HISTORY

A Little History:
Our story begins in Pocatello, Idaho, circa 1972, when the lovely Debby Christensen agreed to a first, though fateful date with admirer, David Croshaw. Long story-short, he bade her follow him, and they went arm-in-arm to the Logan, Utah temple for establishment of an eternal family unit, Generation 1, on May 23 1973.

From their first blissful summer in Salt Lake City, educational pursuits took them to Provo/Orem, Utah, birthplace of Leslie and Rebecca, and to San Francisco/Oakland California, birthplace of Colin and Matt. Then, for establishment of livelihood, expansion of the tribe with Abby and Dana, and for raising/unifying of Generation 2, it was back to the roots in Pocatello for a rewarding sojourn.

In time, driven by a raging, but commonly shared sense of adventure and independence, one-by-one, Generation 2 escaped the homeland to distant regions of the country and the world, each ultimately developing their own tribal expansions by pairing with worthy mates and initiating Generation 3.

Now sensing fulfillment of their purpose in Pocatello, Generation 1 has also left those roots and transplanted to Cascade Idaho, from which base, they anticipate more abundant contact with The Posterity, Generations 2 and 3, in the future. That contact however, awaits fulfillment of a call to LDS missionary service in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, wherein they hope to help the state of the world by sharing the love of Jesus Christ.

So now, including Generation 0 (Grandma and Grandpa Christensen) home base includes Yuma, Arizona, Pocatello, Idaho, Cascade, Idaho, Vancouver, BC, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Spokane, Washington, Boise, Idaho, Los Angeles, California, back to Boise, Idaho, and on and on (Generation 3+) to infinity.

Our Mission Statement:
This is the blog of our eternal family unit. Initiated years ago, it served well as a journal, but even more so, as an archive of our personal interaction. It was a gathering place, a confabulation instrument, a unifying force for four generations of widely dispersed and progressively prolific posterity, and their valued associates. Though it served these purposes well for many years, it eventually took a back seat to new-kids-on-the-block, Facebook, and Instagram, and was sadly forgotten.

We now move to resurrect this blog with an added functional purpose of archiving the missionary experiences of Generation 1, of their movements and activities as they participate with The Gathering of Israel in the land northward. In so doing, we hope that via their own comments and posts, this blog will again serve to gather and unify the posterity and their friends.

As in the past, that the young and vibrant may know the old and tired, that enduring bonds may be fostered and maintained, that experience and encouragement may be openly shared, that posterity may embrace truth, and that hearts may be knit together, we must resist detachment despite our geographic divergence. We shall do so here.
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Sunday, January 31, 2010

Have you guys seen this?

I heard this several years ago, but for "some reason" (current administration, perhaps?) I have been thinking about it a lot.

Watch it! It is really interesting!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Sacrifice

In the shadow of recent challenges with my right hand and arm, I found this 6 minute video to be not only interesting, but very poignant. We have young men and women out there literally giving their arms and legs, and even their lives for our freedom. And there are many gifted people inspired to help. Give it a look.

Dad

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Visuals Make it more real

PLEASE watch the animation here. It is quite sobering.







How 'bout that State of the Union?

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Biomimicry



So, I know I don't talk about my job much, but it's been changing over the last year or so to include a component of environmental sustainability. Because most of us on our team don't have a background in environment (and have to be convinced about why we should do what we're being asked to do), we're having to go through some training. The training has been interesting. There are some things I still haven't bought into and others that have made perfect sense. I very much appreciate those principles that are about efficiency, reducing waste, reducing cost and making things more simple.

As part of this week's module, we've been learning about biomimicry, and I find it fascinating! (Crystal, you probably already know all about this.) Anyway, it's a science that examines nature's (God's) designs and then tries to emulate them in practical applications to solve human problems. An example we all know and love is the invention of velcro.

Janine Benyus is apparently very famous in the field of biomimicry for her ideas as they relate to eco-design. Anyway, if you have 20 minutes, you really should watch this video. I promise you'll be fascinated. God's creations are awesome (in the truest sense of the word)!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Waiting Game...

What an interesting situation. We apply for medicaid/foodstamps on Monday at nine... and we qualify... I am, however, hopeful we won't need either. Matt had an interview today and it lasted THREE HOURS (with 5 people) and he came home with this... A folder of benefit descriptions. That is a first, so... We are cautiously optimistic. Please keep us and the situation in your prayers. The job is as an application engineer.
It is about a 45 minute drive from home, but it is a good job. We are hoping the long, scary wait is over, but again, are cautiously optimistic.


Health Care

This is an interesting interview with Tom Coburn, senator of Oklahoma and also a physician. It gives a unique point of view that you probably won't hear anywhere else.

http://www.epmonthly.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=645&Itemid=28

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Nonessentials

I have read Sister Julie Beck's talk from the Relief Society Meeting many times. The last time this quote from President Uchtdorf jumped out at me.

President Uchtdorf then asked: “What are the nonessential things that clutter your days and steal your time? What are the habits you may have developed that do not serve a useful purpose? What are the unfinished or unstarted things that could add vigor, meaning, and joy to your life?"

The first thing that came to my mind was Sudoku. I think it is a good thing, keeps my brain working. BUT, does it take precedence over really important things, like studying the scriptures? Do I check my email too often? Could I squeeze out some time for the new Family Search program? Is that what it is called? Write in my journal? Write a personal history? hmmm.

Mom

Friday, January 15, 2010

Year 1 Photo Shoot

My friend Misty did a little photo shoot for Naomi's first birthday the other day. Check out this link to see the pictures!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Sisters...

I do not have a sister (Debby can relate), but if I did, I would be all about putting on a show like this... I think a certain upcoming family event should (for sure) involve a production like this one...

It is from my friend, Emily's blog. She is pretty much perfect. Maybe it is because she has three sisters.

Another reason to read the January Ensign

A girl in my ward gave a talk this last Sunday that referenced Elder Holland's article in the January Ensign (adapted from a BYU Devotional he gave last January, entitled "Remember Lot's Wife"). I went back and read them both, and they're packed with insights - especially in light of the beginning of a new year.


Or if you want the abbreviated version, read the Ensign article here.

xo

Monday, January 4, 2010

Fiesta Bowl







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Sunday, January 3, 2010

Parents

I really loved this, she is not LDS, but she is on the right track ;-)

Grandma's New Blog

Hi Everyone! Check out grandma's new blog about Cathy's Kids here. I think everyone knows about the work she does in Mexico, but you'll be very touched as you read about some of her experiences. I recommend starting with the Q&A. We're lucky to have such a great example in our lives! Love you!

Friday, January 1, 2010

Seriously, the BEST hamburger




We made it to Phoenix and had to make an obligatory stop at our favorite hamburger place. Sorry Five Guys but you'll never be able to beat In-N-Out for so many reasons:

1) the freshness: nothing is ever frozen, fresh beef, potatoes, toppings and buns made with no preservatives.
2) the hot deliciousness is incomparable
3) animal style option: need I say more? A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
4) the price. $1.69 for a hamburger complee with fresh tomato, lettuce, pickles, toasted bun and special sauce.

In-N-Out we're waiting for you on the east coast. Please come soon!

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