Zion, Zion, Lovely Zion (hymn #44)

April 4 - We made another trek to Zion...this time with Jake.

First stop was to visit Mom, Dad, G'ma O, & G'ma B (who was visiting them). The men were entertained by this book: 101 Uses for a Dead Cat.

Photo shoot:
Ahh Jake. Funny boy.
The next day we drove up to Zion National Park and hiked Angel's Landing. Here's the first photo part way up the trail. The weather was a little cool for April.
Let the climbing begin...
See that skinny path with sheer cliffs on either side - that's where we're headed.
Looking back at where we've been.
Chains were especially useful that day, especially with the strong winds blowing.
Victory. It started hailing on us near the top but we persevered.
Such a cool hike!

Addition to the Bathroom

Wall-Mount 8X/1X Magnifying Swivel Mirror - Nickel

This mirror is perfect for when you need strong magnification. The two-sided mirror with nickel finish has regular magnification on one side and 8X magnification on the other side. 8" diameter mirror swivels 360° and the bi-fold arm allows it to extend 14" from the wall, so it easily adjusts to any position. Mounts easily with included hardware.

Okay, so sometimes I feel like an old person when I use it, but it has made me happy every day since John put it in. At night when I take out my contacts the mirror across the sink is just too far away, but not my new one. It's right there where I need it. Love it for putting my make-up on in the mornings. My eyebrows have never looked so good since I started using the other magnifying side of this sweet mirror.

Mirror - $39.99. Making all tasks done in the mirror easier - priceless.

All pleasures in life should be so simple.

A short letter

Dear Blog,

How I've missed you. Maybe this weekend we'll be reacquainted and I'll tell you about my new favorite addition in the bathroom, my conquering of sleep, Spring Break in Zion...

Sincerely,
Michelle

Life...in a few photos...over several weeks

Life. It just keeps going and going. Sometimes it's passing is marked with major events. Sometimes little events.
Here are a few from our life:

Young Women - every Wednesday. Love them.
A tea party for the Lloyd ladies put on by Sarah,
the hostess with the mostest.
A typical Sunday afternoon - playing games.
Another successful FHE, complete with the flour game.
Valentine's Day roses from my sweet husband. Love him.
Jyson trying out his Christmas skateboard in the garage
because it's too cold outside.
John & Scout crew at the Court of Honor.
Jake finally got a Life.
Jake plays the congas at the local jazz festival.
The pages we submitted to LDS Family Services for our
adoption profile.
Jyson's 9th b-day. He wanted to go bowling with his cousin Zack.
New Beginnings.
Gifts from my mother-in-law. Yum.A weekend trip to Zion National Park.The end.

Jake turns 17!

This post is a month after his birthday, but better late than never...
Is this a good looking kid or what? For his 17th b-day party, Jake asked for his favorite mint oreo ice cream cake. It happens to be my favorite as well. That's one of many things I love about Jake.
Here are a few more:
* Jake is an excellent student. He takes his school seriously and in his junior year has a load of AP and Honors classes. He is driven and determined.
* Jake has lots of musical talent. He is an awesome drummer, plays the iPod incredibly well, and has a great ear for the piano.
* Jake has a strong testimony. In an earlier post I mentioned the testimony he shared and what a great experience that was. His prayers are thoughtful and personal.
* Jake has a great sense of humor. I've posted his harmonica solo below and in an earlier post, his dancing skills. He's fun to be around.
* Jake is appreciative. He's written me some thoughtful cards and remembers to tell me thanks for supporting him or feeding him.
* Jake is a good brother. Jyson adores him.

For his b-day, John wanted to give him a harmonica. Very entertaining.



When I first met Jake in 2003, he was in 5th grade and I was his new elementary school principal. The next year I was his principal and step-mom. That's a lot for a kid to have to deal with. Add to that, I had to kick him off Student Council that year. Jake just kept going, taking it all in stride, always kind and considerate with me. Here's a little walk down memory lane with Jake:

Wedding Day, 2004
Jake's 12th b-day
Jake's Priesthood ordination
Trek, summer 2006
ULCER, 2006 - Jake & I rode 78 miles together.
A Sunday afternoon game of Scrabble.
Jake, last Saturday, playing the congas at the Peaks Jazz Festival.
Happy 17th Jake. Love you.

Viva Mexico!

WARNING: LOTS OF PHOTOS...

January 8 - finally the day had arrived. We had planned a week trip to Playa del Carmen, MEXICO trip with John's brother, sister, and their spouses. We went to the airport very early on Friday and found out I couldn't board the plane. My passport is in my maiden name and I forgot to bring my marriage license. I cried. The other 4 boarded the plane and we drove home. We went to lunch and a movie to try and make ourselves feel better. To make matters worse, my suitcase went to Mexico and Julie's didn't. It was a very rough start to our vacation. Luckily we boarded the plane the next morning. We were very happy to be on the plane!



We landed in rain which was a definite bummer. Luckily we did see the sun the next morning.




We took some dance lessons on the beach and ate a LOT of food.

Day 3 - I woke up sick, but everyone else had a great day at Aktun Chen - zip line rides, snorkeling in the natural fresh-water cave, and cool animals everywhere.



Meanwhile, back at the ranch...I spent the day in the hammock.

Day 4 - Tulum. These cool Mayan ruins are located right on the beach. Gorgeous!


John's favorite fruit drink each night - the Copacabana.

Day 5 - Sunshine and relaxation.


Day 6 - Snorkeling in the ocean. We saw cool fish and beautiful corral. It was a little chilly though.



After lunch we went para-sailing. Very cool experience!


Our final meal at the buffet. Yummy!

Returning home was much less eventful. It was a great trip. Viva Mexico!

We picked up Jyson the next day - he loved the real Mexican soccer jersey we brought him.