Youth Conference

Last week I went to Youth Conference, I still have no idea where we were, up past Richmond somewhere (all i know is it took 3 hrs to get there). I think our Youth had a lot of fun!! We had 1 one YW and about 5 Ym come-we were small, but i felt we got to know each other well. Unfortunately, I had not charged the battery to my camera, so I was able to snap all of 3 pictures! Anyways, our first adventure was tubing down the James River. It was just like the lazy river rides at water parks, except MUCH slower & more shallow. Outta nowhere your booty would get smacked into rocks! I never checked, but I think I prob had a couple of bruises. We then drove to our campsite & set up our tents...and when I say campsite I mean a big open field with no shade. So it got scorchin' hot, but nobody hung around during the day-we were off caving & mountain repelling! We as YW leaders decided to Opt out of the caving & spent the day repelling. That by far is the CRAZIEST thing I've done!! Walking backwards down the side of a mountain...my dare devil husband would be so proud! I was extremely nervous & scared...shakey, sweaty palms, heart racing, BUT i'm glad i did it. Bishop Williams, his son Michael, & Rachel (YW pres) were all talking me through it. Then my feet just started moving & before I knew it I was hangin' off the side of the Blue Ridge Mtns!

It was a great Youth Conference & great bonding experience for everyone. I'm still having a hard time thinking of myself as the leader, but I feel extremely blessed being around these guys & serving them. The 3 pictures are of the Salem Ward making a quick pit stop at Krispy Kreme before heading off to Camp & then pictures of the Moutain & ME!

Touring the Truman

Several Weeks ago Jeffrey Rockwood, a friend from church, took us on a tour of his ship the USS Truman!! It was so much fun, cramped, but fun to walk around the huge ship. I thought I would fall everytime we walked down the stairs. We saw where everyone slept, ate, worked, & even where the Captain drives that bad boy! It was all very impressive. We toured the deck, where the jets land and take off. I know it made me appreciate the protection & sacrifice those brave sailors give. Aaron has been in the Navy for 6 years now & never attached to a ship, so I think he really enjoyed learning all we did. Jeffrey was very informative & was so nice to do that for us.

Tides Game

Aaron & I are excited about our new callings with the Young Men & Young Women! Last week, it was a combined activity & we took the Youth to the Norfolk Tides Baseball game! The weather was perfect...not too hot & a slight breeze! I think they enjoyed getting out for youth activity, I know we enjoyed the game & the company! The Tides were behind the entire game, 90% of everyone decided to leave, but a few us stayed until the end. Good thing too because THEY WON!! YEAH!! The game went into 11 innings, & the Tides pulled through the last second! It was so exciting to watch-all the others missed out : ( I'm so blessed to spend my time at church with these wonderful youth. It really was just a few years ago i was in their spot, but I hope that we become great friends. This calling has definetly made me appreciate my Youth Leaders, their sacrifice, committment, & love for me. These YW are beautiful & I love to be around them.
The pictures are of Aaron & Kendall....and then 2 of our YW! They're not the best pictures, but I was just taking snapshots!

Final Goodbyes

These pictures are for Clark. Elvis & Sadie were distraught when you left. They sat by the door for 30-45 minutes & kinda kept to themselves the rest of the day (mostly Elvis...Sadie needs too much attention). It made me sad to see them so sad! We really enjoyed having you, but are thrilled the Elkins Clan is back together. Good Luck in Idaho & We miss you all! Keep in touch!!

Elvis & Clark

A couple of weeks ago our friend Clark stayed with us in his transition from military to civilian life and before meeting up with his family in Idaho. Elvis never wanted to leave Clark's side! Rewind to the beginning of the year....before Clark left on his last deployement he hung out with Aaron & I, while his lovely family moved to Texas. So of course we thought Elvis probably wouldn't remember him, when he came to stay in June. Boy were we wrong! Elvis was estatic he was back & every single time Clark left, he would sit by the door & whine! Clark was his buddy & loved to be with him. I had to snap a picture & tempted to put one in Elvis's kennel....i'm teasin'! It made us laugh how Elvis really got attached to Clark.

Yummy Soup!

Sunday I made Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup. It was perfect for after church. I have some mental block against soup during hot summer months, but this was WONDERFUL! You can cook it on the stove in about 15 min., but I prefer in the slow cooker (low for 6hrs).

1- 2 to 2 1/4 lb purchased roasted chicken
2- 14 oz cans chicken broth with roasted garlic
1- 15 oz can chopped tomatoes and green chile peppers, undrained
1- 11 oz can whole kernel corn with sweet peppers, undrained
1- small fresh jalopeno chile pepper, seeded
1 tsp ground cumin
2 tbsp snipped fresh cilantro
1 tbsp lime juice
*I added a can of black beans to give it some extra flavor (drain the beans)

-Remove skin from chicken, Remove chicken from bone. Shred/Dice chicken up to 2 cups (or you can use all the meat)
-In large saucepan, combine broth, undrained tomatoes, corn, jalopeno, & cumin. Bring to boil, reduce heat. Simmer covered for 10 min. Stir in chicken, cilantro, & lime juice. Heat Through. Makes 6 servings
-For slowcooker, I just through everything in there & cooked it!

Crunch up tortilla chips & serve!

I hope whoever reads this will enjoy the soup