New Dress

I was recently selected by Jackie of Jackie's Boutique to win this fabulous new dress. Just putting it on made me feel like a new woman. I was so honored to be selected from all the women who entered.

This dress is just one of her collections. All her dresses and separates are fashion forward. Each piece is a limited edition design and created by Jax Couture. I can't wait for my next special occasion so I can wear it again!! Jackie says, "Don't be afraid to try different things. We want you to experiment with color and have fun with your fashion. Every Season we include in the collection a mix of classic and fun trendy pieces that you can mix for different looks." Please visit her website and her facebook page. 

Go Red For Women

Friday, February 4th, was Go Red for Women sponsored by the American Heart Association. I volunteered to help out at a very special event set up by the local chapter and Park Meadows Mall. I served as the greeter for the event.

We had all sorts of things for the ladies to do that day. You could have your picture taken with the Go Red Dress, have your blood pressure taken or get a free makeover by Lancome. If you wore red that day, you could even get 20% off your purchases at Macy's.

My personal story about both heart and stroke awareness is my grandmother, Maddie. By the age of 84 she was having a difficult time getting around. She could barely take a few steps before getting winded. Further investigation revealed that she has a bad valve and an enlarged aorta. The first time she went in for surgery, they couldn't complete it because of a white film in the area around her heart. So, six months later she went in again. This time the surgery was a total success. Her color came back and her blood pressure returned to normal. That night she died of a stroke. I miss my grandmother so I wear red!

Way FM Winter Wonderslam

It all started on a Saturday afternoon in January at the Way-FM Volunteer appreciation. I was put on a Scavenger hunt team with some other wonderful Way-FM volunteers. We had specific pictures we had to take then get back and be the first team to finish.

Our first picture had to be with a pet, so off we went to Petsmart. This couple and thier bulldogs were happy to have their picture taken with some of our team. We had to take turns being the photographer for some pictures and for others we had to all be in the picture. I was the photographer for this one.

Creativity counted. One of our pictures had to be of us making snow angels. Most of the snow was melted that day, so we found a small snowbank and used our hands. How's that for creativity?

Here is a whole team shot of us reenacting a scene from a Disney movie in a Target store. Can you guess which one? It sure was a "whole new world" to us! These were only some of the pictures we had to take.

Brenna is the Volunteer Coordinator for Way-FM. She did a fabulous job creating a fun event. I had a blast. Because our team was the first to complete all the pictures for the scavenger hunt, we won free tickets to the Winter Wonderslam Concert staring Toby Mac!!!!

Because of the heavy snow that night, we missed the opening act of House of Heroes. I was disappointed since I love so much of their music. Next up was Brandon Heath. He is such an amazing, Godly man. Love his music!

We had a brief intermission to set up for Toby Mac. This was a perfect opportunity to catch up with Brenna and thank her for the tickets.

Paul is one of the morning show producers. It was great getting to meet him.

Mike is the afternoon DJ. We had to get at least one picture with the Way-FM sign!

Not a great picture of Toby Mac and his band, but it was an amazing experience! I have never been to a hard rock/rap worship service. I am sure God was tapping his toes that night. What a great way to celebrate with other believers. Toby even had an alter call. Angels were dancing in heaven that night. Thank you again Brenna and Way-FM for a night I hope to never forget!

Stephen's Eagle Court of Honor

If you have followed my blog at all for any length of time, you will know that I support Boy Scouts of America. This past Sunday, I had the honor to attend one of the most important ceremonies in Scouting, an Eagle Court of Honor. This wasn't just any court of honor, but my own son's Eagle Court. It was a long road full of bumps and setbacks, but he completed the necessary work and was honored for his accomplishments.

The Eagle Oath is not one taken lightly. It calls the young man to live the life of an Eagle Scout. Stephen was joined by all the attending Eagle Scouts to renew their vow to live a life that exemplifies excellence.

Because my husband is the Scout Master, he had the honor of presenting Stephen with his Eagle medal. You can see Stephen's mentor in the back ground. Each boy chooses a mentor, someone who has either been awarded the Eagle rank or had a son achieve the rank of Eagle. These mentors help keep the boy on track toward his goal.

Stephen then thanked his dad for all his help in getting to Eagle.

Stephen added the Mom's eagle pin to my ribbon. I wear three red ribbons on my uniform, one for each boy. The rank pins are attached to signify each rank the boy has achieved. Stephen's is now complete. I noticed that my ribbons are getting heavy. A reminder of how much they each have accomplished.

This picture says it all. I am so proud of Stephen for reaching this level in Scouting. Very few boys ever make this rank. It is something he will be proud of the rest of his life.

After the awards were handed out, Stephen received a much deserved standing ovation from those present. This was a proud moment for him. I hope he remembers it always.

This is a family portrait done just following the ceremony. I am so proud of each of my children and  my husband also. They have each accomplished so much and been true lights in this world.

The journey to Eagle starts as early as Cub Scouts. It was an honor to have Rob, Stephen's former Cub Master attend. 

I had to share one last picture. This is Stephen's Great Grandmother. What a special treat to have her get to see one of her Great Grandson's Eagle court. Thank you for taking the time to share this special occasion with me and my family.

Miss Colorado High School Pageant

I attended the Miss Colorado High School America pageant with my pageant friend Michelle Wegner. She is an amazing woman with her own story. I admire her so much. Thank you for driving, Michelle!

I love seeing all thebeautiful young women who come out to support each other. Alina is a wonderful young lady who had a bright future in pageants and modeling.

Yazzie is such a go getter. Never being one to let anything get in the way of her dreams, she is an inspiration.

Jessica and Maria are two outstanding young women. Best of luck this year in all your pageants!

I met Sara at the Colorado Coed pageant this past summer. She is a strong and confident young lady!

Miss Kayla is always fun to be around. I was able to sit with her through out the pageant. Her smile can light up a room.

It was wonderful getting to catch up with Eryn, Miss Teen Colorado International 2010. She represented Colorado well at nationals. Good luck with all your future plans for college!

Congratulations to the fabulous Jamie as Miss Colorado Collegiate! It is always so wonderful to see this young lady. She is always encouraging and wearing a huge smile, even with a high fever! Luckily, she was well this time.

Congratulations to Chelsi on being selected as Miss Colorado High School 2011!! You did a wonderful job and deserved this title. Best of luck at Nationals and bring home the crown!!!

Pledge of Allegiance

Our Boy Scout Troop was invited to the Colorado State Capital on Wednesday for the opening of the joint legislature. The boys were asked to say the pledge.

When we arrived, there were bagels, juice and coffee for us. Although the boys had eaten breakfast, they managed to eat a bagel and enjoy some orange juice.

We were allowed a brief time for practice. Of course these boys knew what they were doing, we open every Boy Scout meeting with the pledge.

While we were waiting for the ceremony to start, I couldn't resist a picture with a local 9 News reporter.

Although the picture is a little dark, these are the boys actually saying the pledge. I am so proud of them and honored to have been a part of this event. Way to go!!!

Adopt a Grandparent

During the month of December, I asked businesses and friends to adopt a grandparent. This would give a person living in a local retirement community a gift that they otherwise would not receive. I would like to start by thanking the generous businesses and people who gave to allow me to take ten gifts to the Johnson Center.  The businesses that gave are Urban Home, Bellezza Boutique and Denver Spring and Suspension. The individuals who donated include E-Dee Martin, Sarah Buffum, Michelle Medina and  Quisha Hall. Thank you all for making this possible.

Each gift bag included two Mary Kay items. Shown here is the Satin Hands. A wonderful hand cream.

I also included Extra Emollient Night Cream. This is a luxurious cream for the face.

I added a pair of gloves to keep fingers toasty in our cold Denver winter.

I put all these items in a shiny bag wrapped in tissue paper. The bags looked so festive when I finished putting them together. I was so excited to deliver these bags knowing it would brighten the day for someone who might otherwise not receive any gifts this holiday season.

Although it was a downright cold day when I delivered the gift bags to the Johnson Center, my heart was warmed by the generosity of others and my small part in warming one of our elders hearts. I plan to do this again next year.

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!