Search for the Bloomin' Joshua Trees

Before heading to St. George we caught wind of the Bloomin' Joshua Tree phenomenon. We decided we must venture to find these curious trees!  We journeyed down Highway 91 through the Piute Reservation.  On the way we discovered the Desert Rose Labyrinth and decided to check it out. 

The Labyrinth is designed to help bring peace to troubled souls.  One walks in silence through the maze carrying a token of their troubles.  Once they reach the middle, the token is left on an alter.  The individual then walks back through the maze in silence and is blessed with peace of mind.  It seemed to have a sacred feel about it, though I'm glad we were there alone since Faye decided to hop over every rock and then try to pull it out of the ground.

The path to the Labyrinth is lined with a series of sculptures portraying varying ideas of peace and serenity. 

After another half hour of driving we came upon the Joshua Tree Forest!  Giggling, and vigorous picture taking, quickly ensued!

Mom wins the award for "Best shot of the day!" I can't wait to see this scene in a large print!  Thanks for the adventure, Mom.

Dinosaur Tracks at the Johnson Farm

 Faye and I joined Mom for her annual UGFOA conference down in St. George again this year.  We had some time to kill as we headed into town and happened upon a dinosaur museum.  We promptly pulled a sleepish Faye out of the car to enjoy some recreational, yet educational, vacationing.

We watched the movie on how the tracks at the Johnson Farm were found.  Clearly Faye is still coming out of her long-car-ride daze.

There was a side room with kid friendly exhibits including puzzles AND coloring!

This little one is becoming obsessed with coloring.  Heaven forbid you take that paper away from her.

We played outside in the sand box after dragging Faye through the "do not touch" part of the museum.  We were so glad to have toys provided to play with.

Hoppy Easter

Easter morning was a bit hectic at our house with both Alan and I just having worked the night before and Faye still getting over the stomach flu.  The Easter Bunny managed to stop by while we were busy eating breakfast.  He even set up a tea party before leaving!

After getting all dressed up we headed to Grandma Lisa's.  The Easter Bunny had visited her, too!  we spent a good while teaching Faye to pick up the Easter Eggs and to put them in the basket/bucket. 

She was very pleased with her spoils.

Vicariously egg hunting through my extra set of hands.

The Easter Bunny left Faye a second basket!  Always happy to have a new story.

And this facial expression is too precious!  What a character.

We joined Grandma Lisa and the Boys for church- Reed spoke in sacrament meeting.  After church we headed up to North Ogden for the Stratford family gathering!  Complete with good food, a Peeps contest, Easter Egg Hunt, and lots of good company.

Lupron

Menopause in my early twenties, never thought that would happen.  "How?" You may ask?

Well if you remember reading this, you'll recall that I was searching for a specialist to help with my pelvic pain.  In November I visited a doctor in the Avenues Specialty Clinic.  Unfortunately this appointment was a waste of time in my book, having a doctor tell me that all my problems would be solved if I would let myself get pregnant when that is a slightly impossible option.   I lost drive and didn't get in to see a new doctor again until mid-February.  Dr. Stowers makes doctor number 5 in my journey to feel better.  He also works at the Avenues Specialty Clinic and is one of the top two OB/GYN in the state.  Dr. Stowers suggested we give Lupron a try to treat my endometriosis like symptoms.  He also referred me to a physical therapist who specializes in the pelvic floor (she makes doctor number 6) who I have been seeing weekly to work things out. 

The doc gave me a medication to help lessen the side effects of menopause which has made it less horrific.  I haven't had hot flashes, though I over-heat much more quickly.  I am more tired than usual and at times seem depressed or am easily overwhelmed.  The lupron has helped to resolve a significant portion of my daily pain and I am ever grateful for it.

After 6 weeks Dr. Stowers said we can conclude from my improvement that I do indeed have endometriosis.  Hooray for having an answer and a treatment for the pain!  Still working on the other pains with the PT, hoping for improvement there as well.

Twenty Months

Faye is now 20 months old!  Still cute as can be, she jabbers away without saying many recognizable words.  She loves to run, color, put coins in her piggy bank, dance, read stories, try to jump (so close!), and get into Mommy's sprinkle collection.  

Counting Coins!  We use one of our cheep "night stands" as a Faye-sized table, it's worked out great!

Faye and Tilly were both quite excited to have the Easter eggs out.

Faye loves to color, too! 

One of Faye's favorite things is to sing!  She will sing along with movies, music in the car, 'Popcorn Popping,' etc.  Here's an example of how singing works without knowing how to speak English.

For the Grandparents

Faye conquering the playground!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igHW5F_Wda4

Pi Party

It is my annual tradition to celebrate Pi Day and Einstein's birthday on March 14th with a pie buffet.  This year the party was moved to the 17th due to work schedules.  However for our attending 7 folks, we had quite a spread!  Dinner included Pot Pie, Shepard's Pie, and Spaghetti Pie.  We played several serious rounds of Telestrations before enjoying our dessert.

Desert pies!  Nine different kinds of pies including Pumpkin Pie, Buttermilk Pie, Cherry Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Pecan Pie, Resse's Pie, Chocolate Ice Cream Pie, and a cake that looks like a pie.  We didn't even make a dent in the pies that were brought, but the neighbors thoroughly enjoyed the left overs.