Tag!

So I've been tagged to write 7 random things about myself, and por fin, (at last, in Spanish) I will step up and do it. I guess it's a sign I need to write more. :) Thanks Kim.

Here's how to play:
1. Link your tagger (Kim) and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I have broken my nose 6 (o mas, or more) times starting when I was 3 years old, and had 3 nose surgeries within 3 years. Two of these were within a month of each other, and only a month before I left to the MTC, and one for Christmas 2 years later, which allowed me to sing the song "All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth" but instead of 2 front teeth, it was 2 black eyes and a really fat face. (Maybe that story is the 7 random things all together?)

2. Ever since serving for 18 months in the Dominican Republic where we were forbidden to where nylons or socks much, my toes are incredibly claustrophobic when it comes to wearing close-toed shoes, or generally any shoes at all.

3. I feel like I am competent when it comes to changing a car tire, however, I've only had to use that knowledge 2 times, and both times I was prevented from doing it myself. The first time was within half a mile from my house, and the neighbor helped until dad got there, and wouldn't let me do it. The second time was 3 days after the last/Christmas-time nose surgery. I'd made it 25 minutes from home, when the tire blew out. My face and nose were swollen and black and blue. I pulled out the spare, the jack and the wrench. I was in a skirt, which limited things a bit, and it started to snow full-on Utah blizzard style. I think I still would have done fine, if I could have turned my head upside down to see where to put the jack. A semi-truck driver stopped and offered to help. He took one look at me and proceeded to do it himself, despite my pleas for him to just place the jack and I could take care of it. I was a little fearful for my life as there are always scary stories of truckdrivers. As he was gallantly changing the tire, the highway patrol showed up to see what was going on, and also did a double take at my beat-up face. I could tell he was trying to weigh out how likely it was that the truck driver had made my face look like that. He kept watch from his car until the tire was changed, and I was again on my way, but back home instead of to complete my errands.

4. I enjoy cooking, but am clumsy or distracted at it because I often end up with burns after baking.

5. I just got called to be Assistant Cub Scout Den Leader, which is as foreign as Russian to me.

6. Mark and I hope to adopt a baby from the Dominican Republic someday.

7. I don't like nuts in my ice cream, but I don't mind them in anything else. It ruins the smoothness.

I am tagging Cody, Beth B., Bethany, Heather C.

Picacho Peak

We decided to spend the day after Thanksgiving hiking Picacho Peak (Peek -a- choo) South of Phoenix. It was pretty tough terrain, but Mara seemed to enjoy riding in the pack.

She fell asleep on the way down the mountain.

This is us, and Mark's parent's and Luz, visiting with them. It was the perfect day for hiking, and I think we are all sore from the incline and switchbacks.

Proud Daddy and happy little Goo
Near the beginning of the hike. We actually made it to the point to the far right of this picture. It was quite a ways, even if it doesn't look it in this picture. Eating rocks on top of the hill.

Up we go.

The view from the top. (or half top... the actually top was a lot of sheer rock and holding cables to make it, and we voted against that ascent this time with Mara in-tow.)

Waving goodbye to Nana and Grandpa.

Up, Up, Up!

Mara loves to pull herself up now. She starts to bounce and dance as if to say "look at me, I'm so cool!" and just laughs at the cool tricks she can do. Hmm, that must be paper in her mouth. She thinks she is so sneaky. She is so creative too, she delights in finding shiny things to play with and suck on.

She saw this step stool for the first time the other night and climbed straight up it.

Sunday best

Mara brings such joy to our home and lives. She is the sunshine in our souls. She absolutely loves to play with her Daddy

"Pinned ya!"

Sun, Nov. 16th

We went to the park with some friends and Mara took the chance to take a nap, despite the bustle and noise of the play going on around her.

Book bug

A mess with friends.

"Check out my cute pockets?"

"Yeah, I like them too!"

A little Fame?

I submitted a picture of Mara for a contest and it was posted on their website. You can see it here.

October

Oh so big!

1st trip to the zoo with all the neighbor friends! Mara didn't seen many zoo animals, but was still mostly entertained by everyone else.

She's trying to describe the monkeys I think. :)

Packed and ready to go

Does this hat make me look Ewok?

"Here kitty, kitty!"

"Let's put our heads together and see what we come up with."
Cousin Stetson 9 months and Mara 7 months
Great Grandpa LeRoy and Grandpa Al
Grandma's pond Fall out west

Mara learned how to blow a whistle and it was absolutely cute cute!!Kisses for Grandpa Al. While we were out hunting, Mara started flapping her arms and kicking her legs every time the 4 wheelers started. So, when she finally got her ride, she was a happy hunter.
1st Halloween! This is our neighbor, little Jocelyn bat and Mara witch at a Halloween party.
More HalloweenLittle pumpkin in her new favorite place. She loves to empty the books and toys from this cupboard. It's just the right size for her.

Drip

Our sweet baby has discovered her tongue lately, and has been so entertained and extremely entertaining. It's a wonder we get anything done, as we would much rather just play with her!