Seminary/Mutual Activity Dec. 15, 2010

This week's seminary meeting was a pizza social. Sister Ross and Sister Jackson had pizza for everyone. We just hung out together and visited. It was a bit of a reward for how good the students have been doing.

At seven we were joined by the other members of the YM and YW who are not yet old enough for seminary. First we played a game that was sponsored by Sister Welch. We placed paper plates on our heads and then drew pictures. It was very fun and made everyone look goofy. I was unable to hold a plate on my head, draw, and take pictures. Thus there are not very many pictures of this activity.

Next was a gift exchange that I guess we have been doing for ... well, as long as I have been in YM. It is always one of the highlights of the year.

Before I comment on the pictures below, let me just say that I had forgotten my camera at home. Therefore, the quality of these pictures may not be very good.

Our seminary teachers. Thanks Alex for making them laugh in this picture.

Teacher and student.

Pizza time.

Summer and Sarah enjoy the social.

Jake during the put a plate on your head and draw a picture game.

The exchange gifts.

Brother Bowie tries to decide.

He ends up, at least for now, with a coon skin cap.

Sarah painstakingly unwraps the gift she chose.

I must pause to say that I really love President Ross. He is one of the greatest men I know and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him. But, he may be a bit on the dry side, or a least a bit unemotional when it comes to fun stuff. Not that he doesn't have fun, but that he shows it in a subdued way. Those of you who know him understand. Notice the next four pictures. Notice his expression. Now imagine him gently bouncing up and down. That may give you an idea of the good time this event was.

He unwraps, and unwraps, and unwraps.

And then unwraps, and unwraps, and unwraps. (Thanks KC.)

He triumphantly ends up with some kind of talking monkey.

Be sure to ask the young men and women about this night. I'm sure that it is one they will remember for a long time.

Wild Game Supper Dec. 11, 2010

Once again the Madisonville Branch held it's Wild Game Supper, and as always it was a huge success with a huge turnout. The frog legs, antelope, turkey, wild hog, squirrel gumbo, and mystery meatballs were only enhanced by the warmth and friendliness of the attendees. There were hardly enough tables and the supply of chairs was totally exhausted. In fact, table and chairs had to be placed in many of the classrooms.

Following the meal was a program dealing with the Savior which consisted of readings and music. Special thanks to the Primary, Bobbie Holmes, Tiffany Rich, Sorin Ardeleanu, Katrina Landry, and Kay Reynolds for the wonderful music.

Below are some pictures and two videos.

Olivia Ross is doing well and enjoying the party. So CUTE.

William Ross eyes Brother Murders as he takes the last piece of pie.

Sister Young samples the wild food.

Bobbie Holmes and Kay Reynolds provide special music.

Sorin Ardeleanu treats everyone with a solo on the piano. "Christmas Medley" One of the 4-year olds whispered to her mother, "I like this."

Tiffany Rich sings a song that she wrote. "Sign in America"

Katrina Landry preforms a piano solo. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day"

One of the readings.

Philip and his reading.

One boy didn't get the info that this was a singing performance and not a dance. Oh, and where are his shoes?

I know that a great many people were unable to be in this post. Thanks to all that were here and a part of this spiritual event.

See ya next year!!

CERT Dec. 11, 2010

A group of CERT trainees met at the church today to complete their training with a final exam. CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. It is designed to provide assistance to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims and organize spontaneous volunteers at disaster sites. Included in their training were six classes of about three hours each plus the final training exercise pictured below.

This exercise was designed to provide a situation where the training could be practiced.

I, along with five others, was "fortunate" enough to be volunteered to be a victim for them. Our injuries ranged from a woman who lost her baby to a man in a state of diabetic shock. We also had those with lacerations and broken bones.

One of the cuts, pre disaster.

Here a team leader is chosen and teams assigned. Also instructions are given.

Victim

Victim

Victim

Victim

Victim. I'll let you try and figure out who this volunteer is. He did a great acting job.

One of the teams enters the building.

Most of this was done in the dark.

A triage area was established with designated areas for "immediate" and "delayed" victims.

Assisting one of the outside victims.

Sisters Ross have to deal with an unresponsive victim.

Initial treatment.

After everyone was extracted from the building the exam was discussed and evaluated. Sister Tish Ross looks happy with here grade.

Sister Amanda Ross in her CERT gear.

Brother Holmes and Murders listen.

A final group photo of the entire class.

So now my thoughts. First, this group did an outstanding job. My thanks goes out to them, and anyone, for taking their time to be trained to help others in a time of need. I learned some things, even as a victim. I tried to act as if I really were in need of help. I learned that a disaster can be a bit scary. People yelling. Confusion on my part about exactly what is going on. Not knowing when I will be found and treated.

Make sure you ask the members of the Branch who participated their thoughts on the exam. I am sure you will find it interesting. Also, thanks to Jake for the camera work.