Sledding anyone?

We are enjoying a very mild winter but are warned there will be more snow coming... even through April. This is the sled display outside a nearby hardware store.

Grundy, Virginia

Grundy is one of the communities in our Richlands Branch--

about 30 miles west of where we live. (Very close to the Kentucky border)

Grundy is a coal mining community in Buchanan County that is also home to

The Appalachian Law School-- specializing in mining law, a pharmaceutical school,

and perhaps most famous of all...The Grundy Walmart!

This Walmart has two story parking under the store...and provides a "buggy" escalator

to delivery shopping carts to the parking area.

This photo is only a snippet of the hunting/fishing department.

"Faithful and Competent"

President Sowell, 1st Counselor in West Virginia Charleston Mission

Zone Conference - January 21, 2012

Karl's mother would have called our experiences today "glorious!"

Elder Pieper, of the First Quorum of Seventy spent the day with us in Roanoke, VA

teaching about covenants, committments, and miracles!

It was awesome.

At lunch we introduced ourselves to the mission presidency first counselor, Dr. Sowell.

Absolutely, he remembers our daughter, Kimberly, from BYU comparative literature classes.

He says he knew her first as part of the BYU honors society.

His recollection is that our daughter is "very smart!!!....faithful and competent."

He predicts that she is not finished with her advanced education, and honors her choice at this time to give full attention to the young and active minds in her home!

Way to go: Kimberly! You made us famous today.

EFY-Express

Cassie Clifton and Ashley Boardwine

in front of the Armor of Righteousness statue.

[Ephesians 6:14]

Southern Virginia University, Buena Vista, VA.

Richlands Branch Young Women's Presidency

Pat Hunt, Jenna Hendricks, Debbie Clifton

Ashley Boardwine, Jenna Hendricks, Sandra Turley, Cassie and Debbie Clifton

January 14, 2012

Sandra Turley played the role of Cosette in LesMisérables on Broadway for 2 1/2 years.

She is also the voice to Ariel in Disney's Little Mermaid.

Sandra inspired everyone with her mix of testimony and music:

"Spark of Creation" sung by Eve in Children of Eden

"Creating is part of our being..."

"On My Own" from LesMisérables

Heavenly Father knows you, He loves you, he created you.

He wants you to fulfill the measure of your creation!

"The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music"

Find your own place to feel the influence of the Holy Ghost.

"Music is the voice of the spirit!"

"For Good" from Wicked!

People come into our lives for a reason and leave a handprint on your heart.

"Popular" also from Broadway show Wicked!

Don't let anyone else define who you are.

Your creator [Heavenly Father] is the only one who should and can measure you!

Sandra Turley and Jeremy Harvey

EFY Entertainers!

Jeremy suffers from cerebral palsy and low vision,

but when at the piano his drawn, rigid hands flew like lightening.

His message: "Remember who you are" and "find happiness!"

The Lord has great expectations for you.

[Reflecting on the fairy tale: The Ugly Duckling, that turned out to be a swan.]

Quintin and Molly

Rehearsing with wedding planner before the big day!

Two lives...one path...and the beginning of their "joyful journey"

Married January 7, 2012

Parents of the groom: Karl and Pat Hunt

Parents of the bride: Connie and Don Hagen

Minnesota Minister: "Ollie"

The #1 Best Man in all the world: Todd Hunt

[Rehearsal dinner]

Quintin and Molly Hunt

Married January 7, 2012 in LasVegas, NV

A beautiful bride, handsome groom, and totally supportive family.

We are so grateful to have been a part of these two monumental family events.

(See baby Caroline in previous post.)

Now, today, January 11th, it is time to return to our duties as senior missionaries

in Richlands Branch, Virginia. Our time with family never seems long enough,

and our time away from mission duties was a gift we will cherish forever.

Happy 2012 to all.

Caroline Ruth Mays

Caroline Ruth Mays, born December 31, 2011

7 lbs. 2 oz. - 19 inches - and a doll!

What a blessing to be here in Tuscaloosa, AL with Kimberly and Josh

and to be able to help out with the new baby. This is a grandmother's dream.

Caroline Ruth is named after both maternal grandmothers of the parents.

January 1, 2012

Jonah meets baby sister!