Girls Camp 2008

I left my guy and my little M in G'Ma Krissy's excellent care for 48 hours. They were both spoiled while I roughed it in the Targhee wilderness: Sunshine, cool breezes, sapphire skies, evergreen forests, tin foil dinners, trail mix, roasted Starbursts (not bad...worth a try), funny tent-mates, spectacular hike, and plenty of giggles to go around.  Everything  Young Women Camp should be.  Camp is different from stake to stake, but in the end it's all about building skills, confidence, and friendships.  No surprise that my tent was the loudest, the latest. Because I'm a cool leader like that.

 PS: hot pink toenail polish is completely appropriate for camping...

PPS: is it obvious that I just installed photoshop elements 6 about 90 minutes ago and that I haven't a clue what I'm doing with it?    Yeah, that's what I thought. 

Survivor

I'm back...and I survived a couple of days in wilderness with a few dozen teenage girls. Details and photos later. I've missed you, Blog Land. Be back after I nurse a few insect bites and continue to shampoo the campfire fragrance out of my hair...

outings and treats

Last week I accompanied the young women from church, along with the young men and their leaders, on a snowboarding outing at Kelly Canyon. Not a resort for die-hards or those seeking a luxury experience, but great for kids and families. Alas, I was assigned to stand sentinel in the lodge in case of wayward teens or injuries, so I didn't get a snowboarding lesson--something I've been wanting to try for years. The kids, though, had an absolute blast! It was a long evening, but a fun one thanks to this guy, and this guy who rounded up all the gear and gave all the first-timers their lessons. And thanks to M.H who scored the lift passes and G.P. who kept the hot cocoa hot all night!

As a "thank you" the YW signed card that went along with these sweet treats, all stacked in a clear bag. B loved them so much we did a repeat...What I'm going to do with 2 dozen giant oreo cookies is a complete mystery (whatever!)...but the treats really are easy and fun to share.

Spiritually Fed

Last night we held a special activity for the Laurels and Mia Maids. Our theme for activities during the month of January has been "faith" so to cap it off, we invited 3 lovely women to teach us about some Heroines of Faith in the scriptures. It was wonderful! I think even the girls gleaned something from the great talks that were delivered to us. 

First we discussed this brave woman who faced possible death to spare the lives of her people

Then these remarkable mothers whose commitment to righteousness wrought miracles for their young sons

and finally this amazing woman whose unwavering faith in unspeakable hardship is inspiring.

teenagers and chocolate

Alarmingly, I'm responsible for the education and enrichment of a group of teenage girls at my church via Sunday lessons and mid-week activities. These activities are supposed to teach useful principles but also need to be "fun."   Achieving both goals at the same time almost never happens. Last night, with a gaggle of giggling high-school aged girls, I learned how to make chocolate truffles. I had no idea it was so easy! In spite of the hyperactivity that accompanies girls this age, they (the chocolates) turned out very rich and lovely...what a great little gift for someone, all wrapped in a cute  box with pretty ribbon or in a chinese take-out carton! Even a nice treat for neighbors at holiday time.  Just a few make for a very nice presentation.  They are currently "chilling" in my fridge; some coated in cocoa powder, some in sugar crystals (not the best choice), and others in toasted coconut.  The best part: every girl participated and had a good time. And I get to enjoy the extras! Instructions:

• In a small saucepan, bring 2/3 cup heavy cream to a simmer (tiny bubbles just around the edges)
• Remove from heat and add 5 ounces dark or milk chocolate pieces (for milk chocolate, use a little less cream)
• Stir constantly until chocolate is melted and smooth
• Pour into a shallow freezer-safe dish and freeze until  firm (this could take 30 minutes or a couple of hours)
• With a melon-baller or small cookie scoop, drop rounds of chocolate onto a small sheet pan covered with wax paper. Quickly shape into little balls, about 1inch.
• Freeze balls until firm
• Working quickly, roll each ball in your preferred coating: chopped nuts, sprinkles, cocoa powder, coconut, etc. 
• Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy! 
• For a more sophisticated recipe, click here