THE POWER OF A DREAM

Everything Great Starts With A Dream!

During my first couple of months as Mrs. Colorado, I was invited to attend Redstone Elementary.  I love this little school in Highlands Ranch partly because my children attend there but more importantly because of the wonderful teachers that fill the classrooms.  They have truly given my children the gift of a great education and love for learning. 

I was visiting the school as Mrs. Colorado and also to read my very own children’s book Be Your Own Dream Catcher.  At first, I was only going to visit my son’s kindergarten classroom thinking that my fourth grader, Hunter, would be too embarrassed.  Hunter caught wind of this and said, “Mom, come on, you’re not coming to my classroom?”  Like any mom, I jumped on the opportunity and said, “Of course I will, I just thought you’d be too  embarrassed.”  Oh, was I wrong. 

My Sweet Dane

Reading my Book

 I started my adventure in my son Dane’s kindergarten classroom.  The children were so excited to see me and I was incredibly nervous.  Wearing my sash, I sat down in the front of the classroom and displayed my crown on a table next to me.  A bunch of little girls ran over right away and one yelled, “Oh put it on!” pointing to the crown.  I laughed and quickly placed it on my head.  We took photos and then I let them try on both the sash and crown. As a mother of two boys, I had SO much fun helping them play dress up!  The teacher eventually hushed the children and I began talking about dreams.  I shared my dream of becoming a mom and also Mrs. Colorado.  I talked about how you have to work hard and have a plan make your dreams become a reality.  After reading the book, I asked if any of them had dreams. They all raised their hands at once, chopping at the bit to scream out and share their dream.  One little boy said, “I want to build a house made out of Jell-O!”  Another little girl said, “I want to be a princess just like you!”  A third little boy jumped up and yelled, “I have nightmares!”  They were so adorable, I had never laughed so hard in my entire life.   

The fourth grade classroom was hilarious too.  Even the boys wanted to try on my crown and of course thought it was hilarious to act silly wearing it.  After reading my book that’s essentially about making your dreams a reality, I asked the children to share their dreams and how they thought they would achieve them.  One little girl said, “I want practice singing every day and then enter America’s Got Talent.  If I do that, I know I’m going to win!” “Another little boy shared that he was going to study hard and become a physician.   I loved hearing the determination and ambition at such a young age.  After all, this is what achieving any goal is about- preparation, determination, and drive! 

The Fouth Grade Class

My son Hunter, Being Silly

At the end of my visit with the fourth grade class the teacher came up to me and said, “With budget cuts and pressure to have score high on tests we don’t make enough time to expose our children to this type of motivation.  This is the stuff that truly matters, thank you for getting them to think about their dreams.”  As Mrs. Colorado 2012, dreams matter to me.  I knew at this moment, I was doing a job that made a difference, sharing the power of a dream.    

YOU'LL NEVER GET ANYTHING IF YOU DON'T ASK

My parents live in a wonderful community called Heritage Eagle Bend (HEB) and I was invited to attend a Health Fair hosted by 9 News.  What a fun filled day this was and so educational. As a full time human resource professional, mother of two, wife, and now Mrs. Colorado, it can sometimes feel like a balancing act trying to manage it all.  With that in mind, I try to attend as many events as possible where I can bring my family with me and the Health Fair was right up my alley. Spending a day with my boys and learning about health ranks high on my list of priorities. 

That day we visited with a range of physicians, nurses, fitness professionals and more. We toured the fair and were also introduced to many people who live in HEB.  I even met a college roommate of a Queen Sister. What a small world! After the tour, we were placed at a beautiful round table by the entry of the main entrance.  There was a huge boutique of spring flowers and a sign that read Mrs. Colorado. This was once again the “autograph table” that my husband continued to be in disbelief about (smile).  The cutest thing that I will always remember about this day is the little old man who was my biggest fan.  He was a retired physician and asked me to sign an autograph card for every single member of his family.  He also asked me THREE different times, if and when I was going to change into my swimsuit?  I giggled and gave him a hug instead.  However, the lesson learned from this darling elderly man is that “you’ll never get anything if you don’t ask!” 

MY FIRST APPEARANCE, WHAT A BLESSING

My very first appearance as Mrs. Colorado was to attend the Jayda Ball, a fundraiser for a little girl who was and is still battling cancer. It was held at the elementary school she attended located about an hour away from where I live in Highlands Ranch. I was instructed to wear an evening gown as this fundraiser was going to have a “princess” theme and all the people attending were going to be dressed in prom type outfits. I remember that day clearly. I got my hair and makeup done and tried to envision what it would feel like attending as Mrs. Colorado. I even picked up my autograph cards earlier in the day as I was told that people attending may want my autograph. I remember as I stood at Kinkos, waiting to pick the cards up, my husband called. I told him what I was doing and he burst out laughing, not in a mean way, just in a shocked way. He said, “Autograph cards? Do you really think people are going to want your autograph?” I remember chuckling and saying, “I know, it’s strange but I was told to bring them. Let’s hope someone wants them or that will be awkward.” We laughed together but I remember thinking, boy that could be really embarrassing if I set up my cards and no one shows up. Looking on the bright side, my mom and dear girlfriend, Renee, where planning on attending with me so I knew as nervous as I was, it was going to be a fun night. We entered the school gym aka “Prom” and little girls fluttered in princess inspired dresses, waiving magical wands in the air. I remember the host, Heather, came right up to me and said, “Oh thank you so much for coming, everyone has been talking about your arrival. We have a table set up for you right over here where you can sign autographs,” as she pointed and we walked to a table next to the silent auction tables. She told me that Jayda would be arriving soon and asked if I would introduce her and her family to the crowd. I responded with, “I would be delighted!” After a few moments of awkwardness, a rush of little girls came running over. “Mrs. Colorado, can we have your autograph?” they shouted. “Of course,” I responded and whipped out my pen as fast I could. With a huge smile and a nod of approval from Renee I thought… if my husband could only see me now!

Me and the Star of the Night, Jayda

Me and My Dear Friend Renee

With My Mother and Cheerleader, Sandy

About thirty minutes later, Heather, the host of the party, rushed over to me to tell me that Jayda,  was arriving.  I remember feeling so nervous and excited to meet her and her family.  I left the table and walked to the entrance of the gymnasium.  It was if the princess had arrived and the crowds parted ways.  Jayda entered with her family and looked radiant.  Being a mother myself, I instantly felt a lump begin to form in my throat knowing that she was ill.  I could not imagine the pain her parents must have felt.  I knelt down and introduced myself to Jayda. Her dark, curly hair and golden skin were absolutely beautiful.  She was so precious and was smiling ear to ear.  I introduced myself to her parents and they hugged me right away.  Her mother looked at me and said, “We can’t thank you enough for attending our fundraiser.  You brought in many people who may not have attended otherwise.”  I was so humbled and honored to be part of the amazing event.  I looked around and felt overwhelmed with this little community who came together to support this family.  I remember standing there and feeling so privileged to be part of such a wonderful eveninh.  Being Mrs. Colorado is so much more than anything material, it is an honor and blessing.  Attending the Jayda Ball was the best first appearance ever!   It really brought home what being Mrs. Colorado is all about. 

A DREAM COME TRUE

On February 25th 2012, my dream of becoming Mrs. Colorado came true. As I sit here and write this message to you, I am truly honored and humbled to have been given this opportunity. As a mother, a wife, and a full time Director of Human Resources, I am excited to know that I am living a life of passion and purpose every day. As Mrs. Colorado 2012, I am happy to say, “Dreams really do come true.”

My Journey, My Story

The Mrs. Colorado Class of 2012- An Amazing Group of Women

The desire to become Mrs. Colorado started off as a bucket list and then turned into a dream that penetrated my soul. It was almost four years ago, when my family and I relocated to Denver. It was a warm summer night and I remember we ordered the movie “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It was that night, that my mind starting thinking about my “bucket list” and all the things I wanted to experience in my lifetime. Moving to a new city, one of the goals on my list was to network and build relationships within the community. Another one was to get into the best shape of my life, especially after having two children and being in graduate school for years. A third goal was to enter a race that involved swimming (I did not know how to swim) and running (I'm a horrible runner). Like any mother of two, multi-tasking is a critical skill so I began to evaluate my list and starting linking items in an attempt to consolidate goals.

The next morning, I was watching the news and happened to see an advertisement for the Miss America pageant. At that moment, I looked at my husband and said, “I’m going to enter the Mrs. Colorado Pageant!” Like any smart husband, he replied with, “Great honey, you do that!” We laughed together, but, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Having a local state title would be my vehicle to networking with the community and would also inspire me to physically train to get into the best shape of my life. That was it; my mind was made up and I was off to win the title of Mrs. Colorado 2009.

On May 16th, 2009, I did not win the title of Mrs. Colorado but I was able to cross off a goal from my bucket list and it felt amazing! Out of 46 contestants, I was blessed to place in the top 10. I experienced the thrill of preparation and competition. I realized the power and art of "telling a story." I made some amazing friendships and was inspired by so many women in my community. One contestant lost over one hundred pounds and entered the pageant to overcome childhood insecurities of being overweight. Another contestant was secretly entered by her husband and co-workers because they wanted her to conquer her fear of people looking at her. One story that I will always remember, was from a contestant who entered and had a speech impediment. She told me that she wanted to demonstrate to her children that you should always be confident of who you are regardless of what others may think or say.

After the pageant was over, my son came up to me and said, “Why didn’t you win mommy?” I bent down and put my hands on either side of his face and said, “It’s not always about coming in at 1st place, it’s about trying your absolute best and being proud of whom you are. I did win in my heart.” He smiled and said, “You’ll always be my queen mommy.” On June 6th 2009, I crossed off #2 on my list, finishing a triathlon.

In 2010, my bucket list achievement became a dream as I watched the pageant as an audience member. I then realized that winning a pageant was so much more than having a pretty face and poise. It was about self-discovery, preparation, and rediscovering your inner sparkle. It was at this moment, my bucket list achievement was transformed into a dream.

In 2011, I dared the stage for a second time and was blessed to place in the top 5. It was also that same year that my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at the ripe age of 36. My world suddenly came to a screeching halt and my dream of becoming Mrs. Colorado was a distant memory.

It was moments before one of my sister’s major, life altering, surgeries that my world had a monumental shift. We sat there, in the pre-op room and we made small talk. I remember her looking up at me (she was laying down on the hospital bed) and she said, “So Court, you going to compete for Mrs. Colorado this year?” I replied instantly with, “Oh, no…that was just a dream and now with all you’re going through I have realized that it really doesn’t matter.” I continued with, “All that matters in health and family.” Her big brown eyes welled up with tears and she said, “Are you kidding me? Look at me. You never know when your time could come to an end. That is your dream, and you go get it!” In that moment, we cried and hugged and made a sisterly pact to live a life a passion and purpose.

Janell Ames, Emily Stark, and Me

As I stood on the stage on February 25^th 2012 and my name was called as the new Mrs. Colorado 2012, it was surreal and humbling. I feel honored and blessed to have this title and will cherish it with all my heart. I thank all of my friends and family for believing in me. I thank Emily Stark, the director of this pageant for encouraging me to chase my dreams. I thank Janell Ames, Mrs. Colorado 2011, for guiding me back in 2009, for showing me the ropes, and for being a true friend. I could not have made this dream a reality without you all. For everyone reading this blog, “Here’s to a fabulous 2012 and let the journey of making your dreams a reality begin!”

MRS. COLORADO 2012

As I expected this day to come, I could not have prepared myself for the flood of emotions  I would feel this week as I pass on the title of Mrs. Colorado.  Bittersweet is an understatement and many who know me, know I am not good with change, but the Mrs. Colorado titleholder class of 2012  is full of incredible women, and any one of them would be an amazing addition to the Colorado sisterhood.   At the end of the day only one of them will be crowned. but hopefully all will walk away with a sense of accomplishment and pride.

I was honored and ecstatic to crown the new

Mrs. Colorado 2012

~Courtney Graham~

Final Post

You won't realize the distance you've walked, until you take a look around and realize how far you've come.  As I sit and reflect on those words, I am taken back five years ago when my Mrs. Colorado journey truly began.  What a gift I have been given and I am genuinely grateful for each and everyone of those years, which says a lot because I am an extremely competitive person.  I have walked away with more than the title of Mrs. Colorado, I have experiences and memories to last a lifetime, made friendships that I will cherish forever, and grown so much as a person.  This past year as Mrs. Colorado has surpassed any and all of my expectations and I look forward to building on the foundations I have built this year.  I can't what to see what and where I go next

Here are a few fun pictures from my past four years!

Mrs. Colorado pageant 2010 competing with my mom and grandmother

One of my ad pages from the years of competition.

Sharing one of my appearances with my three little ones

2nd Runner up at Mrs. America

My Village being goofy after the Mrs. America Prelims in West Virginia

with many of the titleholders from Mrs. Colorado 2008.  I am still Friends with many of them today

with my amazing husband after prelims in 2011

with the Colorado queens at our annual Christmas party 2011

Coordinated a Women's build for Habitat with some good friends and titleholders from 2011

I made some forever friends at Mrs. America

Started a Chapter at Children's Hospital

What an incredible group of state finalists. Thank you for such a great weekend and for sharing your time and hearts with the Mrs. Colorado Organization. You are all so beautiful. Congratulations to a great year of being Mrs. Colorado 2011- Janell Ames and to the newly crowned Mrs. Colorado 2012, Courtney Graham. Stay tuned for details as we have scheduled Courtney's Send Off Party to Mrs. America for later this month. We can't wait to see all the state finalists again!

Mrs. Colorado Foundaiton

Mrs. Colorado Foundation Luncheon

Feb 17th

The Giving Circle

Leading by example is what being Mrs. Colorado is all about, that is why it was important for me to attend the Mrs. Colorado Foundation Luncheon started by Marney Duckworth, Mrs. Colorado 2007.  She has been instrumental in showing us all the value of the crown.  She started the foundation during her reign to help women further their education by awarding them with a scholarship. 

The luncheon acknowledged the giving circle which included the many women who have contributed financially to the foundation.  Tricia Dampier was the guest speaker and spoke on "Chasing the Blue Ribbon".   It was nice to be surrounded by women who value education and encourage excellence and drive.

Veterans Hospital

Feb 16th

with Jonella, Jodi, and the volunteer coordinator, Lee Thompson

Visiting the VA is an annual Valentine’s tradition for the current Mrs. Colorado Queen and titleholders.  Jonella Roth and Jodi Michael Horner made the rounds with me during our visit, while Cara Marshall, Ayme Austin Kramer and Angelina Slack made their appearance the day before.

We had the opportunity to visit with patients who were recovering from different surgeries and also with patients going through physical therapy waiting to be released.  We also had a chance to visit with a representative from the PTSD(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) program, which effects many men and women of war.  It takes so much courage to get help and this program has saved and helped many veterans.

What an honor it was to thank the veterans for their servitude. 

Ayme, Angelina, Cara, and their escorts for the day

eating lunch with the girls and our escorts

with Marty, my awesome escort for the day and Father Dan

36 Hours for Kids

Alice 105.9 Radioathon

Feb 15th

with Emily and Sheli answering the phones and taking pledges

My passion and desire to be a part of Children's Hospital continues to grow.  I am continually in awe of the services and events provided by the hospital in order to help create a more comfortable and less stressful visit for the children.  The more I know, the more I want to help and be a part of the services provided. 

36 Hours for Kids is a radiothon put on by our local radio station, Alice 105.9.   For over 10 years Alice has been a proud partner raising over 9 million dollars. 

I was thrilled to contribute my time and answer the phones to take pledges.  I was accompanied by Emily and Sheli who were also more than happy to give of their time.  Over the course of three days many families will give their testimonies on air and retell thir stories of compassion and the incredible care they received from the staff at Children's Hospital.

To find out more on how you can help visit: http://www.childrenscolorado.org/

Girls' Tea Party

Feb 12th

The people you meet along the way are sometimes the most treasured gifts.  I had the pleasure of meeting Valerie Boyd during my first year of competition four years ago, and we have remained friends all these years later.  I was thrilled when she invited me to a cupcake and tea party she was organizing with some sweet little girls from her neighborhood.  They were excited to meet a real life princess.  It was special for me to share my experiences with them and encourage them to always pursue their dreams.  What a beautiful group of young women.

Mrs. Colorado Tickets

The online ticket sales have ended. If you or your friends would like to come watch the Preliminary Pageant on Thursday February 23, 2012 at the Hyatt DTC, you may purchase tickets at the door. We do have a handful of tickets available. For the crowning of Mrs. Colorado 2012 on Saturday February 25, 2012 at the Temple Buell Theater, you may purchase your tickets at the door until we sell out. The box office will open at 5:00 pm. Both events start at 7:00 pm.

State of Parker Address

February 9th

Introducing the Mayor

What an honor it was to be asked by the mayor of my town, David Casiano, to speak at his last introduction for the State of Parker Address.  I introduced David at our new beautiful performing arts center, which he helped pave the way for that opened this past October.  There were over 300 attendees for his final address.  David will be completing his last year as mayor and will hand over the reins this November.  He has been an incredible addition to the town council for over 10 years and his love and efforts for this town are completely apparent.  He is a walking town hall meeting and everyone who meets him can see his passion.  I am proud to call him a friend.

A fun photo collage made for the mayor from his Address to the town of Parker

Children's Hospital

February 9th

Seeds of Hope Chapter

Here is the Logo we created for our Chapter at Children's Hospital

Starting a foundation or a non profit has always been a dream of mine even before becoming Mrs. Colorado.  After participating in the "Queen for a Day" event at Children's Hospital earlier in my year, I was touched by not only the brave children but also the courage of their parents.  Having three children myself, it was hard not to put myself in their shoes.  I could not even begin to imagine the strength it would take to look at your little one and feel so helpless.  I needed to do something to give back to the parents.  After brainstorming, Becca Smith and I decided to create a chapter at Children's Hospital geared towards refueling and rejuvenating the parents of the patients.  We decided to put together a spa day for the mothers of the NICU.  It was a HUGE success.  These women were pampered with manicures, chair massages, blow outs, and snacks.  We also provided instruction on crocheting and offered yarn and needles for them to pass the time.  I am incredibly proud of this event and our chapter, Seeds of Hope.  I am looking forward to hosting many more events in the future.

With Becca Smith at our first Seeds of Hope event

Due to confidentiality we did not take photos of the participants.

Go Red for Women

February 4th

Ambassador Search

It was a true honor to be asked to judge the Go Red for Women ambassador search.  The American Heart Association is a close personal friend of the Mrs. Colorado organization especially since a former queen was an ambassador herself.  Christina Sacha, Mrs. Colorado 2008, became an ambassador for the American Heart Association during her reign, after her husband suffered a heart attack.

Christina Sacha, Mrs. Colorado 2008 and Go Red Ambassador

I had the pleasure of meeting and listening to the courageous women who have been effected by Heart Disease and have a passion for sharing their stories and spreading awareness.  Heart Disease  is the number one killer of women and up until recently was perceived as an older male dominated disease.

 The Go Red For Women movement works to make sure women know they are at risk so they can take action to protect their health.  Please educate yourself on the warning signs, many women dismiss the symptoms as being tired, stressed, or malnourished. Visit:  http://www.goredforwomen.org/index.aspx

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

February 4th

Menchie's Yogurt

The ribbon cutting ceremony.

Who doesn't love frozen yogurt?  When I was asked to participate in the grand opening of the Greenwood Village Menchie's Yogurt, I jumped at the chance to lend a helping spoon.  Even the snow did not stop patrons from coming down to check out the new store and have a free tasty treat.  The first 50 guests were also given a free t-shirt.  The kids had a great time having their faces painted, receiving crazy balloon animals, as well as, personalizing their own frozen yogurt creations.  They have several flavors of yogurt to choose from and a wide range of toppings.  I even got my picture taken with Menchie himself!

with Menchie the face of Menchie's Yogurt.

Picture Clue Answer

Where in Colorado,

is Mrs. Colorado?

 

Dee Dee Congratulations for being the first to give the correct answer!

 

 

 

Thank you all for being so patient,

it has been a wonderful yet crazy few weeks.

This will be the last one as I am preparing to finish up the blog and hand it to the new

Mrs. Colorado!

Thank you all so much for playing,

it has been fun.

 

 

Get Your Pageant Tickets

The pageant tickets officially go on sale to the public today. The state finalists had an opportunity to purchase tickets yesterday, and they sure did! I am beginning to believe there just might be a sold out theater to watch Mrs. Colorado 2012 be crowned. We have so many celebrity guests coming to watch including a former Miss America, Mrs. America, Mrs. World, Mrs. Ohio, Mrs. New York just to name a few. This will be an exciting night.

Come watch the preliminary pageant where you can watch all the contestants compete in swimsuit and evening. This is your only chance to see all ladies compete in these phases of competition. To buy your tickets, http://mrscoloradoprelim.eventbrite.com

To buy final night tickets, http://mrscolorado.eventbrite.com

You can always pop a check in the mail for tickets and I will mail your tickets to you. Preliminary tickets are $15 each and final night seats are $25.

Blessings to you!

Blush Auditions

December 19th


Competing in the pageant for four years may seem daunting and frustrating to some, but for me it has led to some great experiences and friendships that I will have for a lifetime. I met Jessica Mason, who now owns Studio 21 Dance, my first year competing. I was thrilled when she asked me to come down and be a guest judge for her Blush dance team. Like many of you, I believed I was a pretty good dancer and could carry my own on the dance floor, boy was I mistaken after watching these girls. I love watching people use the talents they have been given, these girls were amazing which made my job that much harder. I am looking forward to catching them on the big stage when they perform.

Special Needs Christmas Party

December 17th

There are some incredible people in our world and many of them go unknown because they don't like to draw attention to their generous doings. I had the opportunity to meet a couple doing just that, giving back without expecting anything in return. For many years Bob and Rita have been organizing a fun - filled Christmas party for the disabled children in our county. Most of these children have to take a specially equipped bus to school because of their disabilities. The bus drivers were also involved in coordinating and volunteering for this event, which has been taking place for over 15 years. Chaparral High School provided the back drop which was decorated in a luau theme. A band played as the kids ate, danced, and did crafts. Santa and Mrs. Clause were also in attendance. What a great way to spend an afternoon, these children are simply amazing.

Bob and Rita the wonderful couple who continue to bring smiles to the faces of these special children year after year.

some of the many volunteers who spread their love this holiday season.

with Carly and Kendall two special gals who drug me out to the dance floor only to show me up.

with Beth, what a sweet girl.