Colorado March for Life

I attended the Colorado March For Life on January 26th. You may wonder why I would attend something that is considered controversial. I support life, whether it is through the Susan G. Komen foundation or the American Heart Association. All these groups share the purpose to preserve life. At the end of the kick off rally, pink and blue balloons were released. Each one represents a child who was born in 2009 thanks to the efforts of this group.

It was wonderful to see so many children at this event. They are learning early in life to fight for what is right. What a terrific example for future generations.

I always try to take time for pictures or autographs, especially with young girls. I have short time to be a role model to these girls. I believe this is probably one of the most important things I will do as Mrs. Colorado International 2009.

Many of our legislators came out to support this event. Scott Renfroe (L) is one of our state senators. He believes there is so much work still to be done and he is willing to work hard for it.

I can not even begin to articulate what an honor it was to meet Rebecca Kiessling. She is the product of a violent rape and is here today because abortion was illegal in her home state. Her own mother attempted to abort her three times. She was adopted at birth and now has her own amazing story to share. We are pictured with Bishop Conely who also came to support the Colorado Walk for Life.

King and Queen of the Ridge 2010

Emily Schlehuber, Miss Teen Colorado International 2009 invited me to co-emcee the King and Queen of the Ridge 2010 "pageant". The event was held at Fossil Ridge High School. Here we are at practice.

The opening number featured the students in super hero costumes based on an essay they wrote.

Here are all 27 contestants on stage. The entire production was well organized and ran like clockwork, most of the time.

After the top 12 were announced, Emily and I asked each contestant two onstage questions that were carefully timed. Each answer had to be 30 seconds or less in length. Their answers determined who would make the next cut.

After each of the top 12 performed a talent, we announced the top 8, four from each gender. Any one of these students was well qualified for the crown. Unfortunately, we could only crown one King and one Queen. The tension mounted as we waited for the final tally.

And the new Queen of the Ridge 2010 is Mariah Betros! The new King of the Ridge 2010 is Mike Shutte! Although there aren't any formal obligations that come with the title, I wish them the best!

Emily has been the best Miss Teen Colorado International to work with. I have truly been blessed with getting to know her. I am honored to be called "pageant mom". Her family has welcomed me with open arms and always been so kind. As my year is coming to a close, I will remember all the wonderful memories we have made together.

Western Stock Show Rodeo

Chaplain Rourk invited us to attend the Western Stock Show Rodeo with him. It was an exciting show with bull riding, dramatic synchronized horse riding and calf roping. I think I held my breath for most of it. I actually saw two cowboys have horses fall on them and one was kicked in the head by a bull. Luckily, the bull rider was wearing a helmet.

Of course, we queens take a lot of pictures for our blogs. I love getting to spend time with Erin Feltes, Mrs. Colorado Galaxy, 2009. She is not only beautiful on the outside but has a kind and generous heart.

What a wonderful afternoon. Roni Bibb, Mrs. Colorado International 2010, myself and Erin all had a great time. It is always a terrific time when I get to spend it with my sister queens.

Boys and Girls Club Volunteer TKU

I was invited by Chaplain Rourk of the Civil Air Patrol to attend the Boys and Girls Club of Denver's Volunteer Thank You event. We started the evening at Marco's Pizza in Downtown Denver. Marco serves great coal fired pizza and his deserts are even more amazing.  I attended with Roni Bibb, Mrs. Colorado International 2010 and the newly crowned Courtney Carter, Miss Colorado Teen USA 2010.

This gentleman is from the Boys and Girls Club. He was so thankful for all that Chaplain Rourk and the queens do for them.

After pizza we attended the Nuggets versus Magic game at the Pepsi Center. I had never been to a professional basketball game. It was so exciting to see it live!

Chaplain Rourk invited us all. It is so wonderful to spend time with a man who gives so much to our community. He is a true inspiration to me.

As you can see by our smiling faces, this was a fun evening. I look forward to speaking with the Boys and Girls clubs at the end of January. Stay tuned for more.

Mrs. Colorado International Christmas Party

I hosted the Colorado International Queens Christmas Party at my house. It was so much fun to get together and share wonderful memories and make new ones. (L-R) Me,2009, Christine Warembourg, 2006, Jessica Smith, 2007 and Roni Bibb, 2010. I am hoping this will be the first of many get togethers for the International Queens.

Salvation Army Bell Ringer

One bright and warm Saturday in December, Roni Bibb, Mrs. Colorado International 2010 and I volunteered to be Salvation Army Bell Ringers. We were honored to be Celebrity Bell Ringers.  I have wanted to do this for years and this was a dream come true for me.

Did you know that the song, "Silver Bells", is actually about the Salvation Army Bell Ringers? Here I am, proudly ringing my silver bell.

This is what it is all about. This little girl put in some money her mom gave her. Right behind her was her sister who put in her own money. We set good examples for our kids when we volunteer and give to others.