Thursday, May 29, 2014

Monday, May 26, 2014

This was the first picture I saw when I opened up Facebook this morning.  This is the before and after picture of President and Florence Hatch's cabin in Durango, Colorado.  The fire started Friday night as they were sitting around visiting with their family.  
It reminds me of what happened to our cabin in Pinedale, except we weren't there when it burned.  Thank goodness no one was hurt.

Sheri texted us early this morning while she was out running.  She actually got to run alongside some elk which was pretty exciting for her.  
James and I made a big breakfast before everyone left.  James cooked the turkey bacon and link sausage.  Ben told Evan that the sausage was actually pig toes but Evan either didn't believe him or took it in stride.  He's probably use to his older brothers teasing him.
I made my by now, "almost famous" french toast.  Alex said it was the best he's ever had and Ben had four pieces.  Everyone enjoyed it except James.  He says he doesn't like the combination of sugar, white flour and oil.  Oh well, more for the rest of us.  I wonder if his fried egg could possibly be this tasty.  Sheri managed to get everyone except Alex into the van before 8am for departure.  Alex is staying and going home with James this afternoon.
I reminded the boys they hadn't given me a hug so they all got out to give me one.  Ian gave me a hug earlier and thanked me for our hospitality.
Alex and James were next to leave.  James drove the truck and Alex the Razr as they went to Sean Hunsaker's to borrow a trailer to haul the Razr to the Black River.  They are scouting for the place they want to fish for their next trip.  I mentioned to Jared via text that dad and Alex went to the Black River and he said the next time they go to please let them know because James would love to come.

Jared took his kids to Carlsbad Cavern today.  Boy that brings back some memories!
Nice looking tourists!
When James and Alex return James fixes us burgers and then we watch the Granite Flats finale.  It was so good.  It is based on true facts from the 60's and ended with the assasination of President John F. Kennedy.  I can hardly wait for the next season!

James and Alex leave for Chandler a little after five.  Alex has school tomorrow and James needs to be on the Hatch Hanger job.  I am home alone again and this time for several days.


 

Sunday, May 25, 2014


2 Nephi 32:3
Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.  Wherefore, I say unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

 This is the handout I gave the girls today for the lesson on the importance of scriptures.  I got up at 3:30am to make these handouts and to finish preparing for my lesson.  I made 20 handouts and gave them all away.  We had six or seven visitors.  

James got up in sacrament meeting and presented Rusty Allen's name to be ordained to the officer of an elder.  Rusty was not able to be here today.  On the way home from Rusty's high school graduation his grandpa passed away and so he is with the family and grandma today.  Thomas Wilhelm Applegate, better known as Ty, and Cody Westbrook were presented as worthy to be ordained as deacons.  How exciting to how more worthy deacons to pass the sacrament.
Alice Wilhelm, Tamara Applegate and Jimmy Applegate were the speakers in sacrament meeting today so you know it was a good meeting.  Sheri said she really enjoyed it and would like to stay for the rest of the block but everyone else wanted to go home.
In Sunday School today we studied Moses last sermon to the Israelites.  In the bible it says Moses died but through modern revelation we know that he was actually translated.  
We had 16 girls in young women's today, which must be a record.  Nine of our own were here and the rest were visitors.  We had Alice, Trenda, Hope, Heaven, Shelly, Jordyn, Kilee, LeeAnn and Maddie attending from our ward.  I felt good about my lesson.  It is always rewarding to bear testimony of the importance of scriptures.
After the block I went with James into the cultural hall as he home taught Sister Lorraine Vaught.

Back at home Ian had prepared some asparagus, and chocolate covered strawberries.  We also had leftover chicken and popcorn shrimp for lunch.  We played Five Crowns and Evan found a little bag and some "jewels" to put in it.  He also searched through the pantry and found some Rice Krispy cereal.  He wanted to make rice crispy treats but the cereal had expired over a year ago.  Max and Evan made some awesome drawings and Max made up a game that Sheri, Ian, and Evan played with him.  It looked like alot of fun.  
James and Alex and Michael went home teaching to the Wilhelm's and the Peeler's.  Later James went to the Hunsaker's.  
Sheri gave a FHE lesson about Moses becoming a leader of the Israelites and we talked about destiny and patriarchal blessings.  Just like Moses had to chose to either follow the Lord or stay in Egypt and become a powerful ruler we have to decide if we are going to follow the path the Lord wants us to or go the way of the world.  It was a great lesson and this has been a wonderful Sabbath Day!
Last but certainly not least Michael and Alex fixed dinner for us.  This is a recipe Stacy fixes for her family and one of Michael's favorites: Shrimp scampi with lemon linguini.  It was delicious!
Michael is reviewing the recipe in his head.

Sheri and Ian had a family vote as to when they would leave to go home.  Sheri and Evan voted to go tonight but the rest of them voted to go home tomorrow morning.  I know Ben wanted to play grey wolf again, a game they play at night with the lights out, and the boys wanted me to fix french toast for breakfast in the morning.  Evan and Sheri were good sports and went along with what everyone else wanted.  Tomorrow morning it is.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Saturday, May 24, 2014

The first item of business this morning was breakfast.  James started and I helped him finish.  He made a combination of hashbrowns, green chilies, onions and eggs and he mixed up the batter for french toast.  I ended up cooking the french toast.  The boys loved it.  Sheri was out running so she didn't get any.  I had to leave for the church around 8:30.  The elder's quorum presidency is doing a service project and we are watching their kids at the church.  Jordyn, Kilee, and I have the early shift from 8:30 to 11:00.  I picked up Kilee on the way.  Here are some pictures of the kids we babysat:
Hyrum Miller
 Katherine Miller
 Andyn Miller
 Edmund Pope
 Eli Pope
 Ethan Pope
 Khalie Riley, Kip and
Alicia Hunsaker's granddaughter
who came with Kilee
Kilee was the only one who could stop
Eli Pope from crying.  She held him
most of the time.
Jordyn was great too.  She read from her Dr. Suess
books to Andyn and Katherine and then she
brought art supplies for the kids.  She also 
drew pictures for them.

It rained a little this morning but nothing too serious.  Just enought to make it smell good outside.
Evan enjoying the wonderful smell of rain.
Max and Evan enjoying a game of Jenga.
Michael and Alex getting in some drive time
on the Razr.  Michael has his license to he can
drive it on the forest roads now.

After babysitting I went into town with Sheri, Alex, and Michael.  I got stuff for peach cobble for Young Women's next Wednesday.  Michael and Alex bought the ingredients for shrimp scampi and lemon linguini.  They are fixing us dinner tomorrow night.  I can hardly wait.  We made a stop at Panda, Sonic and Little Ceasers.  It is an awesome cloudy, day.  

Back at home Evan and Max like the little plastic bowling set I bought.  They are using the hallway for the bowling alley.  Ian also enjoyed it.  He is so good about playing with Evan.  

Ian fixed some ribs while Sheri and I watched Max and Meryl, the winners of Dancing with the Stars, dance.  I marinated some chicken for tonight.  The ribs that Ian fixed were just a snack.  Tehy were yummy though.  

Here are some other happenings: Ben kept coming in and giving bunny alerts.  The boys played ping pong and rode the Razr.  Ian made a fire outside and the boys made smores.  It was a fun day.

 

Friday, May 23, 2014

Beautiful sunrise!

"The gospel is a gospel of love and kindness."
-George Albert Smith



 I love this picture and poem
written by my 
sister-in-law
Dianne Lambson 
who passed away 3 years ago.

James's voice is almost back.  He loves looking for the little bunny that lives under our backporch.  Today he bribed him to come out with a carrot.  I call him teacup because he is about the size of a teacup, the bunny that is.
Today we are reading from Alma 5, Alma's first speech as a prophet to the people of Zarahemla.  I call this chapter the celestial interview chapter of the Book of Mormon, along with 3 Nephi 12 and Matthew 5.

I got a call from Audrey Guerrero this morning.  She needs a ride to town.  Since James and I were going anyway I offer to pick her up.  James had some Hatch Hanger business to tend to and then we headed out around 3pm. James stopped to drop off a tire at Center Tire.  Audrey's first stop was Chase Bank.  We usually just go through the drive-thru but she said she had to go inside.  It was raining when we stopped so James got as close to the door as he could.  The next stop was in Lakeside on Woodland Road to pick up a filter for Audrey's jacuzzi which didn't take long.  I read to James from The Book Thief while Audrey was inside.  On further we go up the road into Pinetop to the only Wells Fargo Bank on the mountain.  This time we waited almost 30 minutes and were able to finish The Book Thief, but not without a few tears on my part.  James was very patient.  Finally we went back to Walmart where Audrey and I did some shopping while James got the car serviced.  The only thing is he forgot to have them rotate the tires.  Oh well, at least my oil is changed.  

I finished my shopping and bought James something to eat at McDonald's while we were waiting for Audrey.  I finally had to go find her and tell her it was time to go. 

Back at home James fixes the new drawer he had made for the chest of drawers we got from Karen Schneider. I clean upstairs, vacuuming, and making sure the bathrooms were clean.  We finally go to bed around 11pm.  Sheri, Ian, Alex, Ben, Max, Evan, and Michael arrive around midnight.  I never can sleep until I know whoever is coming up has arrived safely.
 

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Thursday, May 22, 2014


Mosiah 18:21
And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.

It's hazy outside and I smell smoke.  I guess there is a fire near Woods Canyon Lake.  

I left for Show Low around 11am.  I stopped at the post office, Walmart and the gas station.  I guess you could say I got some retail therapy at Walmart.  I spent more money than I planned on.  I defrosted the outside freezer and replaced some of Kim and Brian's food.  On the drive home I loved looking at the sky.  There are definitely some places where it is raining.  There are dark clouds over what looks like McNary or the ski run.  

As soon as I finished putting my groceries away, I got a call from James.  He asks me what I would like from Show Low.  What?  I thought he wasn't coming home until tomorrow.  He brings me Taco Bell and Burger House.  I ate my Taco Bell and will have Burger House tomorrow.  

I made James watch Max & Meryl's tango and freestyle before he could lie down and take a nap.  While he was napping I worked on my Young Women's lesson about why we need scriptures.  

This evening we watched a Hallmark movie called "Smooch."  A little girl who kisses a frog and then finds a guy under a bridge where the frog jumps to thinks he is the frog and he turned into a prince. This guy was knocked out by a couple of thugs and has amnesia so he goes along with the girl.  He doesn't remember who he is.  It was a cute movie and we enjoyed watching it together.

James is so happy to be home.  This is his haven/heaven and I am so happy to have him here.  

Lots of graduations and awards this time of year.

Talon Wilhelm, Jackson Allen, and
Kilee Hunsaker all graduated from 8th grade.
This is a picture of Talon.
Colby Maxwell graduated
from Show Low High School.
Jeffrey, his older brother is with him.
Kaytlynn Maxwell also graduated
from Show Low High School.
Here she is with her parents,
Monte and Tasha.

 Michael and his friend Alexis at the
track awards ceremony.
Michael was the outstanding
distance runner on his team.


    

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

" I am the resurrection and the life..."

"Master, which is the great commandment in the law?"
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
Matt. 22:36-39

Slide Rock and Oak Creek Canyon are on fire.  It is so sad.  This is a very popular recreational area and one of the most beautiful places in our state.

Today I baked six dozen snickerdoodle cookies for our Mutual activity tonight.  Maddie Carroll suggested making snickerdoodles and it was a good choice.  I think they are now my favorite cookie.

I also read about David and Bathsheba in the Old Testament.  It is such a tragic story. I also watched all of my recordings of Max & Meryl's dances for this season of Dancing with the Stars.  They are amazing!  I also took 32 cans of years supply food downstairs.

Tonight we had our Young Women/Young Men combined activity.  Shelly and Jordyn Applegate had prepared a game for us to play.  They called it the M&M game.  First we divided into four groups.  One group is it and has the bucket of M&M's.  Someone in this group choses an M&M.  There is a list of categories on a sheet of paper. If a blue M&M is picked the category is church-funny experiences and the group with the bucket chooses a subject from that list.  If red is picked the category is church-spiritual.  If oranged is drawn the category is personal-family or individual.  Our group, group #1, chose first.  Jace picked a blue M&M and our question was: Mormon pickup lines.  Each of the other groups come up with an answer for this question and then we decided whose was the best answer.  We chose Group #2 whose spokesperson was Trenda.  Their Mormon pickup line was: "My body is a temple, would you like a recommend.?"  Here is a list of those who attended tonight:
Group #1 - Jace and Jordyn Applegate and myself.  Group#2 - Analee Hunsaker, Trenda Wilhelm, and Maddie Carroll. Group #3 - Kelly and Amy Reynolds, Ruth Wilhelm and Jimmy McNeil and Group #4 - John Wilhelm, Collin Dewitt, Alice Wilhelm and Shelly Applegate.  We had alot of fun and afterwards we had milk and snickerdoodles.  I gave most of the cookies away.  I took Maddie home.  I found out from Analee Hunsaker that a friend of mine from high school, Linda Willis, is Maddie's grandmother but she never sees her because there has been some rift in the family.  How sad. 

Evan got to go bowling this week with his classmates and he loved it!

Monday, May 26, 2014

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

I loved the view this morning!

"True faith is not just knowing God can, but knowing why sometimes He doesn't.  True faith is not just believing that things can work out perfectly, but trusting when sometimes they don't.  True faith is not just receiving your answer, but accepting His."
- The Continuous Conversion, p.39.

James left a little after 4 this morning for the valley.  He has to get materials to the Hatch job and he has a doctor's appointment with Dr. Ortega in Scottsdale later in the morning. 

I went visiting teaching this afternoon with my partner, Rosie Lauritzen.  Rose was going to be a little late and we were to meet at Rosa Westbrooks.  I got there around 5:45 and gave Rose the message from Richard G. Scott's conference talk and we visited for awhile.  Rosie was supposed to be there around six or a little after but she didn't get there until 6:30,which made us late for our next appointment with Linda Diewald.  Linda called to see where we were because we were almost 30 minutes late.  On the way to Linda's we saw to cow elk.  We gave Linda the message from Elder Teh's conference address, a loaf of bread and then we left, staying for only about 10 minutes.  She and her husband are going to the valley tomorrow for their granddaughter's high school graduation.
We went on to Barbie Schumaker's.  Barbie was ready for us.  She had her house freshly vacuumed, the dogs outside, candles lit, and iced citrus water for us to drink.  Rosie was worried about giving the message.  I told her to wait and see how she felt, but she didn't end up giving it.  Barbie loves to talk.  She is fun and interesting to listen to.  One of the most interesting things she said was: "Please don't ever come unannounced because I am a nudist."  

Tonight was the Dancing with the Stars finale results show.
Meryl & Max are the winners!!


Monday, May 19, 2014

Patriotic sunrise

"Love is the very
essence of the Gospel and
Jesus Christ is our
Examplar."

James has a bee in his bonnet about getting solar powered.  This morning he asked me to get all the electric bills for the past year.  I told him the 2013 bills were filed in a box upstairs in his office closet and could he please go get the box.  He came back down and said the box wasn't there so I looked downstairs, and in my office and in Darrel & Trina's closet.  Out of frustration and curiosity I decided to check his office closet where I had originally told him to look.  The first thing I saw when I opened the door was a pile of boxes and right on top is one labeled 2013.  Sometimes I worry.  Why couldn't he see those boxes?  Anyway, I was able to find the bills and he scanned them and sent them to the company he's working with.
Later this morning we went to Audrey Guerrero's to pick up the generator James bought from her.  It was a struggle but the three of us loaded it into the back of the truck.  Thank goodness she had a dolly.  
This afternoon I started working on the young women's lesson I am giving on Sunday about scripture study.  I listened to two BYU devotionals.  
For dinner I made chicken stuffing casserole with ingredients in our years supply.  It is so good and easy to make. 

The boys, Michael, Alex, and Joe, had a choir concert this evening.  I am sorry I missed it.  Sheri said it was awesome!
 
James and I watched The Mentalist finale.  Jane finally professes his love for Lisbon and she for him.  It's about time!
Sunset in Spain

Friday, May 23, 2014

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Show Low downtown chapel where I first gained my
testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
My testimony led me to the temple and my own eternal family.
Gilbert temple

I had scriptures and prayers with James before he left to give his talk in the Clay Springs ward.  I prayed that through his faith and dedication he would have his voice to give his talk so the people would receive the message the Lord would want them to hear.
Wayne Todd Mayfield went as his speaking companion.  I continued to pray for him throughout the morning.

I got a text last night from Sean Hunsaker asking me if I would teach his Book of Mormon class tomorrow.  I said I would.  I will have to prepare for it this afternoon.
I went to my meetings by myself this morning.  Mel West and Jason Owens from our stake were the speakers in sacrament meeting.  Jason serves on the high council.  Brother West posed these two questions to us in his talk: 1.) Are we carrying the right load for our salvation? and 2.) Are we helping others with their loads?. 
Brother Owens said that the Savior helps us pull our load. 
In Sunday School we learned about the prophet Balaam and his double mindedness.  I am reminded of a quote from Elder Ridd's talk in the priesthood session of general conference: "If you chase two rabbits, you won't catch either one."
We have a new 2nd counselor in Young Women's, Ruth Wilhelm.  We have needed someone for awhile and we are happy to welcome our 4th Wilhelm into Young Women's.  Oh yes, and our priesthood advisor is Brother John Wilhelm.
Today Sandra Wilhelm gave the lesson on prayer.  We had six girls who stayed for the entire lesson: Jordyn and Shelly Applegate, Kilee and LeeAnn Hunsaker, and Alice and Trenda Wilhelm.  Coty Iannoli was here for a few minutes but then she left.  Coty's dad lives in Show Low and she goes back and forth between Show Low and Vernon.  

After the block I attended BYC with LeeAnn, Shelly and Jordyn and the bishopric and young men leaders along with Talon Wilhelm and Jace Applegate.  The bishop wants you class presidents to call every young woman before every activity.  We haven't been calling Hunter, Alex, or Arizona but we will from this point on.

When I got home James had a delicious lunch of steak and gravy prepared for me.  Afterwards we had a nap and then I prepared to teach the Book of Mormon class.  We studied 2 Nephi 5-6.  The class went well.  We read five verses at a time and then we discuss them.  Those attending: Lorraine Vaught, Audrey Guerrero, Ellen Kustusiak, Paula Johnson, Elder Russel and Elder Scott, James, Lorraine Tieman, Nadine Singleton and her daughter, Robert who is an investigator, and Analee Hunsaker.  Ellen is also an investigator and wants to get baptized but has some habits she is having a hard time overcoming.  We need to pray for her.

James and I had FHE from Preach My Gospel and then we read from The Book Thief in front of the fire.

I forgot to mention that James did great on his talk.  Brother Mayfield says he is a "masterful orator."
 
 

 

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Medievil Castle, Dawyck, Scotland

Alma 2:1-18
How has the Lord strengthened me in my personal battles?

James and I slept on the recliners last night.  James was hoping if he slept in an upright position it would help with his laringytis.  I slept like a baby, it was so comfy!

It was a beautiful day here.  It's nice enough to start sitting on the deck to read again.  James finished writing his talk while I studied.  Afterwards he washed my car while I typed his talk.  A nice trade off.

Max had two playoff flag football games today.  His team won them both and Max was a big contributor.  They qualified to play in the championship game and it was played too.
They won the championship!
Way to go Saints!!
 Max with his trophy

This afternoon James and I attended Dennis's 60th birthday party and Denise's daughter Rachel's Masters in Special Education party.  It was a combined event held at Dennis and Denise's.  By the way, Dennis's yard is beautiful.  It puts alot of effort into taking care of it.  The food was deliciously prepared by Cowboy Campfire restaurant owner and chef, Gene Coon.  Gene was my boyfriend in the 8th grade.  At that time he worked as a cook at the Malapai Inn restaurant in Show Low. We had pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw and chips.  For dessert we had Denise's special rice crispy cookies and Peg's Scotch cake. (Alot like Texas sheetcake).  Both were yummy.  It was so fun to see Peg, Denise's mom.  We always talk about the fun time we had when we went to New York with Dennis and Denise.  Those attending: Jeff and Barb Caruthers, Dennis's good friends, Dennis, Denise, Peg, Rachel and Rachel's boyfriend Thor and his mother Karen, Jenifer, Harold, Vickie, Brian, Cher, Tasha, Kaytlynn, Madison, Zachary and Quentin.  The weather was so nice and we were able to eat out on the patio.  
Because James was trying to save any voice that he has for his talk tomorrow and couldn't really visit, we left a little early, but not before we sang to Dennis.
The birthday boy, Dennis and seated beside him, Cher.
I had a good time and was grateful to spend some time with my extended family.
 

 
 

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Friday, May 16, 2014

Oxaca, Mexico
The trunk of this tree is 33 feet in diameter.
Reminds me of the Tree of Life.

"In order for us to make the correct decisions, courage is needed.  The courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right." - President Monson

I got my teeth cleaned today and then Dr. Douglas prepped me for a new crown.  Her assistant put in a temporary crown and I was on my way.  

Sheri and I visited Max's class today.  Each child had prepared a report on a character from Arizona history and then dressed up like that character.  It was called The Arizona Living History Museum.
Max was Wyatt Earp, and a handsome one at that.
Wyatt Earp:
Good guy or bad guy?
Max says good.
Max is in the fourth grade at Bright Beginnings school and he has an awesome teacher.  Her name is Mrs. Saurio.  Max has developed a good work ethic being in her class, and they do so many fun and interesting things!  This was one of them, and here is another:
 Book report characters

 After the living museum experience Sheri, Max and I had lunch at Peter Piper Pizza.  Sheri gave me a coupon so my lunch was free.  We were there with about 30 athletes from Chandler High.  It was crowded but the buffet was still good.

James was anxious to get back to Vernon so he left before I did.  I went home and took a nap and left around 3:15, which means I was in Chandler for about 24 hours.  It was 104 degrees when I left and when I got home to Vernon it was 70 degrees.  James unloaded my car and then watched Person of Interest while I did some catchup on my Book of Mormon journal.

Colby got male athlete of the year
at Show Low High School.
Congratulations Colby!


 
 

 
 

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Fire in the sky

Moroni 7:12
"All things which are good cometh of God."

This morning I studied, prayed, paid some personal bills and got ready to leave for the valley.  I left at 11:15.  I went the Globe way because I was trying to get there before 3 when James had a dental appointment. I was bringing him some pants.  I didn't make it but it was ok because James washed his work pants and went on his way.

Stacy is discouraged because the kitchen sink is not working so she can't do dishes.  James did fix the sink this evening.  I do appreciate him so much.

Sheri and Kim took James and I do dinner at Carrabas this evening as part of my Mother's Day "package."  We started out with four baskets of sourdough bread and then I ordered bruschetta with goat cheese and marinara sauce.  For dinner I had the Harvest chicken salad.  The chicken was delicous and moist.  Everyone agreed, although Sheri didn't really want to come here, that the food was delicious.  Kim presented me with another gift, this picture:
 A reminder of a wonderful event.
Thank you so much Kim, I will treasure it always!

The hand of the Lord in my life today: My safe arrival in the valley.  Kim recognizing that all good things come from God.  James being so happy to see me.  The above picture of the boys at the temple cultural celebration.  Sheri being so sweet and loving.  Joshua being so positive.  Evan's sweetness and Dallin's singing.
I am truly blessed!

 

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Alma 7:12
"And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities."

Today was a day of celebration
Three of my favorite people in the world.
Colee and her parents Nancy and Kyle Tolman
at Colee's graduation from ASU.  She now
officially has her teaching degree!
She will be an awesome teacher!!
 James's dad's 87th birthday would
have been today.  I have learned
to appreciate his goodnes and forgive 
him for the mistakes he made.
Randa Covert (on the left) and her
sister-in-law.  Randa is our sweet
Beehive advisor.  She turned 23 today.
 Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton at their
wedding three years ago.
I have become somewhat of a Blake Shelton
fan since watching "The Voice."
I learned some interesting things at Mutual tonight not only about the young women but about Diana and Analee.  Here are some things I learned:
Diana was a distance runner and almost always took either first, second, or third place.  She was also a fast pitch softball pitcher on an all-star team.  Wow!  I never would have guessed.  Dynamite comes in small packages.
Analee and her husband served a service mission in Argentina to build church building during the early 60's.  Analee was 7 months pregnant when they arrived to the surprise of their church leaders.
We had a mini-miracle this evening.  We couldn't get a DVD to work so Coty Iannoli suggested we say a prayer.  Coty offered the prayer and then she and Randa Covert got the DVD to work.
I asked the girls what is a talent they would like to develop and here are the responses I got:
Shelly - learn to play the piano.
Jordyn - would like to learn to play the violin.
Coty - wants to learn a second language.
LeeAnn - wants to become a good public speaker.
Alice - wants to learn sign language.
Hope - wants to learn to play the guitar.
Heaven - wants to take piano lessons.

I love these young women and young women leaders!

I got some sweet texts from my hubby today!