Jemez Mountains

Last weekend before surgery we wanted to do something fun because we knew we would be laying low for a while. Noelle was just getting over a week long fever and it seemed like Madeleine was heating up but we went for it anyway. New Mexico certainly is a desert but it's also an incredibly diverse place. We have so much exploring to do!!!

We drove up to the Jemez Mountains (pronounced Hay-Maas). It's a fun drive because how fast the landscape changes in about 50 miles. First you are in the middle of no where desert...then you hit incredible red rocks...then you are in the forest. The little town is really neat with several B&B's and a bath house from the 1800's.

We wanted to scout out some camping spots, the hot springs, and Jemez Falls.

We got out at a newly renovated campground and heard distant thunder. Aaron though we should get back because that weather would be here in no less than 5 minutes. I old him in nice terms to not be such a baby and assured him the second we felt a rain drop we'd be back in the car. Suddenly we heard what sounded like the earth shattering and down came the rain. We grabbed our kids and ran as fast as we could to the nearest bathroom overhang. Poor Noelle did not feel well and was already whining to go home (which she never, ever does) and this just sent her over the edge. After about 15 minutes it died down enough to run to the car.


Next we saw a sign for a lake and decided to check it out.
Beautiful!
We didn't make the hot springs or falls...too far of a walk for our sickie girls.


On our way back we stopped at check out Soda Falls.
(a hot spring that with the rock formations looks like foaming soda!)
and at a stand on the Reservation and bought some fry bread.

Such a great Saturday. Is there anything better than family days?

Summertime Cont...

Splash Park!
We've been here a couple of times and it is FUN!!!

I am so in love with this picture.
I have to admit that it was pure luck.
I just had it on the action setting and viola!

Bowling!

Thursday mornings you can bowl for $2/game.

Noelle has done plenty of bowling but only on the Wii.

She had a dang good time. Madeleine was there too but

she was being the world's biggest pill.

Crying...whining...you know the drill. No pics of that!

Before We Go Forward...

Please answer this question for me...

What on earth does she do while she naps to accomplish this?

Summertime Sizzle

We've been trying to do a lot of fun things and really enjoy summertime. Daddy was gone every night last week and I've been feeling especially nostalgic for the hours and hours we've spent with friends at the pool & beach. So, we're doing what we can to stay really busy.

And summertime it has been. Like everywhere else it's been screaming hot. To most people's surprise summers are usually quite mild here given the elevation. It's hit 100 degrees a few days in a row setting all kinds of heat records. Sunday night we had a fantastic storm roll through. Thunder, lightening and pouring rain. The cool off felt awesome. Madeleine went crazy with excitement while Noelle kept trying to coax her back in the house. Finally, when it quieted down just a little she joined in the fun.

The heat means we have to spend the middle of the day inside and that means all kinds of messes. Lotions, bread, cortisone cream, you name it. Here are just a few I got on film. My favorite was spilling water everywhere and emptying out every towel and rag to dry it up. At least she was trying, right?

One night Noelle asked if we could have pizza and luckily we had all we needed!

We whipped up some quick rise dough, fired up the oven and went to work. We were able to use a lot of fresh herbs I have growing. YUM!

We decided to make it extra fun buy having a TV picnic. Growing up some of our favorite memories were TV picnic with our Grandma. She would make all sort of yummy finger foods, put down a blanket in front of the TV, and we'd watch a movie while eating. So, we did just that. After pizza we got some ice cream and I let them eat it right out of the container. Eventually, Madeleine decided the spoon was too cumbersome and just used her fat little hand to scoop it up to her mouth.

Stay tuned for more!!

My Biker Girl

I've been shy with the camera lately.
Nothing major going on.
You know...meals...giggles...dishes...laundry...
bathtime...diapers...snuggles...stories...
The other night Daddy stayed inside with Madeleine

while Noelle and I went outside.
She rode her bike all over the neighborhood while

I walked and walked behind her.
The weather was spectacular and we had the best time together.
Love, Love Love her.

Unfortunately, Motherhood is not always

cool evenings, puffy clouds and bike rides.

But, I am grateful for when it is.

Stuffy

A stuffy nose... That is what I have had for basically the last year. Sounds innocent enough but it's unbearable! It started with my first ever sinus infection last May. Things got better but never when away completely, and as most Mamas know, you're often the last person who gets taken care of. In the fall I realized I could not smell a thing. As in ZERO smell. Saw a specialist, got things taken care of but after a really bad flu bug at Christmas, it was all back full force.

By then we were moving and I had to start all over. And let me tell you I have been M.I.S.E.R.A.B.L.E. Talk about a quality of life issue. After different medications, lots of allergy testing, a ridiculously large course of antibiotics and finally a CT scan that revealed nothing but bad news. Every single set of sinuses in my head is completely blocked. This means surgery. My first reaction was, "Uh what?" But at this point, if they told me they had to use a stick of dynamite to clear things up I would not be opposed.

Saw the surgeon today and because of the involvement of so many sinuses, particularly small ones by some pretty important parts, he wants to use a hospital that has what is called: Image Guided Surgery. This uses a machine along with special CT scan images during the procedure so the surgeon knows exactly where he is in relation to your specific anatomy. And, of course, the hospitals that have this ability are out-of-network. He is absolutely confident that they will approve it but meanwhile we have to wait. Plus, getting approval from my thyroid doc and a few extra tests because of the Graves.

My answer was, of course, I wanted everything to be done in the safest manner possible but I need some serious relief. NOW. That means steroids which are not a healthy thing. I have done them once already for a week and they did provide significant relief but I am not happy about having to be on them for too long. One side affect, especially in the beginning is insomnia. I've been up since 2:30am. This should get better as the dose gets lower over the next week.

So pray the insurance company does things in a timely manner and we get this taken care of. Can you believe I WANT to smell poopy diapers?

Happy Birthday America!

Even though it felt like everyone in California was getting together for the 4th of July (not to mention missing Naomi's blessing) we still have a super fun holiday.

Saturday morning we went to a ward potluck breakfast at the park. I did not get out my camera because the sprinklers came on and the little kids thought it was funny to turn the heads around so it sprayed all of us and the food! I was not happy about my freshly blow-dried hair getting soaking wet. Grrrr...

Then Daddy took the girls to the mall while I got to go with Tracy & Stephanie to a couple of stores. It was a great break and we had some good laughs.

That afternoon we just hung out at home, made some food and our cake!

Then we headed over to the Hiatt's (Tracy) for dessert and fireworks.


The girls were stunned and slightly freaked out when they first saw them but it took no time for them to warm up. It was a fun night

Sunday after church the Ehat's (Stephanie) had us over for Tri-Tip and games. Super fun, but no pictures. Then they were going to watch fireworks but I felt beat and my kids had missed their bedtime too many nights in a row so we bagged it. All in all, we had a great time and are grateful for the people we are getting to know and the friends we are making!

Up The Mountain We Go!

Last Saturday we packed up a picnic lunch and drove up the mountain.

Can you believe that this is less than an hour drive from our house?

But as you can tell, there was a storm headed our way.

The lightening from up there was breathtaking!

Not the best planning on our part but the adventure was definitely worth it.

These girls thought they were in heaven.

I, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck!

Aaron kept assuring me they would be just fine.

My response to him was this:

"The last thing I need to be is on the evening news!"

'New Meico couple devastated because child falls off cliff.'

Finally, enormous raindrops started

falling and we hustled back to the car.

We can't wait to go back.

With Madeleine on some sort of leash, of course!

Road Trip Part 3

As I always say...better late than never. The last leg of our trip was HOME! YEA!

Our week was jam packed with fun from the minute we got there to the second we left for home. Swimming, beach, parties, a trip to Happy Feet, dinners out, you name it. We loved every second of it!

Jo took us to her favorite restaurant Saddle Peak Lodge. The english language lacks the words to explain this meal. The food, the service, the ambiance and most of all the company. Superb!

The whole evening was just perfect. It's been too long since I felt so content. We sat for what seemed like hours after we finished and just talked and talked. I love these three girls so much and feel so blessed to call them my friends.

Wednesday was Auntie M's 30th birthday. Fuuuuuun! We spent the day at the Santa Monica Pier walking around, playing games, and riding the roller coaster. Noelle thought it was all fun but she wanted the Roller Coaster, NOW! The second her booty hit the seat her arms went up and in the air and she was squealing with delight. Her enthusiasm is amazing.

For dinner that night we went for Koren BBQ and ate ourselves silly.

at the end of dinner, because it was her birthday, the restaurant so kindly gave Marin a 'champagne shower.' She was such a good sport and we all got some seriously good entertainment.

Saturday was the day for her big party. We all headed down to Manhattan Beach and partied our hearts out. So many people and so much fun!

And the food....we owned the food. :)

Sunday was Father's day. After our super late night of fun, we did not make it up in time for church. We could not get ourselves going for the day but Unc took Noelle outside and set up the Slip'n'Slide. Mommy & Daddy even got in on the fun wearing our pajamas!

A tender Father's Day moment. Daddy with his girl.

Road Trip 2010 Part 2

Monday night we arrived in Rexburg

(Auntie Nicole's wedding, YEA!)

and had a great reunion with Daddy.

Madeleine and Noelle had so much dang fun with their cousins.

They would play hard all day and then crash at night.

Riding the scooters, the swing set, all the doggies,

so many new family members, the list goes on.

Friday night everyone was in town and

Denise had a bachelorette party at her house for Nicole.

Yummy treats, fun games, and pretty lingerie!

Saturday morning was the big day.

She was a stunning bride.

It was such a happy day for all.

Plus, all six Jones siblings were together for the first time in almost 5 years.