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!

Fairview High School 9 Health Fair

I met up with my sister queens from the Teen World and Coed Pageant systems at the Fairview High School 9 Health Fair. I love getting to see these young women and keep up with all they are doing.

We work with Chaplain Rourk of the Civil Air Patrol to educate students about "better things to do than drugs" By High School, most teens know what to do. It is always reassuring to hear them share creative ideas on how to handle stress.

I have been so blessed by knowing Chaplain Rourk. He has been such a part of my year as Mrs. Colorado International. I wish him the best of luck!

Studio A

On Tuesday night I had the opportunity to stop by Adrienne's studio, Studio A. She was teaching a modeling class when we walked in. These young ladies were reciting a positive affirmation poem. Afterwards, I was asked to speak to these incredible teens. These future leaders of America certainly are going to rock our country. Each one of them has a terrific future!

Adrienne Carver, Mrs. Maryland International, 2009 and myself. She was the one contestant I was the most intimidated by since she is a "triple crown" queen. That was silly of me. We have since become close friends and she is one of my biggest cheer leaders. I have learned never to be "star struck" by someone. We are all people and the ones we are most afraid of may one day be our closest friend!

What an honor to get to know these two beautiful queens. I am hoping to get back to Maryland in the near future and work with them again as I work on my next big project. Stay tuned!

Queens Lunch Annapolis, MD

On Tuesday of my trip to VA/MD I had lunch with some amazing Queens. LaQuisha, Mrs. Maryland Galaxy  and I were joined by Ginny Meerman, Mrs. Maryland United States and Ashley Heslop. Miss Teen Johnstown International.

Getting to meet Ginny was so wonderful. She shared about her plans for the upcoming year over lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. There is no stopping this woman when she sets her mind on something. Good luck with all your endeavors!

Since we were already at the Annapolis Mall, LaQuisha and I couldn't resist a little shoe shopping. No, this isn't her shoe closet, but I understand it could be. :)

Teen Leadership Summit, MD

I was finally able to meet one of my dear facebook friends, LaQuisha Hall, Mrs. Maryland Galaxy,  at a Teen Leadership Summit in Baltimore, MD. We have become so close over the past year or so. She is an amazing young woman with so much to give.

I was able to catch up with my International Sister Queen, Adrienne Carver, Mrs. Maryland International. I had the honor of meeting the beautiful Montressa Williams, Ms. Maryland Galaxy. These women were all speakers encouraging today's teen women to make good choices.

These two young ladies are fine examples of the teens who attended this event. From where I stand, the future looks bright!

Mrs. VA Int Pageant

I attended the Virginia International Pageant with my dear facebook friend, Ashley. We had a wonderful time!

I caught up with Deanna Linz, Mrs. Alabama International 2009. She also participated by singing a song during the pageant.

There were several local Teen title holders on hand to cheer everyone on. Their pageant will be held later this spring.

Maria Beall won first runner up. Way to go!

The beautiful Rebecca Crosen won "most photogenic". It is easy to see why.

The lovely Juliana McKee, Miss Teen District of Columbia, 2009 was on hand to cheer for her sister.

Jennifer Phillips, Mrs. Virginia International, 2009 (L) and Joy Pfister, Mrs. Virginia International 2008 represented their state beautifully.

It was so wonderful to see my dear friend Adrienne Carver, Mrs. Maryland International 2009 again. We got to know each other at nationals last summer and have become great friends.

And the winners are: Angel McCoy (C), Mrs. Maryland International 2010 and Heather Thompson (L), Mrs. Virginia International 2010.

Solance Hair Studio Grand Opening

Brie Hawk invited me to attend the grand opening for her new salon, Solance Hair Studio. I had the privilege of meeting her when I competed for Mrs. Colorado International. She represented Westminster in the Miss division. It has been an honor to get to know her and I look forward to following her many successes in the years to come.

Miss Colorado High School America Pageant

I attended the Miss Colorado High School America Pageant. I sat with Joy who is Emily Schlehuber's Mom. Emily is our Miss Teen Colorado International 2009.

Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss Colorado High School America, Annika. She has a lot of preparation for Nationals to be held in Branson, MO in March. Good Luck!

After the pageant, I had the opportunity to catch up with Christine Warembourg, Mrs. Colorado International 2006 and Mrs. Colorado United States 2007. She is a wonderful sister queen, friend and also Emily's pageant coach.

Christine and I were so proud of Emily! She made top 10!

There was a large group of visiting queens. Many of these young ladies I have had the privilege of meeting and working with them and Chaplain Rourk. We have a wonderful network of queens all making a difference for Colorado.