Walking in Her Size 11 Shoes

This is the Bingham Crisis Center. They do wonderful things here. A few weeks ago when I was in Blackfoot, the Mayor participated in the "Walk in Her Shoes" fund raising event.

Let's just say that he went ALL out. Here he is walking with the sheriff--who I think stayed close to ensure the mayor didn't take a tumble in those heals.
I know dad feels strongly about the influence for good the Crisis Center makes and supports their cause. This picture definitely proves his devotion. Love you, dad! Thanks for letting me tag along . . . in my running shoes.

Oat Pan Rolls

Posting here on location from the blustery, but blissful Blackfoot, ID. Sitting on the white fancy couch with the Mayor and Mrs. We're safe from the elements and feeling warm and fancy free. For those of you still planning your Thanksgiving menu, might I put a plug in for a recipe passed from Nurse Heidi via Laura Bear?

These Oat Pan Rolls are SO tasty. I actually made them on Saturday into 2 full loaves--froze one and well, let's just say the other is being put to good use. Try them this Thanksgiving. I know you won't be disappointed.

Oat Pan Rolls

2 cups oats (quick cooking is best, but old fashioned works, too)
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, cubed (don't you dare use margarine)
1 T salt
2 1/2 cups boiling water
2 T dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water
5 1/2-6 cups all purpose flour (may substitute half whole wheat flour).
I actually ended up using just 2 cups of WW flour and just shy of 3 cups AP flour.
Additional butter, melted

In a bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, butter & salt. Stir in boiling water. Allow to cool to 110-115 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water; let stand for 5 minutes. Add oat mixture and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 20 pieces. Place in a greased 9x13 pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack; brush with melted butter.

EAT UP!

p.s. I have bangs.

Parading Around Town

Sometimes Will and I go to the EISF (Eastern Idaho State Fair) Parade in disguise. Wouldn't want to be recognized by the local paparazzi. I wear my hat and shades--Will just closes his eyes. That's how we roll.

Mayor Virtue Re-Elected

It looks like the great city of Blackfoot will be in capable hands for another 4 years. Thanks to all who voted and supported. We are grateful.

It's Election Day

Don't forget to vote today!!! You make a difference.

The Virtues are excited to see the results of today's Mayoral election. We are even more excited to have the campaigning end.

Here is the letter to the editor we submitted to the Blackfoot Morning News last week. It offers a biased, but truthful view of Mike Virtue for Mayor.

We love you, DAD. Good luck today!


We were born and raised in Blackfoot. We love our town. It is full of memories, people we love, and life lessons learned. With pride, we tell those who inquire that we are from one of the greatest places on earth. Some understand—others wonder how such a seemingly small place could possibly earn such a title. Perhaps only those who have grown up within the community’s open arms would realize its many charms. Regardless--our little town will always be home—wherever life takes us.

Several years ago, our dad “retired.” He was poised to live a much deserved life of leisure—full of afternoons in the hammock and romping with grandchildren. Instead, he chose to become involved in city government—determined to give back to a community and the people who had been so good to him and his family. He had no long-term political agendas. He simply saw something he could make better. We have watched him closely over the past four years do just that. He is personally involved in the daily process of improving our community. He works tirelessly. He has great respect for and trust in those he works with and is proud to stand with them. He is level-headed. He cares. He listens. He is fair. He is sincere. He is our mayor and our dad.

As you go about your business today, look out your window. Notice how beautiful Jensen’s Grove and our city parks are. Notice that many of our streets are new and all are well kept. Notice that our city is safe. Notice that life in our town is better than it was four years ago. It’s easy to sit back and watch the world around you pass by. It’s easy to talk and observe. It’s easy to judge and hope that others will make your opinion heard. Mike Virtue has taught us that the good things in life are worth the effort.

Sincerely,
Michelle Virtue
Kimberly Virtue Lewis
Ryan Virtue
Laura Virtue Vawdrey

The Race is On

Many of you have inquired about the upcoming mayoral election. Well, there's good news on the Eastern Idaho front--The Mayor (my mayor) is running for re-election and we couldn't be happier. We'd love to see the city of Blackfoot in his capable hands for another 4 years. Dad--we're behind you all the way! Circle November 3rd on your calendars, friends--it's election day!

Lost in Blackfoot for the Weekend

A special thank you to everyone who has supported me in my recent addiction. My heart goes out to Mother & Father--whose wonderful Conference Weekend was mixed with 3 discs equaling 12 episodes x 43 minutes = joyous hours of family togetherness. Good parents support their children through all of life's ups and downs. My parents are the perfect examples of such unconditional love!

Lighting UP

One of the highlights of our Thanksgiving celebration was the light parade sponsored by the Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce. I say highLIGHT mostly because the mayor decorates a classic Chevy and then gets to drive around town with Ryan & Eric spreading holiday cheer. We were all on-hand to cheer the happy trio on. If you look closely, you can see dad's green-white striped winter cap--CLASSIC DAD Virtue.
After, we all head to the bonfire for some hot chocolate and cookies. The boys especially enjoyed this part of the festivities.
Zach helped dad and I decorate the truck. He loved being on tape patrol.
And here they are--in all of their parade glory.

Perched

The only excuse I have for not blogging much last week is that life has been busy. Between my new calling, work catch-up, and a trip to Blackfoot, I've had but a moment or two to myself.

We had a great time at home. One of the funniest things that we came across was this dog perched on his owner's truck in the grocery store parking lot. That's Blackfoot for ya! Rockin' dog awesome!

Play Ball!

Guess who was in the Blackfoot Morning News again yesterday? Yep--the Mayor threw out the first pitch at the new ballfields. Pretty good lookin' throw, huh? Pretty good lookin' Mayor, huh? Pretty good dad? No doubt!

Hammond Art

Meet my sweet friend, Kerri Hammond! Kerri & I met while working at Kesler's Garden Center--back in the day. We worked together again at the CCF & now Kerri is the cutest mom to two boys and an aspiring artist. Last week she invited me to her art showing at a local gallery. Her husband, Ben, is also an accomplished artist and was showing several of his own pieces as well. They are both so talented and down to earth--love them! Thanks, friends, for the invitation and for letting me absorb some of your brilliance.

Studio 5

One of the highlights of yesterday's Studio 5 visit was meeting Ann Romney. She is a very dynamic woman whose life has been dedicated to her family. Ann (we're on a first name basis) was so sweet. You'd all like her. I watched a clip about her on Fox News a few weeks ago and was impressed by her then. It was especially fun to hear her talk about their 5 sons (all handsome. . .all married).

I don't know if anyone else has noticed a trend in my recent television appearances, but if you'll recall--last time I was on the show, Utah's first lady, Mary Kaye Huntsman, was a guest. Maybe I'm destined for political life. Afterall, I am a member of Blackfoot's First Family.

By the way, Darren has volunteered to be on the "find Michelle a stellar husband" committee.

I am a lucky girl.

Oh, I'll be back on the show next month demonstrating a fall piece Darren's wife found in a magazine. I'm pretty excited about it. Don't worry, I'll let you all know the date when it is finalized.

The Virtues Save the Day

Remember when Blackfoot was threatened by floods and so the Virtues skipped out of church early to fill sand bags? Remember how we single-familied saved our town from destruction?

Andy & Barney Keeping the Peace

I just got off the phone with the Mayor and his First Lady. It's a bit late for the parents to be calling. . .so I asked "what was up." I suppose it wouldn't be completely unbelievable that mom was calling for last minute gift ideas. She is fanatical about holiday gift-giving. I swear she has been asking what we want since June. Anyway, that wasn't the reason for her call. She explained that she was just hangin' with the police department. The good news is that there were no bars between my Lula and the officers. Apparently, there was, what we like to call a SHIN DIG west of town with the potential to get out of hand. When there are too many cars and people mixed with alcohol and a screamin' concert--who would you call? Mike & Mary Lu, of course! I can just picture it. . .Andy Griffith and Barney Fife keeping order in an orderless world. I feel safer, how 'bout you?

I hear the Prince of Blackfoot is on loan to the City of Rexburg these days. No wonder havoc has reared its ugly head. . .