Girls Camp in August

This post is a little late… but it was a great highlight of my summer.  Here are some pics from one of the YW leader’s blogs:

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Karmel Larson was crowned Mrs. Utah United States on April 25, 2009, having never before entered a pageant. She was drawn to the program for the emphasis placed on promoting a platform. Her platform for this year is “Declaring Decency: Engaging Civic Leaders, Educators and Families in a T.E.A.M Effort to Stand For Decency.” With this platform she will work with a different population of Utah leaders each month to provide resources in the areas of Treatment, Education, Activism and Monitoring to promote decency in families, schools and our communities.

Posted by Everill Family at 7:56 AM 1 comments

Thank you Mrs. Utah for coming and sharing your testimony with us. It was so fun to have you at camp! Good luck in your endeavors, and you go girl!!!

Posted by Everill Family at 7:08 AM 0 comments

Monday, August 10, 2009

Professional Photos from Mrs. United States

Where did I go?

Anyone wondering why I’m not posting?———-I know someone is because I can see on my blog stats that lots of people keep checking my blog each day and are probably disappointed that I haven’t been updating.   Well…. much has happened and indeed there is much to share and report on, but that will have to wait a few more weeks.  We are moving this weekend and packing a business and family of nearly 7 is all consuming while in the third trimester of pregnancy.  So once I recover and have a normally functioning environment and family life again, then I’ll resume posting and share all of the exciting updates.  Then I can resume my Mrs. Utah updates and e-mails again as well.  This past month and the next few weeks have required more of Mrs. Larson than Mrs. Utah.  Thanks for being patient.  Life doesn’t always go according to my visions and great plans.  (I think it’s going to turn out even better if I can survive this move.)

Here is one teaser photo.  I loved speaking at this girl’s camp this summer!  The experience was so enlightening!  I’ll share more soon….

Best Buddies Fundraiser at La Caille

Emily Nelson, Mrs. Utah 2008, invited me to attend the Best Buddies of Utah Fundraiser at La Caille back in August.  It was a great event that she was in charge of planning and organizing.  She continues to do so much good!

White Ribbon Week Meeting for PTA

Brad Barton, myself, Whitney from Utah Netsmartz.net and John Gunter Jr. from Citizens For Families.  I’m grateful to each of these professionals who came to help me pass along information on White Ribbon Week to PTA Presidents at the Provo Library on August 13th in an effort to promote the EDUCATION part of T.E.A.M. Decency.  Here’s a link to the information we shared at this meeting.

White Ribbon Week Resources

Let me know if your child’s school is launching a White Ribbon Week for the first time!  So many are starting up this year-it’s exciting!  A tremendous thanks to each of you who helped this important meeting come together!!!

Mrs. United States Photos

Great Friends, Dinner and Mrs. Utah America

Tonight I enjoyed a wonderful evening of friendship as pageant friends gathered for dinner and then to attend the Mrs. Utah America Pageant at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo.  A good friend, Heidi Murray, was crowned the new Mrs. Utah America 2009.  Her platform is a Voice for Autism.  She will do such great things!  It was so great to be with these wonderful women and to catch up on each others lives.  My life is too blessed!  So many great people surround me and inspire me continuously.

Presentation at PIC Meeting, Sponsored by United Way

Today I had the opportunity to speak to members of the PIC (Partners For Infants and Children) Committee sponsored by the United Way.  I was overwhelmed with the positive response and outpouring of ideas and desires to volunteer and help that followed.  More e-mails came from the group as I arrived home.

One woman volunteered to solicit help from the the Regional PTA Representative to promote White Ribbon Week.  Another individual wanted to pass along Child-Appropriate Resolution information to each of her children living in Utah Cities where resolutions have not been passed.  One father in attendance was anxious to have a referral for internet filters.  So many others were moved to action as well.

This has been the typical response I have found from fellow Utah citizens as I have been invited to speak on decency at various events.  I’m grateful to be among such wonderful company!

As I head to Las Vegas next week to compete at the Mrs. United States Pageant, I look forward to promoting Decency to a national audience that I hope to find as receptive as the great citizens of Utah.  Thank you for your support and for helping me to spread this message!

Davis County Junior Miss Scholarship Program

I was invited to be a judge for the Davis County Junior Miss Scholarship Program yesterday.  It was a wonderful experience to see how well prepared and well-rounded these girls were.  I wan’t familiar with this program prior to this invitation.  Now I will recommend it to everyone who has teenage girls.  These girls were so talented, poised, intelligent and fit!  For fitness they performed a 5+ minute physical fitness routine complete with double time pushups.  I would be thrilled if Abby participated in such a program in the future.  These were high quality girls with direction, purpose and excellent training!  I’d like to meet each of their mothers and get some tips!  The judges were all so wonderful as well.  It was an inspiring day of women seeking to improve themselves and their communities!  The Provo Junior Miss Program will be in October, if any one is interested in that-I can connect you with the director.

Freedom Festival Baby Contest at UVU

I was invited to present on TEAM Decency and American Mothers at the Baby Contest last weekend.  Presentations were held in an activity room filled with play stations and information booths.  It was a very comfortable and casual setting.  I even roamed around the room with the mic during the 30 minute presentation and was able to talk with alot of the moms.  I am always happy and inspired to see moms who are seeking improvment for themselves and their children.  There were great play ideas.  Two of my favorites were a mini pool filled with styrophome and bubble wrap taped to the floor.  Here are some pics…

A Few More Mrs. Utah Photos

The official pageant photographer, Chad Braithwaite of Faces Photography, just provided each contestant with a CD of photos.  Here are some of his shots:

NPR Story on Sitcom Sex & PTC May Alert

NPR News Story on Sitcom Sex on Broadcast Television During Family Viewing Hours

Visit Parentstv.org for more info on “what you can do” if you are concerned by the above news story.

PTA Convention at BYU

This week I was invited to attend the UT State PTA Convention at BYU.  I was able to give a presentation on White Ribbon Week and to promote decency in the commissioners hall. Here’s a short clip of the intro I gave on White Riboon Week:

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Here I am, pictured below, with a fellow member from Citizens For Families promoting White Ribbon Week and Community Decency Standards.  I was also able to share information about the Parents Television Council and my platform on Decency.  I met so many great women from all over Utah who were volunteering to improve their children’s education and school experience.  It was a great day to be in the midst of so many good women.

Honoring Motherhood Event at White Willow

This was the most wonderful celebration of Motherhood I have ever attended!  I’m so grateful for such inspiring women whose friendship daily blesses my life!  It was a privilege to be able to share my platform at this great event!

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Some Recent Media

Speaking in SLC May 9th-

Deseret News

Daily Herald

Here is my portion of the Daily Herald article on Mother’s Day.  Also highlighted were Dixie Clifford, Utah Mother of the Year and Danielle Kennington, Utah Young Mother of the Year.  Click the Daily Herald link above for the entire article.

Karmel Larson — Mrs. Utah United States

Age: 32

Lives in: Provo

Married to: Brigham

Hobbies: Reading, square-foot gardening, movies

Recently read: “The Power of Positive Parenting” by Glenn Latham, “Common Sense” by Thomas Paine

Lots of people have a favorite historical figure. For Karmel Larson, it’s Abigail Adams, wife of America’s second president, John Adams. “We named our daughter after her,” said Larson, a mother of four children (the youngest is 18 months and the oldest is 6) who grew up in Washington state. “She’s a perfect blend of a woman who had her own accomplishments but was fiercely devoted to her family.”

Speaking to Mapleton Young Women

I was invited to talk to the Mapleton 7th Ward Young Women about modesty.  Their leaders were so excited that I had won the evening wear award with a modest dress.  I also shared with them this article, about Mrs. Texas International, who was crowned last week, wearing the only dress with sleeves.  Wonderful girls… it was a great honor to be with them!

One of my favorite Mapleton babysitters, cute Megan.

TEAM Decency Updates and Ideas

T.E.A.M. Decency May 6, 2009 In This Issue How Do You Define “Decency”? The No Cussing Club Join Me on Saturday to Launch TEAM Decency Sponsor Thank you! Thank you to Kelly King Anderson, founder of nationally acclaimed Startupprincess.com, for providing hours of marketing, media and on-line networking mentoring to help launch TEAM Decency. Please contact me if you know of a business or individual willing to support the efforts of TEAM Decency through donation, services or products. Join Our Mailing List! Quick Links Karmel’s Website Karmel’s Blog TEAM Decency.com Hello Utah, Thank you for joining me in this effort to promote decency!  The overwhelming response to my first e-mail was certainly encouraging.  Please continue to forward my e-mails to friends and family and invite them to join us in “Declaring Decency”. How Do You Define “Decency”? As defined by the online dictionary: Decency is “having a suitable conformity to basic moral standards; showing integrity, or other characteristics associated with moral uprightness”.  As defined by me, decency involves encouraging any behaviors that promote strong family values.  The vision of TEAM Decency is to speak out against anything in society and especially media and advertising that is indecent, violent, profane, demoralizing or pornographic.  I am passionate about guarding what goes into the minds of our children.  Over the course of the year, a variety of topics will be covered that touch all of our lives.  Today I want to share ideas on improving our language. The No Cussing Club McKay Hatch started this club at 14 years old.  Now a year later, it boasts over 30,000 members worldwide.  I hope you will talk to your kids about his example of “Standing For Decency”.  I invite you to take time as a family and talk about the words we choose and why they matter.  Peruse the  No Cussing Club website as a family and take the no cussing challenge.  Ask your children about their friends word habits and the environment in their school.  (you may be alarmed at what you find out…) McKay is such a powerful example of how one person “Declaring Decency” can create powerful positive change!  From his website, “The words we use affect how we feel about ourselves, how others react to us and how others feel about themselves.  Our words truly shape our world.” Join Me Saturday, May 9th, to Launch TEAM Decency McKay Hatch of the No Cussing Club, members of the national Parents Television Council and local leaders of decency organizations,will be joining me this Saturday, May 9th at 1:30 to launch TEAM Decency.  You are invited to join us as well.  Hear from McKay and me, as well as joining in  the discussion to organize TEAM Decency events for the year. Sweet Branch Library 455 F street (9th avenue) Salt Lake City, Utah Sincerely, Karmel Larson Mrs. Utah United States 2009 TEAM Decency

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Walk For Autism

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Our family was invited to attend the Walk For Autism at UVU to help promote this fantastic event.  I was so sad for the organizers that the rain poured down and lessened their attendance.  It was an amazing event for those true blue supporters who came out despite the rain.  Our kids had fun despite the downpour!  I am excited to be able to share this experience and opportunity to serve Utah as often as possible with my children.  What a rainy day memory we made!  We had a great discussion in the van, before and after the event, teaching our children about disabilities.

Crown and Sash Photo Shoot

One of my first assignments was to have this photo shoot done for the Mrs. United States Pageant Program book.  So mark your calendars for July 23rd and 24th in Vegas!

1st TEAM Decency E-mail Newsletter

Mrs. Utah United States 2009, Karmel Larson, Promoting T.E.A.M. Decency

May 2009 Vol 1, Issue 1 Please Join Me In Promoting T.E.A.M. Decency Hello Utah, What a great honor and privilege to have been selected to serve my fellow citizens as Mrs. Utah United States 2009!  What a humbling challenge lies ahead. It was my passion for decency that energized me during these past months as I prepared for last week’s pageant. Thank you to all who supported me along the way. This coming year, as Mrs. Utah 2009, I commit myself to sharing many of the important lessons I’ve learned by working in leadership with organizations supporting strong family values and decency. This will be my work within Utah, and also as I represent Utah in July at  Mrs. United States. Please join with me on this exciting journey. Watch The 1st Video Update Please click on the image above to watch my first weekly video update.  Each week these will be included on my blogs, newsletters and Facebook, providing updates, information and ideas on how you and your family can “Stand For Decency”. In This Issue Watch The 1st Video Update Please Help Spread The Message! What is T.E.A.M. Decency? American Mothers Hosts Mrs. Utah Quick Links Media Info E-mail Karmel TEAM Decency Website Karmel’s Website Schedule Karmel to Speak Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn Karmel’s Family Blog Please Help Spread The Message!  Forward this e-mail to all who will “Stand For Decency”! In Utah we demand strong family values.  I promote decency for my children’s sake and for our community of children.  Now, I am calling on my friends, family and fellow citizens to help me get out the information and join our voices together in proclaiming decency. Please forward this newsletter & encourage others to sign up for e-mail updates. What is T.E.A.M. Decency? T.E.A.M. is an Acronym for Treatment, Education, Activism and Monitoring.  In each of these areas I have created goals for the year.  For example, in the area of Education, I plan to educate PTA Presidents and School Administrators on the importance of having White Ribbon Week (Internet Safety Week) in every school.  Each month I will be targeting a specific population of leadership with resources.  For more information, visit the newly created and under construction, TEAM Decency Website. American Mothers Hosts Mrs. Utah to Launch T.E.A.M. Decency! Karmel will be presenting her platform for the first time on May 9th to American Mothers, Inc. as part of their event, Honoring Motherhood.  This event is an opportunity to pay tribute to your wife, mother, daughter or friend and celebrate the important role of motherhood.  Speakers will also include, Utah Mother of the Year, Utah Young Mother, and American Mothers Utah State President.  For more details and to purchase tickets, click the logo above. Maybe like me, you don’t want to just sit back and complain about the very real problems our families are dealing with in today’s society; so together, let’s do something about it and “Stand For Decency.”  I invite you to join me! Sincerely, Karmel Larson Mrs. Utah United States 2009 TEAM Decency

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More Mrs. Utah videos and photos

On stage questions:

Our kids being interviewed by Brigham on their way to haircuts for pageant night!

Me with Emily Nelson, Mrs. Utah United States 2008

Opening number and contestant intros:

My wonderful husband escorting me.

My wonderful kiddos!  Baby got left at home.

Introducing myself…

Oh…. I love this guy!

I really grew to appreciate all of these women and their many talents.  The entire pageant was without negative incident.  Everyone was always so helpful and kind!  Love them all!!!!!!!

The opening number final pose.

Amazing ladies!  The top 10… and so many amazing women still on the stairs.  I’m glad I wasn’t judging.

On stage question with Laura Dugovic.

Winning evening gown award, presented by Emily Nelson-Mrs. Utah United States 2008.

Brigham’s first smile at me.  So madly in love with him!

Our happy family (look at Abby’s face-so excited!)

Brigham’s parents, Greg and Maya.

Sweet, sweet Abby!

My mom, Diana, and sister, Heather, who flew in from WA.  Thanks sister for taking all of these photos!!!!!

Thanks Heidi Murray for the little crown for Abby!  She was so excited to have it!  She’s been wearing it all week!

My neice, Brooke, who flew in from WA!

I’m so grateful for everyone who helped me accomplish this goal of promoting my platform-TEAM Decency!  You can see my first weekly video update a few posts down on this blog (hot pink shirt video).  Send me an e-mail to be on my weekly e-mail list for updates and ideas on how to “Stand For Decency”.   karmel.larson@gmail.com.

My first weekly video update for TEAM Decency!

Support TEAM Decency and receive weekly updates by e-mailing me at karmel.larson@gmail.com, subject line: TEAM Decency Weekly Update.  Each week will contain ideas on how you and your family can “Declare Decency”.

Featured on www.startupprincess.com

Thank you to Kelly King Anderson for featuring me on her website www.startupprincess.com.   She was the first one up on stage offering her congrats!

Here’s the link:

http://startupprincess.com/wordpress/congratulations-to-mrs-utah-united-states-2009-karmel-larson-a-startup-princess/

Thanks Kelly!  She was so helpful and generous with my pageant prep.  Now she is offering lots of help and tips to launch my platform with speed and power!  So grateful for devoted family and dedicated friends!  I have been flooded with support!

Love to you all,

Karmel

PS-Anyone have any good resources for websites?

I am feeling so grateful…

…and soooooo excited to get to work sharing my platform.

Here’s the video of the top five.  (I love Brigham’s screaming as he records!)

Here is the evening gown video.    It was my favorite moment of the evening when, in a moment of silence, Abby called out, “I love you mom!”.  Oh the precious moments of motherhood.   It melted my heart and I think the hearts of the judges and audience too.  I was awarded the evening gown award.  What an honor and opportunity I have been given.   I’m overwhelmed with joy and anticipation!

More photos and videos coming soon.  I’m so grateful for everyone who helped and supported me in this endeavor.

Love to you all! -Karmel

One week to go!

Tickets are almost sold out!  Are you coming?  www.coveycenter.org to buy tickets!

We had our final practice today and it was great.  This whole opportunity has been so wonderful and I’m excited to pull it all together next Saturday.   -Karmel

Some of my pageant friends at our last rehearsal:

Mrs. Utah Gala at La Caille

What a fabulous success this event was!  A great celebration and effective fundraiser to support the platform of the next Mrs. Utah.

Only 4 weeks until the pageant…. have you bought your tickets yet?  Tell me if you are coming!  I think I’m going to have the biggest cheering section that night.  I’m lucky to have a home court advantage having the event held in Provo!  More importantly, I’m lucky to have so many friends and family who are coming to support me.  I’ve been overwhelmed at the outpouring of support.  So blessed with so many wonderful people in my life who believe in my efforts!  So come… it’s only $15!   See you there!  Love Karmel

Join Parents Television Council Yahoo Group

The Parents Television Council is the nation’s most influential advocacy organization protecting children against sex, violence and profanity in entertainment.

If you would like to be a part of the PTC of Utah Valley efforts to promote decency in entertainment, you are invited to join our newly formed yahoo group.  This enables us to network, plan, act, file complaints, etc. through e-mail to eliminate unnecessary meetings.  Email me at karmel.larson@gmail.com to join our group.

Sincerly,

Karmel

Study: Utah No.1 in online porn subscriptions

Way to go Utah!

We’re #1, We’re #1, We’re #1!

By DAWN HOUSE
Salt Lake Tribune

Despite its conservative political bent, Utah’s per-capita appetite for online pornography makes it the nation’s run-away red-light state.

A study by a Harvard Business School professor shows that Utah outpaces the more conservative states — which all tend to purchase more Internet porn than other states.

File a Complaint Against Fox’s Family Guy

As Director of the Utah County Chapter of Parents Television Council, I invite you to read and take action below.

It is alarming that content such as what is listed below can be shown on a Sunday evening during family viewing hours.  What is really scary is that many people consider the show to be a cartoon as opposed to an animated drama and therefore don’t consider its content prior to allowing their children to watch it.  What a deceiving title-”family guy”.  Oh the adversary is sooooo wise!  This kind of stuff motivates me to speak out!

From the PTC website:

Should a Sunday night cartoon show YOUR children bestiality, gay orgies and babies eating sperm?

Fox thinks so.

Mrs. Utah Gala at La Caille

Would you like to enjoy an evening with us at the Mrs. Utah Gala at La Caille, One of Utah’s premier award winning restaurants?   This will be a night to honor and introduce the 26 contestants.  All proceeds will benefit the platform of Mrs. Utah 2009.  Our table will seat 10 and so we need 4 fabulous couples to enjoy the evening with.  Does the following menu look good?

Coconut Shrimp, Bruschetta, Spring Geens w/Raspberry Vinaigrette, Chicken Picatta and Tournedos Skewers., Fresh Breads.
Dessert Trio of Chocolate Chantilly Cake, Creme Brulee, and Fruit Tart.

This typically costs around $85 per plate!  For this event, tickets are only $55!  You can click on the invitation above to purchase tickets.  Be sure to e-mail or call me to let me know you are coming so that we can have you seated at our table.

Here are some more LaCaille photos and info about the Gala:

The celebrity guest is Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers, a VERY well known football player who won the Heisman Trophy in 1972. He will be bringing a autographed football with some of the recent Heisman Trophy winners on it, which has auctioned off for several of thousands of dollars.   There will also be other celebrities there including Miss Utah and other football icons.

You ONLY have until MARCH 23RD to purchase tickets. No additional tickets will be sold after that date, so be sure to purchase them before the 23rd!

Purchase tickets

Tickets Now On Sale For Mrs. Utah

Buy Tickets! Let me know if you are coming!  So many friends and family have told me they are coming to support me!  This is going to be such a fun event!

Thank you to everyone who has become an official sponsor for my platform.  It feels so good to have your endorsement and support!

If you would still like to become a sponsor, click here.

White Ribbon

Today I attended the Utah State AMI White Ribbon Committee Meeting.  We discussed ideas on how to help families in Utah to promote decency in their own homes.  I sat next to a woman who had come to learn more about speaking out against pornography because she had just separated from her husband due to pornography problems.  I’ve been thinking of her non-stop.  She and so many women like her are the reason this effort is so important.  I’ve decided to put together a website to bring together all of the Utah resources into one site.  I’m meeting with the Utah Coalition Against Pornography on Thursday.  After this meeting, I’m going to start work on this needful resource.

Citizens For Families

It has been Red Ribbon Week at my son Ben’s school this week. A lot of good information on being drug free and safe has been coming home.  I called the PTA President to see if his school sponsors White Ribbon Week and she said no.  So I’ve volunteered to help get that organized.  Over the past several years, I’ve been involved in various ways with the non-profit, Citizens for Families.  They do many great things, one of them is to promote White Ribbon Week and to provide materials to schools, PTA and parents to help in this effort.

From www.strengthenthefamily.net:

Citizens for Families is a community-wide effort which has the following goals:

• To create a model city where everything inappropriate for children is out of their sight.
• To develop a “community standard” that reflects a wholesome environment for children.
• To strengthen the family and protect our community by educating parents, children, teachers, businessmen, and all members of the community.
• To invite all organizations to join with us to accomplish our goals.

JoAnn Hamilton is the founder and has done innumerable things to promote decency and to strengthen families and communities.  She recently invited me to be the Utah County Coordinator for the efforts of Citizens for Families.   I’m excited to be partnering with her and her non-profit to further the work of promoting decency.

Enjoy this beautiful fall weather,

Karmel

Op Ed Published in Springville Herald

Click Here to read my most recent op ed.  It was published in the Springville Herald last Tuesday.  To learn more about how you can be a voice for decency, go to www.parentstv.org or e-mail me.

Be Good For Something

I’ve been working on a simple new website in an effort to combine the many aspects of my life into one on-line area. I put the following quote on my home page.

“You are good. But it is not enough just to be good. You must be good for something. You must contribute good to the world. The world must be a better place for your presence. And the good that is in you must be spread to others…

Click Here to Read the Entire Speech: STAND UP FOR TRUTH

I was present at this address just beginning my 2nd year of college at Brigham Young University. The message was so powerful it transformed my