Parade and Tree Lighting

 

Southlands Mall

November 19th

I have mentioned before the importance of making and creating relationships. I believe that people are brought in and out of your life for reasons, some are meant to stay and others are only meant to pass through for a short time. I am in the eighth month of my reign and many of my current appearances have come about because of relationships or appearances I had done in the earlier part of my year. I have been invited back or met someone new at an event and they invited me to be a part of something they were creating, nonetheless here I am back at Southlands Mall. I was here in September judging the Project Style Fashion Show. Joyce, the event coordinator called and invited me to ride in the parade with the winner of the Project Style Fashion show, Karly. It was great seeing her again and it was nice to share another event with my family who cheered on the side as we rode by in our horse drawn carriage, after the Grinch but before Santa.

 

(Pictures to come soon)

Where in Colorado?

 

 

November 6th

This beautiful Sunday was spent with my best gal pal and booking agent, Becca Smith. I thought it would be fun to create an interactive game online to showcase some of Colorado's hot spots. We traveled around taking pictures all over town in front of well known places in Colorado and then planned on posting the pictures once a week for individuals to guess where I was. I have had so much fun each week posting and watching as people participate. Many of you really know Colorado!

 

Look for the next picture clue Wednesday, January 4th as we get back on track!

Brass Ring Luncheon

Children's Diabetic Foundation

November 1st

I have a few very special people in my life who live with Diabetes, which made attending this event that much more meaningful. From family to friends we all know of someone who lives with diabetes. Many people don't know, but it causes more deaths than breast cancer and AIDS combined.
I was thrilled to be invited by a close friend of mine, Karen Foos, to the Brass Ring luncheon which benefits the Children's Diabetes Foundation. Karen has a son who was diagnosed with diabetes at 9 years old, now in his mid 20's he has an insulin pump which helps regulate his blood glucose levels. She has worked closely with the Barbara Davis Center which helps nearly 6,000 children and young adults from all over the world receive diabetic care.
The event, which hosted 800 individuals, began with an amazing display of silent auction items. I was honored to help with the live auction by wearing a gorgeous $19,000 Amorist necklace and then asked to walk the runway, while the necklace was vigorously bid on by a few gentlemen in the audience who were obviously looking for that special gift. After, the fashion designer from Vancouver, RozeMerie Cuevas, brought an amazing line from her fall collection for the cat walk, which was all part of the entertainment for the afternoon. We also heard from a few key note speakers on the importance and need for this wonderful organization.

with my friend and date, Karen Foos

with Ed Greene, the emcee for the afternoon.

Walking the runway for the live auction. Notice the beautiful necklace!

with Judy McNeil, the president of The Guild and her husband Charlie.

Her Life Magazine

 

November 2011

When I first shot with Her Life Magazine last year through Donna Baldwin Talent, I had no way of knowing our lives would cross many more times throughout the year. I have been blessed with the connections I have made with many of the individuals who work for the magazine. My sister- in- law and her family have even graced the cover of the magazine, when they did an article on them about their decision to use in vitro fertilization. The magazine covered my Send Off party for Mrs. America in the May issue, and I was so excited they featured our Stop Child Trafficking race for the Scene and be Seen section which hit news stands in November. Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming issues in the new year, there just might be a fabulous advertisement for an organization which is really close to my heart.

 

Shooting for Her Life and advertising for Soignee Boutique

Playing around after the shoot.  This was just one week before leaving for Mrs. America.

My sister in law, Anne and her family on the cover.  It is a great story!

 

2nd Picture clue.
No one has guessed correctly, so I am adding another picture clue.  Good luck!

Picture Clue

Congratulations to Erin Feltes for guessing: Denver Art Museum

Where in Colorado,

is Mrs. Colorado?

We need to start making these picture clues a little harder

 because you guys seem to really know Colorado.

Good Luck!!

Picture Clue

Congratulations to all of you who guessed Union Station!!

Bill Morgan was our first to post his answer, he will be winning
two tickets to this year's Mrs. Colorado Pageant on February 25th.

Where in Colorado,

is Mrs. Colorado?

Where in Colorado,

is Mrs. Colorado?

 

 

Union Station

is the correct answer!!

Watch for the next photo clue tomorrow afternoon!!!



Let the Game Begin!

Where in Colorado,

is Mrs. Colorado?

 

Mrs. Colorado 2011, Janell Ames, has been on the move all over town- a local hot spot? a historical landmark? 

Do your best to place your guess - we will be posting every Wednesday- so be sure to check back to see if you are a winner.

Here are the rules:

-You must make your guess under the comments on the Mrs. Colorado blog. Guesses on facebook will not count.

-One guess per day per person.

-If no one has guessed correctly by Saturday we will give a clue.

-Some of the weeks will have a prize attached

 

Here is our first photo.

 

 

Shopping Day

October 28th 2011

Ok so I have to admit that although I had a great time meeting and hearing all about what the amazing titleholders are up to, I was slightly envious of the planning and excitement of pageant preparations. Don't get me wrong I love being on this side, but there is something so thrilling about preparing for competition and I am somewhat sad that I will never experience that again.

Now that I am done with my mini pity party I can share with you the benefits of being the "queen" at shopping day.

What an incredible group of women I was able to meet with on shopping day, some returners I had never met, some new, and some returners I have competed with in previous years. I am beyond the moon excited for each and everyone one of them.

The opening number dresses looked fabulous and with three different colors to chose from each lady could pick the perfect hue. I had the chance to help a few with their evening gowns, and talk with some of the new gals about pageant week. It was nice to be able to visit with Emily and Raeanne, the owner of Royal Image Boutique and Mrs. Colorado 2000.   Hearing about some of the surprises Emily has prepared for the big show makes being on this side even more exciting, and I still get to be a part of the coming events just on a different level. Looking forward to seeing all the gorgeous ladies at ticket sales and during pageant week.

 

with two of my queen sisters, Emily (2002) and Raeanne (2000) Emily is our State director and Raeanne owns Royal Image Boutique

Three current titleholders, Erin Feltes, Roni Bibb, Valentina Anderson

with Amy Austin Kramer, Valentia Anderson, and Erin Feltes

 

Breast Cancer Awareness

Martinis and Mammograms

October 27th 2011

October is breast cancer awareness month and this was a fabulous free event provided by SkyRidge Medical Hospital.

Self breast exams are extremely important, but making sure women see a doctor by the age of 40 to get a regular mammogram is even more essential, unless you have a family history in which case you should schedule them sooner.

Marlene Tendler, the current Mrs. Douglas County, invited Emily and I to this event because she works with Sky Ridge and she too wanted to help spread the word. Denise Plante was the emcee for the evening festivities where we could sip martinis and shop the vendor booths. I even won a pink logoed water bottle as a door prize. 

It is never to early to educate yourself on early detection.

 

Pictures to follow at a later date.

 

Children's Museum

 

October 19th 2011

Family Read

I have always loved going to the Children's Museum with my little ones, there is always so much to explore and they do a great job of creating new and exciting hands on exhibits. I was asked as a "mom" to come down and do a family unit read to the toddlers. We chose books about families and talked about the people who make up our families. It was fitting that my three children were able to come down so they could be introduced as individuals in my family. I think my kids had just as much fun as the toddlers.

 

with a few of the adorable children who came out for story time.

 

reading from a Todd Parr book, one of my favorite children's authors.

with my three little ones

 

Masquerade Ball

Give Denver

 

October 15th 2011

 

I was thrilled to be invited to a Masquerade Ball and one that is organized for a good cause, makes it even better. The event was held at the New Eastside Human Services Office Building and was also the grand opening.

The Masquerade Ball will benefit GIVE Denver, a donation and volunteer program which provides foster children, the homeless and other families in need with basic necessities, holiday gifts and school supplies.

 

with Becca Smith, my date for the evening.

Most events allow me to bring along a special guest, which has been wonderful for me to be able to share my adventures with the amazing people in my life. Becca, a dear friend of mine, and I had the pleasure of helping out with the photo booth and mingling with the attendees. We also had a chance to walk around to view the amazing hand painted masks provided by the children of the family crisis center which were on display and up for auction with proceeds going back to the program. The masks were created through the Mosaic Art Therapy Program, which helps youth heal by expressing themselves through art. The Mayor, Michael B. Hancock helped with a dedication ceremony, Phat Daddy played live music, and a light dinner was provided by Occasions by Sandy.

Photo Shoot

Program Book Cover Shoot

October 13th and October 16th 2011

One of my most favorite aspects of competing in the pageants over the years has been creating the ad page for the program book. This year is no different- except it will be the front cover.

I can hardly wait to see the finished product from the two photo shoots we put together. The concept for the shoots were on completely different spectrums, which makes it all the more fun.

Our first shoot was beautifully designed from the elegant attire to the gorgeous back drop.

The second shoot was entirely edgy, the makeup, the hair, the background, and the outfit.

With a team like ours you can't go wrong. Emily was the driving force behind the ideas, Megan captures the image behind the camera, Kari brought her magic paint brushes and DJ created a one of a kind look, from the visions to the collaborated talents of our crew, it is going to be spectacular! I can only anticipate which image will be chosen, but I know it will be incredible.

 

Our Colorado Crew. This was just one of the two shoots.

Kari Kisch putting on some final touches

DJ from Timothy D's, using his skills to perfect our look.

Megan Anderson from Graphique Photography, checking lights one last time before capturing the moment.

 

Boa Ball

Wildlife Preservation

October 8th 2011

If you have never been to the Wildlife Experience located in Parker it is a wonderful place to learn about the environment in which we live. Within the museum you will have the opportunity to enjoy interactive exhibits, beautiful pieces of fine art, Large format film (IMAX), natural history, and participate in educational programs.

I was invited to the 9th annual BOA Ball to help raise funds and awareness for the Wildlife Experience and their efforts to educate and preserve our natural wildlife.

What an exciting event. It was a Black and White themed ball with fire dancers, stilt walkers, silent auction, dinner, and dueling pianos. I was encouraged to bring a guest to accompany me to the event. It was an honor to be able to share the evening with my mom. We had a fantastic time posing in the photo booth, selecting participants for the "Best Dressed" and mingling with the guests.

with Aubrey Ryan, the Development Specialist and coordinator  for the Wildlife Experience

with Tred Barta  and his wife Anni. Tred was the inspirational guest speaker for the evening festivities.

with my beautiful mother and date for the evening, Shiela.

 

Field trip

People in our Community Field trip

October 6th 2011

I absolutely love being involved in my children's school and classrooms. I enjoy getting to know the staff and students where my children spend their days. I also feel there is something unsaid when they see my involvement with their education, friendships, and activities. Plus, let's be honest there is that added bonus of them knowing "mom is watching". I am hoping to set up and create this foundation for my children where they know I am here and they follow my lead. I am walking the walk.

I was honored to be asked by the second grade team of teachers to help create and speak at the field trip where they would be learning about "People in the Community". I quickly got on the phone and asked the mayor of our town, David Casiano to help out as well. He is a friend of mine and I knew he would be an incredible resource and besides that, to the children he is like the president.
We had a great time touring our new performing arts center which was led by the mayor, watching a fire and police demonstration, walking through an old school house on Mainstreet, and enjoying sweet treats from our local cupcake place, Nomelie's Cupcakes. 

with Mrs. Waite's 2nd grade class from Cherokee Trail  Elementary and David Casiano, the mayor of Parker.

with Mrs. Waite, David Casiano the mayor of Parker, and Griffin my son.

Stop Child Trafficking Stiletto Run and 5k

SCTnow.org

September 24th 2011

Our Team the "Royal Pains"

Child Trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. With over 2 million children victims, UNICEF estimates that every year this horrific crime is a $12 billion market.
When I heard the statistics, I had to get involved. This is my second year with this organization, which was brought to Denver by two very passionate and extremely hard working women, Jolene Picone and Julia Gentry. They had met Lynette Lewis who is the founder of SCTnow at a convention where they heard her speak so eloquently about the topic.
Last year was the first year SCTnow was brought to Denver and we organized the Stiletto Run and 5k run/walk, the first ever Denver Stiletto race. It was a HUGE success raising over $40,000 our first year.
This year almost didn't happen with our venue sponsor, Six Flags-Elitch Gardens, pulling out two months before the event. We were fortunate enough to relocate the race only weeks before the event to Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. Even though we were unable to promote or market our event like we had the previous year, we still had around 200 racers. We are looking forward to partnering with Dick's again next year and building on our already amazing sponsor list

with Julia and Becca

The racers lining up for the stiletto run.  We had a great turnout!

with the Stiletto racers.

Hyatt and Mrs. Colorado Partner for 2012 Preliminary Event

We have an amazing host hotel—The Hyatt Denver Tech Center Hotel. The Hyatt has the distinction of being Denver Tech Center's only AAA Four Diamond awardee and they offer more of what you desire in a first-class hotel. Relax in truly luxurious accommodations while you enjoy unparalleled services and amenities. They have created an amazing Mrs. Colorado special of only $105 a night. This is an incredible deal for family and friends to take advantage of. To book your reservations there use the link below. We will host all events at the Hyatt from Wednesday night through Friday night. Your family and friends may use the Mrs. Colorado special rate.

https://resweb.passkey.com/go/MrsColorado2012

http://www.techcenter.hyatt.com/

Space is limited so book your accommodations. See everyone soon

Denim and Diamonds

Lutheran Family Services

with Ram, Chandra, San Tin, and Man the National Honor Society students from the refugee program.

I have been fortunate enough to have done an appearance with this organization earlier in my reign, the Zoo BQ.   Great individuals working hard for the children and the elderly.  They devote much of their time and funds to adoption, foster care, care management, and refugee programs.  This event was held in Colorado Springs at the Antlers Hilton in the ballroom.  We had the opportunity to bid on amazing auction items, partake in the live auction, and enjoy the dinner and fellowship of the Lutheran community.  There were four refugee teenagers who were among the elite in their academic classes and were given the honor of being recognized at the event.  I look forward to working along side this organization in the future.

with Emily Stark my fabulous director and date for the evening.

September 20th

Out of State Appearance

Las Vegas

September 18-19th

with Cynthia, the director of the event and Tiffany, Ms. Fitness

It is all who you know.  I have been working out with the amazing Tiffany Yee who is Ms. Fitness USA and she was invited to attend a convention in Las Vegas.  Tiffany casually mentioned that she knew the current Mrs. Colorado and they jumped at the chance to have two Colorado gals come and make an appearance for their clients.  Being a mother first, it had to be a quick visit for me.  I flew in early Sunday and made the appearance on Monday only to fly out later that night.  It was a great time and an opportunity for me to meet new and exciting people.  We stayed at the MGM, but the event was held at the Venetian where we greeted, took pictures and autographed photos.  We also had a little fun while we were there too, enjoying the beautiful pool and delicious cuisine.

hanging out in the cabana with Cynthia Choboian and Tiffany Yee

Diabetes Walk

Walking to find a cure 
September 11th


It was a beautiful day for a walk especially one for a good cause.  Beginning and ending at the Pepsi center, 9,000 people joined together to walk for Diabetic research which raised over 900,000.  I unfortunately have family members and friends effected by type 1 diabetes, every day they must test their blood sugar and give themselves insulin injections multiple times or use a pump – each day, every day of their lives.   It was nice to gather around a fellow titleholder and friend who has type 1 diabetes and show our support.  Erin Feltes is an inspiration and a great example of an optimistic outlook.  To find out how you can help or get involved visit:  http://www.diabetes.org/

with the beautiful Erin Feltes,

with fellow teammates Elisa Fowler, Erin Feltes, and Emily Stark