Miss Teen Colorado World Pageant

I attended the Miss Teen Colorado World pageant on May 9th. Forgive me if I just share the pictures with you. Sit back and enjoy. This first one is of April Elzinga, the wonderful Director.

Yazzie Gabler-Alonzo and I bought matching ear muffs.

 They have crowns on them. Perfect for keeping our royal ears warm!

 Makayla Fletcher took 3rd runner up. She was beautiful in her gown. She designed and made it herself!

 Victoria Hughes was the mistress of ceremonies. She did a fabulous job. Ashley Hanson did hair and makeup. Beautiful!

 Jocelyn Morrow was one of the judges.I am so glad I did not have her job! There were so many beautiful and qualified ladies.

 Amanda Ramano was also a judge. I was at her crowning as Miss Colorado Galaxy 2010. It is always wonderful to see a queen using her crown for good.

 Alina Perry is a beautiful young lady in her own right. It is good to see pageant gals supporting one another. Although she was not competing that night, she was there to cheer on the others. That is true sportsmanship.

Nathan Osmond, of the famous Osmond family, was the co host with Victoria. His jokes kept us laughing and he wowed us with some of his new songs.

 And the winner is...Heidi Hume. This was a dream come true for her. I know she will wear the crown well and make us all proud.

A final farewell to Micayla Keeley. She did an amazing job and did so much with her community. It was on honor to work with her and the Civil Air Patrol's DDR educating young people about the dangers of drug use. Good job, Micayla!

Turbo Kick Instructor Training

I recently attended the Turbo Kick Instructor training with the amazing and energetic Jennifer Driscol, AKA JD. We learned all about what it takes to be and instructor. We started the morning going over the basics. Then we did an entire Turbo Kick class. Check out all the sweat! Turbo Kick will really burn calories!

 JD loves bling. Check out all the bling on her shoes and shorts. Yes, she actually studded the entire Nike swoosh!

 This was the entire class. It was a good turn out. We were all so excited to learn how to be an instructor. We were all smiles even at the end of the eight hour training! Check out those muscles! Turbo Kick doesn't only burn calories, but it also tones! Two work outs in one! For more info, check out Turbo Kick for yourself!

Vicki is a Beachbody Coach. Beachbody is the home version of the classes. They sell all sorts of home work out videos, equipment and supplements. It was so fun to get to know Vicki better. We met on facebook and finally met in real life. I know, great face. I am so not cool. Oh, well. I tried.

9 Health Fair

I volunteered to work the NAMI table for our local 9 Health Fair. Although we were put in a long, narrow hall that was out of the way, many people managed to find their way to us. I was able to pass out literature and direct attendees to our website for more information. It was wonderful to help get the word out about this amazing organization!

NAMI Family-to-Family

Recently, I attended the NAMI Family-to-Family class. It is a free, 12 week class offered to family members of those who have a brain disorder or mental illness. I have several family members who suffer from anxiety disorder. I learned so much about this very stigmatized illness. The most wonderful part was meeting so many people who are in the same boat as I am. If you have a family member with mental illness, you are not alone. Contact your local chapter of NAMI to learn more.

I was invited to speak about my year as Mrs. Colorado International 2009. I shared that through pageants, I learned that Mrs. United States 2008, Terrianne Gunter, had NAMI as her platform. That lead me to contact my local chapter and take the class. After my talk, I passed the crown around for anyone to try one. It was a fun filled night to celebrate the conclusion of our class. I look forward to volunteering with NAMI again.

Toms Walk

April 8th was One Day Without Shoes,  a global awareness day sponsored by Toms . This amazing shoe company actually donates one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair purchased. So you really purchase two shoes for the price of one.

The walks and booths were all over the Denver/Metro area. All were calling attention to how a lack of shoes can be dangerous to children.

I found out about this walk and booth being held at the Auroria Campus through Michelle, the producer, Bowers of Way-FM Colorado. She does so much for the community. I always love seeing her friendly face.

 Luckily it was a beautiful day to go barefoot. We played games and blew bubbles to draw attention to our table. I used to Hula Hoop as a child. Much like riding a bike, it came right back to me. Maybe I could use this as a talent in my next pageant.

Colorado and Wyoming Galaxy 2010

Last Saturday found Jennifer Nackerude, Mrs. Colorado American Queen 2010, and myself on the long drive to Cheyenne, WY for the Colorado and Wyoming Galaxy 2010 Pageant. We had a great time getting to know each other better on the long drive there and back. She is a gifted young woman with a very long list of accomplishments.

Upon our arrival, we went out to dinner with the ever lovely, Emily Schlehuber, Miss Teen Colorado International 2009. It is always wonderful to get together and catch up on life happenings, even if it has only been a few weeks.

Of course, one of the biggest reasons I went was to support my pageant friend, Erin Feltes, Mrs. Colorado Galaxy 2009. She was so gracious and poised on the stage. What a wonderful end to an amazing year.

Jessica is one of those pageant friends that we have become close for so many reasons. I first met her when I competed at Mrs. Colorado. Then she was a great help as I prepared to go the Mrs. International because she herself was 3rd runner up at Mrs. International as Mrs. Colorado International 2007. I must say, Jessica really rocked the stage on her last night as Miss Colorado Galaxy 2009.

The beautiful Brenda Baecker, Mrs. Colorado International 2008, was competing for the Mrs. Colorado Galaxy 2010 title. She was so graceful on the stage. Congratulations on first runner up!

This lovely young ladie is Maria Henderson. Jennifer was her pageant coach. Maria represented herself and community beautifully. Remember her name, you will see more of her in the future.

Queen Sister Birthdays

One of the wonderful things about Pageants are the wonderful friends you make when you compete. Erin and I competed together in the Mrs. Colorado Pageant then went on to win crowns in separate systems. We have remained close friends. She even invited me to her birthday celebration!

Sometimes you meet new friends within the system you have competed in. Christine is Mrs. Colorado International 2006. We have become friends through the International System and here I am at her birthday party. If you are looking for a way to make some great friends, I highly recommend competing in a pageant. You will meet some of the most amazing women.

Miss Colorado Prelim

I was surprised one Saturday morning with an invitation to a Miss Colorado America prelim from Christine Worembourg. We attended that night where I ran into the ever lovely Yazzie. I love meeting up with other young ladies who are competing in pageants. It is always fun to watch and see what pointers I can pick up. We have developed a real sense of sisterhood in our Colorado Pageant community.

Miss Butterfly

Recently I judged the Miss Butterfly pageant. I love judging pageants because I really do get to see contestants in a new light every time they compete. I have seen some girls be amazing one pageant and fall apart at another. Sometimes it has to do with how they are feeling or what is going on in their lives. Other times they are having a great day or off day, just like the rest of us. It is always wonderful to be able to judge with a friend. Here I am with Jennifer Nackerude, Mrs. Colorado American Queen 2010.

We had to scramble at the last minute to get a replacement judge. My best friend in Scouting and in life came to my rescue, Caroline. Over the last five years, we have lead a rambunctious group of Cub Scouts. I'm not sure which was more difficult, that or judging a pageant. She was a trooper and did a great job.

 Yazzi was selected Queen Supreme Miss Butterfly. She is an amazing young lady. Although she is only about 10 years old, she has already won many crowns, spoken in front of entire schools and is an advocate for children with disabilities including her own brother.

Jamie and Makayla are two beautiful Co Ed queens. They helped out at the pageant and Makayla did an excellent job as mistress of ceremonies. These young ladies are just about everywhere and always ready to lend a hand. Of course, nothing makes me feel better than to see their faces light up and get a hug when ever I see them. 

Boy Scout Aviation Merrit Badge

On Saturday, March 6th, I joined a group of about 120 Boy Scouts at the United Airlines building for the BSA Aviation Merit Badge. This group was only 1/4th of those who attended. We spent the morning learning the classroom part. After a lunch, was the hands on (fun) part.

We started in the crash simulator and learned what to do in case of a crash landing, this included a cabin mock up with sounds, lights and motion as well as the slide. Then we moved to the flight simulator where we were each able to practice take-off and landing a 747. This is actually what a 747 cockpit looks like. What you can't see are the great graphics that simulate San Francisco. We also made foam plate gliders or FPG-9's and had a tour of the United historical museum.

This gentleman was my Flight Simulator Instructor. He volunteered his Saturday to help Boy Scouts earn their Aviation Merit Badge. What a wonderful and generous gift of his time.

This is one simulator I was glad I didn't have to fly. This is one of the original simulators from when United Arlines started back in the early 1900's. They have amazing memorabilia from the past 75 years!

Way FM Spring Pledge Drive 2010

Although my reign as Mrs. Colorado International 2009 is over, I am continuing to live life to the fullest and keep up with some of the volunteer work that I began. This includes volunteering at Way-FM. Here I am with Michelle Bower.

For much of the three hours that I was volunteering, Bobby and I were the only ones there to answer phones, stuff envelopes and fold t-shirts. His description of this picture was "the committed ones". I'm not sure we just shouldn't be committed. :)

Reflections on Mrs. Colorado International 2009

Here are my reflections on my year. It was difficult to narrow it down to a few pictures since I made 90 appearances, but here are some of my highlights:

Being crowned by my husband and Mrs. Colorado International 2008, the beautiful Brenda Baecker.

I was so proud to win the Spirit of Pageantry award. It really meant a lot to win this award.

My platform was Boy Scouts of America. I am so proud of these guys who crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts this past January. I watched them grow from awkward and rambunctious Tiger Scouts to respectful and mature Boy Scouts.

As part of the International system I made several appearances with the American Heart Association and their Go Red for Women campaign. The International pageant has an exclusive platform with Go Red. I was so honored to represent this amazing group.

So many of my appearances were with Chaplain Rourk of the Civil Air Patrol as well as other wonderful queens from all over Colorado. I have become so close with many of these queens. We all adore Chaplain Rourk!

Children's Hospital was one of the only appearances I made with both sister queens, Jamie Patrick, Miss Colorado International and Emily Schlehuber, Miss Teen Colorado International. We spent over three hours going from room to room sharing smiles, stories and signing autograph cards. What a wonderful experience!

Competing at the Mrs. International Pageant was one of the highlights of my year. I met so many amazing women and I am proud to call them all my beautiful sister queens.

I was also honored to meet my mentor, hero, pageant coach and friend, Suzy Bootz, Mrs. International 2006.

Then I had the privilege of staying for the Miss and Miss Teen International Pageant. It was wonderful to spend a whole week with Jamie, Emily and Cindy Harwood, our Director.

Toward the end of my year, I was blessed to take a trip to Maryland and Virginia to attend the Mrs. MD/VA International pageant. I also met one of my dearest Facebook friends in person, the amazing LaQuisha Hall, Mrs. Maryland Galaxy. It was wonderful to reconnect with Adrienne Carver, Mrs. Maryland International.

In October, We held the Colorado International 2010 pageant. My dear friend Arma Shahiti, Mrs. International 2009 was the emcee. I also had the wonderful job of helping to crown my successor and friend, Roni Bibb.

I have been blessed by an amazing year and will forever be your Mrs. Colorado International 20009. I now here are the words of my final walk:

To my God: Thank You for the blessing of being Mrs. Colorado International. This year has been a dream come true for me and has lead me to dream even bigger.

To my husband, Scott: Thank you for supporting me event when you didn’t understand the “why”. I love you as my best friend and partner in life. If the past 25 years are any indication of the next 25 years, I know that no matter what comes along, I will have your love to get us through.
To my children: Rachel, you are my example of an overcomer. Stephen you have shown me how to beat the stereotypes. Joshua, you have been a wonderful escort and photographer. Matt, you are always ready to make me laugh. Thank you all.
To my mom: You have always believed in me. Thank you for allowing me to be different and pursue my dreams, even when you weren’t quite sure where they would lead.
Emily and Jamie: Thank you so much for allowing me to share in your lives. The time we spent in Chicago will be treasured forever. I wish you blessings as you each move on to the next phase of your lives.
Cindy, my director: Thank you for the opportunity and freedom to be the best Mrs. Colorado International I can be. It has meant so much to me that you have trusted me with so much responsibility. I look forward to seeing where Colorado International pageants will go.
To all the former Queens who have supported me: Brenda, Mrs. Colorado International 2008, thank you so much for your support even before I wore the crown. Jessica, Mrs. Colorado International 2007, thank you for laughing and crying with me. Also, thank you for the walking lessons. They really gave me the confidence to walk on stage. Christine, Mrs. Colorado International 2006, thank you for the dresses you loaned me. I felt like a queen in all new clothes.
To the new Queen I say, this crown and banner are merely a platform for you to dive off of. You can stand timidly back from the edge and keep yourself safe and dry, or you can dive off the platform, head first into the water and make a really big splash. I hope you choose to dive.

Ronald McDonald House

My 90th and final appearance as Mrs. Colorado International 2009 was serving lunch at the Ronald McDonald House in Aurora, CO. Joining me were (L-R) Erin Feltes, Mrs. Colorado Galaxy 2009, Roni Bibb, Mrs. Colorado International 2010 and Emily Schlehuber, Miss Teen Colorado International 2009.

It was wonderful getting to spend our last day as queens together. Emily has always brought a smile and enthusiasm to all our appearances. She is continuing her work in Eating Disorders Awareness. As someone who struggles daily, she is a true spokesperson for this terrible disease that effects millions in our country.

Erin will crown a new Mrs. Colorado Galaxy next month. She and I have made many appearances together. I have been blessed by her support over the past year.

Roni has blessed me by sharing her title with me since our reigns overlapped by four months. I know the crown is in good hands. She had so amazing and ambitious goals for her reign. I know she will accomplish them all. I wish Roni the best of luck at nationals this summer!

Although we spent the afternoon serving others lunch and munching ourselves, it was so nice to go out for lunch and let someone else serve us. We went to Noodles and Company. Yum!