Her Life Magazine photo shoot

Opportunities
March 20th
It can be so great when two worlds collide. 
The first year I competed in the Mrs. Colorado pageant I was awarded the title of  Most Photogenic. 
With this award you are given a one year modeling contract with Donna Baldwin Talent of Denver.  I never in my wildest dreams thought of myself as a model, maybe dreamed but never thought I could ever become one.  I have been blessed with so many amazing opportunities throughout my four years with Donna Baldwin.
I was contacted by the agency right before leaving for Mrs. America and was asked to do a spread in the "Her Life" magazine.

I truly believe people are put into your life for a reason and this was exactly one of those moments.
Modeling the fabulous clothes for Soignee and meeting the owner Diane Lessnau was a wonderful experience, not only that but I was introduced to Ronnie Hedrick from "Her Life" magazine and Dusty Volkel, the fabulous photographer.  We had so much fun creating the images and being transformed into a whole new persona was exciting.  This shoot was from a French designers point of view, I think we nailed it!



with the owner of Soignee, Diane Lessnau



Goofing around with Dusty during our photo shoot.
Doing our best "Zoolander".



modeling one of Soignee's beautiful dresses and accessorizing with a few pieces from my own collection.

They had heard about my new title, which led to discussions about how I was getting ready for Mrs. America.
It is amazing how one thing can lead to another.  I walked out at the end of the day with three new friends, beautiful clothes to wear to Mrs. America, fun photos with me and my sash, and "Her Life" attending my send off party to photograph the event.
I am forever grateful for their generosity and look forward to working with them all again.
Check out the spread from Her Life magazine in the May issue.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150245228318638.367984.101576708637

Blossom Pageant

March 19th
It is a completely different feeling sitting in the audience during a pageant competition having competed before.  For one, you know exactly what they are going through, the nerves, the excitement, and the hope of capturing the title and crown.   Secondly, you know how hard they have worked, the blood, sweat and sometime tears that goes into preparing.
This time was no different, except for the fact that I was invited to make an appearance as Mrs. Colorado. 
This was a special appearance to me because it happened to be one of my new queen sisters productions. 
Megan McCarter is the director of Cannon City's Blossom Pageant. 
In addition, a hand full of my queen sisters were in attendance, which made the event that much more exciting.  
We also had some time to stop into Fandies Candy Company owned by Debi Moore, another fabulous queen sister. : )
It was a wonderful event and all of the contestants were just amazing.  I am really glad I was not a judge!
Congratulations to the new 2011 Blossom Queen, Caroline Solak

2011 Blossom queen, Caroline, Blossom director/sister queen, Megan, and 2010 Blossom queen, Taylor



My Mrs. Colorado sister queens



Only Fitting

 I am proud to call Parker my hometown.  I have lived here most of my life, leaving only for college.  I returned after getting married and now love raising my three children in this amazing community.
Representing the town of Parker 3 out of the 4 years I competed, it only seemed appropriate to reach out and see how I could get involved in the town that so graciously supported me all of those years.

Many Parker businesses have been following me since I first began competing and were just as thrilled as I was after capturing the title of Mrs. Colorado.

I had so much fun attending a few of the Parker Chamber events before leaving for Mrs. America.

March, 16th
My first stop was held at a place of business who has supported and sponsored me for many years, Planet Beach.
Sandy, with Planet Beach, asked me to attend the Parker Women's forum as her special guest.
I was so honored to be invited to say a few words to the more than 50 business women. 
These women all meet up to promote, network, and create business connections.

The amazing ladies from the Parker Women's Forum



The gals from Planet Beach




attending the Parker Women's Forum at Planet Beach
(outfit sponsored by Kim's Closet)



March 24th
The Parker Chamber held a group meeting for all members at our local Costco.  If you have never been in a Costco, you really would be amazed at not only the savings you can receive by being a member, but also the many services they provide.   Plus, what amazing customer service.
During the meeting, I was again given the microphone to talk about my new title and my plans for the year. 

with Angela, Mike and Rita employees of Costco

with Emily, my devoted director

During my reign as Mrs. Colorado I am looking forward to not only teaming up with my community, but many others in our great state of Colorado.
I am proud to say I joined the Parker Relay for Life team, which will support the American Cancer Society. 
You can sign up and be a part of the Parker Relay for Life team too. 
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11GW?team_id=948076&pg=team&fr_id=30636

Off and Running

If you would have told me five years ago that my future self would be writing a blog about my year as Mrs. Colorado, I would have laughed.  What a difference a year can make let alone five.  During my four years of competition I would follow the current queen's blog and live vicariously through her experiences.  I would also day dream about the possibility of one day having my own blog as Mrs. Colorado, and imagine where my year would take me.  My daydreams have now become my new reality.

For those of you who don't know, my journey to the crown really became a family journey.  I am blessed with a large and very involved group, have you seen my Big Fat Greek Wedding?   After winning that Saturday night and being surrounded by so many loved ones, we all began to discuss the possibilities.   Of all the potential appearances discussed, not one person mentioned the one that presented itself to me first.

I know I have only had the title for a little over two and half months, but this one is by far my favorite.

One proud mom and her oldest baby, Braiden

March, 10th 2011

I received an e-mail from my oldest son's 3rd grade teacher asking if I wouldn't mind coming in to be presented to the 3rd graders.  Of course, without hesitation I agreed.  She went on to say that during creative writing my son had written about me winning, and it was all written from his perspective.  She would like me to come in so Braiden, my son, could read his paper out loud and present me as Mrs. Colorado.   I remember walking into the classroom and seeing all the children sitting on the floor with my little Braiden already up front ready to read about our experiences.  As he began to read and explain his excitement of that night and his emotions as I progressed to each level, I could not help but get teary eyed.  Here was my baby reciprocating the same emotions and feelings that I have towards him, in his eyes at that moment I was amazing.  What a feeling!  What a first appearance!!



Cherokee Trail Elementary 3rd graders



Thank you!

Appreciation- An expression of gratitude.

I often say it takes a village to raise a family and it takes a whole other village to raise a "Beauty Queen".
I realize that my experiences and successes would not exist if it were not for the amazing group of people that surround me.
I would like to show my Appreciation to the many people who have helped make my dreams possible.
 

To my husband, Billy, none of this would be, without you. 

My three amazing children, you give me the inspiration to make my dreams a reality.

My parents, and siblings you have created the foundation on which I stand.

Grandma GG and my in-laws, Larry and Marcia Ames, you give without expectations.

My parents, sisters, brother, husband and kids right after Mrs. America.

Grandma GG and myself right after Mrs. Colorado.



Right after Mrs. Colorado with my amazing in-laws, husband, and sister in-laws.



My many girlfriends, you have all played a very significant role in my life.



My soul sister and very Best Friend, Becca, right after the Mrs. America competition.



My girls, Gretchen, Mel, and Becca at my Send Off party.



To the best Glam squad, your talents are incredible and your support is heart felt and true.

Thank you for always making me look and feel my very best.

Working with you has been a blessing!!

DJ and Courtney with Timothy D's Salon, you are a girl's best friend.

Kari Kisch, your paint brushes are magical.

Megan with Graphique Photography, you never cease to amaze me.

Waxing the City, you have been a great sponsor



with Courtney and DJ.



with Kari Kisch



 



with Megan Anderson



A special thank you to these sponsors who helped me get ready for Nationals in such a short time.

•  Amy Nakos with Mind Redesign, you helped me realize what was inside this whole time.
• Gail Love with Love Skincare Center, my face has never looked better
• Kim with Kim's Closet, you are so generous and fashion savey.
• Raj P TerKonda, your skill and talents are priceless.
• Denver Tux, thanks for dressing the man beside the queen.
• Sandy with Planet Beach, your spa services and tanning beds gave me just the glow I needed.

I appreciate and will continue to support these businesses.  Thank you for believing in me.

Before I left for Nationals, I  was honored with an amazing Send Off party. 

 I was given the chance to celebrate with my family, dearest friends, and many fabulous beauty queens. 

 The party will have it's own post, but I do have many people to thank who contributed to the festivities.

Thank you to Emily and James Stark for creating this wonderful event.

Sheli Silvius and Jen Rindahl thank you so much for all your efforts.  We had the most fabulous auction items.

Thank you to Mark Silvius, Carmela Savoie, Julia Gentry, Doug Legler, Shiela Legler, Becca Smith, and Sharon Nuanes, your involvement did not go unnoticed.

We had such a great time and I was able to raise funds, which helped immensely for my National competition!

I am blessed beyond belief to have the unconditional love and support of the named people, and those names I may have missed.

 My journey this year, as Mrs. Colorado is dedicated to you!





Today is a Great day!

My crowning moment!

Mrs. Colorado 2011, Janell Ames

The Royal Family

I still can't believe it when I hear it, let alone when I say it.  I am the current Mrs. Colorado 2011.

It is crazy to think it all started four years ago with a simple "bucket" list I had created for myself, a way of rediscovery after having my third and final child.

I am so glad I took on the challenge and stepped out of my comfort zone to compete for the title of Mrs. Colorado.

 

The first year I competed, I stepped into a very unknown world.  I had never competed in a pageant before. I grew up playing competitive sports.

As the week of the pageant drew near I was excited, nervous, and a little scared, OK incredibly scared!

I had no expectations for myself and had decided early on to just have fun and enjoy the ride.

Boy did I enjoy the ride!!

There were so many things I loved about that weekend:

• I met and bonded with so many amazing women, many of which I am still friends with today.
• I was able to get pampered, get dressed up, and be apart of a fabulous production.
• I set a goal, worked hard, and achieved it.
• I was given the opportunity to self reflect and become reacquained with ME.

 and  finally...

• Girls weekend....need I say more!

Some of the amazing contestants from the Mrs. Colorado pageant 2008

 

Just like there is nothing like your first year of college, or your first child, there will never be another experience like my first year competing in the Mrs. Colorado pageant.  It only took one time and I was hooked and so began my quest for the title of Mrs. Colorado.

Mrs. Colorado pageant 2008

Melissa Kraft, Dana Gier, Christina Sacha, Megan Yarberry, Janell Ames

(4th runner up)

Mrs. Colorado pageant 2009

Janell Ames, Shilpa Pope, Megan Yarberry, Rita Case, Christy Williams

(4th runner up)

Mrs. Colorado pageant 2010

Ashlyn Bishop, Christy Williams, Shalon Polson, Janell Ames, Leah Bartos

(1st runner up)

Mrs. Colorado 2011
Laurie Wagner, Kimberly Perez, Janell Ames, Courtney Grahm, Kathy Barlo

 
It has taken four years, but it has been worth every penny, every struggle, and every memory.   It has helped make me the person I am today and I wouldn't take back any of those years. 

I am so incredibly honored to represent the amazing married women of Colorado.

  

I am excited to share my year with you all.  I will be posting often and catching up soon, on all my latest events, appearances and more.