Miss Fall Doll Pageant

 Makayla was the emcee for the Miss Fall Doll pageant. She has so much confidence and grace. This is what pageants do for those who compete in them. This is why I am such a huge supporter of pageants, especailly for young women and girls.

I attended with my dear friend and pageant sister, Tiffany. She is a gifted photographer and took my profile picture. She is a special lady!

I am so proud of my client, Ashley. She won her division. It is always so gratifying to help these girls attain their dreams. I am excited to continue working with her as she goes for her next title!

Colorado Coed Party

 I was so honored to be asked to attend the "good luck" party for the girls going to Coed Nationals over Thanksgiving break. They were so excited to do a fashion show for us so we could see all their outfits one last time.

 Deonne and Lize both have worked hard this year to make the Colorado Coed experience a wonderful one.

 What I love about this picture is the love these girls have for each other. They truly care for one another. Good Luck, girls!!!

I love Deonne!! She is an amazing lady with a huge heart. She is a terrific director for the Colorado Coed Pageant. I am so blessed to be a part of this amazing group of women!

Miss CO USA

It was wonderful to meet the out going Miss Colorado USA, Jessica Hartman. I congratulated her on a job well done. She was 3rd runner up at Miss USA. Thank you Jessica for representing Colorado with style and grace.

 The USA pageants are a wonderful way to catch up with friends. This is Maria who competed at Miss CO Galaxy last year.

 I met Jess at the Colorado Coed pageant where I was the emcee. She went on to win her division at the Colorado National American Miss pageant.

 Hiedi's latest title includes Miss Colorado Teen World and 1st runner up at Miss America Teen World.

  Makayla is an outstanding young woman. She always does everything with tremendous enthusiasm. I had the honor of working with her during my year as Mrs. Colorado International.

 Jennifer is Mrs. Colorado US Beauties and also a client of mine. I am excited to see what all she will do this year.

 Michelle is Mrs. United America. She had won her national title the week before. This was her first appearance as Mrs. United America.

 Teresa has held many titles. Her latest accomplishment is her national title of Miss United America. Way to go Teresa!!

 I am so proud of the way these two ladies represented Colorado!

 Much of the fun of attending pageants is going together. We had so much fun just hanging out and watching the show.

Tori also competed at the Miss Teen Colorado USA. I also met her during my year as Mrs. Colorado International. I look forward to following her pageant career.

Congratulations to Blair Griffith, Miss Colorado USA 2011. I am wishing you the best as you represent Colorado in the Miss USA pageant.

Wine in the Pines

 For the past 12 years, my family has attended the Wine in the Pines fundraiser for Cerebral Palsy of Colorado. The event is spread over two nights. The first night is held at the Keystone Ranch where the chef pairs amazing foods with wonderful wines. This years theme was The Godfather in honor of the Francis Ford Coppala wines that were the featured vineyard.

 My mom, sister and I continue this traditional event in memory of my father. He loved this event so much that, although dying of prostate cancer, he lived long enough to attend one last time. He passed away 10 days later.

 My beautiful mom enjoying Friday night festivities. She is the sponsor for our family to attend this event. Thanks, mom!!

 Our table was full of party goers. Wonderful wine, food and people all coming together to support one great cause.

 Judy is the organizer of this event. She does an amazing job, year after year. She has become a dear friend of the family.

 Saturday night is held at the Keystone convention center. This event draws people from all over to taste wines and eat food sponsored by many local restaurants. My hubby and I are all dressed up for this black tie event.

 Mike's daughter, Kelley, is the inspiration for this wonderful event. In spite of having CP, Kelley has gone on to live a productive life giving back to society. What an inspiration she is!!!

L-R Randy Hart, Tracy Hart, my sister, me, Scott Field. The four of us had a wonderful time on Saturday night. My brother-in-law, Randy, won several wines at the silent auction. If you would like to attend this fabulous event next October, go to Wine in the Pines. I hope to see you there next year!

Wine in the Pines

Miss Yampa Valley

 I recently judged the Miss Yampa Valley Pageant with my wonderful pageant sister, Jamie Reed. We made the 4 plus hour drive to Craig, CO. We chatted and enjoyed the varied scenery on the way. Saturday morning was the interview portion.

We had the pleasure of working with another judge for the interview and gown competition. There were a separate set of judges for fun wear and tallent. I was so glad I didn't have to judge the whole competition. I was so impressed with these young ladies. Any of them would have represented the Yampa Valley well.

Here we are with all the winners. These young ladies truely stood out in their age divisions. They are already busy making appearances in the Yampa Valley area. Congratulations!!!

Jamie and I had a wonderful time. I hope we get invited back next year. I love judging pageants because I believe pageants have such a positive influence on young women today.

In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since 1990, mental health advocates across the country have joined together during the first full week of October to celebrate.

MIAW has become a NAMI tradition. It presents an opportunity to all NAMI state organizations and affiliates across the country to work together in communities to achieve the NAMI mission through outreach, education and advocacy.The National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding is Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010. 


NAMI wich stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness is a grass roots organization with affiliates across this country and in many more countries around the world. We have a wonderful affiliate for Colorado and I am especially thankful for Arapahoe/Douglas NAMI. The Family to Family class has made a world of difference for me and my family.  If you or a loved one suffers from mental illness, please find out more by going to NAMI.org 

In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since 1990, mental health advocates across the country have joined together during the first full week of October to celebrate.

MIAW has become a NAMI tradition. It presents an opportunity to all NAMI state organizations and affiliates across the country to work together in communities to achieve the NAMI mission through outreach, education and advocacy.

Pageant Sisters

It is difficult to believe that this picture was taken a year ago. I am pictured with my Colorado International Sisters, (L) Jamie Reed, Miss Colorado International, (C)Emily Schlehuber, Miss Teen Colorado International. This appearance was especially touching because it was not only one of the few we actually all made together, but it truly touched us and bonded us.

One of the things I love about the International system is that there are three divisions. Because of that, I was the "big sister" to these two wonderful young women. Since our reign ended, we have continued to share in each others lives. I attended Emily's graduation from High School and Jamie's wedding reception. It has been an amazing experience to be part of such a wonderful family.

Erin Feltes, Mrs. Colorado Galaxy, and I had lunch with Emily to wish her luck as she left for college. Facebook has been a great way to keep up with Emily and see how she is doing on her next adventure in life.

Although Jamie did not have a formal wedding, she did have a wedding reception held in a quaint park in her home town. I made the two hour each way trip just to be with her and celebrate this exciting day.

I am so proud of my two "little sisters". They are each moving on to a new and wonderful adventure in each of their lives. I wish them the best of luck and many blessings. I know I have been blessed to know them and be a part of their lives. To see what the new International queens are doing to make a difference, you can follow them at the International Pageant Blog.

Interational Sister Queens

Out of the Darkness Walk

This years Out of the Darkness walk was held at Highlands Ranch High School. I volunteered to man the NAMI booth to help get the word out about the wonderful and FREE services we offer, including our Family to Family course.

Donna volunteered at the last minute to come help me. Thank you so much, Donna.

Jennifer Lew, Mrs. Colorado US Beauties, also came to help with the NAMI booth. She too has seen the devastation that mental illness can have on a family.

I love that my oldest son, Stephen came. He was there with his high school team. Arapahoe had three suicides last year. That is three too many!

This is the Araphoe team that walked at the Out of the Darkness walk. What a wonderful way to show support.

The Highlands Ranch Choir opened the festivities with the National Anthem and Stand by Me sung accapella. They did a beautiful job.

Before the race, balloons were released to symbolize those lost to suicide. It was sad to see so many balloons representing so many lives lost. Their memories live on in those left behind.

There were over 600 people who walked that day. The fundraising goal for the walk was $24,000. That morning, they hit the $53,000 mark. Donations can continue to be made through December at Out of the Darkness .

BSA Adventure Base 100

Boy Scouts of America is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. As a part of that celebration, they are touring the country with their Adventure Base 100. My husband and two youngest children volunteered at this interactive display.

We took the Light Rail downtown to volunteer at this wonderful event that was set up at Taste of Colorado. My kids were so excited. We did get a few strange looks, but most people nodded in appreciation.

They had a ropes course set up as part of the display. My youngest son had so much fun that he went through it twice! There was so much to see and do including pressing a penny, watching a movie about the history of Boy Scouts and touring the mobile museum.

I handed out American flags to everyone as they left. Very patriotic. It also helped to direct people to our display as others inquired where to get their own flags. This was a really fun way to let others know about Boy Scouts and all we have to offer our young people. Did you know that girls can be a part of Boy Scouts starting at the age of 13? For more information, please visit the Boy Scout website to find a Troop or Pack near you.