I Love Him

I like this picture...I think it kind of sums up our relationship. Even though a lot of times we feel like the "handcarts" we've had to pull since we've been married have really slowed us down, they've definitely made us stronger. What more could you ask for in a marriage? I think it's common to compare your own marriage to the marriages of those around you. Sometimes it seems that other couples are so far ahead of where you and your spouse are, or that something comes so easily for someone else that is a huge challenge for you. I'm so glad to know that as long as we are together and moving forward, we will get to where we need to be. A lot of times I feel like one of us is pulling the cart, while the other one is barely hanging on, but I think that's what marriage is! I'm so thankful for Lincoln. He helps me so much. I love that I can confide in him the way that I do. He helps me find balance in life. I'm so glad that I have him!

Does That Mean I Have A Problem???

I just glanced at my blog archives and noticed that I've posted 28 times this month. I thought, "Wow, that is a LOT! That's an average of one per day!" Then I noticed that in April I posted 49 times...does that mean I have a problem?

Off To The Cabin

Lincoln & I (and the dogs) left Friday night to go to this beautiful place... Oh, we love it here! It is so relaxing and not a far drive. I wish we could go every weekend!!! We got up there pretty late that night, but stayed up talking with Linc's parents and his Uncle Deon & Aunt Lisa until even later. It was fun to see all of them. They all treat us so well.

On Saturday everyone worked hard getting the cabin ready for the annual family reunion that is coming up. I didn't do much at all...I wasn't feeling well so I read a lot and took a few naps. One of the best parts of the day was sitting on the deck and watching a mother bird feed her babies (there is a nest in the corner under the deck). The little baby birds would start squawking and I could see their little heads popping up over the nest, while the mama bird made sure they got enough food. I saw this happen at least four times during the day. I LOVED IT!!! I didn't get a picture of the birds, but I did snap a picture of the boys taking a break after a hard day's work...

Another great thing about going to the cabin, is that we have regular animal sightings. This time there were two elk on the other side of the lawn. I got really close to them. After we watched them for awhile, Linc sent the dogs down to see what they would do. Here they are headed toward the elk...Daisy & Duke ended up chasing them down the creek. It was pretty funny.

Here is the close-up shot I got...it was so cool!!! By the way, that's a pile of dirt by them...in case you were wondering. :)

Trip Home

We left this morning to come home to the HEAT! Duke & Daisy were loving the weather up there!

We met Lincoln's brother Matt & his family at Denny's in Payson (don't judge). Claire loved the pic of the coffee on the placemat...I think it was because of all of the bubbles in it. We took turns cutting the picture with a knife while Claire said "cut the bubble bath!". She is funny.

I think this is my most favorite picture of Daisy. She looked pretty comfy riding in the backseat in her bed.

Linc's brother had to get rid of their dog Scottie, so we took him back to Mesa to his old foster home. We are so sad to see him go. We love that dog.

We got home right before church started, but I wasn't able to go because I was hurting a lot. It's been a long time since I have missed church because of being in pain. (Of course, I'm still doing better...but since I'm not on painkillers anymore there are times when I just can't do anything.) I was bummed. I'm glad we were able to go to Pine...the weather was beautiful and it was a nice quick trip. I can't wait to go back in a couple of weeks!

Melissa's Bridal Shower

Melissa had her "friend" bridal shower last week (her family one is still coming up) & it was so fun to see old friends and ward members there. I had way too much fun talking & hardly got any pictures, but here are the ones I did get. They played a game where they asked Melissa a question and then showed Brad's answer to the same question. Melissa had to put a big gumball in her mouth for every answer that didn't match. Here she is partway through the game...

Meg & Mom enjoying the food table...

Meg & I goofing around with the camera after the shower...

I love my sisters! :)

Bahama Bucks

Last night Lincoln & I had the job of choosing 5 shaved ice flavors to serve at Melissa & Brad's reception. (My uncle owns Bahama Bucks & they are going to have a shaver at the reception for FRESH Bahama Bucks shaved ice...awesome huh?!) The flavors we chose are (drumroll please)...apple, peach, pina colada, pink bubble gum & Juicy Fruit (tastes exactly like the gum & is so, so YUMMY!). Linc & I also each tried one of their new drinks while we were there. I got the Kokomoko (I think that's what it's called) & it was SO GOOD. I highly recommend it if you like chocolate. I always tease Linc that getting a half-off discount at Bahama Bucks was my dowry...it's the only thing I've ever contributed to our marriage. Ha ha. :) On a totally random note...one funny thing that happened before we went to Bahama Bucks...we took the dogs to the dog park and a big dog that was there came up to Lincoln and peed all over the back of the chair he was sitting in...it was hilarious.

Acupuncture

I had another acupuncture treatment today. I've been going to see Jim (my acupuncturist) for quite some time now...he is a miracle worker! Linc came with me to my appointment today. It was only the second appointment he had ever been to and I think he enjoyed it. Lincoln has become a lot more interested in the benefits of acupuncture & how it works, since he's seen such huge improvements in my health since I started going to see Jim. I am 99% sure I wouldn't be able to make these changes that I'm making in my diet and exercise, and overall health, if it weren't for acupuncture. I'm incredibly thankful that I have something that brings me some relief with NO negative side effects. Although I'm still struggling with my health, acupuncture makes things do-able for sure. Because Linc was there, he was able to take some pictures so that I could see what I look like with needles stuck all over my body. Here is my lovely ear! I have to admit, these ear points probably hurt the most...the ear is sensitive!

This picture is so goofy...it makes me laugh! Jim always puts a needle in the middle of my forehead (it's an anti-stress/anti-anxiety point) and one in the top of my head. After the needles are in for a minute I get pretty numb to them, so I'm always a little paranoid that he's going to forget to pull one out and I will be walking to my truck with a needle poking out of my head. It hasn't happened yet. :)

Jim also put me back on some herbs that he gave me about six months ago. The first time I took them, I got sick, but he wants me to try a lesser dose and see if they help me. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I'm going into my "bad week" and have a minor infection on top of that, so I'm really hoping that today's acupuncture session helps make things a little easier. I'm sure it will. Hooray for acupuncture and for the best acupuncturist around!!!

Fathers Day

Happy late Fathers Day to the fathers in my life! I'm thankful for my dad...the most valuable principle he taught me was PROGRESS. He taught me that as long as I'm continually trying to improve and progress, no matter how slowly the changes come, it's worth it. Happy Fathers Day Dad!

In my opinion, the most valuable principle Lincoln's dad taught him was WORK. Lincoln is a very hard worker. Thank you for your example Phil. I'm glad to have you for my "other dad"! Happy Fathers Day!

This picture was taken in the hospital right after I had Jackson. I can't describe how grateful I was to have Lincoln right by my side during that experience. I love him so much. I'm so thankful that he gave me Jackson. Happy Fathers Day Linc! I can't wait to see you be a dad to our other kids.

Good Friends

I copied these pictures from my friend Jennifer's blog and is hoping she doesn't care! These were taken when we were in Snowflake. This group of guys (Craig, Brian, Cody, Lincoln) grew up together in Snowflake. I'm honestly surprised they are all still alive...they have some CRAZY stories! They were very creative in finding ways to entertain themselves in a small town, whether it was jumping over fires without clothes on or getting thrown out of trucks. :) Cody & Brian are Lincoln's cousins and they have all been friends with Craig (and Josh who couldn't be there) for a long time. It was so fun to see them all together again!

The boys played softball and then we ate at Sonic and played games at Craig & Jennifer's house. I was friends with these guys before I met Lincoln. I love it...Linc & his friends can go forever without seeing each other but when they hang out, they just pick up right where they left off. Here's the whole gang...it was COLD that night!

Thanks for the great night guys! We missed you Josh & Robin!!!

Not A Good Idea

I could use about 3 words in this post & get the point across...but I'm kind of in a storytelling mood. Now let me start by bragging just a little bit. This is my third week of regular exercise (I'm walking 4 miles three times a week, doing pilates once a week, lifting weights and doing the Wii Fit once or twice a week...I haven't been able to do that stuff for years...until now!) and cutting way back on the amount of processed foods that I eat. I still need to get to where I'm eating all whole foods...but I'm getting there! I'm putting in the effort and being incredibly blessed as a result...I'm so grateful. I've realized that I can indulge in a Paradise Bakery chocolate chip cookie or some frozen yogurt every week or so, which is good. This morning I went to pick Lincoln up from work. When I got there I waited for awhile because someone had just come in whose life he needed to help save (the attempt was unfortunately not successful). I can't believe that Linc seeing people die isn't an abnormal thing anymore...it's so sad. Anyway, as I was sitting listening to the radio with our dogs and waiting for Linc (how is that for humbling...knowing Linc is trying to save someone's life & I'm sitting listening to the radio & playing with my dogs), I was thinking how hungry I was and found a Krispy Kreme gift card in my wallet that we had gotten when we had Jackson. (The great thing about those is that they don't expire. We also found out that if the store has recently opened & isn't set up to accept gift cards yet, they give you your donuts for free. Luckily the day their machine was down, we ordered 3 dozen...yes, 3 dozen donuts for free.) So this morning I talked Linc into getting a dozen donuts to take to my family to share. This was my BIG SPLURGE for making such huge lifestyle changes these last few weeks...I needed a reward for sure. I ate two donuts and quickly regretted it. I laid down because I didn't feel well, fell asleep for 5 hours and woke up at 3pm. I should have known...it looks like having a BIG SPLURGE once in awhile isn't going to work for me. It was fun while it lasted.

Ready For Summer (Finally)

I bought these with my birthday money! I am so excited! The last time I bought a swimsuit was when Lincoln & I were dating (5 1/2 years ago). My old swimsuit is so worn out & stretched out (because I wore it when I was pregnant too)& I was wearing old Soffe shorts with it that I'd had since high school...so it was definitely time for a new suit & shorts! Maybe now I will actually go swimming once in awhile! I don't think I've been swimming in two years...sad huh?!

I Have A Favor To Ask

I've been trying not to think about the fact that my endometriosis has gotten worse these past couple of weeks. I'm having to lie down with a heating pad more often and am back to taking Tylenol multiple times a day. Obviously that's not the worst situation to be in, but it's a step backwards. Once my endometriosis starts growing back, it seems to be so aggressive and my pain level increases so quickly. Luckily it hasn't yet been as aggressive as I've feared, probably because of the acupuncture treatments I've been getting. I feel funny asking for people's prayers on my blog...but I need them. I don't have a good feeling about getting pregnant yet (which is really the only thing that gets rid of my endometriosis for more than a few months) because I've gotten some really strong answers lately that my body needs to be healthier before that happens. I'm just praying that I can have the energy that I need to continue exercising and taking care of myself. I don't want to wake up in pain every day like I did a few months ago, I don't want to not be able to walk my dogs or cook dinner, I don't want it to take 2 hours for me to build up the strength that I need to take a shower. Obviously if that's what needs to happen, I will deal with it, but I'm hoping that's not the case! I would really appreciate everyone's prayers! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Megan The Superstar!

Last night my family went to see my little sister Megan perform in the MCC Musical Theater Workshop. She did a really good job. She has good projection and control over her voice...I loved listening to her solos! She not only sounded good, she looked so pretty too! We were sad that Brad & Melissa & Ashley weren't there!

Lincoln & I with the STAR!

My cousin Haley was in it, along with two of my cousin Shelice's kids. They did a great job too. Here we are with Haley's family...her mom & my dad are brother & sister.

GREAT JOB MEGAN! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Old Friends

This past weekend we got together with some of my old friends, who I've known since I was 13. I met them in the MCC Musical Theater Workshop and we've all remained friends since. There's something so great about having friends who stuck by me through my majorly awkward stage and who knew me before I had all of my health problems. They know my old dating stories & know my weaknesses & love me anyway. :) So anyway, we got together for a pizza/game night. During the game Lincoln had to let Heather stuff Kleenex anywhere she wanted to, so she chose his chest. He looked like a girl the rest of the night. :)

Hmmm...

Here is Mitchell running a credit card through Marshall's butt. Notice Marshall's face (I'm mad it got cut off)...such a weird game, I know!

Marshall had to put pantyhose on his head and wear them for the rest of the game. Here he is drinking out of his "Van Gogh" mug that he made himself.

Josh & Heather were there too, along with Mitchell & Marshall's dates, but I didn't get any pics of them. I can't wait to see what we come up with to entertain ourselves next time!

Congrats!!!

Congrats to my cousin Stetson, who got drafted by the LA Dodgers last week!!! We are so proud of him!

Much Needed VACATION

I mentioned before that I was pretty much a mental case last week. I was feeling like CRAP & was so discouraged about it, & just felt like I had so much on my plate. So when Linc had 3 nights off of work, we decided that we needed a break. We headed for Snowflake on Thursday afternoon. My friend Erica called me a few hours before we left & told me that she was making some homemade bread for Lincoln & I. She's done a few "extra" things like this for me lately, that have just made my day. Thank you so much Erica. It was DELICIOUS!!!

We stopped by Matt & Danielle's when we got into town. I sat on the trampoline with the kids and the dogs got kind of jealous. :)

After that we had a big game night with a bunch of Linc's cousins, his siblings, their spouses and his aunt & uncle. We played Catch Phrase...the best was when one of my words was "squid" & I said "It's what stings you & then you have someone pee on it to make it better". Everyone said "jellyfish" and I realized I don't even know what a squid is or does! I'm such a dork. :) We also played a charades-type game that was so funny. I was terrible at it (trying to act out "branding" when I'd never seen it done...which is probably why Linc took me to watch the next day). I think everyone's favorite part of the game was when Brian leaned against the wall & acted out "stretchy pants" from Nacho Libre...so funny!!!

This is the view from Lincoln's parents' backyard. I love just standing there & looking at all the open land!

Friday was SO windy! I took a long walk with the dogs, since I'm determined to exercise no matter what...but the wind was definitely crazy! This picture is nasty, but I had to take it to document what I looked like when I got back. :)

Dress Up

We were all hanging out at Linc's parents' house and the kids thought it would be really funny to dress us up. It seems like Lincoln & I are always the ones who they want to do it to. I guess that comes with being the fun aunt & uncle without kids. :)

The kids dressed me up & wouldn't let Lincoln see me until they were all done, then walked me out there & presented me to him. Don't you just love the flag in my hair & Lincoln's purple ribbon bracelet? I won't even comment on the dice!

This picture makes me laugh...I'm glad he is a good sport, although I don't understand why he will let kids dress him up, but won't do a dance with me to entertain my grandma. Oh well. :)

Don't be jealous...

Back At the Ranch...

We woke up on Saturday morning and drove to Linc's grandparents house to watch/help brand, vaccinate, tag and castrate the cows. (I originally accidentally put "euthanize" instead of "vaccinate" on this post. Those aren't good words to get mixed up!!!)

The guys rounding the cattle up...

Da & Kyle...

I sat right next to the table where they worked on the bulls. Here I am with the dogs before Duke freaked out and left...

Branding

The cows waiting their turn...it seemed like they knew what was going to happen to them. It was kind of sad. :( Katee (Linc's cousin) & her family were visiting from Oklahoma while we were there. We had such a good time with them! Here are Katee, Beckett, Sydnee & I watching the boys at work. I'm surprised how brave the kids were...they watched the whole thing!
Lincoln & Brian branding... Brian is the one who introduced Lincoln & I to each other.

How Bulls Become Steers...

Lincoln had never castrated an animal before, but he was a pro. Those extra shifts at the hospital must be paying off! :)

I was in charge of keeping the tally. I probably wasn't the best one for the job though, because I kept getting distracted and having to recount the cows. The blood was from some cow parts that Lincoln gave to Daisy. I was NOT excited about him feeding the dogs cow ears and scrotums, but there wasn't much I could do about it. Lincoln was SO proud of me because I didn't freak out when blood got on my paper & I just wrote right over the blood. It's funny what impresses him. I told him I have had that side to me all along, but that he just never gets a chance to see it! :)

Another job I had was trying to keep one of the cows in the chute. It was so much harder than it looked. I was trying to keep the cow pressed up against the fence, but was afraid it would kick me. I'm sure someone a mile away could tell I grew up in the city! Here's Kyle trying to keep the cows in line...

Daisy's battle wound...Linc's grandparents' dog & Daisy were fighting over a cow part and the other dog won. He punctured Daisy's face on both sides...it was sad.

Daisy sat by me & watched while Lincoln worked his magic on the bulls. About 20 minutes into it, I noticed that Duke wasn't there. I didn't see him anywhere & was a little nervous that he got trampled or something. I walked back up to the house to look for him & found him hiding under a car, shaking like crazy. Poor guy. Maybe seeing the bulls get fixed brought back bad memories of his own surgery. :) He stayed under the car for over an hour! Here's Beckett looking out the window at Duke.

Lincoln after a hard day's work...he liked this way too much!