For Some Must Push and Some Must Pull

Mike, the boys, and I went to the Pioneer Trek Kickoff Fireside on Sunday night.  Yes, that's right:  we're going trekking!  Matt and Rachel had the opportunity to go on Trek four years ago, but as much as Mike and I were hoping, hoping, hoping that we'd get to go as leaders then, we weren't asked to assist.  So, we were very excited when the bishop asked us in December if we could make the trip this year.

The Trek Fireside was awesome.  It really pumped me up and helped me to see the purpose of such a huge undertaking.  The theme of this year's event is "Go and Bring Them In," a phrase from Brigham Young's famous address when he ordered the Saints to go and help the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies.  The words can also be associated with a quote from President Hinckley, referring to the present-day need to help today's youth as well.  I got the strong impression that there are undoubtedly young people in need of spiritual rescue, and I hope that this adventure will help to strengthen testimonies and encourage those who may be wandering a little to come back to the fold. 

I had fun looking through some old photos to find the following of Rachel and Matt from almost four years ago:  


This is a "Before" shot.  Do they look young or what?!

 

This is an "After" shot.  I think they held up pretty well.  I hope I do this year, too.

I am excited that Mike gets to be a Pa, while I get to be a Ma.  It's always fun to work on something together as a couple, especially when I'm linked to someone who works so hard and is so optimistic.  I've heard that his grandpa from a few generations back was a pretty good pioneer, so I think it will be fun to walk across the plains with Mike for a few days.



Just think of how he'll look with four days' growth of beard.  Maybe more like Grandpa Brigham?



The Ma's and Pa's were asked to dress in pioneer garb for the fireside.  This is what we'll be wearing on the trek.  I also have an apron, but it doesn't have pockets.  Someone told me I'll absolutely need pockets, so I've got to get a different one.

I'm also excited that we get to go with Matt and Adam this year.  We will NOT be in the same family (guaranteed!), but I suspect we will get to see them from time to time.  Matt had a great experience on the last trip and learned a lot about work since he was actually one of the biggest kids in his makeshift family.  That was hard for me to believe since he looks so little in the pictures.  Adam isn't exactly a burly guy this year either, but I suspect he will try his hardest to pull even more than his weight.  It should be a fulfilling four days in July.

Nope, Not Yet

I was really hoping that I could post some other before and after pictures today.  There was a chance that I was going to get my braces off today, so I took a picture of my mouth before I went to the orthodontist.  Turns out I can take another in three weeks or so.  I may be able to get the blasted things off then.  If not, well, I guess I will try to grow up and be grateful for the technology that has helped my teeth to move and my jaw to stop hurting constantly.  Oh, and I guess the straighter teeth will be nicer, too.  And, as my sweet daughter reminded me, I will never have to have braces again.  Nope, two voyages through orthodontia is probably enough.  I suspect the next dental adventure would be dentures. . . oh my!