New Small Group Info!

Our enrichment board has put together a lot of small groups. We have posted the info on our sidebar here on the blog (Look to the left side under my goofy picture)! I thought the email reminder of family time vs. small group time was worded so well, that I wanted to repeat it.

"Please remember that while it's nice to get together with our friends and neighbors for a good time, it should never replace quality family time.  Choose which groups you'd like to be involved in, but don't feel like you need to leave your family to attend all of them."

Here is our latest group info:

Hula Lessons Group:
Liliana Stone is teaching the hula dance to anyone ages 3+ that wants to learn. Lessons begin on July 2nd (at the Stone's home: 3628 S 2640 E) and continue every Tuesday at 11:00 AM until mid August. Liliana will be hosting a Hawaiian Luau on August 24th for the dancers to show their skills to family and friends. Call her at (435) 632-0547 to sign up.

Ballroom Dancing Group:
Melanie Graff has offered to give free ballroom dancing lessons! Bring a partner (your husband, son, brother, friend, etc) and come have some fun! This class will be taught in the evenings (one night every other week) at the church. Additional information is coming, contact Melanie Graff at (435) 313-4021 if you have any questions.

Family History Group:
If you're interested in learning more about genealogy and searching your family tree, then contact Shawna Robinson at (435) 668-2612 to find out more information on when the Family History Group will be meeting.

Playgroup:
Let your kids burn some of their summer energy by playing with other kids in the neighborhood! Amie Andelin has organized some fun activities (parks, museums, lunches, etc) for the kids every Thursday. Times and locations will vary, contact Amie for additional details at (435) 668-0003.

Walking Group:
Join your neighbors for an evening walk every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 pm. Meet outside the church building and enjoy a stroll while chatting with your friends and neighbors. Contact Jessica McCann at (435) 703-4188 if you have any questions.

Running Group: 
If you want to wake up early for a run, then contact Season Stephens at (435) 313-0733 to join the Running Group. They will be meeting every Wednesday at 6 AM for a 30 - 45 minute run.

Spotlight: Deanna McKeighan

Deanna McKeighan
Born and Raised- Deanna spent the first part of her life in Las Vegas, Nevada. In fact, she lived there until moving to St George about 9 years ago.
Schooling and Career- She went to school at the College of Southern Nevada and got a degree in Dental Hygiene. She started working with teeth way before that though. She began working for Dr. Kent Simister (Jeff Simister’s dad) when she was a senior in high school. In the beginning she helped the receptionist, while going to school was a dental assistant, then after graduating became one of his hygienists. When she moved to St. George, she continued working for him by go down twice a month, but recently she retired and only works when he needs her to sub for someone.
How they met- She and Tony met at a church activity when she was 18 and he was 15. She had recently moved to Tony’s ward and came to the Christmas activity. During the white elephant game, Tony chose a box of Twinkies that Deanna quickly stole on her turn. They started talking afterwards, and she found out he was only 15! That quashed things for a few years; however, they started dating right before his mission. Deanna waited for him, and they’ve now been married for 21 years! Isn’t that a great story?
Family- Deanna and Tony have four children; Dominique who is 20 is currently serving in the Spain, Madrid mission, but he was just transferred to in the Canary Islands; Dylan who is 14; Danielle who is 13; and Brinlee who is 10.
Hobbies and favorites- Deanna says that her life revolves around whatever her kids are doing (Basketball games, sporting events, etc.), but she loves to travel whenever she gets a chance.
Something Unique About Her- She love scouting! Yes, it’s true. Most of us dread getting a calling in scouts, but Deanna prefers it. And let me tell you, she is amazing! She is so organized, has incredible patience, and knows exactly what needs to be done.

Spotlight: Brook Triplett

Brook Triplett
Born and Raised- She was born in Gunnison, Utah and stayed there her whole life until she went away to college.
Schooling and Career- She went to SUU and got her degree in Sociology. She began working for Child Protective Services right after school but quit that spend more time with her kids at home. Now, she works for Southwest Behavioral Health Center as a case manager helping parents with kids who have mental health or behavior problems.
How they met- Brooke was working with St. George City police detectives to investigate abuse cases. The detectives wanted Brooke to get hitched so they set her up with Rich who was a new officer on the force. They thought he was worthy of Brooke’s love and were absolutely right! Brooke and Rich have been married now for 5 1/2 years.
Family- Rich and Brooke have one little boy named Mason who is 2 1/2 going on 15!
Hobbies and favorites- She likes to exercise but doesn't do it very often. She loves to hang out with her family and friends, and she loves to find a good movie!
Something Unique About Her- Brooke loves to go deer hunting. She started hunting with her dad and has killed probably 6 or 7 deer so far! Watch out Bambi!

Cannery Fun!

Here are some shots of all the fun had at this past weeks cannery assignment:

Thanks to Ui Afualo for all her efforts to keep us prepared! She does a fantastic job!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Aaron and Shannon Klomp on the birth of their baby girl.  She was born on Friday, June 21st weighing 9 lbs. and measuring 21.5 inches long!

This Weeks Spotlight

Jenny Drummond
Born and Raised- Jenny was born in Salt Lake City but spent most of her childhood in St. George.
How they met- Brad was 19 when he met Jenny and asked her on a date. She, sadly, was only 15, so she told him “No.” However, she was best friends with his best friend’s sister, so it all worked out in the end. She waited for him while he served a mission (she told him that she wouldn’t marry anyone who wasn’t a return missionary), and they have been married now for almost 23 years!
Family- Brad and Jenny have two children. Wyatt who is 22 and just returned from a mission, and Jesselin who is almost 19 and put her mission papers in on Monday!
Schooling and Career- Jenny received her Bachelor’s degree from Dixie State College and later got her Master’s from Southern Utah University. She teaches 4th grade at Sunset Elementary and loves her job and her students.
Hobbies and favorites- She loves to read and write, but she also loves to be on the water whether that’s riding in the boat or skiing behind it. Spending time with her family is one of her favorite things to do as well.
Travel- She has been to Australia, Japan, and Canada. She and Brad also went on an Alaskan Cruise which she liked even better than the Caribbean because it was so beautiful and spectacular!
Favorite Calling- She loved leading the music for the primary and teaching the ladies in Relief Society.
Something Unique About Her- She was born on Friday the 13th, and her husband was born on Halloween! Kind of creepy right? ;)

Glamour shots from our Minute to Win it game night...

I think this post requires a disclaimer right up front. These pictures were not reviewed by the subjects. There were no waivers signed giving the okay to post them on the internet. That being said, please enjoy our loveliness. And for those a little sore about having their picture on here, in the form of an apology I have posted the following picture to make you feel a little better.

Don't worry. That isn't a pirate having a stroke. It's me, your blogger and RS Secretary Michelle Johnson. I hope you now feel a little better about yourself. You. Are. Welcome :) 

This Game was a mad dash to fill the trash. 60 seconds, one hand, empty the tissue box.  (from L to R: Heidi Earl, Kim Lawrence, Deon Wilson, and Kristin Morgan)

Deon is a tissue tosser extraordinaire.

This game was FANTASTIC!! Shake that booty until you get all the ping pong balls out of the tissue box. Melanie Graff took the booty for shaking her booty! (LtoR: Kat Andrus, Katie Vrajich, Melanie Graff, and Mary Tebbs)

Spin it to win it? Unravel all the crepe paper and you win! (LtoR: Liz Strong, Kat Andrus, Lina Lavaki, and Casey Heap)

Fastest unraveler: Lina Lavaki!! (LtoR: Liz Strong, Kat Andrus, Lina Lavaki, and Casey Heap)

Horton Hears water bottles falling over? These ladies weren't robbing banks, just swinging the baseball around to knock over the water bottles. (Charlyn Ames)

Deon is the swellest swinger! (LtoR Charlyn Ames, Mary Tebbs, Deon Wilson, and Jessica McCann)

Sticky Situation? Get the most ping pong balls to the other side using only a lint roller.  Melanie Graff stuck to it and grabbed the win. (LtoR: Kristen Morgan, someones legs... Heidi Earl, and Melanie Graff)

Face it! Get the Oreo in your mouth without using your hands. I think Mischa should have won. He had the hardest challenge, don't eat the oreo off mom's face!! Ramona has the face skills to win the oreo in the mouth, and the prize!(LtoR: Michelle Johnson, Katie Vrajich, Mischa Vraijich, Kim Lawrence, Ramona Schwendiman)

Pop goes the bubble. Sixty seconds for the biggest bubble. The chewing is the hardest part! Liz Stong made the biggest (albeit small) bubble of them all. (LtoR: Collette Brunson, Jessica McCann, Ramona Schwendiman, and Liz Strong)

Chocolate Unicorn! Stack 7 ding dongs on your head and keep them there.  The one with the most stable forehead? Lauralee Billingsley! (LtoR: Lauralee Billingsley, Michelle Johnson, Jenny Beykirch, and Charlyn Ames)

 Thanks to our amazing RS Board for putting together a super fun night of games! Thanks to all you ladies willing to come and play! It was a great night!!!

You are invited!!!

Come join us for "Minute to Win it" fun tomorrow Thursday, June 13th at 7p.m. This will be a great way to meet the women in our neighborhood. Invite your neighbors!

This Weeks Spotlight

Kristen Thorne
Born and Raised- She was born in Provo and lived in Payson until she was 8. She moved here and went to Pineview.
How they met- Kristen and her husband, Kent, met in 9th grade; however, they didn’t start dating until they were seniors right before they graduated. I’d still say they were high school sweethearts! They have been married for almost 17 years.
Family- Kristen and Kent have 2 children: Garrett 14 and Gabby 9.
Schooling and Career-She went to Dixie State College. She loves being a stay at home mom, but she does teach a few classes at Summit like yoga, spin, and TRX. She’s taught about every class they offer, and if you take one of her classes, be prepared to work hard! I know from personal experience :)
Hobbies and favorites- She loves to run and is super fast! She runs with the St. George Running Center’s race team. You have to try out to get onto that one! She also likes decorating.
Travel- She’s gone to Finland, Hawaii, San Diego, and this year she has plans to go to Aspen Grove (which is kind of like an EFY for families) and to Hawaii.
Favorite Calling- She hated the idea of being the Young Women’s camp director when she was first called and even tried to get out the calling many times because she hates camping, but it was such a great experience that it’s actually her favorite calling!
Something Unique About Her- Unlike most people, she loves to clean! In fact, she loves those lines in the carpet when she vacuums! The only problem is they don’t stay there very long with kids running around!

This Weeks Spotlights

Melanie Graff
Born and Raised- Melanie is from Phoenix, Arizona where she danced her way through childhood.
How they met- When they first met, Chad lived in Texas; however, Chad’s sister and Melanie were good friends, and she fixed them up. They dated for 6 months and have been married now for 2 years.
Family- Chad and Melanie have 7 children between the two of them. 5 boys and 2 girls between the ages of 9 and 16.
Schooling and Career-  Melanie went to BYU as a dance major and got her Secondary Education degree just case. While there, she danced with the BYU ballroom dancers and traveled to China and all around the U.S. When she graduated, she went back to Phoenix and taught dance at the same studio she went to as a child. She taught there for 8 years. Now, she teaches history,aerobics, and all the dance classes at Hurricane High School. Naturally, she is also their dance company advisor.
Hobbies and favorites- Melanie loves to dance obviously. She also loves to exercise, play cards, read, and shop especially with her sisters and her mom. Melanie is also a sun worshipper! Park her on the beach for a week, and she would be good.
Travel- Besides traveling with the BYU Ballroom Dancers, she went to school at BYU Hawaii for a semester. She’s also been to Australia once and Hawaii and Mexico several times.
Favorite Calling- Being a Relief Society teacher has been her favorite calling so far.
Something Unique About Her- She has seven kids, but she’s only been pregnant twice! That’s 1 natural, 1 adopted, 1 set of twins, and 3 stepchildren. You do the math :)

JENA SHAW
Born and raised: Jena was born and raised right here in St. George.
Travel: Jena and her husband have been to Europe, Mexico ( a couple times) and Puerto Rico.
Employment and skills: Jena does hair out of her home.  She has been doing hair for 9 years.  Her husband is a realtor.
Family: Jena and her husband have been married for 8 years.  They met thru mutual friends while they were both going to school in Provo.  He is from Hurricane though so they ended up back here in St. George.  They have 3 beautiful kids!  Halle (5), Kade (3) and Lia (1)
Hobbies: Jena said her family loves camping, hiking and being outdoors.  They love to go four wheeling too.  Her and her little girl love to do the girly things too (shopping!!)
Dream Vacation: Her dream vacation is Fiji.
Favorite Church Calling: Her favorite calling is Young Womens.  She is currently serving in Young Womens right now, living the dream.
Something Unique: Jena said that she was born on April fools day!