The Zornes Family

Swimming with the Dolphins

2011-08-02T10:06:00.000-06:00

So its been a while and unfortunately our camera got soaked and we are unable to get any of the pictures off of the chip... :( so we don't have any new pictures from December 2010 to June 2011. Bummer or what!

In June, we went to Playa del Carmen, Mexico for our 5 year anniversary. Dano-boy stayed the week with my parents. Playa del Carmen was so amazing. It was such a great vacation and much needed!

We flew in on US Airways, something we will never do again! They left (seriously...they left) our luggage in Phoenix and it didn't get to Mexico until the next evening. It was such a bummer since we didn't have any clean clothes or our swimming suits. The airline also told us they wouldn't reimburse us for anything purchased, so we didn't want to spend a bunch of our vacation budget to have it spent on stupid replacement clothes.

The resort was so amazing! I never would have imagined staying at such a beautiful place. It was an all-inclusive resort so we got to eat all day, every day...and order yummy drinks whenever we wanted. The resort was right on the beach too! The beach was gorgeous! So white and calm.

We had so much exploring the Mexican culture and spending time together. Here is what we did:
1. Got massages! Massages are a little different in Mexico. Instead of keeping us completely covered, like in the US, they pulled the sheet all the way down to our bums...exposing us! I figured they have seen their share of bums and boobs but it was a little breezy.
2. We visited Tulum, an ancient Mayan town. Tulum isn't one of the grandest places but the homes are still in pretty good shape and a clear understanding of the village set up can be seen. It was cool learning about the Mayans and seeing something so old. I felt like I walked back into a Book of Mormon movie. There were even guys dressed up in Mayan clothes...
3. We stayed the day at an all-inclusive snorkeling park called Xelia. I don't think American would ever allow anything like that. It was super fun just snorkeling around all day.
4. We visited Cozumel, the island just east of Playa del Carmen. It wasn't the highlight of our vacation. It downpoured the entire day and the ferry ride over there was more than hellish...we both got sea sick and luckily didn't throw up but it was a battle. We rented scooters to drive around the island. We drove them around the island and got stuck in the middle of the biggest rain store I have ever seen. It was seriously miserable and everything was closed. But it was an experience...lol. We did some snorkeling while we were there and it was gorgeous!
5. We had a romantic dinner on the beach. :) and when we returned to our room the pillows were turned down and romantic music was playing.
6. We swam with the dolphins. This was clearly the funnest part of the vacation.! Ricardo was our dolphin. So cool!

I really enjoyed our vacation. I learned a lot about the Mexican culture too, which was really great!

San Diego

2011-03-27T20:11:00.004-06:00

For a family vacation we spent some time before Christmas in San Diego. Ideally, we would've gotten away from the snow and cold to beautiful California, but instead we were graced with lots and lots of rain! It rained the entire time! The worst storm in San Diego since 2006. Just our luck...but we did have lots of fun, regardless of the weather.
In Little Italy, San Diego. Yummy food!

Wild Animal Park- Super Fun-nicest weather of the trip.

- Sea World. It wasn't Daniel's favorite part of the trip, but we enjoyed it. I want to be a Shamu-trainer.

The Zoo-Daniel's favorite part of the trip!

It was a super fun trip. We have tons of pictures but blogspot takes a long time to upload all the pictures so if you want to see all of them...check them out on my facebook.

Me

2010-11-23T12:57:00.002-07:00

I am...a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a sister.
I think...about my to do list A LOT.
I know...that Heavenly Father loves me.
I want...to rid myself of my anxiety.
I have...a wonderful life...a great hubby and a hilarious baby boy!
I wish...we had enough money so we didn't have to worry all the time.
I hate...when people are lazy AND when parents don't parent their children.
I miss...my Grandpa Denison.
I feel...cold! (a huge blizzard is coming to Utah!)
I fear...losing someone close to me.
I hear...the heater (but it's not working!)
I smell...nothing. Weird!
I search...for ways to save money.
I wonder...where I will be in 5 years
I regret...being a mean person.
I love...holding my baby boy when he is sleeping.
I care...about my family. I worry about them all the time.
I always...pee the moment I wake up
I am not...a nobody.
I believe...that every child should get a chance to feel love
I dance...with Daniel
I sing...all the time, when nobody's listening
I don't...exercise enough
I write...love letters to Jake.
I win...everytime against Jake.
I lose...my mind at least once a day, but I always get it back. :)
I never...drink alcohol
I listen...to Daniel's mumbling
I can usually be found...in my bed reading a book
I am scared...that I will always be a crazy anxious person
I read...every night.
I am happy about...my life. When do you what Heavenly Father wants you to, you will experience the most happiness.

My New Journey: Usborne Books

2010-09-13T20:06:00.003-06:00

So I have officially started my own business...I sell Usborne Books! For those of you who don't know about Usborne Books, they are amazing books that specialize in books for kids. There are a variety of books from birth and up. The books are super interactive for kids and motivate kids to read by making reading fun! I am excited to start this new adventure and start building my personal library.

If you are interested in hosting a home show and earning tons of FREE books for your family, please call me: 801-859-4594. Home Shows are super simple and fun. We can even do Books & Brunch or Playgroups.

Also, you can check out my website and online catalog. Sign up for a drawing to win $50 in FREE books on my website: www.myubam.com/K3004.

And, if you are interested in learning what I do, and maybe doing it yourself, call me too!

Keep Reading!

I don't speak New Mexican!

2010-03-22T22:28:00.001-06:00

Daniel had his 2nd airplane trip within 3 months! We went, along with Mom, Kaycee, and Aunt Kim, down to New Mexico to visit Judy and Barry and the boys. Daniel is a great job on the airplane trip. He didn't cry at all!

New Mexico was fun. We were there for 6 days and it was fun just spending time with the family. Daniel had a ball destroying Judy's house-it isn't baby proof! He had a hard time sleeping but that can be expected being in a new place. He especially loved playing with his big cousins Alex, Trent, and Zach. I don't think they are used to having a baby around but they made him laugh and played with him all the time.

Judy's cooking is amazing and I gained 7 lbs in 6 days! Geez...I do need to get that gym membership. We practically went shopping the entire time (Kaycee needed to find a Prom dress) and when we came home, Jacob surprised us with a new truck!

Daniel got his own authentic maracas and I bought a cheap-o Mexican blanket for $7.99! What a steal!

Tagged!

2010-03-22T22:23:00.000-06:00

It's always fun to get tagged! Thanks Steph

This is Daniel's first camping trip. He looks so small in this picture! We took him hunting (Jake went and we stayed in camp) in August. He is even wearing his own little camo outfit. It was a fun trip, and not as cold as we expected. He ended up sleeping with me the entire night in my sleeping bag. There were cows all over camp which freaked Jake out! Jake thought there was a bear outside the tent. And my poor babe freaked out when Jake would moo. The face was too sad/cute!

I tag Janalyn, Andrea, Hannah, Heidi, and Cheris! And whoever wants to be tagged :)

Rules:
1. Open up your first photo file
2. Select the tenth photo
3. Post it with the story behind it
4. Tag 5 other friends

Seattle Trip!

2010-03-05T23:22:00.000-07:00

On Christmas Day, Daniel took his very 1st plane trip! We flew to Seattle to see Jake's family for Christmas. Daniel did a pretty good job on the airplane. He even had his own seat to sit in during the flight. Waiting for the airplane to board...I like baby cleavage!

It was so much fun spending time in Seattle. We haven't seen Jake's family for a while (since July) so it was good to catch up and spend some time with them. It was especially exciting because Granny and Papa came up and Daniel finally got to meet his Great-Grandparents Zornes! He also got to spend some time with Great-Grandparents Jones too, which he had never met either! Daniel just loved the attention of all his uncles and playing with Grandma Gomes all day!Grandpa Zornes and Daniel

Daniel's 1st trip to the beach! It was freezing cold so we just walked around and took some pictures. I can't wait til Daniel is old enough to play in the water!

Baby's 1st Christmas

2010-03-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

So it was Daniel's 1st Christmas and he was so much fun! We visited Grandma and Grandpa Denison on Christmas Eve and ate dinner with the family. Nana, Bompa, and Aunt Kim were there and Aunt Judy, Uncle Barry, Trent, Zach, and Alex surprised everyone and visited it too! It was super fun and the food was yummy!

Daniel wore his Christmas jammies early...he was dressed up as Santa Claus! He even opened some presents too! He really loved the paper and his MUG rootbeer cup. On Christmas morning, we let him sleep in a little bit and then he joined the fun. I think he was either still tired or tired of opening presents. He was a little grumpy. He decided he would rather eat everything, paper and all, instead of taking the time to open the presents!

Merry Be-lated Christmas!

For the Love of the Jazz

2009-12-13T21:42:00.000-07:00

Daniel went to his very first Jazz game against the Portland Trailblazers. We had AMAZING FREAKIN' seats....the 6th row! Our friends gave us the tickets and we had so much fun! Against Jake's support, I bought Daniel his very first Jazz t-shirt and we made a poster that said, "Baby's 1st Jazz Game!" We got on the big screen too! Daniel did a great job and everyone just thought he was the cutest thing. His favorite thing of the game was the thundersticks that you pound together. Go Jazz!

Happy Fall Ya'll

2009-10-30T21:37:00.001-06:00

Last weekend Jacob, Daniel, and I went to Rexburg, ID to visit family and we went to a pumpkin patch! Daniel's first ever pumpkin patch experience! He was such a good little guy as we tried all these poses with the pumpkins. Happy Halloween!

I Think We are Obsessed!

2009-09-23T22:56:00.000-06:00

Daniel has officially taken over our lives and all the walls in our house! It's amazing how much you could love such a little guy! He is truly the light of my life. His smile just warms me inside!

Cutie Pie!

2009-09-23T22:42:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures we got taken of Daniel in his adorable blessing suit! Don't you just want to squish his chubby cheeks all day long?

Happy Birthday

2009-07-13T19:36:00.000-06:00

Today is July 13th and it is Daniel's 2 month birthday. He has gotten so big! We went to the doctor today (poor little guy had to get his first shots) and he weighs 10 lbs 14 oz and is 22.75 inches long! He has officially graduated from his newborn clothes into 0-3 months!

He's Here!

2009-05-16T22:31:00.001-06:00

On Wednesday, May 13 at 4:04 am, our adorable baby boy was born weighing in at 6 lbs 10 oz and 20 inches long! We welcome Daniel Jones Zornes into the world.

He was 11 days early and we weren't really expecting him to come to us that soon, especially on our anniversary. We ended up getting a REALLY good anniversary gift.

On Monday, Jake and I went to the doctor and was told that I was finally dilated to a 2! He stripped my membranes and said he would see us next week. Well on Tuesday at school, I thought I had started leaking amniotic fluid. We had visited the hospital 2 weeks earlier for the same concern to only find out that I was peeing my pants. I was worried that the same thing was happening so I just waited until the end of the school before I went to the hospital. Jake and I got up there at about 5:00 and the nurse checked me out. The amniotic fluid test came back negative. i have to admit, I don't if I was ready for Daniel to come but I think I had psyched myself out the whole day planning on his arrival, the news that he wasn't coming was very upsetting. Not to mention how embarrassing it was going to be to go to the school the next day to tell people, again, that I was just peeing my pants. I think the nurse could tell I was bummed out so she told us to wait for about 20-30 minutes and she would check back with us again. Well 20 minutes came and the test was negative again. The nurse was concerned though because I was really wet. She went and got an OBGYN that was at the hospital to come and assess the situation and maybe shed some light on my "leaking." He came in and really couldn't explain it but he did say it seemed "suspicious." He was worried that if I went home and I really was leaking fluid, maybe a high tear, that I could risk getting an infection and it wouldn't be safe for Daniel. He suggested getting induced since I really wasn't that early and just make sure that Daniel came safely. The nurse said she would call my OBGYN and see what he said. While she was gone, Jake and I talked about our options. I guess we thought we had a choice in the matter so we called my mom and Jake's dad to get some feedback on the situation. I wasn't really worried about the labor part, I just wanted to do what was best for Daniel. 20 minutes later the nurse returned with a bag of Petocin and hooked me up. No choice! I have to admit--I was a little shocked. I had psyched myself out all day that he would come, learned that he wasn't. Then to all of a sudden be getting induced and knowing I was going to be an official Mommy in about 12 hours was all so surreal.

I got the Petocin started about 7:30 and was moved into the Labor and Deliver room. My parents came up about 1 1/2 hours later to join us. Nana, Bompa and Kim came about 9:30. The contractions started coming on really fast and really intense. They would come for about 45 seconds every minute and a half. I wasn't progressing much in the dilation area so I didn't want to get the epidural too soon to have it not last through the whole thing. I endured the pain until 10:00 and then got the epidural. Holy cow, can I just tell you how freakin' heaven sent those things are!? I couldn't feel anything after. I fell asleep for a few hours, woke up and had progressed to a 4. Fell asleep again and progressed to a 6! And by 2:00 am, I was a 10!! The nurse wanted me to push as little as possible, so we waited about an hour or so before I started pushing in hopes of having him as engaged as possible. At 3:30, the family cleared the room expect for Jacob and my mommy and I started pushing. Luckily my OBGYN arrived in time (I was so worried he wouldn't show up in time) and Daniel was born at 4:04 am on our anniversary day!

Being a mom is such a surreal experience. Looking at my little baby right after he came out was so unreal. I just stared at him because I could fathom that he was mine! I had waited 9 months to see him and here he was! He looks a lot like Jacob and even farts like him too :) I'm still waiting to see what traits he has of mine.

Thank you for everyone who has supported Jacob and I (and now Daniel) the last 9 1/2 months. Your love has been greatly appreciated. Thank you for being supportive after the deliver. I know I haven't been up to having any visitors or really talking to anyone, so I appreciate your understanding. I am hoping after Daniel and I tackle the nursing task and get back into the routine of things we will be able to have some vistors. :)

Enjoy the pictures. I know we sure do!

1 Month and Counting

2009-04-24T10:56:00.000-06:00

Today-there is officially 1 month to my due date! :) I went to the doctor on Monday and there isn't anything happening yet....My doctor said that Daniel is looking strong and healthy-a chunk-but happy. He is weighing in 10 days early, so hopefully I really only have 20 days left until he comes!

Sorry we haven't added any pictures....Daniel is so big now, we can't get a good picture from the ultrasound. I will try to add pictures of my ever-growing tummy soon.

Can I say "Thanks Spring" again?

2009-03-20T15:23:00.000-06:00

All I want to say is....thank goodness for Spring! The weather is gorgeous

Welcome Spring!

2009-03-17T21:30:00.000-06:00

Happy Spring everyone! I know I am a few days early, but I just can't help but scream from the tops of my lungs, "Welcome Spring!" I am SO ready for warm weather, not to mention the sun. After a cold, snowy winter that brought us a basement flood, a trimester long cold, and expensive heating bills, I am ready to shed some layers and soak up the sun.

It's days like today (the temp was like 60 degrees!) that I just want to thank my Heavenly Father for the sun and for the warmth. I can't imagine a place without them.

Sewing 101

2009-03-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Hi there again! This is a truly amazing piece of history happening today! I usually only blog about my baby Daniel, the days of the ultrasound, but today I am adding in some extra "stuff." Of course it is about Daniel, but...

So I have been so freakin consumed with Daniel's baby room that I think I am beginning to make myself sick. Yes I know that he's not coming for 3 more months and that he doesn't even care what his room looks like, but I take such pride in my design schemes that I have been fretting about his room in my sleep. I just have all these ideas and I can't seem to put them into the motion...not to mention that I think Jake enjoys my stress because he has decided he won't start painting the room until mid-March or early-April! Ahh!

So yesteday I took a little trip to SLC to go shopping with my Mommy and my Aunt Sylvia to go fabric shopping. The whole ideas seems so normal, right? But if you knew us, we aren't seamstresses. I barely know how to sew a straight line (I am planning on embracing my sewing "skills" after the baby is born and I can take a sewing class)! So here I spend $40 in fabric that might just end up as a big pile of strings! I bought this adorable brown cow print fabric that is super super soft. Yes, this is probably yucky, but I think I am going to make myself a robe with this stuff and just lay around naked in it, it is that soft! Sylvia purchased a bunch of fabric as well and we just have no idea what we are supposed to do with it. Hah, there's for pregnancy hormones I guess :)

I'll update you on the finished project IF we get it finished! :) Wish my good luck!

More Pictures

2009-02-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here's our favorite picture

Daniel's First Pictures

2009-02-21T11:07:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

We went to the doctor's on Tuesday, February 17th for Daniel's First "Official" Pictures. This appointment was the targeted ultrasound where every body part is looked over closely and monitored for development. We also get a super cool 4-D ultrasound done which captures Daniel in his true glory. We get to see what he "actually" looks like.

Jacob's mom Denise was in town for the appointment so she joined us in the room, as well as my mom, dad, and little sister. I think the nurses at the doctor's office were a little overwhelmed, but all well!

Everything went well during the ultrasound. The technician said that everything looks great and that he looks like a strong and healthy little boy. Thank Goodness! He was a little shy about his "parts" so we didn't get a real good shot of them. I'm glad he is learning about modesty at such a young age. It is so incredible how technology works. Just a little shift of the gadget on my tummy and we had a whole new view of Daniel's little body. I don't know how the technician sees what she does, but she showed us his brain, heart, kidneys, and tummy. By measuring his femur, his tummy, and his head we (meaning the computer) figured out that he weighs a little over 2lbs and is about 12 inches long! I have a foot long thing inside of me! Crazy!

Now for the good stuff. The technician asked if we were ready to see what he really looks like and switched into 4-D mode...duh duh. And this is wha we saw:::

It's a BOY!!!

2009-01-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I don't get to write very often, but today is my day. Amanda and I went to see the doctor yesterday and we found out we are going to have a boy. At first, the doctor said that he was being a pain in the neck because we couldn't really see, but when the baby heard that, it decided to show off the goods. If you look closely, there is an arrow that points to the...well...you know what I mean!

Ever since we found out, Amanda quit addressing the him as "Baby Zornes," but now excitedly refers to him as Daniel Jones. Now all that is left is to train Daniel to be a Football star so we can retire early and golf everyday!

Best,

Jz

Baby Zornes

2009-01-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

I know this is super late, but I wanted to post the "new" ultrasound picture. We went to the doctor on December 1st at 15 weeks. We got 3 pictures taken, but this one was really the best one. The baby was being a little stinker this time. We couldn't get a very good shot of him/her. We still don't know what we are having either.

The baby is sucking his/her thumb :)

We go to the doctor again on Monday, January 5th. The baby will 20 weeks old, so we are hoping (fingers crossed) that we get to figure out if we are having a baby girl or baby boy. We don't really care what we have, we are just happy Heavenly Father blessed us with a little spirit, but it would be nice to know what we will be having. We'll let you know as soon as we know. :)

Big Thanks

2009-01-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

So graduation happened...phew--
You would think since I've been graduated I would feel more relaxed but I feel even more stressed out. With graduation came a lot of snow (we almost died in Sardine Canyon, or at least if felt like it), lots of family in town, and a major cold. So I ended up getting sick the very last day of student teaching. Perfect timing, if you ask me, because it was a real doosey. I ended up being sick for 3 weeks and it turned into Bronchitis. Ugh...

But anyways, graduation went well. I spoke without fainting, my family all arrived in Logan and back to Salt Lake safely, and I am finally finished. I realized something huge with the whole graduation thing...I am really really loved. I want to thank everyone who traveled to Ogden to celebrate my graduation with me. I know the weather stunk, but I really truly appreciate the family and friends who love me enough to have celebrated it with me. It's your support and love that got me through the last 4 years.

I've been Tagged (or at least I think I have)

2008-11-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

8 THINGS I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT:
1. The Gospel 2. Jacob 3. My Mom and Dad and Kaycee 4. Teaching 5. Baby Zornes 6. Reading 7. Remodeling my House (sorry Jake) 8. My Young Women

8 WORDS OR PHRASES I SAY OFTEN
1. Oh Bummer 2. I'm sorry 3. Love ya 4. You are a Beautiful Daughter of God 5. No worries 6. Holy Heck 7. Love ya too 8. Hi Baby

8 THINGS I WANT TO DO BEFORE I DIE
1. Deep-sea fishing 2. Shoot an antelope 3. Visit Italy 4. Live on the Oregon Coast 5. Watch my kids get married in the temple 6. Get a Master's Degree 7. Run an "unofficial" marathon (I don't really want to run on, but be able to) 8. Learn to speak Spanish

8 THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM MY PAST
1. Heavenly Father loves me 2. Heavenly Father is really the one in control 3. Don't plan ahead to far, it won't work the way you have planned 4. Pay your tithing 5. Jacob really does love me 6. My mom and dad are always there for me 7. Sometimes people are mean and they will have to deal with God 8. Life can just suck sometimes

8 PLACES I WOULD LOVE TO GO OR SEE
1. Italy! 2. Boston 3. El Salvador 4. Alaska 5. Greece 6. Australia 7. Washington D.C 8. Mexico (just so I can get cheap vanilla)

8 THINGS I CURRENTLY NEED OR WANT
1. a maid 2. a 2nd car 3. a painted kitchen 4. a trip away from here 5. a make-over 6. new underwear 7. some new family members 8. my teeth whitened

8 PEOPLE I TAG
You!! :P

On Your Mark, Get Set, Graduate!!

2008-11-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

So graduation is finally insight. December 13th, 10:00 am, USU Spectrum. I guess you can say I am excited! I can not wait until I walk in the freezing temperatures, in a gown of black and a goofy looking hat and carry out a $20,000 paper that says that I spent 4 years in a class learning how to be a teacher! :) I am actually very excited for the day, except for one minor piece of information...I have to speak at graduation. So everyone can say, "Oh but Amanda, that's an honor...blah, blah!" It's a freakin scary honor, if nothing else. After telling Jake the bad news, he replied, "I think that's great. That is a really great opportunity." It appears that many people are willing to say that, but they never had to stand in front of 600 graduates, plus family, and faculty and spill their insides out about the last 4 years at college. It's a little overwhelming, if you ask me.

So I guess I will spend my Thanksgiving vacation fretting over my graduation speech....ahh!

But anyone reading this, if they feel inclined, can attend my graduation. The more the merrier. Like I said, here are the details:

Saturday, December 13
Procession begins at 10:00 am
The "official" commencement begins at 10:30 am
USU Spectrum
Logan, UT

Just let me know so I can get a ticket for you (tickets aren't required for the commencement service, but are required for a food gathering after).

Thanks!!

We have a BABY! 11 weeks!

2008-11-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

So Jacob and I went to the doctor today for our 2nd visit! It was so cool to see the changes that the baby has gone through since we went last time. I'm now 11 weeks along and the baby is measuring a whole 2 inches long :) It was so interesting...we saw all the fingers and the baby kept moving all over the screen. The doctor says I probably should be feeling the baby in the next 5 or so weeks. I am so excited to finally feel the baby move. Oh, and the doctor told us what he thinks the baby is...but that's our little secret until it's official! ;)

Amanda's New Job

2008-11-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a while. To be honest, I've been waiting until we go back to the doctor to post, but I have some good news!

I, Amanda Zornes, have accepted my first-ever teaching position for the school year 2008-2009! I officially start Dec 15th right after graduation. I'll be working at North Park Elementary School in Roy in a Special Education class. The position is such a huge blessing and it sounds like such a great opportunity. The district knows I'm having a baby and everything and they are way fine with it. No strings attached for next year...I'm finished once the baby comes :)

Watch our Movie!

2008-10-06T19:27:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Jacob!

2008-09-16T05:22:00.000-06:00

August 3rd is Jacob's special birthday. He is an OLD man now! He turned the big 2-5...twenty-five! Haha. His birthday was on a Sunday so I tried to make it as amazing as ever. I put up the "Happy Birthday" sign which I came to find out, Jacob doesn't think it that amazing...and the family came up for dinner at our house. We ate some pulled pork sandwiches and Utah corn. It was yummy, if I can say so myself. And then we ate some CAKE! Here are some pictures of Jacob blowing out his candles.

Happy Birthday! Feliz Cumpleanos!

Brand-New Bathroom

2008-09-16T05:08:00.000-06:00

Let me explain....
We have two bathrooms in our house. The upstairs bathroom is complete-yellow paint, rugs, shower curtain, towels, a new faucet--good.
The downstairs bathroom has been a little neglected. We threw a shower curtain in there and some candles and that's just how it's been since we've moved. I've had this "craving" to fix it up a bit. We just have never really had the excuse to spend some money on a bathroom that gets used once a month. So I have this brilliant idea that I would have a yard sale and make my own money for the bathroom. Let's just say that Jacob wasn't too keen on the idea. I started gathering things in the garage (luckily we don't park in there) for like 4 months, maybe longer. And I planned the day and everything. Well, the big day of the yard sale, I realized I couldn't do it myself. So Jacob, my super husband, saved the day. He used all his mad Spanish skills to speak with the locals and we made ourselves $244. Add in the $6 that Jake paid me to end the yard sale (we had been sitting there for 1 hour without anyone coming by so Jake wanted it to be over) and we rounded out at an even $250. Wow! Jake admitted later that he didn't expect to make that much money...and I have all these fantastic ideas for the house.
First on my list...the downstairs bathroom!
We went searching for the perfect shade of paint and got started-or should I really say, Jake got started. I was left to do something else because Jake doesn't "approve" of my painting skills. :P
Now visualize this...the whole room is a gross white color and with a little paint, now we have a coastal dream. Haha, okay that's what I hoped for it, but I'm not sure if it actually looks like that. We replaced the bright orange curtain with a more subtle white (with sea shells..don't worry we aren't that boring). The walls are now a light blue (not sky blue...can't explain it). The towels now correspond with the white rug. We are working on some pictures for the bathroom. In Virginia we bought an old window from an antique store. We FINALLY did something with it. The plan is to paint it white and put some pictures in it and hang it in the bathroom. I am also going to grab some sand from the Oregon beach (when we visit for Thanksgiving) and do something with that. Now Cheris, not only are you going to be proud that I actually wrote, but here are some pictures too! :) Enjoy

Okay...well nevermind

2008-09-16T05:07:00.001-06:00

Alright, so I am pathetic! How incredibly pathetic am I? It's been like 2 freakin' months since I've written...and well that is just plain pathetic. Cheris has been getting on me because I have updated by blog, so here goes.

I wasn't called to be a Preacher

2008-07-26T14:02:00.000-06:00

Holy cow! I am doing an awesome job with this blogging thing. I think this is my 2nd post this week! :)

So I just wanted to update everyone and tell them that on Sunday July 27, 2008--the Zornes family (yes, Jacob and me) are taking over the Rockcliff 5th ward meetings! Duh-duh...we are talking in Sacrament, singing in the choir (with my expertise as a choir director :P), playing our very own hermonica rendition, and I am teaching in Relief Society. Holy hannah...I didn't know that someone could participate so much on one Sunday. Hopefully we don't turn anyone away :) We tend to do that...

Happy Trails to You

2008-07-24T21:54:00.000-06:00

Jake and I survived the Pioneer Trek!

We went on July 9-12 to Martin's Cove, Independence Rock, and the Willie Center. We were a Ma and Pa! It was one of the coolest experiences that Jake and I have done together.

We had 8 "kids" and 1 "aunt." Our family name was "The Goonies!" Whenever Jake whistled, and said, "Hey Goonies!" we would all answer back, "Hey You Guys!" We had briefly met our kids before the trek, but we really got to know them on the bus ride and throughout the weekend. We try not to brag, but I think we had the best family. Our kids worked so hard and had a great attitude the entire time. Even with blisters, one of our girls getting hospitalized for a week, and a bad knee--they kept smiling the entire time. They loved pulling and pushing the handcart. I think we were very blessed to have the kids and the aunt that we did.

So the first day we drove all the way to Willie Center which is really in the middle of no-where! I tell ya, Wyoming is one depressing place. It all looks exactly the same. There is no variety to the landscape at all. The bus ride took us about 7 hours. Yep, we drove on a school bus for 7 hours.

One stop-in Evanston, WY-we all got out to stretch and use the bathroom. Now picture a group of over 150 people all dressed in pioneer grub. Bonnets, suspenders, dresses, aprons....the whole thing. Well there were some people taking pictures of us. I think they thought we were either Amish or Polygamist. It was kind of funny.

When we got to the Willie Center, the first day was kind of a relaxing-game day. We played Pioneer games (Cow Pie Toss, Stick Pull, Pie Eating Contest, Tug-O-War, Barrel Racing) and had a Horseshoe Contest. Jake and I got 4th place! We also had a group square dance.
It took us a while to get the hang of it, but then everyone got used to the beat and the moves and we had a lot of fun! The mosquitoes were the worst! I have never seen so many mosquitoes in my whole entire life. I counted 9 bites on my face alone. We went through 2-3 bottles of repellent. After the trek, I'm convinced that repellent doesn't work.

The second day was the big hike day. We hiked 10 miles. The trail is one big loop. We cross the Sweetwater 5 times throughout the day. The mosquitoes were really really horrible and it was really hot. I can't even begin to imagine what the Pioneers went through to get to Utah. They didn't even have all the modern accessories like us.

We stopped at a place called Sixth Crossing. Sixth Crossing is where the Willie Handcart Company was camped when the rescuers from Salt Lake (or the Valley Boys) came and saved them. The camp spot (or where it is suspected they stayed) is just past the Sweetwater and looks out across some rolling hills. A missionary couple spoke to us about the story of the Willie rescue. It gave me chills just imaging how it would have felt to look across the horizon and see rescue wagons coming for you, when there was almost no hope left. The joy they probably felt is incomprehensible. Heavenly Father had truly sent angels that day.

At one point of the trail, the men were called to be a part of the Mormon Battalion. While this did not actually take place during the Willie and Martin Handcart companies, the stake wanted to reenact the Mormon Battalion because it provides a very good experience for everyone. All the men were called to leave and they began walking away. The women had to pull the handcarts by themselves. My family was strong and we did it! It's not that the hike was very strenuous, it was just long. I kept wondering when we were going to stop walking. I missed Jake and all my boys. They later told us we hiked 3/4 of a mile without the men. When we finally reached the top of hill, all of the men were lined up on both sides of the trail with their hats on their hearts. It was a very reverent experience. Many of the guys were crying. I can't even being to think how the women felt having to say good bye to their loved ones, wondering when or if they would ever see them again, and then having to continue on the trail alone. Just for that 3/4 of a mile we went, I missed Jake and wondered when it was over.

We crossed the Sweetwater without a bridge 3 times. The Sweetwater was a lot swifter than I thought it would be.

In the end, we had walked about 10 miles throughout the day. A portion of our hike was on the actual Mormon trail-where real Pioneers walked. That was a very sacred experience.

The third day we rode the bus 60 miles East to Martin's Cove and Independence Rock. The Willie Handcart was approximately 12 days ahead of the Martin Handcart at the beginning of the trek. Martin's Cove (or the Visitors Center) is an oasis in the middle of Wyoming. There are trees and grass! It is beautiful. We watched 2 movies on the rescue of the Martin Handcart company before beginning the hike to the cove. The cove hike is about 5 miles round trip. You hike without the handcarts through the cove. The cove is very sacred and so the missionaries asked us to remain silent as we walked. My "aunt" in my family had hiked 10 miles before, only slept 20 minutes the night before, and was determined to get to the Cove. We held hands the entire time so she could make it. I was so proud of her!

We crossed the Sweetwater after walking to Martin's Cove. After the members of Martin Handcart left Martin's Cove and began walking forward, they fell upon their knees and cried at the sight of the Sweetwater River. About a week before, they had the horrible experience of crossing the North Platte River, where many of the company died and those who hadn't, were desperately affected by the icy water. The idea of crossing the Sweetwater in such a weary state seemed an impossible trial. It was at this point of the trail that the famous "Sweetwater Rescue" took place. 4 of the rescue party carried every member across the icy river to the other side. We did the math and that was about 250 crosses for each rescuer. We reenacted the rescue by having the boys carry the girls across the river. Jake and one of our sons, Mark, carried me fireman-style across the river. Mark then carried me back to the other side after. Mark is a skinny kid. I think I weigh more than him, so without verbally telling me, he was scared to carry me. We ended up having to have the a counselor in the Stake Presidency stand next to us in case we fell in. I wasn't too worried-it was a hot day and would've been refreshing-but Mark was scared. We made it across safely :)

I was doing some research online and realized that Independence Rock is just that, a rock. I wasn't too excited. When we got there it was absolutely amazing! It's this totally slick rock that you can run straight up. I mean, there are no trees, no dirt, nothing--just rock. Once you get up to the top, you can see for miles (well, it is Wyoming after all). There are names of pioneers and outlaws engraved upon the top of the rock. It is told that if the pioneer companies could get to Independence Rock by July 4th, they would make it to the valley before the first winter storm. When the companies did reach Independence Rock, they would celebrate their arrival by climbing the rock and engraving their names into it.The last thing we did that day, which was absolutely incredible--we went to Independence Rock. Now, before the trek, Jake and I thought that Independence Rock was Chimney Rock (the rock that stands up straight into the sky). I was The oldest name we found was from 1854. It's kind of cool thinking that pioneers stood right where I did.

On the way down the rock, there was a real live rattlesnake on the trail! It was freaky! It even rattled its tail. Some guy was stupid and kept poking it with a stick. He said "he was just keeping track of it" but all the women were a little freaked out about the whole thing. If I learned anything on this trek, its that women are smart, men are stupid, and rattlesnakes are freaky!

Overall, the trek was one amazing experience for both of us. This, of course, is my (Amanda) perspective of the whole thing. I'll try to get Jake to write his. I felt a lot of great spiritual feelings while on the trek. The most important thing I learned was gratitude for the pioneers. I am SO grateful that they pushed through the hunger, snow, wind, death, and fear to get to the Salt Lake Valley. Their testimonies were rock...and nothing earthly prevailed against them.

During the last night, I got up to go to the bathroom and it was freezing!! It's the middle of July and there was ice in our coolers the next morning. We suspected that is got around 20 degrees during the night. I was freezing. I thought about how cold the pioneers were. It is recorded that without the wind, it was -11 degrees. When you add the wind chill in there, the temperature was bone chilling. I then realized, that with the temperature, little to no food, no shelter, no clothing, exhaustion, etc--it is an absolute miracle that there were survivors of the trek. I think that many times we (meaning modern-day members) look at the Willie and Martin Handcart situation as a tragic disaster. Almost 200 people died making the trek West. It all seems like a horrible decision, but then I thought that the whole thing is a miracle. No body should have lived under those conditions--no body. It is a miracle that Heavenly Father preserved the 700 people in the companies. He truly was bestowing His power upon them.

I am grateful I was called to be a Ma. It will definitely be an experience that I will never forget. I am glad that Jacob was with me the entire time (well, excluding the Women's Pull) and that we got to experience this together. I loved my family and the whole experience (minus the mosquitoes :P)

Thanks for reading!

Bridal Veil Falls

2008-07-24T21:36:00.001-06:00

Jake and I visited Bridal Veil Falls on July 5, 2008. I will admit, I was a little apprehensive about hiking up the falls after so many people have fallen and died at the falls, or so it seems. I decided to swallow my fear, and we had a great time.

The falls was packed with people. We hiked up to the top of the falls and got under the water! It was freakin' freezing! Jake tried to be Mr. Mountain Man and hike farther up. I was scared to death that he was going to fall and kill himself. He ended up being okay, but I was still don't understand what thrill men get hiking straight up a mountain and not listening to their wives.

I think Jake got a little more wet than me.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-14T21:47:00.001-06:00

It might be late, but Happy Independence Day! Jake and I decided to be different this year, so we went to Park City for the holiday weekend. We rented a condo (which was very affordable and it even had a jetted tub!) and just relaxed the whole weekend.

We drove to Park City, which is about an 1 1/2 drive from Ogden. The great thing is that we get to go through Weber Canyon which is an amazing looking canyon. The natural formations of the canyon is awesome.

When we got to Park City, we wanted to be "different" so we tried out Thai food for the first time. It wasn't too bad and we had tons of left overs for the weekend. Once thing we learned though-in a nice restaurant expect to pay A LOT of money. We had a Buy One Get One Free Coupon and the total still came to $34.00, and that's without drinks. I don't know exactly what we bought, but our food budget was shot the first night.

The next morning (the 4th of July) we went to the outlet stores. Jake has never been there before so he was so excited to learn there was a golf store. He was expecting a Golf store-as in clubs, balls, shoes, etc. Come to find out, it's a golf store-as in clothes and hats. He was very disappointed, not to mention that the store didn't even sell his brand of clubs. The day was a pretty nice shopping spree for me. Jake ended up getting nothing while I got 2 lip glosses, a $4.00 shirt, and some awesome new running shoes. The outlet stores were also doing some 4th of July activities and we (or rather I) won a red purse and an American Idol shirt. Poor Jake!

After the shopping, we went to see the Olympic Park. We were planning on riding on the Alpine Slide but it's like $15.00 a ride. Umm, a little too much for us. We ended up just walking around and watching others do the activities. The cool thing we saw were some people training for the Freestyle Skiing. They would ski down a ramp and do flips in the air, landing into a swimming pool. Jake and I are convinced that we are going to save up and take a day class so we can try out Freestyle Skiing. Never know-we may be Olympic material :)

Later that night we went to a park and watched the fireworks. Jake was paranoid that we were going to be late so we left at like 8:30. We ended up waiting for 1 1/2 hours before the fireworks even began. The park was packed and some stupid kid wasn't being supervised while lighting the fireworks. I was convinced he was going to blow his hand off. Luckily, he survived and we enjoyed a very happy 4th of July.

Hi Everyone!

2008-07-13T20:06:00.000-06:00

Hi! It's me...Amanda. I think I've had this blog up for a while, but have never done anything with it. I keep getting emails from all my friends with their blogs and I've been inspired to finally do something with it. Hope you enjoy!

Thanks!