Great Weekend

Great weekend with my family. There's something special about those peeps of mine. They are funny and kind. They make me better and I feel absolutely safe with them surrounding me. Thank you, Virtues. You're the best groupies a girl could ever hope to have. Can't wait for next time.

Teddy R.

Sometimes I like to take a nap and Teddy Ruxpin sits watch to protect me from photograph predators named Laura. Too bad Teddy failed me. . .

Picture of the Week

I just loved this picture. There's something about generations and making connections--they matter.

Say Cheese

Please take note of the following:
1. The mayor is wearing shorts on Thanksgiving.
2. I love the way grandpa's hat is sitting atop his head.
3. How many of those Ireland t-shirts does brother have?
4. Does it look like Ryan and Laura are married while Eric is the long lost single brother?
5. We were missing 6 very important people in this picture . . . missing them a lot.
6. Notice Laura's super cute headband made by Mary Lu--now available at the Campus Craft and Floral near you. They're selling like hotcakes--so place your holiday order today!

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

Easy Come. . .Easy Go

Once upon a time yesterday, 4 cougar fans set out to witness another win. They parked and walked. They rode the tall elevator with LaVell to box 110. They were SO happy. . .this happy!They settled into their super sweet seats and found the overpriced concessions to be mildly satisfying. Life was good.
Even the most discerning of fans seemed content.
And then something very, very bad happened. In fact, it happened again and again and again. The 4 Cougar fans were sad . . . very, very sad. Despite their sadness, they tried to look beyond the defeat. They had a great time--even when some of the greatness seemed to vanish in the high altitude air. Lesson learned. Don't count your BCS chances before they hatch.

The end.

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!

A Taste of Christmas

I'm a firm believer in documenting life through photographs. I think capturing moments with a camera make memories last longer. With so much filling our lives, it's easy to forget fun, excitement, and tenderness. Heavens, I can barely remember what I did yesterday--let alone the Christmas I was 8. So, my family is forced to suffer through lots of snapshots and I'm convinced we remember the happiness that is our life more because of it.

Sometimes when we're in the heat of a reindeer craft, it's hard to see the joy and magic of that sweet time. But when the tacky glue has dried and the googly eyes settle, there's a great deal of sweetness to be savored. Each of the boys made a reindeer can. We filled them with oats, cabbage, and carrots for Santa's reindeer. Tomy's reindeer was a family favorite.
Damien was especially fond of the decorating goodies.Laura is now the proud owner of her own fishing pole. I must admit that I was a little bit jealous.
Sterling's reindeer was actually transformed into an elf. . .go figure.
Speaking of elf transformations--this Brother was clipped into the most handsome elf I've ever seen.
I'm not sure who was more excited--Damian to receive his Life Saver (Light Sabor) OR grandma to give it to him.
Zachy sets out the reindeer goodies. Those must have been some hungry reindeer because when we woke up Christmas morning, all of the food was gone. We were especially excited about Prancer's visit--as we watched the movie Prancer on Christmas Eve. PRANCER Rocks!
Kimmy is turning into quite the little domestic diva--she is now crafting.
Damian was SO excited about presents and Christmas. He would pick-up his presents, hold them, and shake them. At one point, he just sat down on one and stared at the "goods" under the tree.
Dad is now the proud owner of 2 ice cream makers (one he bought himself) and a book from the Jenkins with a very close parallel to his own life as THE PAPER BOY.
Christmas night, we had a special sleepover. Zach, Damian, and Auntie Michelle (accompanied by Grandma V. & Kimmy) spread out blankets, popped popcorn, and collected goodies while we watched Benji the Hunted. The company was a lot better than the movie, I'll tell you that! Please note that Zach and I are wearing Ninja headbands--not to be confused with sweatbands.
This was also the Christmas of M&M sucking, Eric's skateboarding mis-adventure, sloppy joes, paper towels in the toilet, and LOTS and LOTS of snow. It was our first Christmas with sticky hands, B.I.L. #2, and a lot of Legos. It was another Christmas full of joy.

Merry Christmas to all & to all a good night!

It's Great to be Eight (and 31)

One of the best parts about getting nephews half grown is that you get to jump right into big life milestones. Forget first tooth or first steps--the Virtues are skipping that stuff (we've always been a little bit ahead of our time). We're moving right to covenant-making and girl crushes!!!

Tomy was baptized on Saturday. It was a really nice baptism with lots of nice people and a nice font. Mom gave a nice talk and so did Pat. I was particularly taken by a gentleman named Grandpa Bob (no relation) who sported white shoes and athletic socks with a tie and dress pants. I can't wait until I'm old & can do, dress, and say whatever I want!

For now, I'm happy being an auntie.

Congratulations, Tomy. You took an important FIRST step this week & we love you!

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.

True Thanksgiving

I realized a few things this Thanksgiving. I realized that I have A LOT to be thankful for. I realized that all of the goodness in my life revolves around the knowledge of who I am, where I come from, and my potential for greatness.

This Thanksgiving I'm grateful for little faces with bright eyes.
I'm grateful for parents who are kind and who love unconditionally. I'm grateful for their consistency and for creating a home where happiness is not the exception--it's the rule.
I'm grateful for relationships--new and old.
I'm grateful for people who give a little--when it's not always easy or convenient.
I'm grateful for hugs and smiles.
I'm grateful for silliness.
I'm grateful for dancing in the kitchen.

I'm grateful for these new Big Star jeans! Damn, they look good on me.


I'm grateful for little swimmers.

And big swimmers, too.
I'm grateful for egg frames and boys who EAT.
I'm grateful for generations of love, acceptance, and the common ties that bind us together.
I'm grateful for sweet moments where work and play are one.
I'm grateful for a heritage full of integrity, hard work, and close families.
I'm grateful that on occasion time and distance become irrelevant.
I'm grateful.