Kanab Women's Forum

This past weekend I went to Kanab to be the Keynote Speaker at their Women's Forum. It was so much fun. Who knew Kanab was so great. Okay I think a lot of people knew it, but now I know it. My best friend from high school Shellie is the one who had me come, it was so much fun to see her and her family. It was such a fun girls weekend!

This Women's Forum was unreal. It was so well done and organized I was completely impressed. I love all of the detail that were put into it. The decor was so fun!

My sister Heather took some pictures of me while I was giving my speech...hmmmm, is that really what I look like when I speak?

My sweet Mom and sister Heather came with me for all of the fun. It was so wonderful to have them along. We had a great time.

Trying on our western faces in front of the old "Gunsmoke" saloon. Shellie's worked, mine-not so much. It was truly so much fun to be with Shellie again. She is one of my favorite people. Thanks for the great weekend Shell!

Judging Miss Provo

Yesterday I had the opportunity to judge my first pageant. I judged the Miss Provo pageant (picture above are all of the judges and Jackie Cohn). It was so much fun. I was so worried because I know that whomever wins really has such a wonderful experience so I wanted to make sure that the best person won. We did a few hours of interviews and then had dinner and went to the pageant. I was so impressed with all of the girls and had a wonderful evening. The winner was Heather Sabin, 1st runner up was Kristine Johansen, 2nd runner up Melissa MacNamera, 3rd runner up Jessica Hudgins, and 4th runner up Karlee Suprise. One of the talent numbers for the evening was Jackie Cohn who you might recognize as a contestant from American Idol this season. I totally remember her from the show as she was so funny. It was a really fun day.

this picture is more accurate. Jackie is so funny we just sat and laughed the whole time.

Miss Sandy Pageant

As Mrs. Utah I worked with a lot of the local Utah queens through the year. There were a few of them that really stood out to me. Lauren Robinson-Miss Sandy is an AMAZING woman. She is one of the most caring people and such a hard worker. Any time I even mentioned a service opportunity she volunteered to come and was always there beginning to end. I grew to really love Lauren this year and was so excited when she invited me to come to see her give up her crown. The picture above I absolutely love. I don't know who took it or I would have given some credit. Lauren is so beautiful!

I invited two of my favorite girls, Laura and Amber to come with me. They were so fun and kept me laughing all night.

Lauren and Kendyll Bell were the emcees. They were so cute and did a great job.

Lauren is so wonderful. She just glowed all evening and looked very much like a queen through he whole show. I can't wait to see her at Miss Utah!

Speaking to the Young Women

Last night I had the opportunity to speak to another Young Women group. I absolutely love these chances I have to do this. I spoke on "Inner Beauty" and it went really well. These girls had just had makeovers and their moms were invited to the activity as well. It was so great.

One of the things that I was the most sad about being done with Mrs. Utah is not being able to speak anymore. Luckily I still am getting asked to speak! I really love it! Tonight I spoke to a group of Young Women. It was a great experience.

Kristen and Kim (sisters). I really love the whole Adamson family. They are honestly one of the most talented families I know.

Faces Pictures

Prepare for a serious Emily overload. Josh surprised me last Friday and went to Faces Photography and bought CDs of all of the pictures that I have taken this year...and there were a lot. Chad really does do a good job. Thanks Josh! Here are some of the "highlights."

This was the one that was on the cover of the Mrs. Utah program book.

Alicia's Going Away Party

My amazing director Alicia is off to Texas! She and her family are moving to Dallas to start a new adventure. She has been such a huge part of my life in the last year that I will really miss her. Last night was a going away party for her. I am going to be needing to visit Texas!

I met Lindsey Ruiz through my sister-in-law Amy. She is so cute! The greatest Southern accent! She is also an amazing mom of three beautiful girls (maybe we should line my boys and her girls up...).

One of the things I have loved about my experience doing this pageant is the women that I have met through it. Each of them are incredible and have passion for causes outside themselves. I have been so inspired by my association with them.

Amber Braithwaite, me, Carol McCulloch, Jennifer Griffiths, and Carol Ann Guest.

Cindy Anderson (New Mrs. Utah director, going to be incredible!) and Christina Fritche (probably spelled wrong). Both of these women are so awesome!

Carol McCulloch-She is such a go getter! Honestly so passionate about her platform and one of the nicest women, and has bigger biceps than just about anyone I know.

This is Amber Braithwaite. I grew to absolutely love her during this pageant experience. She is so sweet and genuine. She SPARKLED on pageant night and won 1st runner up. I have been so blessed to know each of these women.

Mrs. Utah 2009-Karmel Larsen, Mrs. Utah 2006-Alicia Warnock, Mrs. Utah 2008-Me!

I seriously love Laura. She is one of my favorite people. She is one of the funnest people to be around!

We were taking so many pictures that Laura and I decided to do our version of a high school dance picture...nice.