We are HERE.

Here meaning CALIFORNIA. In 6.5 years of marriage, this will be our 6th move. Not a lot for many people, a crazy amount for others, just about right for us.

Every time I felt like blogging about this move, I kept thinking, "Wait, there's not much to tell yet." But I keep waiting for something big to happen "worth blogging about". Maybe in an effort to impress, inform, or draw attention to myself...I'm not sure.

Life is good. If I've learned anything from moving a lot (for me) it is that you find what you are looking for. If you want to feel like you are in a hell hole, you will be. If you want to feel at home, you can. I've had to get over myself SOOOO many times (it's actually a daily battle), but each time I succeed, the grass is always greener on the side I choose to water.

It is kind of humorous to me to look back at how dramatic I can be when change occurs in my life. Of course hindsight is always 20/20, but I think it is good to do healthy evaluations of ourselves and the way we react to things that are a big deal in our lives in an effort to put things in perspective and look for the good, or maybe how to implement the good for next time. :)

When I was in high school and facing a difficult decision at the time, my dad talked to me using the following example: He said, "Ash, I feel like I am at the top of this huge mountain with an outstanding view and can see all the beautiful trees in the valley. It is so gorgeous from up here. Then I see you at the bottom of the mountain staring at three trees that are directly in front of your face saying, "No dad, I don't care what you see, these trees are the most beautiful ones I've ever seen and I don't want to miss out on seeing them to try to get to you." (At least this is how I remember the story). He was trying to illustrate the perspective that life experience brings to us if we let it. So true.

Now that we are MOVED in and are current CALIFORNIA residents, I truly am loving it. I purposely put off dreading the move and thinking about it when we were in Oregon, because I wanted to soak up every last second I could of the people, the beauty and the memories (plus it would have been a complete waste of time not to). However, I knew that once we got in that moving truck, I was in for some sad hours. It was weird. I felt a very profound feeling of loss and sadness for a while. Then about halfway to CA I thought, "Man, this sucks. I feel really crappy." So I read some cards I had received from friends over and again, which always makes a person feel better!! My parents came up the morning after we arrived and helped unpack and situate things. WOW. I was humbled to have them there. I felt kind of paralyzed because I was in such a low mood and being quite self absorbed about this whole thing, so I didn't even WANT to unpack. I'll chalk up the first day to a big giant pity party. Mom and dad however, just chugged along, no judgments or lectures, just loving that we were there. The next two days were similar, but feeling down like that can wear on you. I was so tired, not motivated to do anything, which created that viscous cycle of sugar cravings, contributing to the "don't work out, you have too many other things to do" lie we tell ourselves. So all of that combined: Bad attitude + sugar + no exercise + change = UNhappy me. What a drag. Poor Dallas. And Lincoln. And everyone else within ear shot. In passing, my mom mentioned how awesome it was that the weather was sunny while we were unpacking the house. It was a small comment, but she sparked a motivation to be grateful in the little things. It WAS sunny. REALLY sunny. And I didn't have to worry if it would last more than 5 minutes (no offense Oregonians). If I had to add "rainy" to that previous equation, that would have just topped off the pessimism ensuing. After my mom's comment, I just kept counting the blessings that were ours. AMAZING how that changes things.

So...on to more of the fun and less HEAVY stuff...We LOVE our house. We live in Santa Clara and are renting a house from the Fred and Sherry...best landlords ever. Grandma Geri and Grandpa Jay came up our 2nd week here to help decorate and hang pictures. So fun. Pictures are below of our new place.

This is our guest room for all of you that want to come visit. :) Kyndra made me the "quote wall" pictures above the pillows before I left. GREAT idea, yeah? It has some of my most favorite quotes on it and worked well with the decor. Thanks K!!

I just have to share that one of the many perks of being a Mormon is the networking power. No matter where in the world you move (almost), there is a ward or a branch of the church that you can tap into. The doctrine being taught is the same at each and every location and the structure is in tact. In addition, you have instant friends (if you choose). Our Santa Clara ward is made up of a lot of transient students, but also has some "root" families and older couples that give it a very familial feel. Dallas is always so good at introducing us to the bishoprics in our new wards and letting them know we would like to serve wherever we're needed. So, we are on to making more friends. Never an easy task, but always worth it in the end. I've found that the majority of people are usually engaging and friendly if you TALK to them. :) I hate being at the awkward stage, but soon enough it will feel like home as it's supposed to. Until then, we'll enjoy the journey and appreciate the new experiences.

Here are a few little videos of Linc as of late. I could write another ENTIRE blog post just about him. Cute dude. Strong-willed and determined, but cute. He had 3 time outs in the middle of Costco yesterday. However, all was well when he begged to take a nap and while lying him down he said, "I wuv yee". Oh the joys of parenting. So worth it.

Until next time, be well!

Bible stories by linc

Link whoopee cushion

All about Lincoln

Oh man all you scrap bookers and record keepers out there are going to crucify me…confession: I don’t have a baby book for Lincoln…however, I do keep a blog and Dallas has a LOAD of videos that he takes of Linc on a REGULAR basis so I kind of feel justified. In my opinion, its way more fun to watch movies of him than it is to read a book that I wouldn't enjoy putting together in the first place…our posterity will be able to watch movies somehow, right? Plus…lately, if Linc isn't feeling well or wakes up at night, we will have him watch movies of himself and he will usually fall back asleep rather quickly after being temporarily amused.

Lately though, I have thought of the many hilarious things he does and just wanted to share a few “milestone” memories…

Lincoln has this “thing” where he feels the need to hold on to his belly button (it’s an outtie) AND suck his thumb when he goes to bed. He sometimes will wake up freaking out and we cannot figure out WHAT THE DEAL is…only to find out he just wants his jammies unzipped so that he can grab his belly button. I’ll post a video of him doing it below. At Christmas my fam was here to visit and my dad and Brie were teaching me some wrestling moves. Lincoln walks over to “Bampa” and lifts his shirt up to find his belly button (which is slightly bigger and more of an innie than his own). He proceeds to stick three of his fingers into my dads belly button, then get that glazed over tired look as he starts to suck his thumb. I guess it doesn't matter who the belly button belongs to. Haha!

Lincoln is also starting to mimick everything, which means that we double check our language now. Not that it was too bad before, but you know what I mean. It is so fun to talk to him and pretend that I know exactly what he’s talking about. The more I pretend to know what he’s saying, the more animated and enthusiastic he gets. His current list of words (that I can make out) include:

Mommy= “bobby” (sounds like mommy with a stuffy nose)

No= “Do!” (again, the stuffy nose sound)

“DADDY”…his most frequently used word, regardless if Dallas is in the room, house, or state of Oregon.

“Hi Zee”…dang cat

Ball=”Ba”

Milk please= “Mi ppeeeese”

Cheese

Banana= “Nana”

Grandpa= “Bampa”

Dog= “Dawwiie”

Water= “waaww”

Sugar= “uh..uh..peeeeaase (accompanied by sign language for please) uh…uh…”we all know this one…you know that annoying whiny uh…uh…that they would say “Gimmee Gimmee” if they could, with hands outstretched? Dislike.

Ashley= “Asheee”

Afton= “Asheee”

Ivan= “Iiiii”…that’s all so far

Brie= “Bwie”

Brookie= “Booiee”

Grandma= “Gamma”..if we’re lucky

Nana= “Nan”…if we’re lucky

Soft= “Saw”

Shoes= “Sooze”

Socks= “sauce”

More

All done= “Aww duh”

He says WAY more than this, but we just can’t understand it all…I’m sure he gets frustrated with how annoying it is that mommy just says the same thing over and over to him all the time and pretends to know what he’s talking about…I always think of that movie Look Who’s Talking and wonder what he really thinks about this whole thing called Life.

Lincoln does not walk, he runs EVERYWHERE. He frequently has bruises on his body. I do not beat him. Neither does Dallas. However, sometimes it would appear that way from the bruises on his forehead or cheeks from tables, concrete, kitchen floors and door frames.

We are currently in the “Lincoln please be soft” stage. He will hit the cat, or me, or something in general and then we say that phrase and he softly rubs whatever he hit…progress I suppose.

Sharing isn’t a strong suit, but we’re working on it. He likes to steal EVERYONE’s food or drink.

I keep thinking that every stage he goes through is the best one. I’m sure we will have our rough spots in the next couple of months as he approaches two, but I’ve been able to find the humor in things so far and don’t feel like I’m too much of a worrier. I don’t often indulge his tantrums (I usually video tape them instead). We are very blessed to have a happy and good natured boy. I told Dallas that when we decide to have another kid, we have got to brace ourselves just in case because he has sure maximized the joys of parenting and minimized the pain so far. I love being a mom. I couldn’t explain the amount of love or joy it brings to my life even if I tried. Oh Linc-man, mama looooooves you! Muah!!

See pics of Christmastime below. I stole them from Brooke's FB profile. Thanks sis.

Brookie and me.

Linc and "Bampa" starting the annual Christmas puzzle.

Skillz...mad skillz

Evidence that his sugar addiction does not come from me.

Just for fun!

Hot mamas!

The girls...and Linc

We indulged the kid on Christmas...he went to town on that candy cane.

Exhausted from doing absolutely nothing on Christmas.

Gramma hooked Lincoln up with a vacuum. We are domesticatin' this boy early!

Brookie coined this the Baywatch pose...how Linc prefers to have his jammies so he can reach his belly button.

Brie kicks butt on the womens wrestling team at DO, so I was asking her to show me some tricks. :)

Bonding.

Have a great year everyone!

Link and his belly button

The belly button obsession...

Tickling Link

Excuse my monkey cackle...just giving in to my evil urge to tickle my son. :)

Thoughts on the move...

Ok, indulge me here for a sec. As I was packing things up I found this in our office closet, which is like the catch all for everything that doesn’t have a place but I don’t want to throw away. I wrote this poem for Dallas for Valentine’s Day in 2004 about 6 months before we got married. Valentine’s Day on a poor college student budget had to breed some slight creativity…warning…it’s a bit cheesy, but we do cheesy things when we’re in love and that’s what makes it memorable… :)

However, I thought it interesting that the message totally applies to my experiences in life at the present moment in the midst of our move.

Surprises are a part of life, I’ve learned this to be true

When we think we’ve got life figured out

We are thrown something new.

And then, we begin to think

all our planning is for naught

But when we open up to change

there is so much we are taught.

When we don’t know what we’re missing,

it’s easy to assume

That whatever the surprise is, there just isn’t any room.

Then someone comes along in life

and takes you by surprise

And you’re willing to see the world

through someone else’s eyes.

It’s the first time that I’ve realized

this is what life’s all about

To live, learn, risk and love,

and maybe take a different route

Fears that were so evident before, seem so distant now

It’s amazing, but to explain it, I’m sure I don't know how

Sometimes words aren’t enough

to explain just how I feel

But I have no question in my mind,

that what this is, is real

Although so unexpected, I’m enjoying my surprise

That’s changed my perspective and my heart

and helped me realize

That sometimes when we least expect it,

we’re blessed with someone new

And I couldn’t be more grateful because my surprise was you!

A girl at church spoke today about gratitude and choosing how we feel about the things that occur in our lives. She’s 16. Impressive. It took me a lot longer to figure that out and the thing is…it’s a daily battle, but I think that’s how it’s supposed to be. I have gone back and forth with all of the natural feelings people have when a move is involved: Mourning for things that could have been, friends that will be sorely missed, all the girlfriends Lincoln might not get to have now, the beautiful green Oregon scenery, breakfast club workouts, and all that is yet to be learned from the amazing people in Newberg, Oregon…and all the friends in the surrounding areas of course.

I was kind of mad at first, I’ll be honest. Not at anyone or anything in particular. Just that kind of mad you get when you have your plan all set in place and ready to go and then some other plan pops up and you feel like, “Man just ignore it, life is good, we’re on our way to what we want…thanks, but no thanks!” Funny, because that exact phrase was how I felt when I started dating Dallas seriously. He totally came at what I thought at the time was the worst time EVER. My whole life plan was set…then BAM! Then between these unexpected experiences and the perspective we gain when it’s all over, the pendulum starts to swing…you know the thoughts… “Why the heck do I even plan if it’s going to get turned upside down in the end anyway?” Well since then and even now I know why. GROWTH. And the growth that takes place has so many avenues in which it can apply itself.

It’s easy to avoid pain…Don’t get your hopes up, because you might get disappointed. Don’t risk because you might lose or get hurt. Don’t hold on too tight because it will hurt too much when you let go. Don’t say what you think because someone might be offended or disagree with you. Don’t spend so much time planning because things will change. Don’t stay up too late having a meaningful conversation because you have work in the morning. Don’t set goals because you always have to reset them anyway. I’m sorry, but I call B.S. on it all!! No joke. We are here to LIVE our lives. Life is a journey. We are SUPPOSED to have crappy experiences AND amazing ones. One of my very first friends in college told me that sometimes you can’t really appreciate the joys in life until you’ve experienced those trials…and vice versa. It’s true. The spectrum of perspective is vast and great and all inclusive for sure.

Now, I don’t want to be misunderstood. Moving for me is not one of those “crappy experiences” I referred to. I just got off on a tangent, which is an often occurrence in my every day life…those of you that know me well know this about me. But I can always bring it back when I need to :) (which brings me to another tangent: one of my resolutions this year is to be more effective and concise in my communication, so maybe my next blog post will be shorter and sweeter and more to the point.) Back to moving…it really isn’t one of those experiences I’m chalking up on the “crappy” list. It’s just a plain and ordinary hard things most people experience. I think no matter what stage in life you are in, if you love people and make good memories, it’s hard to say goodbye. By the way, that word is lame. Goodbye. I don’t consider it goodbye. Especially with all the technology we have access to.

I’m grateful. Again. It always comes back to gratitude for me. It’s a cycle. My mom always says, “It’s hard to be grumpy when you’re grateful.” Tru dat sista. Dallas is gifted in many areas, and I’m so proud of the man he is and continues to become. Among many other things, he stays on top of the market for his skills and experience and seems to always be in the know about the important aspects of his work...hence the move and switch to his new company in CA. What I’m most grateful for though is prayer. Really. There have been so many thoughts, experiences large and small, and questions that I’ve had about the why’s and how’s of it all that I feel grateful to know that I have a Father in Heaven who listens. I don’t have to filter, edit, condense or sensor anything when I go to Him. I don’t have to fear imperfect judgment or worry about being misunderstood in my emotions and communication because He knows me. He knows my heart, my desires and my motives. In turn, He blesses me with answers I need when I need them. Most of all He blesses me with peace. Peace is crucial. Regardless of belief systems, peace is a universal quality that humankind strives to have...that homeostasis that provides a constant, stable condition in our lives. I have it. By the Grace of God I have it. And I’m grateful. When I have peace in my life, or strive to have peace in my life, I also have perspective. I don’t always have both, but this is what I strive for because I know that with peace and perspective that comes from a loving Father, any life experience…small or large, is always completely full of potential for more love, more joy and more happiness.

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!