Colorado NAM 2011

Congratulating Abi on her win in her division at the Colorado National American Miss Pageant. I have watched her compete in numerous pageants over the past few years. I will say this much about Abi, she is fearless!!! I love that about her!

It was wonderful seeing the Ashleys. You may recognize the Ashley on the left from a previous post where she won first runner up at MAOT. The middle Ashley I met at the Colorado International pageant the year I competed. She did a great job as a NAM queen!

Yes, it looks like the theme for the night was black, white and blue. Here I am congratulating client, Chloe, on her win as Miss Colorado Jr. Teen NAM along with Michelle, who is Mrs. United America.

Congratulations to Chloe on all her trophies and winning her division. It was such a pleasure working with her. She is a hard worker and learns quickly. Good luck at Nationals this November!

Miss Colorado Pageant 2011

I attended the Miss Colorado Pageant with two of my dear International friends. Jamie (L) was Miss Colorado International 2009 the same year I was Mrs. Colorado International. We made appearances and attended nationals together. Brie (R) was the first runner up to Jamie at Colorado International that same year. It was so wonderful catching up with both of these special ladies.

I was finally able to congratulate pageant client, Kristen, on her win at Miss Colorado Coed. She is the newly crowned Miss Colorado Coed. This was only her second appearance. I am so excited for her and the year ahead.

 Ashley was first runner up at MAOT. I have known Ashley for a couple of year both through pageantry and through my son who attends the same high school. She is genuine and giving. Her true beauty radiates from the inside out.

Fundraiser for Ashley

I had a wonderful time at the fundraiser for pageant client, Ashley. She is Jr Miss Colorado-World Teen. It was held at a fabulous barbecue place where I ate far too much yummy food. She also held a silent auction. It was a great evening and a great excuse to get my husband to take me out to dinner. Good luck at nationals, Ashley!!!

Road Trips, Cadillacs and Other Distractions

Click on the link to see my latest article at All Things Diva!!!

 I was honored to be invited by Angela Breidenbach to judge the inaugural America's Super Ms pageant in Hamilton, MT.

 Kathy Lauer, Beauties of America 50's was also on hand to judge. It was so wonderful getting to know her.

 This was the panel of judges: (L-R) Kathy, Myself, Angela, Nikki, Lindsey and Lonie. What a wonderful group of women!

 Couldn't resist a picture with this beautiful crown!

 Janet started this pageant to spread the word about buckle your seatbelt after loosing her daughter in a car accident. She is an amazingly strong woman and very organized. This was one of the best run pageants I have ever attended!

 Each of these women is so passionate about their platform as well as seatbelt safety! They have an exciting year ahead of them.

America's Super Ms Pageant

Colorado Coed Kick Off Party

Although I was not going to make the whole weekend for the Miss Colorado American Coed, I was able to stop by the Kick Off party for the weekend. I was able to catch up a bit with outgoing queen, Chelsi Rose. She is an amazing young lady. I look forward to following what she does next.

Congratulations go out to two of my clients, Kristen Littlepage who won Miss Colorado American Coed and Ashley Shea who won Miss American Coed Junior Teen! Way to go ladies!

Heart Walk

This was my fourth year participating in the American Heart Start walk. I met this young lady three years ago when I volunteered at Mrs. Colorado International. She is a survivor and inspiration!!

I was asked by Michelle Wegner, a survivor and Mrs. United America to be on her team this year. When she had to attend the Texas United America Pageant, I volunteered to be the team captain. Here we are: L-R Myself, Darleen Dudly and Kiara Willaims. What a wonderful morning and a great cause!

Colorado Cinderella Pageant

On Sunday, I attended the Colorado Cinderella Pageant. I was impressed with the young ladies who were competing. The talent portion was amazing and the fun fashion wear was so much fun. I was thankful I had Emma with me to point out what was going on. She was Cinderella Tot 2010.

It is always wonderful meeting up with the United America ladies. Michelle, Mrs. United America (L) is Emma mom. She is such a lovely lady. Teresa, Miss United America (R) is always upbeat! It was a wonderful afternoon. Congratulations to the winners!

NAMI Walk

I was invited to emcee the NAMI Colorado Walk. It was great to see so many people come out to Stapleton to support this cause. We had about 750 people attend.

My dear friend, Erin Feltes, opened the ceremony with her rendition of the National Anthem. I was so glad she could honor us with her beautiful voice.

A bagpipe band lead the way for the walk after the opening ceremonies. I always love the sound of bagpipes. What a great way to kick us off.

I was the captain for the "Taking The Ugly Out Of Mental Illness" team. Joining me are (L-R) Shannon Morgan, Mrs. Colorado United States, Laurie Pierce, Colorado Dream Girls Queen of Queens and Lizzy Maddox, Colorado Dream Girls Supreme Beauty. Thanks ladies for your support!

Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network Luncheon

I was invited to be a guest of Arapahoe/Douglas NAMI at the Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network luncheon. I was invited because of my volunteer work with NAMI. It was a great luncheon with so many who came together to support this wonderful cause.

After the luncheon, I had an opportunity to meet the featured speaker, Pete Early, and to share my story. We are pictured holding his book, Crazy. He spoke of the true insanity of todays mental health care. Check out his blog to see the story he wrote that included my own story.

Kites for Life

I sponsored a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) booth  recently at the Kites for Life festival sponsored by the Douglas County Second Wind Fund. The mission of Second Wind Fund, Inc. is to decrease the incidence of teen suicide nationally by removing financial and social barriers to treatment for at-risk youth and to create a network of local affiliates to provide such services in their own communities. It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze for flying Kites. It was wonderful to connect with so many people in my community who were there to bring awareness to suicide and prevention.

Miss Crown Jewel

Recently I was speaking with some friends online about wishing there was a way to enter a pageant to get feedback before I compete at Beauties of America this summer. One of my friends, Joy, suggested that I audit a local pageant. After much debate, I decided that it would be a good idea. I would be able to practice my stage work and get feedback on my wardrobe, hair, makeup, etc. So I entered the Miss Crown Jewel Pageant run by Valerie Sweely. It was a fun, one day pageant that had only two areas of competition: Evening wear and fun fashion.

Much to my surprise, three out of the five judges for the day were dear friends. Michelle Wegner, Mrs. United America was one of them. I think I was more nervous because I wanted to do well and impress my friends. I probably tried too hard. They were so gracious and gave me a ton of feedback.

Of course, it was so much fun to watch two of my clients compete. Congratulations to my clients, Tiegan and Hawley for their new titles!!!

This pageant was the morning after Ashley was crowned Jr. Miss Colorado-World. She was still glowing from the night before. I wonder if she ever took the crown off?

It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who would like a little practice and feedback before their next big pageant.

Miss Teen Colorado-World

I recently attended the Miss Teen Colorado-World pageant hosted by the pageant director Christina Sacha. I met up with friend and Mrs. United America, Michelle Wegner. It was a first class pageant, but that was no surprise. Christina is a first class lady. 

 Two of my best friends in pageantry and in life were there, (L) Rita Case and (R) Erin Feltes. Both of these women have been such a positive influence in my life.

It was an honor to meet Miss Colorado USA 2010, Jessica Hartman. She was on the judges panel. I did not envy her! There were so many fabulous young ladies that night.

It was also an honor to meet Pageant Legend Gaspar Cruz! He is the Director for Miss Teen World. He is such a kind and generous man.

It was wonderful catching up with Micayla Keely, Miss Teen Colorado-World 2009. We made several appearances together. She always had a great attitude and so much energy!

Heidi Hume is such a gracious young woman. I have to tell a story on her. The night of the pageant, one of the contestant's  gowns tore and was not wearable. Heidi quickly offered one of her gowns and saved the evening. That young lady went on to win the title. Now can you see why I love and admire her?

 Congratulations to Victoria Korthuis, Miss Teen Colorado-World!! I was so happy and excited for her. She was such a fabulous city title holder for two years before finally taking home the crown. She will represent Colorado well. I look forward to following her year.

The highlight of the evening for me was getting to see my client, Ashley Berry, crowned Jr. Miss Colorado-World. I am so proud of her. She has come a long way in the past year. Good luck this summer Ashley!!!

Emceeing the NAMI Walk Kick Off Event

Greg (R) is the organizer for the  Colorado NAMI Walk. He asked me to be the emcee for the kick off event. I was honored to do so. Nichol (L) is who came up with the tag line "Taking the ugly out of mental illness." I look forward to working with both to have a successful walk. If you would like to donate or participate, please go to my Walker Page.

Lacy is the director for NAMI Colorado. She works tirelessly for those with mental illness and their families.

Friend and fellow queen, Tanya, Mrs. Colorado Galaxy, helped emcee. She made a lovely "Vanna" as we gave away gifts at the end of evening. Matt is from the Mental Health Network. We support each other's efforts to help those with mental illness.

This gentleman is at most events. He has such a passion for helping others. I look forward to seeing him again.

Wounded to Wow

I recently had the honor of being the guest of Brenda Baecker at a womens meeting. Brenda shared her amazing and inspirational story of how God used pageantry to take her from wounded to wow. Brenda is Mrs. Colorado International 2008. She passed the crown on to me in 2009 and we have been good friends and pageant sisters ever since. If you would like to have Brenda come speak to your group, contact her at mrscoint08@hotmail.com.

Outstanding Scouter 2010

I received the Outstanding Scouter Award again for Troop 794, Arapahoe District. This is the second time I have received this prestigious award for Boy Scouts. The first time I received it I was a Cub Scout leader. This time I received it for my dedication and service to the Boy Scouts. I do give about 6 hours a week to Scouting. As an adult leader and merit badge councilor, my goal is to encourage young men to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Yes, I do take the uniform off at night. 

Miss Colorado Preteen Pageant

I recently attended the Miss Preteen Colorado Pageant with two friends, E-Dee (L) and Tanya (R). They are the newly crowned Colorado Galaxy Queens. It was so much fun to sit with them. This was also my first formal appearance as Beauties of America Colorado's 40's.

One of the wonderful things about pageants is all the amazing friendships that are formed. Both of these young ladies attended to cheer on friends. I love these girls!!!

I had the honor of being at Katelyn's crowning as the emcee for the Colorado Coed pageant. I was so inspired by this pageant that I wanted to compete in a system that is divided by age categories, too. This is why I a competing at Beauties of America.

Congratulations to Rylee, the new Miss Colorado Outstanding Sweetheart. I also met her through the Colorado Coed pageant. She is so energetic and always has a smile on her face!

Congratulations go out to my client, Ashley. She won best essay and Fabulous Face as well as placing 2nd runner up!! Way to go, Ashley!!!