Into the Archives 54-Cliff Dwellings

Today is Ranger Report day at Philmont and I'm missing New Mexico like nothing else. So I'm going back to my very first memory of New Mexico.
Sometime in 2004, we were on a road trip in the southwest and stopped at Bandelier National Monument (at least we are pretty sure that's what it was but it's been so long we're not sure). There, we hiked a short distance to the long-abandoned cave dwellings of the Pueblo people.

I only have wispy memories but I do remember climbing up into the little caves and being in awe that people had actually lived there and imagined what it might have been like had I lived there.

With a quick glance, this canyon almost looks like the scenery you see from the back country camp "Indian Writings" (appropriately enough). I had no idea back then how important this kind of landscape would become to me. The park is just a 3 hour drive from Philmont. *commence nostalgic whimpering*

Into the Archives 53-Baptism

It's been a few days short of 11 years since I was baptized. One of the best decisions I've made but a hard one because the process leading up to it was terrifying. I had a really bad case of stage fright when I was younger so having a spotlight on me in any form petrified me. I knew baptism was important and I wanted to do it but I didn't want anyone to come to watch. I just wanted to get it over with. I honestly don't know what I was afraid of. I wasn't afraid of water, I didn't think I was going to embarrass myself and I wouldn't have to do any talking if I didn't want to and yet anything that involved preparing for that day was very hard. It was a struggle because I wanted a say in how the program would go but whenever I was asked to give my input, I froze up and ran away. Somehow everything was coordinated and the day came.

My birthday happened to fall on a Sunday so I was baptized a few hours after church. I dressed in my little white jumpsuit so I felt like a karate kid as I did a few air drop kicks in the hall while no one was looking. Then people started showing up. I was really hoping everyone would forget to come but apparently pretty much the whole ward decided to show up. Wonderful. I sat there just trying to keep myself calm as my bishop gave a talk and my mom sang a song. Then it was time for the baptism. I stepped into the font. Everyone has horror stories about the water being to hot or cold but this water was perfect. As soon as it was done, a rush of relief swept over me. My mom helped me dry my hair and get dressed in my new white dress. I felt like a princess. I sat through the rest of the program, way more at ease now. The next talk was given after which I was confirmed by my dad. It was done and I felt great.

Into the Archives 52-Snow Creek

Another fun adventure with EJ: Snow Creek. A ski resort...in Missouri. Yes, downhill skiing, hill being the key word. No, we don't have mountains. You know, it's the best we have. But I had a blast. We spent the entire day there, starting with a short lesson on the very basics. The instructor thought we were sisters but we let that slide.

I spent several hours getting used to the bunny hill, then I braved the next biggest hill. I went down several times until I lost control and was sent flying, one of my skis popping off as I tumbled. I went back to the smaller hill and continued until I was exhausted. I still remember the gasps around me as I lost control again, this time both of my skis snapping off of my boots while I did whatever I could to stay out of the way of oncoming skiers. Although I wasn't hurt, I was a little shaken up and decided to call it a day.

And that was my first and only experience skiing. Yep, being a Midwestern has it's downfalls. Or lack of the down, really.

MoPro 2015

I originally wasn't planning on it, but I decided to go to Mormon Prom this year. My "girly mentor", Meagan, helped me get ready. She went dress shopping with me and did my hair and makeup. I found my dress for $25 at a resale boutique and my mom put some sleeves on it. My mom also made a boutineer (3, actually) for my date, Henry.

 When we were ready, Henry's mom and sister came to take our pictures.

We went to a Venezuelan restaurant, El Porton, for dinner and then went to the dance. It was held in Old Shawnee Town Hall which was a refreshing change form the usual church gym. We didn't stay too late because we had our last track meet the next day but it was an enjoyable evening nonetheless. Sometimes dressing up can be fun. Sometimes.

Into the Archives 51-Mothers Day

In honor of mothers day, here's to all the amazing and yet under appreciated mothers out there. This video is from 1999 (as it so conveniently says on the screen).