Home Economics 101

ABC Nightline had a great story Monday night. When I view a finance-type video, there is always something I disagree with. This video I agree with 100%. Please take a moment to view - the video is just over 7 minutes long and well worth your time.


Please view the link here

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6737956

Youth Pioneer Trek

Most of you know that Mark and I were called to be "Ma and Pa" for a group of teenagers on a pioneer trek simulation that took place December 28-31. We had a great time and here are some of the pictures to share our experience with you. On the first morning we met the kids that would be part of our family and then put together our handcart.

And we are off!

After 8 miles we had what was called "The Women's Pull". This represented the times when pioneer families were separated from their husbands, fathers and brothers due to missionary or military duties. The sisters took it upon themselves to haul the load alone for a mile while the brothers walked along side or behind. It was not easy.

Here is some of the beautiful scenery we were lucky enough to enjoy while out there. We were still pushing our cart into camp here as it was getting dark and as we approached the site where we would settle for the night we had to push up "heartbreak hill". It was the most difficult hill through the entire trek and my family had to camp at the top, pushing higher up the hill then any other family. As soon as we arrived we had to set up camp and get dinner. So soar we didn't want to move we had pushed through nearly 12 miles on the first day.

This the second morning on the trek. We took down camp, had breakfast and pushed our carts approx three more miles.


After arriving at camp and setting up tents we had the chance to enjoy some activities. Above I am doing some archery and below "Pa" is relaxing with the baby as the rest of the group is participating in hatchet throwing.

After some more activities, pioneer games and lunch we made a trip to the make shift cemetery to bury the baby who had phnamonia and had a rough night with it being so cold. Of course this was all to simulate what the pioneer families had to go through facing death along the trail.

Next we were on to learn how to shoot a rifle with old fashioned black powder. This was fun.

Back to camp to warm up and have a campfire dinner.

Early in the morning we met for some words of wisdom from our Stake President and then a spiritual testimony meeting. We were so proud of our family with four of them getting up among their peers to share their thoughts.

Another couple miles and we are almost done!

After reaching our destination we pulled the wagons into a circle and had a couple closing thoughts from President Johnson and a closing prayer.

We gave hugs goodby, took some last pictures and had everyone sign the family flag for our souveneir.

It was a great experience and Mark and I are so glad to be a part of it.

Temple Program

Saturday night following Christmas my family went to the Temple to enjoy the light display as well as the musical performance. Both were wonderful!

Girls Night Out

On December 26th "The Cab" came back to the valley and played at The Venue of Scottsdale. We had planned on going for weeks but there were going to be a couple other people with us. Things didn't quite work out for them so it ended up being just Misty and I which was at first weird but we had a lot of fun.

After the show we met up with some of the group outside and got them to sign our cds and pose for a couple pictures.

Above is Alex the guitar/piano player and below is Alex the lead singer/songwriter.

Below is Alex the drummer. Misty collects drumsticks and so we asked him if we could get one. He said that he had already packed them all but he would be sure to give her two next time they come to the valley (which should be in March).

Yes, I did write that correctly...there are three members of the band with the name Alex.

Christmas with the Christensens'

It's tradition to spend Christmas Eve with the Christensens'. We have a huge dinner and then run around town a bit viewing the Christmas lights.

The next morning we watched the grandkids open their gifts and then spent hours playing guitar hero. That was a lot of fun.

Some of us were too tired to play.