Inn of the Mountain Gods

We went to Ruidoso, New Mexico for a convention that Marcus's work was participating in and they put us up at the "Inn of the Mountain Gods". Weird name....spectacular Inn. The view was amazing, the room incredible and Marcus was in love with the white robe in the room.

And I realized something all too true. As we were leaving today, I said to Marcus, "That was a great trip" and he said, "Yeah, we ate good food which means a good trip for you". And by golly he is right. I tend to base my experiences on how good the food is. I still crave that chocolate chip-chocolate muffin that I got in the Newark, NJ airport 2 1/2 years ago. And I would give my right leg for that steamed milk with a dash of white chocolate and caramel roll in Seward, Alaska. And nothing beats the fresh fruit and rice and beans in Costa Rica. And this trip did not disappoint, we found a BBQ joint with a fabulous pulled pork sandwich and a little cafe with banana pie that I'll dream about tonight.

Peeves

I am finally responding to being tagged by Libby-Lou-Lou. I have been saving this for when I have nothing to post. So, the rules are simple, list your pet peeves.

1. My number one pet peeve is when people use the phrase "just wait". Just wait is usually followed by something like 'just wait' until you have kids and you'll never sleep again or hang out with your husband. Or 'just wait' until she turns 2 and she's a terror. Or 'just wait' until she is a teenager and you won't like her anymore! 'Just wait' never seems to end with something positive, like 'just wait' in 2 more years you are going to love her more than you could ever imagine and she is going to be running around and talking and will be adorable. Instead this phrase seems to leave me irritated and most of the time it is a slap in the face, because I was 'just waiting' for what seemed like a LONG time to get this precious little human being and I CAN just wait, because I am loving what stage she is in right now, good and bad. (I am a little defensive about this one...)

2. I have never liked the the sound of people popping their fingers or toes, it makes me cringe.

3. Loud, startling sneezes. My dad and Marcus have LOUD sneezes and for some reason when they sneeze I want to throw something....very weird.

4. I can probably think of a hundred peeves, but I know that I have done everyone of them. It takes me a while to get some jokes; I waste gas---because if I am on the cell phone, I tend to miss my exits; and I speak before I think.....which leads to embarrassing situations----I am my own pet peeve for crying out loud!

I tag whoever wants to do it.

We're Baaaaack

And I am finally updating the old blog.

Marcus, Zannah and I had our first family photos taken. Shay is an amazing photographer, if you want to see a few of the photos go to http://photographybyshay.com/blog/ I am beyond ecstatic about these photos!

Justin graduated and then won 2 medals at state track.....we're so proud of him.

We played with family in Boise and had a fabulous time. The adults did a sporting clay course--my FAVorite thing to do (thanks Dana for babysitting). It was too cold for Zannah to swim, but we still got cute pictures of her in her swim gear. The highlight of Boise had to be the race. It started with a bet---if Marcus could run a 7 minute mile, he could get a Wii. I thought I was definitely safe, because Marcus hasn't ran in 2 years, but to my surprise that boy ran it in 6 MINUTES! (That Wii is powerful motive)

When Zannah and I got back to Malad, my sister, her husband and kids were there. We had a picnic up 2 mile, played on the farm, we spent a day out to Bull Canyon, and went to my cousin Tyler's graduation.

Why does time go by so fast? I wish I could have another 2 1/2 weeks to bask in the company of family and friends! And I can't forget to mention how good our little traveler was. That little girl is something amazing, she really is.

Until next time, Idaho, until next time.


My parents live down this road. I love how beautiful this valley is, why has it taken me 25 years to realize it?!


This is my friend Trish, we have been best friends since 2nd grade. Who would have guessed that we would have baby girls less than 2 weeks apart and they both have the middle name Mae, after their great-grandmas. Zannah and Braylin are destined to play basketball and volleyball together.
Marcus running through his finish line banner the nieces and nephews made him. I'm surprised that he didn't keep on running to the nearest store to buy that beloved Wii.

To the West

We are headed out West, where my youngest bro is graduating from high school, my sister and her family are moving from the East to the West, and my older brothers will inevitably tell Zannah a hundred times, "Let me show you how the West was won." And maybe this trip is the trip we'll get to see what the hay they mean when they say that.

Zannah will get to meet for the first time: her grandpa Firth, two great grandma's, aunts and uncles, cousins, and many good friends of ours. And she will get to go swimming for the first time at Grandma and Grandpa Dorsey's (if weather permits).

We are hoping to pack in getting together with as many family and friends as possible. Good times are rolling our way!!

Madre

This past week as I have prepared my talk for church on "How my mom has influenced my life", I have come to this conclusion----How hasn't she influenced my life?!? My testimony of Jesus Christ, how I feel about myself, who I chose to marry, how I blow dry my hair, what I cook---ALL influenced by my mom. She is the kind of mom that I want to be for Zannah.

Mom, I'm so grateful for you! Happy Mother's Day~

Sisters-in-law

Who makes an awesome quilt like this----my sisters-in-law do. Jen, Carma, and Kristie! Zannah is the luckiest girl in the world to have such aunts as these ladies. It is gorgeous! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

It is difficult to get a picture WITHOUT the tongue in it.

Kiersty

I am a lonely woman indeed. Kiersten flew out this morning. After 9 days of company, I won't know what to do with myself tomorrow!

Of course we had to make Kiersty a purse! We did some sight-seeing and celebrated a late 21st birthday. I am so lucky to have Kiersten as my cousin. We have always been close---I just love and admire her. AND she is recieving her mission call this week--can't wait to hear!!