Heather's Ruck - Mrs. Wyoming American

Over the last three months as Mrs. Wyoming American I have thought a lot about how to make our state more positive. Society right now is extremely stressful and that stress breeds a lot of negativity. For whatever reason, this thought has been weighing extremely heavy on me the last couple of nights. I am sure it is because once again I am traveling for work and when I’m away from the family my thoughts get even deeper. Maybe because the distractions of kiddos are less. The part that excites me is it hit me, the people in Wyoming are lifting our community each and every day. 

On September 11th I had the opportunity to highlight one of those community members, Heather Coughenour. So who is she? You see Heather was a member of the Wyoming Air National Guard. While sitting on the flightline protecting our aircraft a rogue lightning strike went through the engine of the truck she was sitting in. In that moment Heather’s life path would take a sharp detour. Instead of continuing her career with the guard she found herself looking to start over. Because of the impact of that day and her childhood, Heather knew she wanted to give back in the area of mental health. Her new goal was to help others battle mental health struggles like PTSD and anxiety. Her passion was to help others who were unable to help themselves. Heather has a heart dedicated to the forgotten individuals like the homeless in our community. 

Heather told her family she no longer wanted to be the center of attention for her birthday. She no longer wanted to receive gifts. Instead she wanted her birthday to be focused on giving back. This gave her husband the idea to ruck in honor of Heather each her for her organization of choice. This year Heather picked two organizations, Peak Wellness and the Department of Family Services. As an employee of Peak, she knew one place they could use help was by receiving travel size hygiene products to create a closet for the homeless and community members in need who didn’t have these simple items. Mike, Heather’s husband, set out to organizing what has become Heather’s Ruck. This year would be like no other as Heather’s family felt the loss of a loved one the week before the ruck but they would not be deterred. 

As we arrived Friday morning the rain was pouring down. Mike posted early to make sure everyone knew the ruck would go on rain or shine. The response was incredible! Those who were there to support Heather and her cause would not be turned away by the fact that they were about to get cold. The turn out was amazing! I was once again blown away by the incredible people we have in our community. Everyone filled their rucks and some even filled and carried two in order to get all of the donations delivered. Upon arrival it became very apparent the amount of space Heather had dedicated for the hygiene closet was not going to fit all the supplies donated. 

The outpouring of support for Heather is a perfect example of why I love living in Wyoming. I love that people in our community, like Heather, give so much in order to help others. I love how others will drop what they are doing to support others and lift them up. I was honored to get to be a part of Heather’s Ruck and look forward to making it an annual event for our family. I’m off to find more people like Heather. To help them give back and make sure they have the spotlight for lifting our community up!

Let's help our kids be kind and inclusive

We have 187 Colorado school districts and our hope is to get into each district - let’s partner with you and your school. Together we can make a difference.

'All White Affair' Girlfriends Tea with Colorado Beautillion - Cotillion, Inc

Attended the Colorado Beautillion - Cotillion, Inc 10th Annual Girlfriends’ High Tea an ‘All White Affair” We were inspired, embraced our power, and connected with powerful women.

We heard from Regina Grace - Registered Psychotherapist

Monique Flemings - Entrepreneur & Executive Director

Topazz McBride

Portia Terrell - Educator and Entrepreneur

Sylvia Waller - Mrs. Colorado American 2020

Lisa Neal-Graves - Attorney and Douglas County Candidate - unable to attend

Jice Johnson - CVO of Black Business Initiative

T.A. Porter - Certified Growth and Change Management Leader

Tabitha Jones - UNC Graduate (Go bears)

Maia Hill - Colorado Beautillion-Cotillion 2020 Co-Queen

Back-to-School

Happy September everyone! I can’t believe we are embarking on fall and that I have been Mrs. Colorado for close to 2 months! Life is busy (as usual) in the Covney household and I have certainly had my fair share of panic moments the past few weeks. I'm very lucky I have a husband that has risen to the occasion and is still excited that I am representing this amazing state. He always jumps in and takes care of “stuff”. Aside from 3 kids starting 3 different schools and schedules, our son Garrett is playing 2 fall sports that have carried on so adding that to the mix is a bit NUTS! We are very exited that not only has he made the golf team for Valor Christian High School, but he just secured a spot on the J.V. hockey team as well! Our oldest daughter Grace is a junior at Rock Canyon High school and man does that girl just take care of things on her own. She has school and a job and we almost get complacent about asking her whats going on because she just always has it all under control.
How many of you are doing this whole homeschooling thing? I really liked it last spring but I'm struggling with it a bit this year. The girls are back two days a week and Garrett is 5 days a week. As mentioned before, Grace has it all taken care of but our first grader, Jayce needs us. I have days where I feel like I'm drowning with it because she’s not focused. I'm not normally the mom that easily drops what I'm doing to redirect. I just get frustrated. Last Friday after Jayce was on a 45 minute video chat with her class, she would not sit still. We knew we had a 30 minute break and then she was back on for another 45 minutes. I had to tell her multiple times to sit down and stay focused. After she hung up I said take your socks off, lets go jump on the trampoline and get the wiggles out before your next call. She was so excited because again, thats not really like me. She got her wiggles out AND by taking 15 minutes out of my tunnel vision tendencies, I felt like a better and more interactive mom. Both of our hearts were happy. My hats are off to you all that are trying to work AND help your kids with remote learning. I am a stylist that can make my own hours. I'm not sure how you all are doing it working 40 plus hours. I’m saying prayers and keeping my fingers crossed that things get back to normal soon. I have a junior that is extremely sad that her prom plans got canceled last year, no homecoming, football games, basketball games and all the other things that come along with being in high school are happening. I would love to hear your stories about how you are all handling “stuff”. We must rely on each other as women to get ideas to help make things better! Have a great week and know that I see you, hear you and feel you!!

XO,
Nicole

Checking in with Mrs. Wyoming American - Randi Carpenter

I can’t believe it has been a month already! What a crazy night it was sitting at the drive-in waiting to see who would represent Wyoming and Colorado. The competition this year was definitely not like ones in the past but the production Emily created was amazing! It was so awesome being able to sit with my family and watch as it all unfolded in front of us on the big screen. Not going to lie, it’s the first time I have seen myself on a big screen and it was a nerve racking. Then the announcements came. I am not going to lie, I was a bit in shock when I heard my name and saw my picture come up on the screen. What a crazy opportunity to be the first Mrs. Wyoming American and represent our great state? After four years of competing over a ten year span I wasn’t sure it was something that I would ever see but the friends I made kept me coming back. On that fate filled night, a crown was placed on my head and it was time to start serving Wyoming!

I’ve been truly blessed over the last four weeks to be involved in some incredible things already. Time has been a challenge because my job as a navigator with the Wyoming Air National Guard keeps me moving. In fact, over the last four weeks I have found myself in three different states accomplishing a variety of missions. Although amazing, it has been busy! My love for flying though opened another door that I’m super excited about and can’t wait to share with everyone! I am currently working to earn a children’s book called Amelia Who Could Fly to donate to young women across the state to drive home the importance of chasing your dream and never giving up on what you love. The book is about Amelia Earhart and how she as a child knew what she wanted to do and did not let anything get in her way! Updates to come on how many copies I am able to earn and of course the reaction of the girls I donate them to!

Along with the book donations Mrs. Wyoming, Amanda Palmer and I were able to support the Boys and Girls Club of Cheyenne with their Back A Kid Breakfast. We had the opportunity to deliver breakfast burritos to businesses who donated to the organization but were socially distancing and watching the event over YouTube. My family supported me on Saturday and walked just shy of two miles for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This event was near and dear to my heart as my grandpa passed away with Alzheimer’s. Not only was it personal but it is also the platform of Mrs. Colorado American, Sylvia Waller and so it was a way to support her. I have also been trying to touch base with all my supporters every two weeks by doing a live coffee time. If you haven’t tuned in or have a question you’d like me to answer please jump over to Facebook and leave me a comment on Randi Carpenter, Mrs. Wyoming American 2020.

The first four weeks have gone in a blink of an eye! Even though they have flown by I’m super excited for what I was able to accomplish and I can’t wait to keep serving our great state. So far September will have a donation ruck for Peak Wellness and the Department of Family Services. In November I’ll be up in Douglas, WY supporting Miss for Wyoming Amanda Rodriguez at the Black and White Ball for the Converse Hope Center which supports victims of domestic violence. Not to mention at some point the national competition for Mrs. American! I’m so excited and truly blessed by the amount of support I have received. Please keep sending me ways I can help our community and great state!!

Letter from your Mrs. Colorado 2020

Hello All -

I feel so blessed to have been crowned your Mrs. Colorado this year! Its been almost 3 weeks now and I am enjoying it so much! While my year will look a little different than most of the queens in years past, I still have a lot of plans. I am staying connected with weekly facebook live appearances. I’m going to get really brave next week and go live on Facebook AND Instagram! Wish me luck.  Im still looking for SOMEONE to sponsor the videography of an anti bullying video that I want to show in elementary schools. I've reached out to schools and private companies but have not yet secured anyone. Takers, takers?? Message us if so and thanks in advance.
I'm also working on getting the word out about adult day programs for the developmentally disabled. Im working closely with www.treelinepass.org to raise funds for their services. Most kids go to college, vocational school or work after they complete high school. Unfortunately without formal training or life skills, those with autism for example do not. This is where adult day programs come in.  I hope you will all follow me in my quest to help my friends and even participate in their virtual game night fundraiser that is posted on their website! August 27th, Be there or be square!
We live in odd times. I feel very blessed to have a husband that is still working and equally blessed since he’s no longer traveling for work, that we truly still like each other (most of the time) ha!  Grace, Garrett and Jayce are having similar summer days to mine as a kid growing up in the 80’s and 90’s. BORING! Haha. The only difference is I didn’t need a reservation to go to the pool and I rode my bike there daily. There is uncertainty about school and what the next few months will bring. I have two teenagers going to two different high schools and I feel like I'm in some weird social experiment because one is back full time and one, only two days a week. Im hoping they both end up academically “ok”. Im scared for my first grader that had just gotten really good at reading and now has regressed. Jason and I as parents need to make a pact that we will both work with her more to ensure her success, as she too will only be back at school 2 days a week. I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around a schedule again also. We have spent 10 years in divide and conquer mode with sports and school and then it all came to a halt in March. This mama needs to get organized and start utilizing her calendar again, waking up early to exercise, and drinking more water than coffee to stay hydrated and alert! Who’s with me??  
I reflect daily on my blessings and realize how bad some have it right now with uncertainty circling their lives. Sometimes with that uncertainty comes depression and the feeling of despair and I feel you. Make sure to take care of you, however that looks. Some choose exercise (thats my “go to” when Im feeling stressed), speaking to a close friend or family member, speaking to a counselor or even just locking your door, turning the music up and screaming! Even a big deep breath can help to reset. Goodbye for now, Ill check in often!

Lots of love,
Nicole

2020 Queens Crowned

We have officially crowned our 2020 queens - COVID style.

Mrs. Colorado® 2020

Learn a small piece about the newly crowned Mrs. Colorado 2020 - Nicole Covney!

Our new title in the Mrs. America Organization is Mrs. Colorado American. She is the 2nd highest scoring lady in the pageant who will advance on the compete for the Mrs. American pageant. The winner of the Mrs. American will advance on to Mrs. World pageant. Our new Mrs. Colorado American 2020 is Sylvia Waller.

Miss Colorado for America 2020 is Juliet Abdel.

2020 Pageant will be at the DriveIn - Socially Distanced and Family Friendly!

With the safety of everyone first and foremost, we are airing the pageant at the DriveIn - you can come celebrate and learn who will wear the titles in 2020 at a fun family friendly night. We can’t wait to see you at the movies!

What is Miss Colorado Springs for America up to?

Watch what Miss Colorado Springs for America - Laurel Barrett. Thanks Laurel for the video.

May the 4th with Miss Denver for America!

From Miss for Denver 2020, Jody Touchton:

May the 4th be with you today my friends! I’m not embarrassed to admit I’ve been a Star Wars geek since childhood. Interestingly, Star Wars fans weren’t the first to recognize today to honor the epic sci-fi series.  The day actually has been around since May 4, 1979, when Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and her party’s advertisement in the London Evening News said:  "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations."

In other sci-fi scenarios, I know many of us feel like we are living in a sci-fi movie with Coronavirus, strange news, and economic uncertainty.  And as we all try to do our part to “quarantine,” I find it serendipitous that today is exactly 40 days from the implementation of Colorado’s “Shelter at Home” order.....especially since the etymology of the word comes from the Italian word quarantina meaning forty days.  

I’ve learned some interesting things about myself these past 40 days including finally confirming a theory I’ve had that I might be an introvert.  While it’s something I’ve suspected for a long time, the pressure to keep the hamster wheel rotating all these years for fear of disappointing the people and causes I care about has significantly impacted my ability to rest and recharge.  It wasn’t until I was given a “free pass” with the quarantine, that I began to feel lighter from temporarily hanging up the heavy coat of responsibility I was wearing.  

Author Eleanor Brown best explains this new freedom I’m experiencing with her wise words, “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

So when the 2020 Miss for Colorado and Mrs. Colorado titleholders were recently given the opportunity to document the creative and inspiring ways they were using their quarantine time, I was less than enthusiastic to share how much I’ve enjoyed being a complete homebody doing nothing.  I am happy to report however, that when we all return to some form of “normal,” I will indeed be ready to serve again as your Miss Denver.  

In the meantime, I created a recap video of the wonderful organizations I’ve had the honor of serving these past several months and the amazing fellow titleholders I’ve met and become friends with.  I hope we’re allowed to hug each other during pageant week from July 8th-11th! There’s still time if you’d like to join us......May 29th is the deadline to participate! 

Life's Perspective by Mrs. Lone Tree

As I sit on my bike in my gym (my basement for now) my mind starts thinking. I start thinking about where I was this time the past few years. I realize I had been on a roller coaster for at least the last 4 years and I remember I was always hoping for more time. I wanted time to slow down, to give me more days to stay home and relax with my fur babies instead of leaving them every few weeks. I wanted more one on one time with my husband Mark. I wanted more time to accomplish my goals. As I am riding my bike I look around. The neighbors dog, Jasper, is running around his yard happy as can be. I smile because I know he is old and to see him like that is awesome! I then see my two babies, Scuderia and Bimmer sleeping next to me and my husband sending me pictures of his walk with the baby, Bentley. 

Then, it hits me! My wish had been granted!! I finally have time....

Covid-19, Corona Virus, Social Distancing, Masks, PPE.....these words will be forever tattooed in our minds. We will never forget, this is the reason why not just me but you have time right now. 

Now we can take this time we have and dwell on it, protest in the streets for our governor to open us up OR we could look at life's perspective in a different way. I want to share my perspective and maybe help you see yours in a positive way.

In the last month I knew I could not just let day after day go by without feeling a sense of purpose. So, I do what I do best, help others. I collected food for senior living facilities, I make Easter baskets and shopped for friends and family that needed it. I made cookies, I hosted a virtual birthday party, I even joined my HOA Corona Virus Block Coordinator position. Yes these are all good things to do in time of need, (and I don't regret any of it), but I was being selfish. Not to others, but to me. You are probably saying "really Jamie?" Yes really! 

You see, I have always been the first person to volunteer my time and efforts to making a difference where ever I could. I probably always will. It's in my DNA. I learned though in this time that I have to take time for me. Everyone needs time to reflect on themselves. When is the last time you did? It is ok to take time to do what you want for you! It can be sleeping in, taking a hot bath with your favorite glass of wine or whatever everyone else likes to drink. lol, wash that hair girl, do your makeup, read a book..do whatever your sweet heart desires. Don't let a worldwide epidemic make you realize you need to take time for you. always do it. You get one life, live it to the fullest! 

I believe the roller coaster I was on the last few years has me thinking this way today. I am so very blessed to not be sick with the virus, but make no mistake that I have had my fair share of health problems. My roller coaster consisted of Thyroid Cancer (18 months of treatment and healing), learning how to deal with all of life's daily struggles during that time and trying to figure out who I was. The ups and downs made me turn to myself and really appreciate the cancer for making me see how strong I really am. I finally recovered and then needed back surgery. Again, I was tested physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. This path was meant for me, but it showed me once again my strength and my purpose.

Don't loose sight of your dreams, passions, purpose and living life. We all have it within us to make everyday count. With the time you have, do something with it. Find joy in every day. 

As we continue to go through our states lockdown and try to accept life as it is for now, try to find gratitude in your struggles. Its because of this your true strength will show. Better days are coming. 

To all my pageant sisters, stay strong, stay home and be happy!

Love,

Jamie Klenin-Mrs Lone Tree 2020

2020 Pageant Details

As the pageant is set for July 8-11, 2020 at the beautiful Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Performing Arts Complex - we are excited to share some of the weekend design elements with you. As you might know, last year, the Mrs. America Organization added a new division for the ladies that are not currently married. The division includes widows, divorced, separated, single and never married ladies with no age restrictions. As we enter into the second year celebrating not only our married women in Colorado and Wyoming, we celebrate the unattached ladies. We are still accepting applications to participate in the 2020 pageant so if you are interested at all, call us and let’s chat! You never know what could happen.

We will kick off pageant weekend with a Pink Party Orientation. Then you will see the contestants participate in a conservative one piece black swimsuit with full length sarong and evening gown of their choice during the Preliminary Pageant on Thursday July 9, 2020. Earlier in that day, all ladies will have spent time individually with the panel of judges in interview as that accounts for 50% of their score. The ladies will be in rehearsals on Friday and then Saturday everyone will head to the theater. On Saturday night, you can watch the ladies participate in the Pageant where the new queens will be crowned. We will crown Mrs. Colorado 2020 and Mrs. Wyoming 2020 along with our new division queens - Miss Colorado for America 2020 and Miss Wyoming for America 2020. This year we also offering the married ladies an opt in opportunity to participate in a new title - Mrs. Colorado America World 2020 and Mrs. Wyoming America World 2020. You will see a handful of ladies lives change as they embark within our community making their own personal mark. Will you be on stage too?

Pageant Tip

Pageant Tip: When you plan your stage competition hair style - choose a style that matches your evening gown. Often times people look at the previous winners hair and mimic their style. That is not always the best idea - finding a style that makes you feel beautiful, matches your evening gown and looks good on stage with stage lights is important. You do not want a hairstyle that looks too casual for the gown. So once your gown, play dress up. Put on a full face of make up and try different styles and take a picture of each style. Then print them. Hang them on your wall. Look at them and determine what each look conveys - using adjectives only. So does it look elegant? Casual? Sophisticated? Messy? Then determine what look you are going for. This is why pageantry is so subjective as the adjective used to describe the look varies. Find and own your look.

Why participate in the pageant?

This beaituful post is from our current Mrs. Colorado - Rachael Preselar.

My TOP 10 LIFE TIPS I’ve learned this year 👇🏼

One year ago I was crowned Mrs. Colorado, one of the most memorable moments of my life❤️ and within this year, I have learned so many nuggets about life, pageantry and myself.

1. Always schedule your self-care as a priority during the week, and never feel guilty about it🧘🏻‍♀️🛁 🏃🏿‍♀️ You can’t pour from an empty cup and you can’t be the best you can be, if you don’t put your self-care first . For the longest time, I would feel guilty about it but I learned that I get burnt-out & exhausted if I don’t schedule it in my calendar at least once a week.

2. AUTHENTICITY always wins, you can’t wear a mask 24/7 and sustain it 🦸🏻‍♀️ Just like trying to keep up a lie, trying to be someone else is exhausting. The right people will love you for you ❤️

3. Don’t allow toxic relationships in your life, if you have them cut that cord! ✂️ Give yourself full permission to only allow people in your life who ignite a spark in you & help you shine even brighter 🕯 toxic people just rob energy out of you.

4. The crown to me is like a “thinking cap” 👑 what can I do to help make an impact with this platform? Same thing like a new job title or a promotion, you should always ask yourself “how can I make this world a little better?”

5. Everyone is always watching you even when you’re not looking. Always have integrity wherever you go, even when you’re not wearing the banner, the crown, your make-up, the heels...

6. You are always doing the best you can. You can’t fix everything so be flexible.

7. Your body goes through different sizes & THATS OK. Our bodies evolve over time, and yes it’s not where you want it to be or you try to force it to look like it used to when you were younger. Just embrace the change & love your body for what is has done for you instead of what it looks like.

8. Be kind ❤️ no matter who are talking to, every human being deserves respect & kindness even if they’re throwing hate your way. Only hurt people hurt people. Kindness always goes a long way & might be a teaching lesson to someone who needs it.

9. Don’t spend your time comparing your Chapter 1 to someone’s Chapter 20...we all have different timelines with its own challenges, but all happen in perfect timing for YOU. Trust your journey is happening in perfect timing.

10. Be unapologetically you & do it your way ❤️
#mrscolorado2019

Calendar

Limited edition calendar featuring the local titleholders. A local titleholders are the ladies that represent their city as they qualify to compete for the state title like Mrs. Colorado or Mrs. Wyoming or Miss Colorado/Wyoming for America. Order your calendar now for a pageant weekend pick up.

Pageant Husband

We opened the blog up to our current contestants and this beautiful piece was submitted by Rich (and Cassandra) Yoder - Mrs. Park County 2020

Pageant Husband 101

by Rich (and Cassandra) Yoder

     Two years ago, my wife was ready to come out on stage for the opening number when our one-year-old son decided to attempt an escape from the pageant venue. We laugh about it now, but at the time, I couldn’t say I blamed him. There I was, in my trusty cowboy hat and Wrangler jeans, out of sorts in the glittery landscape. It was only when I saw the pure expression of joy on Cassandra’s face that I recognized the value in what we were doing. Here are my top ten reasons why a man should not only tolerate his wife entering a pageant, but also encourage her to do so.

1. It allows her to make girl friends so I can have guys’ nights. The longer we are married, the more I realize that we are, in fact, each other’s best friend. We still confide in each other. We hang out, we laugh, and we sometimes make late-night onion ring runs. However, I am never going to get my nails done with her, and she is never going to enjoy Home Depot. Thanks to the Mrs. America organization, Cassandra has made friends all across the country. When she has girl trips, I get to meet up with old rodeo friends. Win, win.

2. It gives me an opportunity to meet other dudes in different cultural niches. We live in an extremely rural area. (Our neighbors are cows.) I love pageant week because, while the wives are rehearsing, the husbands have time to get to know one another and have fun. In the past, I have done Bible studies, gone to dinner, and visited around the pool. I even had the opportunity to tour a Major League Baseball stadium.

3. I get to be her pillar of support. There’s going to come a time when her feet are tired and pre-interview jitters are kicking in. That’s when I remind her of her “why”; I tell her she is strong and capable. It feels good when she leans on me, and those moments are perfect for pep talks. We are a team.

4. The evening gown competition. I think she is beautiful in her oversized tee shirts, old sweatpants, and messy bun, but it is nice to see her all dolled up every once in awhile. The evening gown portion is my favorite. When she slowly walks across the stage, it reminds me of our wedding day, and I see the light in her eyes. Even without a crown, she is already a queen to me.

5. The swimsuit competition. Since the birth of our son, Cassandra has lost about seventy pounds. She is passionate about working out and fueling her body with proper nutrition. The swimsuit competition gives her an opportunity to showcase her hard work, as well as her fun personality. (And come on, guys, who wouldn’t want to see their wife in a swimsuit?)

6. Through community projects, it gives us the chance to teach our kids how to serve. By delving into philanthropy, we have done some cool things together as a family. We have built sheds and donated the proceeds, walked 5Ks while pulling our son in his Radio Flyer, coached Special Olympics, and attended benefit auctions. One of the most important things we want to teach our children is to use our hands to give to others. Through these experiences, we grow into better human beings.

7. I get to “MacGyver” things. It always seems that women bring an excessive amount of stuff to pageants. Butt glue, bobby pins, band-aids. You name it, they have it. While I understand this prepares them for a variety of situations, someone has to carry it all. In my experience, this responsibility tends to fall on the sons, husbands, and boyfriends. One time, I was tasked with bringing my wife’s evening gown bag backstage to her dressing room. As I was walking through the hall, it began to get heavy, so I slung it over my shoulder. Little did I know, there was a small pocket towards the top containing her matching earrings. They promptly fell to the tile and broke into what seemed like a million pieces. After a temporary moment of crisis, I used my skills, connectors, and a pair of pliers to remedy the situation. They were as good as new, and this is now one of our favorite pageant stories. (It is only one example of the many times I have been able to use my creativity.)

8. It opens the door to fun adventures. If it weren’t for pageants, I never would have gleefully watched my wife in a celebrity stick horse race. We never would have discovered the best nachos in the world. We never would have shown our artful/embarrassing dance moves at the after parties. We never would have tried many new things. We never would have done so MUCH.

9. It’s (almost) as sweet as watching your favorite sports team. Yes, you tell her the scores don’t matter. You tell her that she should be proud of how far she has come and all that she has accomplished. You yell your lungs out and clap when she comes onstage. Somewhere along the way, you become invested in her journey and have a moment of panic where you ask yourself, “Am I… a pageant husband?!” Honestly, you want her to win, but you’re okay if she doesn’t because it is about so much more than that. It is a celebration of every woman.

10. She deserves it. In their day-to-day lives, wives and mothers have so much on their plates. They are nurturers, hostesses, teachers, leaders, lovable sidekicks, and life-givers. If your wife is like mine, she rarely takes time for herself. That’s why competing in a pageant is a wonderful endeavor. It is her time to shine. We encourage you to try this experience for yourselves. We’ve never had a single regret, and our lives have been deeply enriched. Please feel free to reach out to us on social media or email Emily through the Mrs. Colorado website. This is a journey you won’t want to miss.

Smirk when you say beauty queen

I’ve started writing a “blog” entry probably five times, now. I’ve written and erased, trying to think of what I would want to say- what I want posted to the world- what I want people to know about “Mrs. Wyoming.”  As I peddled on my bike last night, sweating like a gross pig, it came to me. So, here we go. 

The smirks one gets when you tell someone you’re a beauty pageant queen, the eye-rolls that people don’t think you see, but you do- even the off handed comments about competing- They’re all done by people who could never do what you’ve done or are about to do. 

If you’re thinking about competing- you need to know that you are already braver than most. You are already stronger than most. You are already PERFECT for this role. Sure, there’s judging on stage and in the interview room, but showing up in the first place? That’s what sets you apart from everyone else. Plus, for every weird look you get from someone- you’ll be shocked to learn of the multiple more hugs, congratulations, and well-wishers from supporters you never knew would be out there.  

This post is really written for those who are on the outside looking in, thinking, “I could never do that.” Because let me tell you, YES YOU CAN. If I, a mother of 4, who had a deployed husband and thought she was too chubby to compete can do it. YOU can absolutely do it. And what’s more? You SHOULD. The journey alone teaches you so much about yourself. It also gives you the opportunity to meet women and make friends you never knew could exist. That “tribe” feeling you’re looking for? It’s here. Finding someone who truly gets you, without judgement on any level? She’s here. 

Guaranteed, there’s someone here, looking for YOU. You could be that woman who is a true friend to someone who needs it. YOU could be the inspiration someone else needs to get moving. YOU and your journey can light the path for so many others. 

Come join us. 

Love, 

~Liz 

Mrs. Wyoming, 2019. 

Mrs. Adams County

We wanted to share a Facebook post from Tamara Mrs. Adams County as she returns for another year in the 2020 pageant :

Yes, I am competing in the Mrs. Colorado Again.
And the reasons are many.
If you know me you know I can be a woman of little words, or Too many words. I have been in a dramatic field half my life. As a child I was a performer. I danced all around our beautiful country and Mexico. I was a Cheerleader, I was in Drill team, I played violin, guitar and alto sax, performed with and for Disney, Competed in things in these fields, and on and on. My life story has many layers in between. There are chapters of not so great bumps and bruises, challenges, and growth. Which brings to mind; There is a song Cher sings - You haven't seen the last of me - It truly sums it all up.
When that song came out it struck a big cord. I'd play it over and over and Sing as Loud as I could! Yes, I've been there on my knees - Even worse, I had given up.
But I woke up. And when my eyes opened I knew my life had a purpose. Regardless if I would ever know what the true meaning was or Meanings were, I am supposed to be here and my job is not over.
I have always said, "I have had a blessed life", and I mean it. See, Although there have been extremely painful events, Overall, looking back I feel and see the Happy times. The blessed times which I carry with me like ribbons on my chest - The smiles and laughter are my crown.
When you read the previous of a performing girl since the age of three; One might think I should be very social … but … like many novels another chapter and the story evolves. Such are our lives.
After I married I was 'crowned' a Military Wife. I knew I had the strength to take on this MOS (military occupation code), this assignment. As time went by and my husband stepped up in rank so did our responsibilities. Along came the children and it was clear there were going to be many times I was to be in the role of single mom. We lived where we had no family and often not near a base, where I might have a support group that would understand what we were going through. The challenge was met. The last 10 years my husband's position took him away. He was in places and positions that would make your eyes pop. We here on the home front, in Colorado, became sort of segregated from many things. A type of freedom others take for granted was not ours. I kept a low profile socially to keep our family out of harm's way. My husband's position was such that we led a more silent lifestyle - very secured compared to most people who were all over social media posting their lives. We could not do such things. The children never did what their friends were up to like twitter or the like. They were ok with that, as they understood why.
I also moved my parents to Colorado; my mom was Terminally ill and I became their advocate for medical care etc. All while my husband was not at home. He has now retired and our family is a strong tight network of just us 5 in Colorado.

OK, So why as a woman over 50 did I go back to the stage? Why MRs. Colorado?
Why not? It was time. I needed to step back on a stage and get back to my roots.
Now that my husband retired from the Marine Corp. and the children off to college.
Who a I? Mom - Wife - Daughter - Tamara
*and being the only woman in a house full of boys for 25 years, had I forgotten how to be feminine?
I chose Mrs Colorado America after speaking to Emily. I felt the warm and fuzzies with her calming sweet persona. And joined a group of women who put me in awe! Amazing women! Emily the director is WOW! These classy accomplished women - these spiritual, kind hearted, strong women! And I felt like a fish out of water. Now the next part - What was my talent without my talent? Who am I without my dance? Who am I period? I have had so many, as stated, chapters in my life.
How or where do I begin?? I 'd been living in a medium sized bubble where I could not speak of many events because of security, now I needed to.
Did I mention Fifity yes - 50% of the points are interview. typically I can fly through an interview like an Eagle over the Rockies….Ummm…. but it had been a very long time since Id had to and in 3minutes how do I fit it all in?
And How can I show 'me'? Am I enough? Am I what they are looking for?
Does it matter if Im not, since I am not sure how to express ME?
I've Always seen myself as an average woman, wife, mom, daughter, and this was my challenge. Who are you and how can you fit it all into 3min.
Can I get extra points for being an awesome Military wife or Mom or Daughter? *wink wink*
Oh, & how about that swimsuit competition at the age of 50+?
So there I was - I challenged myself and jumped in.
My mother's dream was to see me wear a crown. A crown locally or nationally the bigger the better. She was always my biggest cheerleader. Before she past she was able to see me up on that stage. After 30 years
She even watched me place in the top 12. I promised her Id do it again but she past away. I did it anyway and it was awkward and painful not to have my biggest support with me - physically with me. I did the pageant without her last year, and my family supported me with so much love! But I still felt a little lost. The loss of my mom has been very hard and even though I knew she was with me in spirit - I was still off balance.
So why do it AGAIN? As a title holder you participate in and volunteer for a good number of things. And I do quite a bit of that without a crown & with a crown And you know what? It’s a fulfillment like no other to pay it forward or stretch out your hand to another in need - Its even fun. I've worked at Children's Hospitals and volunteered at fundraisers. As a family we've supported Car Shows that have a variety of nonprofit affiliations. I've sent care packages overseas to soldiers and Created phone trees, websites for families of vets overseas, and collected Toys for Tots and much more. And while some of those volunteer opportunities will always remain more picturesque than the ones I do on a monthly basis it will always feel good to give my time and resources. Mrs America Organization support Victora's Voice and this is dear to my hear as well.

YUP! I'm taking the challenge again. I'm challenging me at the age of 55 to take my novel and share it in as concise of a manner as possible. A chance to once again join my esteemed lady friends for a female bonding of the souls. to be a part of healthy competition in a program that the gracious Emily creates like a work of art. A wonderful opportunity to help another without even knowing it.
I hope you will join me in my journey. I hope you will be with me after my journey. I hope you will want to read the chapters of my novel that I cant fit into the 3 minutes. And when the dust settles and the naysayers are still chiming in, we will see our true friends, for they are the ones who will always cheer you on over and over again and never have a jealous reaction to your goals. They are the ones that remain even after the excitement of the pageant is over. In life, I may or may not go through more pageants, BUT I will remind myself that the true friends are the ones still standing when the going gets tough OR the sparkle is over. For in my heart I know this is a beautiful way to share in each other's stories and find We Are Not All so Different.
#mrscolorado #mrsamerica #me #iamenough #proudwife #dontringthebell
*wont you join me

Active Duty Military Mrs. Colorado