Ernest Edward Martinez

In front of his Grandma Sophie's home with his sister and brother

My husband is half Mexican. No one believes me because he does not look Mexican (except when he tans). His father was Ernest Martinez but his parents got a divorce when he was 2 and was eventually adopted by his dad, Randy Talbot, many years later. Paul did not have a relationship with Ernie for many years (about 15). He contacted him the year we were engaged because he was working in California but nothing came of it. After 5 years ago, Ernie called us up and wanted to come visit us. It was slow going but Paul and Ernie ended up having a good relationship over these past 5 years. Ernie suddenly passed away on March 17th. It was a surprise to all since he was in good health and relatively young (68). This sudden passing taught me never to take life for granted and to not have regrets. Our last conversation with Ernie was about Kailene's baptism. We wanted him to come but because of past feelings from other members of family, we felt it might not be appropriate, yet. So we let him know he was welcomed and we hoped one day that we could all be in the same room together. He understood and apologized for his past mistakes saying he was "knucklehead" but what gives him hope is when he reads in Alma about Alma the younger. He said if Alma can change, so can he.
Now we have just memories, few yet they are important and I am filled with gratitude that we had a relationship with him and that forgiveness was present.

We flew down and watched the BYU game with some dear friends. We spent the night with Sharon, Ernie's wife. It was nice to talk to her about him and even have some unanswered questions addressed. The funeral was nice. Paul spoke and pretty much gave the basics to our religion since the majority of the audience were not members (Ernie was the only member). He did a fantastic job. He also dedicated the grave which was beautiful. I am grateful for the knowledge of the plan of salvation, the atonement, and the resurrection. Life will go on after this life and we will see our loved ones again. Christ overcame death because of the resurrection. I am grateful for my testimony of the resurrection.

Picture taken at the stop light


We had some down time before our flight so we went to the LA temple. Wished we had more time to go through a session but instead we just ate dinner in the temple (Paul's favorite date). That temple is prime location. It is magnificient as you drive to it. The Visitor Center is really wonderful too.

Missionary youth conference

I have wanted to do a missionary experience for the youth for a long time. Finally, the time was right and the leaders put together (in 2 weeks!) a missionary youth conference. Because I had the ideas and asked other wards what they did, I was in charge. It was a huge project. I ate, slept and even dreamt about this missionary conference. It was a huge undertaking but I had wonderful leaders to help and a very supportive bishopric.

Each youth were called on a mission, paired up with a companionship and assigned to a district. They received a handbook filled of rules and guidelines. Choosing a companionship was much more difficult than anticipated. It became a very spiritual experience for those involved. We did ask a lot of these youth and, like always, they stepped up and took it seriously and rose to the occasion.

One of my favorite nights was when they went "tracking". We gave the youth a list of members from the ward and they needed to find their "golden family". The youth did not like to be rejected and when you asked the families, they didn't like to slam the door on them either. The ward members impressed me with their acting abilities.

The highlight for me was the testimony meeting. Each youth has the opportunity to go into a ward members home and teach them the first lesson that missionaries teach about the restoration and Joseph Smith. Our youth have such powerful testimonies. Our church is in good hands with these youth. At the end, the bishop released them which was extremely touching. Our bishop is emotional but this seemed different. For a couple of minutes, he couldn't get his bearings and it was complete silence. The Spirit was unrestrained and undeniable. A moment I will never forget.

Carl Bloch exhibit

I took my Young Women to the Carl Bloch exhibit at BYU. BREATHTAKING! It was a perfect activity. We rented the ipads which brought on a whole new experience. I am amazed at the talents of so many people. Talents that affect so many lives. Carl Bloch had an amazing talent that brings people closer to Christ. I aspire to have a talent like that. Here are my thoughts and feelings of that night...

Doubting Thomas: Faith vs Doubt-Do we have to see Christ to believe? You can not have faith and doubt. Believe is one of my favorite words because it encompasses so much-hope, peace, faith. The Spirit has testified of so many truths for me to doubt. I am struck by his shame by his lack of faith.

Gethsemane: This act alone was the single most important event in the history of human existence. "HIs life was to atone for the signs of all mankind" (Quoted from The Living Christ). This depiction of Christ suffering in Gethsemane closes the gap between an infinite suffering vs human suffering. HIs suffering was unbearable for a human being but Christ was infinite. Yet it still was harder than even He anticipated and in Luke 22:43 it states "an angel...strengthen[ed] him.

Pool of Bethesda: What is so remarkable about this picture is those that need to be healed wait by the pool. They are in close proximity, almost knowing that it is within reach. What the question is are they healed by the pool in front of them or by turning to the Savior to be healed?

Become as a little child: Here Christ is reminding us to be like little children "submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to his Father" (Mosiah 3:19). I also love how tenderly he is with other hand holding the child face. It almost is a protective touch, reminding me to take care of His children on earth. How much He loves the little children.

Come Unto Me: My favorite picture. There are many people in this picture that brings up points of discussion...the man leaning upon him for comfort, support and healing. The man resting on him as if seeking refuge and peace. The man in the back hesitating as if not feeling worthy. This pictures has a way to draw your attention to his eyes and his outstretched arms. Come unto Christ.