Meet Carly Mathers

Thank you for sharing Carly! We're excited to get to know you.

My name is Carly Mathers. I am from Madera Ranchoes, California which is basically 15 minutes from Fresno. I went to Ricks Jr. College, UVSC, NCSC and UVU (uvsc)  I finally decided on a major ( @ UVU) after switching it twice. I was getting a bachelors in Deaf studies and going to get an interpreter certificate this is before we moved here.

I met my husband Brett Mathers on LDS Singles in 2001 and so we had our first date in September, got engaged in November and got married in February 2002. We moved to Ohio where he is from after we both lost of jobs after the Olympics ended.We then moved to New York after our first daughter was born so Brett could go to Culinary School. We moved back to Ohio while Brett did his externship in New Orleans and after our second baby girl was born we went back to New York for him to graduate from C.I.A. and then moved to South Carolina. I am going into too much detail but we basically moved 8 times in 10 years=twice across the USA. Brett is in the D.O. program right now at Midwestern.

2008: I got diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis

2009: I got diagnosed with Epilepsy
​ 

Old jobs: have worked for McDonalds for 12-15 years on and off. I have worked as a travel agent and also screen printer various kinds of shirts including motorcycle shirts and I went to Sturgis with my job to sell them.

Career: mother of 3 kids...well basically our pure bred black lab is a kid

Callee is 11 and Morgan is 9 and they were both born in the same hospital as Brett was in Ohio.

Favorite Dessert: No Bake Jello Cheesecake (plain)

Hobbies: love reading, was going to study Spanish and learn how to play the piano/keyboard till we got a puppy. {:-)

Season: Springtime in any state!!! 

Scripture: Alma 41:10

Hymn: I believe in Christ and Called to Serve

One of my very first testimony strengthening experiences was in 1996. I was going to UVSC and my father had just got killed in a car accident. At that time I was in apartments that were close to BYU so I was lucky enough to go to a BYU ward. Well I had stopped going to church for I think several months. Those wonderful LDS BYU students started giving me cards, stuffed animals, flowers etc. I was soo touched that to this day I try not to miss church for any reason besides if I was dying. Another time was in a UVU institute New Testament class and I have never had a stronger testimony about Jesus Christ since that class.

Meet Megan Potter

Thank you for sharing Megan! We are excited to get to know you a little better.

HI! I’m Megan Potter and I’m from Washington State. I was born in Seattle, but we moved to Spokane when I was about 10, so I claim Spokane and my parents still live there and I would love to settle anywhere in Washington to be close to family. I have a combined family with 2 brothers, 4 step-brothers, 1 sister,  1 step-dad and of course my mom. I love my step-family!! I went to BYU-Idaho in ‘02-‘07 and got my degree in Social Work which I love! I served a mission in Spain, Bilbao in ‘05-’06 and loved it, and I love Spanish. I hope to go back someday! That’s how I met my hubby (sortof!). His sister was my favorite mission companion! She is also from Washington (central) so we planned a double date with our brothers when we all got home from our missions. He was serving in Uruguay at the same time as I was in Spain. My brother was serving in Russia.  My husband Robert and I met about 9 months after we got home from our missions (double date with our siblings), and that was it, the rest is history! (our siblings didn’t end up working out-everyone always asks about that part so I had to mention it). Robert and I have been married for 6 years and have 2 boys, Brady (5) and Catcher (2). It is SO fun having my mission companion as my sister in law! She is my best friend☺ 

My husband is in the Optometry program at Midwestern (3^rd year). I have taken a temporary leave from Social work to be a Stay-at-home-mom. Since we moved to AZ  I was determined to lose my baby weight, I became a Beachbody Coach, reached my goal, and now work a couple hours a day from home helping others to get healthy. Health and helping others is my passion! 

If I had an hour of free time I would probably be sitting on the couch resting (or on the internet, let’s be honest)! OR I would be working, quilting, reading, baking, or visiting friends. 

I’ve had countless experiences that have strengthened my testimony including seminary, girls camp, testimony meetings, Relief society, my mission, general conference, and attending the temple. Every hard experience in my life has strengthened my testimony that God loves us, cares for us, and has a plan for us.  The gospel is important to me because it gives me hope! Hope of family for eternity and hope of forgiveness. Hope of ultimate truth and knowledge, and eternal life and happiness.

My Favorites:

Dessert –Frozen yogurt!
Hobbies – Camping, hiking/backpacking, quilting, cooking, baking, talking with friends☺
Season – Summer or anytime I can be outside enjoying the weather
Scriptures –These scriptures are on my missionary plaque. I love them both because they talk about the essence of this life and of the gospel: JOY!!

2 Nephi 2:25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
and 1 Nephi 8:12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

Hymn – Joseph Smith’s first prayer (P.S. This is way hard to choose!)

Can’t wait to get to know you all!! I know our paths cross for a reason!

Meet Barbara Charon

Thank you for sharing Barb! We are excited to get to know you.

I went to High school in California, Southern California, so that is usually where I tell people I am from, but I really grew up all over, and was born in New York.  I went to school for Interior Design, but don't judge my house based on that fact :) David and I have been married for 12 years, have three sweet little ones, Keagan (11), Riley (7) and Madilyn (5). David (my hubs) is in his third year of dental school, just one more!!!  If I had an hour of free time I would probably be out running, I enjoy anything that can get me out of the house.  I have had lots of spiritual experiences, but the ones I hold dear are the ones in the Temple.  I love the gospel for lots of reasons, but the aspect of the gospel that touches me the most is the acts of service that are performed for those in need.  I think service is what makes the world go 'round!

Here are my favorites:

Dessert:  Liege Waffles from the waffle truck or really, anything that is sweet and gooey :)
Hobbies:  I love to cater weddings, make decor and run.  I also absolutely love being a mom.
Season:  Outside of AZ, my favorite season is Fall, in AZ my favorite season is Spring
Scripture: D & C 50:40
Hymn:  As Sisters in Zion

Meet Rowena Boice

Thank you for sharing Rowena! We are excited to get to know you.

I’m Rowena Boice and I am from the Philippines. I went to BYU-Hawaii where I met my wonderful husband Kent.  I graduated with an Associates in Communication Studies. I am fluent in (Tagalog and Kapampangan) native dialects. We have two beautiful kids: Joshua Kent 13 and Kealani Angela 5 going on 6 pretty soon. Kent works for Nautilus Insurance in Scottsdale as a Systems Support Specialist. He does computers, servers and laptops. On my free time, I hangout in my kitchen making food for the army, looking for deals at the grocery stores. I love to bake all sorts or stuff. I love to sing (esp. in the van when the kids are gone or when I am home without the kids), decorate, paint, do puzzles, visit my family. I love being a stay at home mom. I was previously a paraprofessional in the school district and would love to go back to work soon.

Dessert- we would go for Culvers ice cream, Coldstone, Gelatospot, brownies and Hershey kisses with macadamia nuts/almonds

Hobbies- singing, interior decorating( painting), making cakes on birthdays, scrapbooking, making handcrafted cards, hanging out with my family.

Season- winter and spring. I have always dreamed of having a beautiful backyard filled with flowers, vegetables. I would love some amount of rain.

Scripture-

My favorite one is Ether 12-27,” And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me, for if they humble themselves before me and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

Favorite Hymn- “I Stand All Amazed” it helps me to understand the Atonement. “Through Deepening Trials” helps me to be strong in my shortcomings, and another favorite, “Count Your blessings.”

An experience that strengthened my testimony- I think it was during my parents conversion to the gospel back in 1975 in the Philippines when two missionaries from Salt Lake shared the truthfulness of the gospel in their home. I am thankful for my mom and dad and their great example of bringing the light of gospel into our home. Attending Seminary and Institute has helped me understand how the Savior loves me as I learn and grow. My whole experience going to a church-based university has helped me to be strong, work hard and to be closer to my Father in Heaven. I love the church and would like to be an example to my own children and family and follow the teachings of the Savior.

Meet Sandra Cockerel

Thank you for sharing Sandra! We are excited to get to know you.

Hi, well let me tell you about me. I'm married with 2 kids. My husband's name is Steve Cockerel & he works at Freescale & I work at Hotcutz Salon & Spa Salon. My son Nathan is 14 yrs. old & in the 8th grade. My daughter Natalie is 10yrs. old & in the 4th grade. Nathan is a black belt in karate & loves to play the piano. Natalie is in choir in school & taking dancing classes. My husband loves race cars, working on cars & spending time with us. He works a lot. I love to cook & gardening.  For the past few years I have been sick with cancer but getting better every year. I refuse to give up. I believe in the power of prayer & I know I will get better. My husband & kids love Mexican food. I love Italian. We all love chocolate, then again who doesn't. We all go camping, fishing & target shooting. I also like to do kickboxing it helps me feel better. I also would like to thank all the sisters that bring me meals. I really appreciate it. Thank you all for all your prayers. 

Meet Kristy Budge

Thank you for sharing Kristy! We are excited to get to know you.

I am originally from Southern California. I was a junior in High School when my family moved to Providence Utah. I went to Utah State University. I met Brad in the singles ward (they really do work!). We moved to Arizona so Brad could attend Optometry School at Midwestern University. He graduated in May! We have two girls and another baby girl on the way (due in July). Ariana is 5 years old. Sophie is 2 years old.

If I had an hour of free time you might find me doing Genealogy or reading.

I appreciate the times when I feel Heavenly Father's love. Most of those times have come when I was experiencing my own personal struggles. When sometimes doubt and fear have clouded my vision, Heavenly Father makes everything better by his love and by small and simple moments of life. The small revelations I have received helps me to know that he loves me.

My favorite Dessert- anything that has chocolate in it

My favorite Hobbies- wakeboarding and basketball

My favorite season- spring

My favorite scripture- the story of Joseph ( who was sold into Egypt)

Favorite Hymn- A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief and How firm a Foundation

Meet Dana Erikson

Thank you for sharing Dana! We are excited to get to know you.

I was born in Othello, Washington a farm girl and the youngest of 8 kids, yes I was teased, so any of you sisters out there that are the youngest and grew up with teasing brothers, I can relate.  (I love my 5 bothers and 2 sisters, and now am convinced they loved me so much but they only knew how to show it by teasing... they loved me LOTS). As a YW I had my top 10 list of a dream husband.  Number one was to not be a farmer's son. Well, I broke that rule and married an Idaho Potato farmer's son named Glade. We met on a blind date at Ricks College (yes, I know that dates me). When I go grocery shopping for potatoes I enjoy looking at the bag to see where they are from, if I have a choice between Washington spuds and Idaho spuds, I go with Washington spuds, they're the best (shhh don't tell Glade). After we married Glade and I attended USU in Logan, Ut. I earned my BS in Community Health Education. Glade earned his BS in plant Science then on to MBA, and Econ MS. Then we moved on to WSU for Glade to earn his PhD in Econ. While at WSU I ran a licensed daycare in our apartment while caring for our three small boys. Sometimes I had up to 10 kids in our small two bedroom apt. It was fun. Glade's career brought us to Phoenix with a job offer from American Express in Fraud. I was able to stay home and raise only our kids. We ended up with 5 beautiful, talented, smart, loving kids:  Alex (22), Seth (19), Caleb (16), Celeste (13), and Kaisa (10).

If I had an hour of free time I would probably take a nap.

Currently my favorite hobby is watching my kids sporting events. I am one of those crazy wrestling mom's that watch Caleb wrestle while yelling "pin 'em", "yes! take down", "watch the cross face" or my favorite is just a loud scream! I love watching my daughters volleyball, I get upset when the wrestling and volleyball schedules collide... not a happy mama to have to choose between sports of my kids to watch! If I am not watching a sport, or carpooling to a practice I really don't know what I would be doing.  

My favorite season sometimes depends on my mood. Usually Phoenix winters, but I do miss the beautiful spring time on the farm with all the fields poking up little green crops. I even miss the snowy seasons of the North, but then I remember the shoveling and scrapping ice from windows and that quickly fades.

I don't really have a favorite scripture or hymn, there are too many to choose from. But our families motto is "Return with Honor", whether it be from school, work, mission, or just anything.

My testimony is strengthened every time I see the Holy Ghost at work. Sometimes it's to remind me of how to be a mother, wife, sister, neighbor or friend. I love being with new members of the Gospel that are on fire with the Holy Ghost because they have just learned about it and recognize it. I feel like I take it for granted since I was born in the gospel, but when someone gets truly "converted" it is great to see it in their eyes. I know my Heavenly Father loves me and has a glorious plan for me, if I live worthy to receive His blessings. 

Meet Whitney Batty

Thank you for sharing Whitney! We are excited to get to know you.

I grew up in Price, Utah as a young child and then our family moved to Vernal, Utah while I was in middle school. After high school I went to CEU (in Price) for a year and then got accepted into the Weber State Radiology Tech outreach program back in Vernal. While I was there I was reintroduced to Trevor after his mission. We were married 8-9 months later in the Vernal, Utah Temple (2009). The following fall we moved to Provo where Trevor was finishing his degree at BYU. I was able to work while he went to school, which was a great blessing for our family! We had Claire (2 years old) two and a half weeks before we moved to AZ to attend Midwestern. It was quite the adventure! 

~If you had an hour of free time, what might we find you doing? 

Claire is actually a great napper, knock on wood, so usually you can find me scrapbooking, organizing, working on other projects around the house, or more recently napping myself :)

~Why is the gospel important to you? 

The gospel brings so much meaning and peace to my life. I am blessed immensely because of it.

~What are your following favorites?
Dessert - everything... especially if chocolate is involved!
Hobbies - scrapbooking, decorating, organizing, baking (sometimes), being creative, anything we do as a family
Season - in AZ? WINTER!!!
Scripture - 

   -Alma 37:37: Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

   -Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Hymn - I Believe in Christ, I Know that my Redeemer Lives, All Creatures of our God and King, If You Could Hie to Kolob, and the list could go on and on...

Meet Amy Standage

Thank you for sharing Amy! We are excited to get to know you.

I'm a stay-at-home Mom, an occasional face-painter, and aspiring author. My husband is a student in the dental program at Midwestern (4th year, almost done!) and we have a 1 year old little boy named Caleb.

~If you had an hour of free time, what might we find you doing? An hour of free time... I'd probably be doing homework. Or writing. Or hanging out with my family.

~Share an experience that strengthened your testimony or why the gospel is important to you. I can't pin point only one experience that has strengthened my testimony. But the gospel is the most important thing in my life because it has made my family eternal. I'm forever grateful to my Savior for making it possible to have my family for all eternity.

~What are your following favorites? Dessert - chocolate chip cookies (can't. stop. eating. them) Hobbies - writing, reading, running, doing crafty things, and I love going to the movies but I never get to anymore. Season - Late fall/early winter Scripture - 2 Nephi 31:20 Hymn - If I had to pick only one: If You Could Hie to Kolob.

Meet Camille Bryant

Thank you for sharing Camille! We are excited to get to know you.

I grew up in southern Arizona in a small town called St. David. My husband is from there as well, and we will be moving back home in June after he graduates from Pharmacy school. I work full-time from home for a secondary marketing company that locks home loans. It is a convenient job that allows me to stay home with our son Remington. Remi is a sweet little one-year-old. 

If I had an hour of free time I would get off my computer and do something. Working from home I am glued to my laptop all day. (You can only scan through pinterest so many times in one day.) I would get outside or go somewhere like Target. Sometimes you just need to walk around Target for an hour. 

Dessert- Soft serve ice cream. Ritas, Froyo, Dairy queen, I'll even go with the $1 McDonalds cone.

Hobbies- DIY projects, sewing, music, crafting, and hiking. 

Season- I have never been able to answer this question. There are things I like/dislike about each season. Maybe I don't know because I grew up in AZ and there isn't really 4 seasons here. 

Scripture- Moroni 7:  45 And ^acharity suffereth long, and is ^bkind, and ^cenvieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily ^dprovoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Hymn- Where Can I Turn for Peace

The gospel has really strengthened me throughout my life. I went through some tough experiences growing up and it was comforting to know that the gospel was always there. It never changes. Christ is always there to help you anytime, anywhere, through anything. The knowledge of the gospel has been a wonderful blessing in my life.

Meet Celeste LaFollete

Thank you for sharing with us Celeste! We are excited to get to know you.

I was born and raised in Oklahoma. I met my husband at BYU-Idaho where I studied Health and Nutrition and he studied Business/Pre-Med/Finding a hot wife. We came to Midwestern way back in 2006 for my husband to attend medical school. He graduated in 2010. We then moved to Quincy, IL  for residency, where I thought I was gonna die for 3 years. I'm happy to report we survived-marriage, children, and sanity intact. Well, mostly intact. We are back now for good. Hallelujah! My husband, Martin, is a family physician for Abrazo. I love the Bellair ward and I love Phoenix so I am thrilled to be back here! We have three crazy children. Emma is 7 and will be attending Adams. Grant is 4. Jeffrey is 2. Now that Martin is finally done with school, I have my own dreams of graduate school. I'll be studying English and History and just about anything I want! I start at ASU soon. If I have free time I love to read--nothing better than quiet time with a book :)

Dessert-Better than Sex Cake (is that too scandalous for a ward blog?)

Hobbies-reading, writing, and arithmetic. Just kidding about the arithmetic--I hate math. But the other two are true. I also enjoy making fun of my husband and thinking up new ways to escape from my children. :)

Season-Ironically, this has occupied my thoughts for years now. I hate tornado season (got enough of that in Oklahoma). I hate winter (got enough of that in Rexburg and Illinois). I hate rainy, cloudy springtime. I hate hot, humid summers. So, what does that leave....Winter in Phoenix? I don't know why Hell is described as a hot place. I imagine it as a cold, frozen place plagued by tornadoes, like a combination between Oklahoma, Rexburg, and Illinois. Winter in Phoenix is just heavenly-my personal celestial kingdom. 

Scripture-2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Love this! Someday, when I grow up, I want to be a fearless woman.

Hymn-Come Thou Fount

Testimony-There was a time in my life when I had serious doubts about one particular aspect of the gospel. I thought I could keep my doubt contained. I thought I could maintain my testimony of the rest of the gospel and just avoid that one particular topic. But doubt won't stay contained. It leaks out. It festers. It moves and begins to contaminate every aspect of your faith. The gospel of Jesus Christ comes as a complete all-or-nothing package. I can't pick and choose what I will believe. My life experiences so far have taught me that there are basically two forces at work in this world, and in my own life: Fear and Love. The Lord has helped me to understand that fear is often the underlying emotion hidden behind things like doubt, anger, jealousy, insecurity, desperation, criticism, guilt, and low self-esteem. Fear drives a lot of my personal ailments. But, it seems that the Lord is trying His best to teach me that love (a.k.a. faith and trust in Him) is the cure. I am gradually learning how to embrace that love and choose faith over fear, but it's hard. My faith is probably smaller than a mustard seed some days, but I really do believe the Lord accepts even that small desire to believe. I also believe in being open to suggestions as the Lord often has better ideas and a brighter view of things than me. Who knew? I have lots of things to be grateful for--like a fabulous husband who is not perfect, but is perfect for me, and three sweet children who will all be in school in 3 years and 1 month, but who's counting...:)

Meet Shannon Baker

Thank you for sharing with us Shannon! We're excited to get to know you.

I’m Shannon Baker. I’ve been in the ward with my husband for 16 years, and in Glendale since I was in second grade. In fact, I was a here when the Bellair Ward was created, and our Stake Center was built. I never imagined I’d grow up, get married, and move three miles from my childhood home- but that’s exactly what happened. I earned a BFA from Arizona State in Drawing (yes…..you can actually major in drawing), and loved every minute of it. I met my husband at our local singles ward, after an inspired Bishop did a bit of matchmaking. We’ve been married for 16 years and have four amazing kids. Joshua is 15, Emily is 13, Abby is 11, and Mackenzie is 8. They keep me super busy, but I feel blessed to be their mom.

If I have an hour of free time you will most definitely find me wandering the aisles of Homegoods or Home Depot. Home design is a passion of mine, I love to paint, craft, build, organize, and tinker around my house. If I have a project going, I’m a happy lady. I’m also a pretty serious blogger. I love to cook, clean, and read. I run a book club that’s been going strong for almost 10 years (boy do we have some stories). I’m also pretty crazy about travel. My engineer husband travels quite a bit for work, and I’m lucky enough to occasionally tag along. We also enjoy travelling just for fun, and try to take one big trip each year together.

Our family loves Freddy’s frozen custard, watching movies, and swimming. I love autumn, especially the first day each year when it’s cool enough to leave the back door open! My favorite hymn is “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”. The line “The wrong shall fail, the right prevail” is a powerful reminder to me, especially as I’m raising  teenagers. I love the gospel and this ward. Life is crazy, busy, and usually exhausting, but also incredibly fun. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Meet Ilaise Levrets

Thank you Ilaise for sharing with us! We are excited to get to know you.

1.Tell us about you and your family.

In our family, it's just us two - my husband Faron and myself.  Faron grew up in Bandon, Oregon and I grew up here in Phoenix.  Faron work as a patient transporter for Phoenix Children's Hospital and I am an elementary school teacher for the Washington school district.  I attended the University of Arizona and majored in Special Education with a minor in Psychology.  Faron will begin his education through the BYU-Idaho Pathway program in the fall.  We don't have children.

2. If you had an hour of free time, what might we find you doing? 

I like to watch movies, visit the library (read), visit friends/family, play board games, go for walks, shop, play sports, visit the Phoenix Temple, find a deal, travel.

3. Share an experience that strengthened your testimony or why the gospel is important to you.

I am always strengthened when I watch conference.  Listening to the prophet and church leaders feed my spirit. Faron and I like to share what talks had an impact on us.  This allows us to look inwardly to what we need to do to change or what we've been doing that has changed for the better.  The gospel means everything to me.  I am grateful for the gospel everyday.  It gives me a reason to hope for a better today and tomorrow.

4. What are your following favorites?

Dessert - Love chocolate or anything sweet

Hobbies - Read, play board games, watch movies and drive

Season - winter in Arizona and summer in California

Scripture - Alma 37:37 "Counsel with the Lord..."

Hymn -  "How Firm a Foundation"

Meet Stephanie Bennion

Thank you for Stephanie for sharing with us! We are excited to get to know you.

In 2008 I met my husband Christian in the match-making city of Provo, Utah while we were counselors for BYU's Sports Camps. We married nine months later. Claire joined us in Jan. 2011 and Clark in Jan. 2013. I grew up in a little town called Hermiston in NE Oregon. I'm the oldest of six children with the youngest being a seven-year-old brother. My dad is a full-time seminary and institute teacher and teaches EFY and Education Week classes in the summer and my mom teaches Preschool and is currently back at BYU to get her degree in elementary education.

When I was 14 I got recruited to the high school cross-country team or "cult" as they called it. It changed my life and began my love for fitness and running. I graduated BYU in public health education in 2009 and thoroughly enjoyed my work at a local health department in the areas of tobacco prevention and control and injury prevention (specifically passenger safety and car seat installation education for parents). I spend my free time devouring news (especially about us Mormons), religious thought, Mormon history, family history, cool documentaries, and good thinking books among other things. My favorite desserts are cheesecake and hot homemade desserts.

The gospel is important to me because it is everything - my whole world. Everything testifies of Christ and the work is rolling forth at an increasing pace. It is such a thrilling time to be a member of this church and I am fascinated to know how others understand us and how they can come to understand us in a way that opens their eyes to the truthfulness of the Gospel.

Meet Jenna Killpack

Thank you Jenna for sharing with us! We are excited to get to know you.

1. Tell us about you and your family.
Me and Luke are both from Mesa, Az. We went to the same high school and started hanging out a few weeks after graduation. We started dating and wrote each other while he was serving a mission in Indiana and have now been married for a little over 4 years. Luke is a third year DO student and I am an RN and worked mostly on an Orthopedic floor before I decided to stay home and raise my daughter. Eliza will be 3 in January she loves music and sings all day long! We are expecting baby #2 on Christmas Eve this year and I don't think I could ask for a better gift than that! 


2. If you had an hour free time, what might we find you doing?
I love a good deal and shopping the clearance at Target and exploring stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx, however since I stopped working and we started the med school budget I would more likely spend my free time doing something crafty 


3. Share an experience that has strengthened your testimony or why the gospel is important to you?
There was a time in my life when I believed that the gospel was true but I didn’t know that it was true and I really struggled with that, I wanted to know like I felt so many others did.  One day in Relief Society we were studying Alma 32 and when we read Alma 32:27-28 it just really hit me, all I needed was to “experiment” on the word and have a “desire” and exercise a particle of faith and I needed to be patient and that it would come. Eventually as the scriptures promised it did.  It wasn’t right then, but as I continued to have faith and read the scriptures and live my life as best as I could I gained that knowledge and have held those scriptures dear to my heart ever since.  


4. What are your following favorites:

Dessert - Mint fudge tracks ice cream, or really anything Chocolate 


Hobbies - crafts, I love being able to create something or give something new life, I also enjoy baking especially with Eliza she loves “mix it time”


Hymn - “Be Still, My Soul” 

Meet Lacy Reid

   

Tell us about you and your family.

Johnny and I met in singles ward in 2008 and were married in the Mesa temple in 2010. We have a 3 yr old Yorkshire Terrier, Bentley, and a 2 yr old Shi tzu, Dixie. Nine days after our 2nd wedding anniversary our son Carson was born. He is now 13 months old and in October we will be bringing home another little boy. 

If you had an hour of free time what might we find you doing?

If I had an hour of free time you might find me sleeping or cleaning. If it's an hour of "me" time you might find me out shopping or getting a pedicure.

Share an experience that strengthened your testimony or why the gospel is important to you.

I was born and raised in the church so it was something that I took advantage of over time. But after I met Johnny, who wasn't a member at the time, my testimony was really strengthened. I started to get a better understanding of what I know and believe in and not what my parents told me we believed in. I know what I believe and what is true and Johnny being my missionary, in a way, really helped me realize why I went to church every week and why I took the sacrament and why listening to Conference was important and not a "weekend off". Going through the temple with him was just icing to the cake. 

What are your following favorites:

Dessert - I'm not a huge sweets person but I love moist chocolate cake every now and then.

Hobbies - I haven't been able to in the last 2 years but I love riding dirt bikes or on Johnny's Harley Davidson. Scrapbooking is something else I enjoy, if I'm able to set aside a few hours to actually get into it. 

Scripture - I honestly don't have a favorite but I do like Alma 32:21 - "And now I said concerning faith- faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true."

Hymn - Praise to the Man - I can't think of the hymn number but one version was on an EFY cd of mine and it's stuck with me. This song is definitely a favorite (any version)

Meet Ashley Pugmire

Thanks so much for sharing with us Ashley. We are excited to get to know you!

1.  Tell us about you and your family:

I was born and raised in Glendale, AZ, I went to Ironwood High School then during my senior year I also attended Maricopa Beauty College getting a degree in Nail Technology.I actually graduated beauty school before High School. After High School I went to Glendale Community College and started my Computerized Graphics Design degree. In January 2003 I met Kelvin at the Glendale Institute a few days after he got home from his mission. We started dating the end of February and were married June 7, 2003. We have 2 children Hailee (8) and Payton (5). Hais is super Artsy/Crafty and Paytie loves technology: the IPad, computer, etc.

Kelvin is a Production manager at Penske Automotive Collision. He's pretty much been in the collision repair business his entire life. He grew up in Bellevue and Redmond Washington. Then moved to Farmington, UT for 3 months, then to Walnut, California. His family moved to AZ during his senior year and he decided to stay and live with some friends. When school was over he moved to Phoenix then left for his mission a few months later.

2.  If you had an hour of free time, what might we find you doing?

In my free time you'll probably find me on the computer, reading a book, or playing Mahjong (it's my new obsession). And there is usually music on in the background. 

3.  Share an experience that has strengthened your testimony or why the gospel is important to you:

When I was 14 I became inactive due to some of my young women advisers. I'd go to church with my family but usually be in the hallway or hiding in the bathroom. I struggled with this for most of my teenage years. I'm grateful however though that I went through this because it's made me the person I am today. I'm more understanding of those that struggle with going to church or have been offended by another because I have lived it. Leaving and then coming back has strengthened my testimony by allowing me to see the good the gospel brings into my life. I lost my dad right after I started dating Kelvin. I am so grateful that I have the gospel and what the atonement has done in my life to help me heal. 

4.  What are your following favorites?

Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies (I don't make them often because I will sit and eat the entire pan in one sitting - I LOVE THEM!)

Hobbies: Edit Photos, Crafts, Make Bows

Scripture: 1 Nephi 3:7 I had to give this scripture in my primary program when I was a kid. Over the years the meaning of it just gives me so much comfort to know he will always provide a way.

Hymn: O My Father and I Know That My Redeemer Lives

Meet Pam Wood

Thanks so much for sharing with us Pam.  We are excited to get to know you!

1.  Tell us about you and your family. 

I was born in Colorado, but I have been here in Glendale since I was 10. I went to nail school after high school. I do some now and then, but I wouldn't call it a career. My career is my family...oh, and I have been a Stampin Up demonstrator for the last 5 years, I do a monthly class at my home...it pays for my habit.

My husband and I have been married for almost 11 years. We have 4 children. Jake is 14, Lily is 10, Ben is 7 and Kyle is almost 2. If you are doing the math on Jake, I was married before . We have been in the Bellair Ward for a little over a year now. Before this we were in the Foothills Ward.

2.  If you had an hour free time, what might we find you doing?

If I had an hour of free time, and dinner was already cooked, and the house was already clean, I could be crafting...or on pinterest dreaming of crafting.  I don't normally have an hour of free time.

3. Share an experience that has strengthened your testimony or why the gospel is important to you:

I would say that a Spiritual experience that strengthened my testimony would have been going through the Temple with Bill. We seemed to have such a hard time getting there, and since we have been, I feel like our lives have really changed.  It was like Satan was really trying to not let it happen. But we kept working and now we are so blessed! I feel like our relationship is so much stronger, as well as the Spirit in our home. 

4.  What are your following favorites:

Desserts:  My favorite dessert is anything chocolate.

Hobbies: My hobbies are any and all crafts.  I love to make stuff! I also like to watch movies with my husband.

Scripture: My favorite scripture is D&C 1231: 7-8

7: My son, peace be unto they soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8: And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Hymn: My favorite hymn is A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.

Meet Marni Cochran

Thanks so much for sharing with us Marni.  We are excited to get to know you!

1.  Tell us about you and your family. 

My husband Scott and I have been blissfully married for just over 2 years. He finished his undergraduate degree at BYU in April and is attending Midwestern University in the DO program. I was studying business at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR before we were married and have been working for State Farm Insurance for the last 4+ years. We also both got called as Primary teachers, so you won't see too much of me in Relief Society 

2.  If you had an hour free time, what might we find you doing?

In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, reading tons of books, and watching drama shows like the Bachelor/Bachelorette and Grey's Anatomy. My husband and I also enjoy camping, hiking, and traveling together.

3. Share an experience that has strengthened your testimony or why the gospel is important to you?

When I was 17, my older sister passed away unexpectedly. As I was searching for comfort that day, I read in 2 Nephi 9:4- "... our flesh must waste away and die; nevertheless in our bodies we shall see God." The whole point of the Gospel for me, from that moment on, has been to return home to be with my family forever, and to see my sister in a perfect body like she did not have here on Earth. Every other principle in the Gospel points to that wonderful plan of happiness that leads us back to our Father.

4.  What are your following favorites:

Desserts:  I like just about anything sweet. I'd have to say that my favorite dessert right now is plain ol' Oreos and milk-- I just can't get enough! Or chocolate banana smoothies- Yum!
Hobbies: Reading, sewing quilts...
Scripture: 2 Nephi 9 or 3 Nephi 17 (whole chapters)
Hymn: probably How Firm a Foundation or I Stand All Amazed, or Jesus, Lover of my Soul

Meet Jess Larsen

Thanks so much for sharing with us Jess!  We are excited to get to know you.

1.  Tell us about you and your family. (for example...where are you from? What is your career?  Where did you go to school/major? Are you married? What does your husband do? Do you have any children? What are their ages? etc.)

 I'm from Orange County, CA. I recently graduated from BYU in English and editing. Before moving to Arizona, I worked as an editor at the Friend (the Church magazine), and I still freelance for them--writing stories and activities, editing articles, and working with their website. I'm also starting a business editing college admission essays. I'm married to David Larsen, the MOST AMAZING guy in the world! He's from Dallas, Texas, and we dated in our freshman ward at BYU. After 3 years of letters (we both served missions--I served in Palmyra, New York), we started dating again and got engaged 2 months later! He just started the DO program at Midwestern. 

2.  If you had an hour free time, what might we find you doing?

If I had an hour of free time, I would definitely be reading! I go to the library more than I go to the grocery store!

3. Share an experience that has strengthened your testimony or why the gospel is important to you?

This might sound weird, but my unorthodox courthship with David strengthened my testimony! I really liked him, and we had written steadily for over a year when I received a very strong impression that I needed to serve a mission. It didn't make sense at all--I was sure I would never see David again! (Our missions overlapped by three months.) But I felt I should go, so I put in my papers. My mission changed my life, and then I came home and David was still here, so I got to marry him anyway. It taught me that the Lord has a plan, and even if it doesn't make sense to me, I can have complete faith and trust in Him. Things will work out as they should--and when they should.

4.  What are your following favorites:

Desserts: fudge brownies or chocolate chip cookies. Actually, I've never met a dessert I haven't liked!

Hobbies: reading, watching movies with David, working out, traveling
Scripture: 2 Nephi 31:20
Hymn: "How Firm a Foundation"

Favorite quote: "Dismiss the destructive, and keep dismissing it until the beauty of the Atonement of Christ has revealed to you your bright future" --Jeffrey R. Holland