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. 

Denver Psoriasis Walk

The Denver Psoriasis Walk was held one bright Sunday morning in Wash Park. There was a wonderful turn out. Sarah (L) organized the walk.

Ryan came all the way from New Mexico to attend this event. He has an incredible passion for finding a cure for psoriasis. He has personally experienced the devastation caused by this horrible skin disease.

My son, Josh, ran the 5K with Ryan. They were the first to finish, so they put Josh to work. He is always happiest when he is helping.

Sarah brought Ryan up in front of everyone to announce Ryan's plan to swim 9 major water channels through out the world to bring attention to psoriasis and to find a cure.

I volunteered after the walk to donate blood and participate in a study for a cure. It was fairly painless. I hope it makes a difference.

Colorado Coed Fundraiser

What could be better than pageants and pizza? I attended the Colorado Coed fundraiser at CiCi's Pizza. There I met up with Kayla(R) and Ariel(L), two of the Coed queens. They were so excited to be there.

This is how I get my boys to support pageants, promise them food. We had wonderful food and even my 17 year old left feeling full. That is a difficult task. Thanks Coed girls for such a fun fundraiser.

Ms. Planet Beach

I love going to pageants and cheering on my friends. Erin Feltes, Mrs. Colorado Galaxy, and I went to the Ms. Planet Beach Colorado to cheer on our friend and pageant sister, Jessica Smith. It was so much fun getting to spend time with Erin.

Jessica was on fire that night. Here she is answering the on stage question with Ms. Planet Beach International. I was amazed at how much she knew about Planet Beach and all they had to offer. I know that her penchant for learning about the information has helped her be successful in pageants in the past. She certainly knew her information that night.

I was so proud of Jessica when they announced her the winner. She is an amazing competitor and really shone that night. I am so proud of you, Jess!!!!

It is always fun to run into old pageant friends. I caught up with Tracy Taylor, radio personality and pageant sister. She was one of the judges. I would say she had a difficult job, but I know Jessica stood out in the crowd and that made Tracy's job a little easier. What a wonderful evening.

Colorado Fourteener Patch

Normally I am on my blog bragging about my sons who are all Boy Scouts. If you have kept up with me at all, you know that I am a Scouter, an adult leader in Boy Scouts. I am a real supporter of Scouting and what it does for young people. But, I will take just a moment to brag on me. I hope you don't mind. At our August Court of Honor, I received my Colorado Fourteener Club patch. I climbed Grey's with our troop so that counted as a Scout 14er. I will receive one star for each 14er I climb to put on the patch. I am so proud to have earned this award!

Book Consultation

I am pictured here with author Darci Gudger. It is amazing how small the pageant world actually can be. I received an email from pageant sister, Angela Breidenbach, asking if I could help a friend who was writing a young adult fiction book. This book was going to have a pageant be part of the story line and she needed help learning about pageants in Colorado. So Angela corresponded with both of us and we actually live close to each other.

We met for coffee and to discuss her new book which will actually be the first of three in a series. I was so happy to share about all the wonderful pageant gals I know in the Denver/Metro area. I loved sharing that so many of the strereo types just don't apply, that pageant girls are really nice, usually. I shared how giving of their time and energy they are. Also I shared about how they cheer each other on. I can't wait to read what Darci's take will be on this. When I left our meeting, I felt confident that pageants would be represented well in her book. Keep an eye out for it.

Back to School Pageant

I recently had the honor of emceeing the Back to School pageant. It is a fun, one day pageant. Every contestant receives a crown and banner. The judges certainly had a difficult decision! (L-R) E-Dee, Roni, myself and Amanda. They did a terrific job!

I has the honor of being the emcee when Chelsi was crowned Miss Colorado Jr. Teen. She was on hand to help with the contestants. She never complained and even managed to look beautiful while sitting on the floor and working the music! Thank you for all your help!

Another wonderful helper was Kayla. She is the reigning Miss Colorado Cinderella Teen. She really got a work out by running back and forth at the personal messenger between the director and myself. 

I always love messing around with Makayla! She is so much fun. Here we are pretending to fight over the crown. Tee hee!

See, we can share too! Love this wonderful young woman! I look forward to seeing what she will do next!

Amanda has been such a great friend. She helped me learn the ropes the first time I judged a pageant. She also was a terrific queen as Miss Colorado Galaxy 2008. We have a standing lunch date at Jack in the box when we get together for these pageants. I wish her the best of luck on her next title, "mommy".

It is always a pleasure to work with Roni, Mrs. Colorado International 2010! She is so dedicated to her crown and her platform. She took some time out from judging to share with the audience about her year, so far. Keep up the good work!

Susan (R) was crowned the Ultimate Grand Supreme. I was so shocked to here that she was 40 and this was her first pageant ever! She did an amazing job and I am so proud of her. I am encouraging her to continue to compete in pageants. She will make an amazing queen.

I just love these little girls. I have been following their pageant careers for over a year. They are all such good friends. At this pageant, Lili and Ariel were in two different age categories. During the crowning, Ariel did not want to go on stage without her friend, Lili. She had to be reminded that they were not together in this division. It was so precious! They encourage and enjoy each other so much. Isn't that what pageantry is all about?

Of course, no pageant takes place without a dedicated director. Valerie (R) puts on four of these small pageants a year. She works so hard and always puts on a classy show. Thank yo Valerie for allowing me to be a part of your pageants as a judge and emcee.

Pen Pal

I was finally able to meet my royal pen pal, Tina Hayes this past Wednesday. LaQuisha Hall started the royal pen pals after a successful Secret Queen exchange at Christmas time. Tina has been an amazing pen pal. She has been faithful in sending real letters, not just posting on facebook.

It was wonderful to spend time with her over lunch. She shared so much of her story and also about her year as Ms. US Continental. She is such an inspiration. Tina's spirit is so strong and positive. I am blessed to know her and now to call her friend.

Inferno Resutls