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.

Sweeping the Lawn

I've been in Blackfoot. It's no secret that I love being home with my family--and this is one of the reasons why. My dad uses a lawn sweeper. Never seen one of these babies? Well, they're used by a very select few who consider their lawn to be a reflection of their character. Windy day--no problem, the sweeper picks up any unsightly pieces of debris in minutes. If you'd like one for yourself, try HERE. . . but those yellow catchers are only awarded to life-long sweepers . . so you're going to have to earn that.

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!

A Message From our Sponsor

The Mayor and his wife are the proud sponsors of a calf. Apparently, part of the responsibility of the sponsor is to oversee an evening of feeding and cleaning. The Mayor's wife, who is becoming a better texter than her children, sends me this message "we are out with the calves. your dad is in charge. all the kids are cleaning and feeding." Let me get this straight--MY parents are out with the calves--which is humorous in and over itself. The Mayor is in charge of the evening's activities and he has delegated the work to children. Yep, that sounds about right. That's one lucky calf!

Happy Father's Day

What kind of a daughter would I be if I neglected to wish the Mayor a Happy Father's Day?

What kind of a daughter wouldn't thank this man for being everything she needed him to be when she needed it? It's funny, but I find the greatest peace in knowing that he believes in me--that he trusts my judgment & cares about what I think. I find joy in his approval and a great deal of inspiration from his example. I love that he will dance with my mom in the kitchen & play game after game of UNO--even when he's rather have a root canal. I admire his down-to-earth nature & genuine desire to do/be good. I consider him to be one of my greatest blessings.

Though I could write pages and pages about my dad--I think I'll leave that to a more private setting & tell you a few things about the man from whence I came:

Did you know that the Mayor. . .

1. Has a paper route? He gets up early every morning and delivers his 15-20 papers. He usually rides his bike. Rain, snow (lots of it this year), or holiday--the paperboy delivers. On Sundays he delivers his customers a candy bar. When the Mayor is out of town, it's not unusual that his substitute might receive more compensation for a week's work than the Mayor makes for the month.
2. Is extraordinary with a vacuum? When he vacuums a rug, there are no lines. It's absolutely amazing! When I was little, we had this shag carpet & he'd us a special race to get the carpet to lay in the right direction. To this day, I'm still trying to figure out how he does it.

3. Is built? Yep--a vigorous regimen of early morning swimming, walking, and biking leaves the Mayor with a sleek physique.

4. Loves to watch boxing, eat ice cream, wash cars, and sleep outside? Oh, and he supports the Girl Scouts of America. Pictured below signing a proclamation naming March 9-15th as Girl Scout Week in Blackfoot.

5. Is brilliant? Always a numbers man, the Mayor is my personal calculator, financial advisor, and tax man.

6. Is popular? Yep--our trips to the Blackfoot social center (a.k.a. Wal-Mart) are full of handshakes and hellos. The Mayor really cares about the city & the people who live there. He loves his responsibilities & takes a great deal of pride in being someone who listens & leads with reason & thoughtfulness. Pictured below speaking at Memorial Day event honoring veterans.
7. Makes us laugh? He is pretty stinkin' funny--always has been.

8. Likes to bake cookies, wear nice clothes, and mow the lawn? I used to love Friday nights in the summer. It meant dad would mow the lawn in his sneakers. If it was hot, I'd take him a tall glass of cherry cool-aid & he's always make me feel like I'd rescued from certain death due to dehydration. Mom would make finger steaks & fries and we'd sit down for a fried Friday night feast.

9. Gets better and better? I've always loved and appreciated my dad. One of the things I've recently come to admire about him is that he's better. He just keeps getting kinder, softer, more thoughtful, and smarter. He is still learning and working on becoming his best self. I think you're getting close, dad!

10. Really loves me? I've always known it. I knew it each time he left work or a church meeting to attend a parent-teacher conference. I knew it every weekend when he'd spend time with us rather than hanging out with his friends. I feel it each time he calls me at work just to say "hi." He reminds me often & isn't afraid to say it aloud. It's usually a sweet quiet moment--always tender and sincere . . .always what I need when I need it.

Happy Father's Day, dad. I love you more and more.

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!

Watch Out Mr. Lincoln--Here We Come!

The Mayor has official business in D.C. next month. In support of his political duties, two of Blackfoot's first daughters will be joining the Mayor and First Lady for a visit to our nation's capitol. So excited!

Mayor Celebrates

Happy Birthday, DAD!

Sure love ya.

Constancy

Some things never change.

The Mayor in Action

The honorable Mayor Virtue hard at work.

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. . .