Should be sleeping...

It's been forever since I haven't been able to fall asleep. Seriously...forever. I am usually out about 5 seconds after my head hits the pillow...ask Dallas. Well, not now, he's next to me breathing in that deep, "I'm SOUND asleep" kind of way, surprisingly not snoring. This brain of mine will NOT shut off.

Well, I almost got on here yesterday and the day before just to write a few little cute blurbs about Lincoln. I can't believe how much he is changing...just in the last few days. He tries to copy everything we say now (monitoring myself has been a priority lately (:) and he just jabbers like he is trying to teach US everything HE knows. I love it. He is also quite adventurous. I was with a friend today at the park and he walked right up to the top of the big kids' slide, without waiting for even a second to make sure anyone was watching or show off or anything, he just took off. He proceeded to do that 3 times, head first, feet first and on his tummy, and finally the 'normal' way (if there is such a thing to a kid). The other day I caught him tipping over the trash can and then balancing on top of it. I find myself thinking, "Okay...let's see, what is the worst thing that could happen in this situation..." I don't want to hover too much and want him to experience being a boy, getting hurt and exploring things, without of course being neglectful. I think I'm pretty well rounded in that department, but we'll see. He's come out with some good bruises, I'd like to be moderate and not let the pendulum swing from being overprotective to passive. Some days are better than others in that respect. :) I'm enjoying the journey though.

I find myself being grateful for the umpteenth time in my life. I am so happy. I married an amazingly selfless man who makes me feel beautiful and cherished. I feel like he has a maturity about him that allows him to see beyond the surface of those "surface things" in life. He breaks complicated situations down to the principles behind them and creates solutions with a perspective that is refreshing. He makes me want to be better, yet makes me feel like I am more than enough. If we have any daughters...their future husbands are in for some seriously high expectations. We work hard to maintain and improve what we started with and although I'm sure I've driven him close to crazy a million times, I think it's fair to assume we both agree that it has been more than worth the effort, disagreement, and emotion. I am starting to understand line upon line, precept upon precept, what the grace of God really is and what it truly does.

If my boys were all I had in this world, I would still feel like the luckiest girl ever. I guess I am learning more about what it means to have joy. There are tough decisions to be made, heartaches to have, and expectations left unmet, but through it all, joy trumps it all. And we can feel it in the midst of darkness if we look hard enough. I have had people tell me otherwise time and again, and poke at my inexperience, age, or naivety, but that's okay. Really. I'm glad I get to make my own choices. Especially when and where it really counts.

There are so many exciting things going on in our lives right now, but I'll have to wait for another post. I've got some funny pics of Linc to share...and sleep is finally starting to come to me...

You know when I'm down to just my socks it's time for business, that's why they call them business socks...

"Uh oh" and "Hi Zee" were somewhere in this conversation that Lincoln had with himself.

After moving the nasty plunger into the garage and forgetting I had done so, I find Lincoln using it as a walking stick (thank goodness he wasn't sucking on it or something). I say, "Lincoln, bring that to mommy, that's icky. Yuck. YUCKY. COME HERE." He turns, places it on the concrete matter of factly, giggles and then turns and runs down the sidewalk with it. Here we go people...here we go!

When Lincoln first saw these goats, he runs over and says, "Hi ZEE!!" This picture unfortunately makes him look apprehensive, but he was everything but. I could have sworn he was trying to open the goat's mouth and shove his fingers up the poor animals nose. Giggling the whole time like someone was tickling him. Crazy.

One of our last attempts of the summer/early fall to play in the kiddie pool. I bought some Danimals, thinking they would be a great yogurt/drink for Lincoln. This is him in .002 seconds.

I put on Baby Signing Times for Lincoln and got on the computer to check my email. About 5 minutes later I look over at the chair he likes to sit in to watch it and I find this. He climbed up onto the coffee table from his chair and was eating his fishy crackers like it was no big deal. Really, between you and me, it's totally not a big deal. But I guess we must teach our children manners somehow.

This is Linc at Goodwill. He found the Barbie Jeep. Takes after Uncle Heath apparently...for those of you who are familiar with Heath's pink Barbie Car as a kid you know what I mean...I've yet to have a meltdown or major tantrum with Lincoln in public. I mean, I hadn't YET had one until THIS day. Quite hilarious actually. He wanted that jeep. Sorry dude.

Lincoln after sliding down one of the slides at the pumpkin patch. This kid is determined to climb back up every slide he goes down.

I tagged along with a preschool group that my friends are in for a trip to the pumpkin patch. Here are the little brothers and sisters of the group and Lincoln on the fence. They are all within 6 months of each other. Fun Times!

Until next time!

SummaTIME!!

I know the shoulda, woulda, coulda's are lame and totally ineffective, but every time I do a blog post, I get kind of frustrated with my lack of initiative when it comes to picture taking. It's really not that big of a deal to carry my camera around or even use my camera on my phone...BUT thanks to DALLAS, (and his Android) we have visual memories. I wish I could've captured some more of our awesome summertime travels but being that I update my blog ever few MONTHS, I guess I don't need to have a gazillion MORE pictures than what I have below.

An update without pictures: I am currently watching two extra boys for the summer until their momma has her baby ANY DAY now, so that has kept me busy! Robert is 7, going on 17 and Isaac is two weeks older than Lincoln. We play lots at the parks and schools around here and Robert does all sorts of things for me around the house in order to earn time on the Wii. :) He's quite the worker. Not to mention I'm pretty sure they are both geniuses. I'll be honest, going from one to three kids was no easy task and sometimes I feel a little trapped with having less freedom, but it really is a great experience for me and has taught me a lot about how much attitude affects us each and every day. There have been some really sweet moments that I'll cherish.

I feel that every kid should know how to roller skate. Growing up, I swear my family was always at Roller King or Sierra Skate playing roller hockey, trying to beat each other in the speed skate, or perfecting the backward skate. Heath was super fast and quite the hockey player by I think age 5, so I thought Robert could totally pick it up. I had him learn in some Rollerblades that I got at Goodwill for like 5 bucks a while back. He mastered it in no time and today as he sped by me I said, "Dude, you are AWESOME." His classic response in a "duh" tone of voice was, "Yeah I know. It just takes practice." Priceless. That is what I said to him every time he fell smack on his butt. Isaac also picked up how to sign "more" from the Baby Signing times video and is so adorable with his little toothy grin when he wants more banana. I will miss them when Courtney has her baby, but I'm sure we'll hang out and see each other around. So I will take a few pictures with them to post soon. I will be excited to just have Lincoln time and get some more projects accomplished that are waiting for me too, so it is a bittersweet experience for sure.

On to the pictures!

Just wanted to claim that this truly is my child. You can tell by how he is all over the place when he sleeps.

Brie: Weren't you the one that warned Dallas about my sleeping "SKILLZ" on our wedding video?

Lincoln spends a lot of time in the jogger, although it is mostly in the Double BOB since I've had Isaac since May.

I had to include this picture of Jack. I love this kid. He wanted to ride Dallas' bike.

Brookie came to visit us for a week back in July and so we totally sported the onesie she sent Lincoln. Tru dat sistah.

I'm waiting on Brooke to send me the pictures SHE took, but didn't want to wait to post, so here are a few of while she was here. The above picture is Lincoln at the beach in Seaside. His first experience was a success and he ate a lot of sand as expected!

Brooke using her mad skills with her sweet camera making us look good. Thanks Brooke (and thanks for posting on Facebook so I could steal more pics from you)!

Again. Skills applied.

On our way home late Saturday night, we hit this random and dangerous pot hole and totally blew our tire. GRATEFULLY, Dallas called up a buddy who dropped everything to come help us since we had everything EXCEPT the tire wrench to fix it. Thanks Jacob!

This is my new sister! I LOVE her. She and Heath are perfect for each other.

Watching them together and being part of their beautiful and special day was so much fun. I've been to a lot of weddings, but being there for a sibling, especially after having experienced it yourself, is so awesome. Several times throughout the day I kept thinking, "Ahhh....I think they are as in love with each other as Dallas and I are!" It was so fun to feel their love and adoration for each other.

My beautiful sisters. PS they are 14 and 16, so no I will not hook you up. :)

After the wedding, Dallas and I stayed in Cali for an extra week. We celebrated our 6th anniversary in Tahoe for 3 days and left Lincoln with my mom and dad. It was fantastic! We started our trip to Tahoe by stopping in Cool to do a round of golf with Grandma Boyer and Grandpa Simmons.

This is a bell that Grandpa put up at one of the holes in memory of Grandma Simmons. She had always suggested that there be one to ring since this particular hole wasn't visible from the tee box and most of the fairway It is so beautiful and such a sweet tribute since she spent so much of her time golfing.

Action shot of Grandma Boyer. I hope I can be as fit as her when I'm 89! Go VADA!!

LAKE TAHOE! I can't get over how blue the water is. Incredibly amazing!

After we rented a Jet Ski. Dallas is hardcore. I haven't been on one for several years and was a bit hesitant to go full throttle, but he WASN'T. So fun though!

We spent 5 hours on the beach one day just talking and reading. I REALLY appreciated the uninterrupted and completely carefree time with MY MAN!

But he is Soooo cute, yes? Lincoln didn't even miss us and had a great time hanging out with Gramma and Grampa. He found this little table and chairs just his size upstairs at Gramma's.

The day Dallas and I got back from Tahoe, we picked up Sarah and Heath from their honeymoon and watched them open presents. Man, can we get married again, so we can get a whole bunch MORE free stuff? ;)

Heath crackin open a bottle of bubbly...sparkling cider. So fun to see them one last time before we left!

Lincoln helping me pack. I'm kind of intense when I pack for trips or trips home. :)

These are just fun pics of Linc. Gram made matching beanies for us all last Christmas and Lincoln's finally fits. I love this pic.

This is what Lincoln looks like a majority of the time. Crossing our fingers that it will stay this way for many years to come! If not however, we've got some GREAT memories.

Linc eating a watermelon at a work party for Dallas last weekend. He was going to town!

Stay tuned for some videos!

Until next time, be well!

Some Thoughts

You know how sometimes you just have those self-reflective times in life? I've been having a month or so of that and just can't get over the fact that I have been blessed WAY beyond what I deserve. My life is not perfect, but it's mine and I am happy. It's a choice. It's always been a choice. I am learning that lesson more and more as I get older.

Dallas and I just celebrated our 6 anniversary on the 6th and Heath got married the week before that. I feel like these milestones create an "evaluation check" in my soul to see where I am with the important principles in my life and if I'm doing the things that I know I'm meant to do. Am I on track with my Life To Do list? Am I making a difference? Am I leaving people better than I found them? Am I enjoying the journey? All sorts of these.

While I was visiting with family at Heath's wedding, I surprisingly found myself really missing Grandma Simmons. She would have been so proud of Heath and Sarah and who they are individually and what they are building together. She would have given such amazing counsel and had a smile on her face. You would have heard her speak from across the room since she usually sounded like she swallowed a microphone whenever she spoke. It was so endearing though. It's almost been two years since she passed. Crazy how time flies. I hope we are making her proud by how we live our lives. I found this email I wrote to her the week before she died. I hope someday that I can be the type of woman she was.

Hi Grandma,
It was so great to see you last weekend. What a treat to spend most of the day with you just chatting about life and love and as always, I cherish that time with you. I wish I could put into words just how much I love and appreciate you, but I think words fail us most in these times for a reason. What we feel in our hearts trumps it all. Thank you. Thank you for being my hero's hero. I can't tell you how many times I have listened to my dad speak about your amazing example and love and how it helped shape him into what he is. In turn, those qualities and lessons have helped shape me. You've created a ripple affect and a legacy that will outlive us all.

I was just thinking the other day about some of the fun times we had when we would go to Gramma Simmons' house. I loved that every time we spent time with you, we did just that, spent TIME together. I remember going on walks to the school across from your house, going to the pumpkin patch, walking down to 7-11 to get slurpees or to Round Table Pizza to play at the arcade. At Gramma's house I could always count on Kraft Singles, Twizzlers on the top right shelf in your kitchen cupboard, pickles and dried apricots. (But you always warned me about eating too many dried apricots). :) I think my favorite memory with you is when we would cuddle up on the day bed in your guest room while you read us the Dr. Suess books. You always teach us such great life lessons and principles, and it started when we were little learning about Starbelly Sneetches who had Stars upon thars and how it doesn't matter what's on the outside, but what's on the inside that truly matters. Then we'd always read through to the next story about the Zax that refused to move in their tracks and about how it never paid off to be that stubborn (at least that's the lesson I remember). Then of course there was the story about the pants with nobody inside them that would run through the woods. Now that one just freaked me out, what was the moral to that one? :) Thanks for always letting Lexi and Emily and me mess around with your pretty square dancing dresses and letting us be and act our age.

I can't believe how many lives you've touched. It was so amazing and endearing to see everyone at your 50th anniversary party. I mean, I knew you were cool, but when I saw that many people there and each of them with their own unique experiences and fond memories of you, it made me feel a great sense of pride and even more love. I though, "Yep, that's MY grandma." I brag about you all the time to my friends and tell them about how positive you are about life and what it presents to us. Even though the miles have separated us through the years, I've always felt a very close bond to you and I've so appreciated your advice and counsel throughout my life. Since I've been married, it has truly been a blessing for me to see your relationship with Grandpa and really appreciate the love that you two share. That type of love withstands it all. I think most of all, at this stage in my life, I want to thank you for that example. Thanks for your attitude and love towards Grandpa. It has taught me a lot about what true love really is and what true love really DOES. Love is a verb and you've been busy all your life demonstrating this important principle that so many people miss.

I love you. I appreciate you. I admire you.

Ashley

Link Kissing

I know you missed us!

Uggghh…so it’s been two months…I know, I know...you missed us! As I started writing this, I thought about putting something like, “I’m such a slacker…” But you know WHAT? I’m SOO not a slacker. And now that I AM updating my blog instead of just doing one of a million other things I ALSO enjoy, I realize, there is no need for such negativity. So, yes, it has been two months. Why? None of your business. HA! It just wasn’t a priority. Now it is. Ah, the choices I get to make in my life! =)

HOWEVER, I will say that when I wait this long to update my blog, I get kind of overwhelmed because I always have so many pictures and activities to catch up on. I don’t really think, “I canNOT wait to update my blog!!” I think, “AH CRAP. I gotta get ON this ASAP because it’s going to take FOREVER if I don’t do it soon.” What I’ve learned from this: 1. Moderation in all things is KEY in my life. A little here and there of several things in my life makes most things manageable (including the hardest thing for me to manage…my expectations). The 2^nd thing I’ve learned: I am grateful. Grateful that technology provides a way for me to share my thoughts in a way that TOTALLY covers any journal writing/scrap booking urge I have about the “travel log” of my life. I do reserve my journal for how I feel about things that happen in my life, but the day to day experiences and events usually end up here. (Also grateful that I don’t have to pay a boat load to develop pictures that will sit in a box. Grateful again that I can type this. I type WAY faster than I could possibly write, so since efficiency is one of my favorite things, I appreciate my beloved keyboard…except that currently, my backspace key is out of order which is kind of annoying).

So…onto the past two months. I’ll start with the most recent…

We just returned from a GREAT weekend in Lincoln City with some fabulous friends. If I ever get around to asking for pictures from the person that took them, I’ll post them. In this case I WAS a slacker on the picture taking. We had so much fun. The weather was a bit dreary for most of the time, but with such great company, it didn't really affect us. We did some shopping at the outlets, ate AMAZING crepes, sushi, Pad Thai, and biscuits and gravy, (all cooked by friends) and the best activity of all was going out to shoot some pool and doing KARAOKE. Oh, if only you could have seen Dallas sing to Birdhouse in Your Soul by They Might Be Giants. CLASSIC. He was a total hit. However, I have not gone on such little sleep since college. I believe that is the culprit to me currently having a cold. TOTALLY worth the sacrifice though. Fun times. I have few pictures (all taken by Dallas) so here they are:

Um...YUM!!!

Believe it or not, this shot DID go in! I have witnesses!

Introducing Lincoln to the beach at Lincoln City

The night before we left for Lincoln City, we celebrated Lincoln's first birthday. Can you believe he is 1? Insane. We kept it low key on purpose and just let him devour a whole cake. Quite funny. Here is the evidence...

Mother’s day this year was my first official Mother’s day. Although Dallas was very thoughtful last year and honored the pregnant me, this year it was legit. Dallas treated me to an AMAZING breakfast of biscuits and gravy…all homemade I might add, and some yummy eggs and sausage. I was stuffed. I also got sweet cards from him AND Lincoln and he gave me a gift certificate for an hour and a half massage. Heavenly. Here are a few pics of him making his biscuits.

Soooo yummy.

So I’m the Camp Director for Girls’ Camp this year and one of our fundraisers was a Wii Bowling Tournament. It was a lot of work, but so worth it and so much fun!! The girls presold tickets and we included a taco dinner, babysitting, dessert and the Wii Bowling Tournament in the price of the tickets. The girls really took ownership of the night and did a great job facilitating all of the moving pieces. (Of course, Dallas was a HUGE help. He set up ALL the TVs and Wiis and made sure we had everything we needed. What a stud.)

The first weekend in May, Dallas woke me up on Saturday morning and told me to pack a lunch and a jacket and that we were heading out for the day. We drove to Astoria (where Goonies was filmed, FYI- not the reason we went, but cool nonetheless). Here are a few pictures of us at the Astoria Column.

It was really windy up there! I do have to say I was only disappointed with one thing: There is a place called the Custard King in Astoria and I walked over to it so excited to get some custard…only they DON’T SERVE CUSTARD. What the heck? They only serve soft serve yogurt that (and I quote with a high pitched voice) “tastes a lot like custard…it’s reeeally creamy.”

Yeah, no thanks.

After we went to Astoria we decided to hit Seaside. LOVED it. Beautiful beach. Family reading this: Next time you come to visit, we’re going to SEASIDE. Such a fun little town. We walked through several shops, got a TON of salt water taffy that only lasted about a week, and experienced deep fried oreos, cookie dough and hohos…worth it? Absofreakinlutely NOT. They were disgusting. I almost threw up in my mouth uploading the pictures. So gross. Okay, maybe the oreos for a half a second. SO NOT WORTH IT. But, we did have to try it.

Early in April, we flew out to Utah for Dallas’ 10 year mission reunion. I really enjoyed meeting some of his companions from the mission and hearing the great stories they had to share. Dallas still talks about his mission like it was yesterday and I love it. I was excited to be a part of such a great memory for him. He lights up when he talks about the Taiwanese people and the message he shared with them about Jesus Christ.

While in Utah we got to reconnect with quite a few friends we haven't seen in a few years. It was awesome. One of my roommates from BYU, Mary Clark is a photographer, so we had her take some pictures of us while we were in town. Here are a few of our faves:

After the reunion I went to California to be with my sisters while my parents went to San Diego. Timing actually worked out great because my great grandmother stayed with us for that week after having been in the hospital. It was such a blessing to spend that week with her. Lincoln has a great, great grandmother!! Oh, if only you could all know Vada Boyer. She is PHENOMENAL. She is the most fit, positive, classy, genuine woman, who will rock your world at golf (seriously) any day of the week. P.S: she’s 89 and has bigger bicep muscles than I do. Lincoln and I were blessed to spend so much quality time with her. I sadly didn't take any pictures of him with her. Grandma probably appreciates it though since her hair wasn't done. :)

Sometime after Lincoln and I got back from California, we all went with the Harris family to the tulip festival. BEAUTIFUL. Just fields and fields of tulips. I think we’ll have to make that a tradition for sure.

Well Folks, that's the last two months. Phew...hopefully I can do this more frequently moving forward. Until next time, be well!