Quotes from Nicole Johnson

People think pageant girls are snotty, cutthroat, self-absorbed. Everybody that I meet in the industry is so kind, giving, and they are some of the most amazing women.

Michael is the most amazing father and partner I could have ever asked for.

Self-confidence is the key.

It'll be small and intimate for the wedding, and then we're throwing a massive bash for everyone in the States.

It's hard to put your heart into things when you feel you're being pulled in so many different directions and people are taking advantage of you.

Michael and I both know that had we tried to have a child and get married in the previous time we were together, it probably would not have ended pretty. We both had a lot of growing up to do.

If we're going to objectify women, why not objectify men? Not that I'm saying that it's right. It's not right on either front. You can't look at it and take it so seriously.You have to laugh about it.

I don't think you can be in a good relationship unless you love yourself to the fullest and you want to help the other person become a better person.

I used to think, 'Oh, I can fix him. I can be his therapist. I can be what he needs.' But what I've learned is that you can't take ownership for how they're feeling, no matter how badly you want to.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the top finalists in the eInstruction Classroom Makeover Contest! Each video had something different to offer and they were all very creative.

In terms of using my degree, I started working for YP; I signed on as director of communications.

Michael was more excited than I was. He was over the moon about having a kid.

God wants to dance with us. The goal of dancing is NOT to learn the steps. The goal of dancing is to enjoy your partner. We learn the steps but only so we don't have to look down at our feet. We are free to look into the eyes of the one we love.

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

The Invisible mom: "As mothers, we are BUILDING great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will MARVEL, not only at what we have built, but at the BEAUTY that has been added to the world by the SACRIFICES of invisible women.

Never judge a chicken by its skin.

Motherhood makes multiple personalities look normal and necessary.

An authentic life comes from an authentic self in which the layers on the outside are merely expressions of the core on the inside.

These crowns symbolize something greater than just a Miss California state crown. They carry a meaning of love, strength and unity for all.

I was very confident on the stage, and I stood out in a red gown.

There definitely were times, and I think Michael would say the same thing, where I hated him. We were at odds at times. Even when I loathed him, there were still times when I was like, 'God, I wish I was with him.'

The boys want to be near Michael when he's having a rough day. They want to try and make him happy - especially Boomer because he's the oldest.

I feel incredibly honored to have been the very first Miss California USA titleholder to have been crowned with the Legacy Crown. I know all the titleholders feel strongly connected with one another because of it.