful experience, not only that but I was introduced to Ronnie Hedrick from "Her Life" magazine and Dusty Volkel, the fabulous photographer.  We had so much fun creating the images and being transformed into a whole new persona was exciting.  This shoot was from a French designers point of view, I think we nailed it!



with the owner of Soignee, Diane Lessnau



Goofing around with Dusty during our photo shoot. Doing our best "Zoolander".



modeling one of Soignee's beautiful dresses and accessorizing with a few pieces from my own collection.

They had heard about my new title, which led to discussions about how I was getting ready for Mrs. America.
It is amazing how one thing can lead to another.  I walked out at the end of the day with three new friends, beautiful clothes to wear to Mrs. America, fun photos with me and my sash, and "Her Life" attending my send off party to photograph the event.
I am forever grateful for their generosity and look forward to working with them all again.
Check out the spread from Her Life magazine in the May issue.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150245228318638.367984.101576708637

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