Upstate NY

Marcus had business meetings in Syracuse, and being that this is where he served his mission many moons ago, Zannah and I joined him for a weekend tour.

With our crazy storm-dodging luck, we headed out before a blizzard hit A-town and landed in the best weather NY could offer this time of year.

Zannah was so well-behaved on the flights out. Thank heavens, I was a little nervous about such a long trip by myself. And for being such a good girl, we laughed and took pictures of the little treat she left in Syracuse. "It's okay sweetie, better their tub than ours."

Day 1: Palmyra: home to the Joseph Smith family. Walked amongst the trees in the Sacred Grove, what an amazing feeling. Took a jaunt up Hill Cumorah. Coveted SOO many old farmhouses that I lost count.

Found my dream town: SKANEATELES. Marcus's pronunciation: Skinny-Atlas (which is correct). Lynsey's pronunciation: SkinAttles. Call it what you like, I need to live there. I just do.

Changed my language to encompass the phrases, "when we live in SkinAttles..." "I wonder how much houses cost in SkinAttles..." "what do you think you'll do for work in SkinAttles..." "I do hope the people like us in SkinAttles..." And Marcus played along, because he is awesome like that.

Day 2: Stopped in and visited a family that Marcus knew on his mission. For me, this was the best part of the trip. I'm so grateful that I could witness such a happy reunion and catch a glimpse of what Marcus did for 2 years.

Ate at the Bombay Duck Pickle. Marcus says I am envious of the couple who own this diner. Why, because they own this great historical building, live upstairs, work downstairs and renovated the entire thing, complete with original tin ceilings AND named the cafe after their deceased hedgehog? Maybe I'm a little jealous. But, being that they are running a cafe instead of a candy store and NOT in the city of SkinAttles, I'm not completely envious.

Such a great weekend! We are so blessed that Marcus made the decision to serve a mission. I loved sitting in the passenger seat while he remembered and reminisced.

And then Marcus took Zannah on her first carousel ride.

And then we came home and the snow had alread melted in A-town.

Sweet bombay duck pickle!

Our March Madness

3 birthdays in 3 weeks.

Week 1

Zannah turned 1. She opened presents, we went on a bike ride, some of our friends came over and we ate fruit pizza. I know, I know, not traditional, but what 1-year old cares.

Week 2

I turned 26. We met Marcus's parents in Denver for a fun, relaxing weekend. I got to pick the type of restaurant and I chose sushi....it was so yummy. I'm going to be craving it for a while. And Grandma Dorsey taught Zannah how to use the stairs.

Week 3

Marcus turned 29. Luckily, he was out of town the first part of the week so I could get his birthday present finished. (Thanks Kabree for all your help!) With our friend's help, we threw him a surprise fondue party that night, too bad I forgot to take any pictures.

Almost Here

Missy Z,

Your birthday is almost here. When you wake up, you will officially be 1 year old. I want to shout for joy and cry at the same time.

We longed for you.

We shed tears.

We prayed.

We hoped.

And then it happened. A head full of black hair and 6 lbs 9 0z of pure joy were placed in our arms.

The miracle of "you" will always be a favorite family story. A HuGe sacrifice of love and unselfishness were made on your part.

We, luckily, were on the recieving end. We love you!

Mom and Dad

P.S. One day you and I will have a good laugh at these finger puppets I attempted to make you.

Happy Birthday Zannah Mae!

Brocation

Marcus went on a "brocation" this past week. (His made-up word, not mine) These boys have been close for a long time and I love that they make the effort to stay good friends.

Zannah and I are LOVING this weather. Half of my garden is planted and we have busted out our shorts. Sweet sunshine, you make us smile.

Pay It Forward

This is how it works..... The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. BUT, in order for you to leave a comment on my blog, you have to post this on your blog first. (That means that sometime during this year you will send a gift to 3 people as well.) Get it? So, the first 3 people to comment on this post will be the lucky ones! Good Luck!

(I'm sure you can guess what I'll be sending you....so tell me what your color preference is!)

Ta-Dum!

It may not look that awful, but when I blow dry it each morning, it IRKS me that one side is shorter, thinner and has more layers than the other. I am officially narotic about my hair.

If you can't see the difference then keep your comments to yourself and please don't become a hairdresser.

I should just get it fixed....but I'm too scared that it could get worse.

BUT, this has inspired me to make my own headbands. Criminitly, if your hair is going to be in a ponytail everyday, you gotta get creative.

This is my favorite so far.

Must Read

Marion G. Romney gave a talk in 1982, The Celestial Nature of Self-Reliance.

Found in March's Ensign.

"The practice of coveting and recieving unearned benefits has now become so fixed in our society that even men of wealth, possessing the means to produce more wealth, are expecting the government to guarantee them a profit. Elections often turn on what the candidates promise to do for voters from government funds. This practice, if universally accepted and implemented in any society, will make slaves of its citizens."

What was said in 1982 could have been said today and it couldn't be more relevant.