3 Weeks in CALI!!!

While Dallas was on his trip to China, Lincoln and I decided to go be a part of the Simmons Craze for 3 weeks. I've never had that much fun without Dallas!! (Sorry babe (:). It all started with our delirious airport fiasco...

Dallas was leaving for China the same morning we were flying to CA, so we drove together to the airport. I was completely packed the night before and ready to go because anyone who knows me, knows that I am useless when I am half awake. So 4:30am, I wake Lincoln up, feed him, change him, get him ready to go. Dallas packs up the car, I grab my last minute stuff and we're off!!

We get to the airport, the first bus to the terminal is full, so we wait for the next one, and by the time we get to the Sky Cap it's 6:20 and Dallas' flight leaves at 7:00. I tell him to leave me with my stuff at that Sky Cap so I can get checked in without him and GOOOOO! I get all checked in and get to the mile long security checkpoint and start putting my things through the conveyer belt like a Pro (I've now traveled with Lincoln at least 3 times alone, so it's cake now!!) I take Lincoln out of his carseat to put it through the conveyer and realize he's sopping wet. Awesome. Of course I forgot to put the ginormous baby shampoo and lotion in my checked luggage, so they have to check my bag. After this it's 7:00am, my flight leaves at 7:15. We rush to the bathroom for the finale. I'm quickly unzipping Lincoln to change him and guess what?! (Okay for all you high strung moms that are ready to give me a lecture...RELAX. We all do stupid things at times....although this one is awesome, it won't happen again.) I unzip Lincoln and guess who is just sitting there in his birthday suit without a diaper? Mommy didn't put a diaper back on Lincoln after she took it off at 4:30am. All I could do was laugh. HILARIOUS. I'm sitting there at 7 in the morning, laughing my head off in the airport bathroom while Lincoln is smiling kicking his naked body around and LOVING it, and people are looking at me like I'm crazy. I was! For the life of me, I couldn't remember NOT putting a diaper on him. I swear I did it. Well, I've learned my lesson from being on autopilot...poor little man. We got him all cleaned up and he was happy as a clam. He travels amazingly well and was happy to have a diaper on! :)

So the REAL fun begins now!!

I wanted Dallas to see Lincoln's Halloween costume, so I took a short video of him in it. Good thing I did, because I didn't take ANY pictures on Halloween. Lame, I know.

The same day I arrived in Cali, my family was welcoming a foreign exchange student for two weeks, so Brookie and I got to work on an Apple Crisp for the welcome dinner. This is Brooke showing how well she can use an apple corer. :)

All the foreign exchange students. Diego is in there somewhere. Brie is also in there somewhere. Diego was from France and lives on the border close to Spain. He is fluent in 5 languages, including English. It was quite fun having him around! I'm sure dad welcomed the testosterone since the house included my mom, me, Brie, Brooke and my two GIRL cousins that stayed with us for that first week.

Brooke turned 14 on the 23rd. Crazy how time flies!! This girl is hilarious. She is in love with Transformers and so her birthday included several Transformers paraphernalia. She's not really the type that is too concerned with what other people think of her, so I took advantage of that fact and made her a Tshirt to wear to school on her birthday that said, "My big sister thinks I ROCK. Because I do...obviously!" And sure enough, she wore it! :)

Brooke's birthday was also the day of the Homecoming game, so beforehand we had some people over to sing happy birthday and Grandma Geri brought over a yummy angel food cake to help celebrate!!

After the game, I took Brooke and several of her friends to see a late showing of The Stepfather. I forgot what it was like to be 14 and watch a scary movie in a movie theater late at night. :) The above picture was at the 76 station stocking up on candy to shove in my purse before the movie.

The busy weekend continues...Saturday was the Homecoming dance and Brie had several of her friends over beforehand for dinner. Mom and I made Alredo from scratch to serve with chicken and pasta. (Never done that before...suuuuuuper rich in taste AND calories...YUM!)

The Simmons Girls with Brie before the dance

Brie and Trevor. Aww.

These videos are from our trip to see Great Grandpa Simmons and Great Great Grandma Boyer. Like father like son... Lincoln's Great Grandpa Simmons is trying to feed him ice, and his Grandpa Simmons (my dad) is trying to feed him ice cream. AWESOME...:)

Lincoln with his Great Great Grandma Boyer!

Linc with Aunt Brookie

One of the best parts of Visiting CALI....Getting to see JAZZ and meet Adalena!!! Haven't seen the girl since we moved from Utah 3 years ago. Lena was born 3 days after Lincoln. They are going to get married, we've already discussed it. Love you Jazz!

Lincoln getting ready to barf all over Brooke's Transformers blanket...lol.

Home and Reunited with Mommy and Daddy. 3 weeks is a long time to be away from each other, but we were so grateful to have family and friends to share the time with. It was great to be home for a longer period of time and get to be part of the whole every day life experience of the Simmons family again!

Boaing Jiaozi!! Also known as Wrapping Dumplings!

So while I was in China, I had some great experiences. My last Sunday there, my good friend Fish Yu and his Girlfriend Xiao Fang invited me to their home to learn the art of wrapping dumplings or "bao jiaozi".

It's definitely an art that I need some practice at. But at the same time, it's very easy to do and fun. The Chinese make 3 different types of dumplings (commonly called potstickers in the States). There are zengjiao (steamed), jianjiao (fried), and shuijiao (boiled). There are actually many ways to refer to these, but these are the easiest way to explain it here.

Fish took lots of pictures for us because he wanted everyone to know how "good" I was at making jiaozi :) He also made a little video, but I can't get it to work now for some reason. It only has the audio. I'll try to get another copy from Fish, so you can see the process easier.

The first thing you do, is create a filling of some sort to put in the jiaozi. This usually includes all types of meats, veggies, mushrooms, spices. Really whatever you like to eat is what you can put in. We made 4 different flavors.

After you make the fillings, you take little dumpling skins (just a round piece of dough), and add water to the inside surface. This is how you get it to stick together after adding the filling. Take a spoonful of filling and put in in the middle of the skin.

Next you'll want to pinch the middle together and then fold the sides to create a dumpling. Now, this is where the art part comes in. You can see that I'm not that artistic and I usually resorted to just sealing the seams without folding the skin.

Here's a picture of the finished product. The one on the left is my example made by Fish and Xiao Fang. The rest are what I ended up making. I couldn't get the folds very good, so I ended up making half moon looking dumplings. Click on the picture to see an enlarged view with more detail.

After we finished wrapping the dumplings, we boiled them and ate them!! They tasted really good, even though they looked... like a foreigner had made them :) Xiao Fang is holding up one of my jiaozi. It's not supposed to look like that! Not enough filling in that one and see how it stretched? That's because I didn't get the folding art down. Either way, it still tasted good!

Here is the meal we ate with them. Some soup with egg and tomato, very yummy, and our dumplings with garlic, soy sauce and other spices.

Here's a picture we took after dinner to remember our fun evening. Thanks again Fish and Xiao Fang for the great evening and teaching me how to "Bao jiaozi!!"

**Update** Here's the video of me making jiaozi. Enjoy.

A quick post from China!

So while I'm in China, I decided I could spend a few minutes and do a post since it's been ages since I contributed to this blog. I know all my peeps have been missing me (actually, I only have one peep. Thanks Mom!!), and the rest of you are all Ashley and Link's peeps (So don't mind my rambling).

So before I began my month long travels, I did a little more recreational traveling with my fellow Sons of Anarchy. We went across Eastern Oregon, into Hell's Canyon, then back up through Pendelton, OR before heading back to good ole Portland. It was beautiful.

The above picture was taken above Hell's Canyon. The one below is in Hell's Canyon.

But because I sold my motorcycle the day before the trip, I ended up borrowing Pete's super, freakin, awesome, super-dooper, fast Honda Magna for the trip! Thanks again Pete, it was an awesome bike. The trip was simply great. Here's a pic below. This is one of the best trips I do every year and can't wait till next year to go again.

But since I'm weak in the flesh, I've already purchased a new bike. You can see below :)

The week before I went on my motorcycle trip, I was able to take Ashley and Lincoln to Texas for Labor Day weekend. It was such a great trip and the highlight was NOT the football game. It was seeing my family of course... BUT I'm still going to talk about the game a little bit.

First of all, Link is a diehard BYU fan! Look at him cheering after BYU scored the game winning touchdown! I couldn't get him to sit down, so I could see what was going on. So I just took a picture of him instead :)

He was such a trooper throughout the game. He did not cry once, and took a nap at halftime. I was blown away that he would understand how important this game was too me, and he decided not to ruin it for me by crying! Thanks Little Man, you're my hero.

Anyway, after we had won the game, and tried to leave. Lincoln starts to cry that he doesn't want to go home yet! His first sign of stubbornness! I guess I can't complain that he wanted to stay all night and celebrate the Cougar victory. But I had to put my foot down and tell him he can't always have what he wants. So we got in the car and he went to sleep instead. Great kid I tell you!

And with that tradition ingrained in Lincoln, here is a picture of us watching another Cougar game at the Stock's home this season. As you can see, Link insists that he wears his Cougar gear. The only times this season that BYU has lost a game are when his Mother would not let him wear his game gear! All this despite the insistence of Lincoln AND his understanding Father who even pleaded with his wife from China to listen to our son. Link was not a happy camper for a few days after this last loss. It so easily could have been avoided... (I know, I know... please file all complaints in the comments below. I promise to pass them on.)

While I'm sitting in China trying to not miss my family, Ashley likes to send me these adorable pictures of the two of them playing in California. Look at how Lincoln loves his Mommy. He's holding her face close to his. This is the hardest part about traveling. Being away from the 2 things that bring me the most joy and happiness in the world. I can't imagine life without them and I miss them so much. Thank you Ashley and Lincoln for giving me everything in the world and the happiest life any man could ever have. I love you both.

Multnomah Falls (& Linc of course)

We haven't been as obsessive about taking pictures of Linc, which I assume is normal as he gets older, but here are a few pics of him now. I took this one day when he wouldn't fall asleep for his nap. I laid him down and he cried a little, and then about 5 minutes later I went to check on him and he had turned himself sideways in the crib....it begins!!

Dad was in town on business a few weeks ago, but got to extend a little and stay one night with us. I took him on a date up to Multnomah falls and we hiked to the top with Linc so we could look down at the view. It was a beautiful and perfectly cool day.

Looking down from the top

Linc saying hi.

Lincoln Lips

This is Lincoln discovering his ability to spit. I'm sure he will only get better with time. :)

Screamin' Lincoln

Lincoln discovered this new sound. He does it when he's happy too, but this time he couldn't decide if he was tired or having fun.

BYU vs. OU Game= VICTORY!!

Oh what a way to finish out our summertime travels and to initiate Lincoln into the life of being a Cougar!!

We are grateful for the picture below as it illustrates how Lincoln has decided to soothe himself. He hates his binky (which I have purchased a total of 6 in the first 3 months of his life because I can never seem to remember where I leave them), and does not particularly like to be rocked. He prefers us to lay him in his crib, then he proceeds to smack himself in the face a few times until he finds his thumb and then falls promptly asleep. Quite hilarious actually.

This will come into play in a later picture...

Dallas purchased several BYU outfits for our little man. This is a picture of Lincoln trying on his outfit before we left for Texas to make sure it fit appropriately for the game...he's obviously ready for the part of the fight song that says, "Ra...ra..ra.ra.ra. GOooooooooo Cougars!!!"

Proud to be a Cougar.

We are so spoiled. Lincoln nursed on the way up and down on the plane, but looked like this the rest of the time. The joys of traveling with a new baby! (Relatively new (:)

On our way out the door to the BYU vs OU game...at the new GINORMOUS Cowboys stadium.

Crazy Cougar fan and child that has no clue what kind of family he's gotten into.

In front of the stadium. We left in plenty of time so as to not get caught in traffic and have enough time to park, etc. When we arrived we just couldn't believe that there wasn't TONS of pregame traffic like there usually is anywhere there's a football game. Well, it turned out the game started at 6, not 7, so we got there in time for the 2nd Quarter. Whoops. The Cougs just needed us to arrive before they kicked it into gear.

Lincoln is so confused at why his parents are so obsessed.

THE. HUGE. STADIUM.

At the end of the 2nd quarter Lincoln decided he wanted to snuggle. Still no crying...(Note: I was SOOO prepared man. I packed a novel to read in the car in case he got super fussy and wouldn't let us stay in the stands with all the other crazies, but no need, he's a true blue cougar.)

Why I am thankful for Lincoln's thumb. He found it in no time and took a good 45 minute nap so he could be rested for the AMAZING last quarter.

Catching Up!

Time Runs Out....

Boo Yah!!!! Victory!!!

Raising helmets as we sing the fight song!

Ok...Do you see the smaller screen? This is the size of the ones that are usually in every OTHER stadium. Do you see the BIG screen? This is the SIZE of the one where WE were....HUGE!

VICTORY!!

Oh yeah baby!

Lincoln saying, "Go Cougs!!"

Our Victory picture!

So we went to Texas to see the BYU game, but we also went to visit Dallas' family and we were lucky because Baranie had her baby 3 weeks early just so we could see Levi while we were there! (Just kidding...she didn't do it for us). We had a blast hanging out with Dallas' family and although we didn't take as many pictures as we would've liked, we had a great time!!

While Gram and Grandpa were on vacation, they let us stay at their house, so this is Lincoln's "crib". What a good sport.

Lincoln's "after game day" outfit. Good choice Dallas. :)

So Nana wanted to get a picture with her and all of her grandkids. Not sure how good everyone else's pics turned out, but we sure love THIS one...notice Dallas trying to cheer Greta up in the bottom right hand corner, Nana trying to grab Adam before he runs away and the rest trying to figure out what to do....lol.

Lincoln on his way home from Texas. He was all tuckered out.

These pictures are just here because we're still obsessed with our little man. The middle one is my favorite because he pretty much looks like that most of the time. :)

Lincoln's Blessing and OtHeR sTuFf

Well, we just got back from Dallas' 10 year high school reunion and seeing the Fromms. It was a great way to finish off our summer vacations and travels. Here are some pictures from Lincoln's blessing. Dallas did a beautiful job and we were grateful to have family there.

Ashley, Ivan, Mom, Dad, Dallas, Heath, Me, Lincoln, Nathalie, Brie, Brooke, Grandpa Jay

Lincoln's not so happy to have his picture taken in this one.

All the guys that participated in the blessing.

This is why we bought the Wii.

Love Heath's face in this one!

Heath and Nathalie at our BBQ at Hornings Hideout.

The Girls

After everyone went home, Brookie and Mom stayed behind for a few days. I took Brooke to ride horses over at Carie Lynn's and she was a pro!!

You look hot on a horse B.K.S.H.A.P.L.F.!

So I took a shower with Link and set him on the bed in a towel while I was getting dressed. I should've known better than to not put a diaper on him. This is what I turned around to find...HAHA!! Nice aim dude.

Okay, so try to watch this without laughing. It's just a video of my mom laughing the entire time, but it's hysterical. I don't think I've ever heard her laugh this hard...ever...or laugh for this long. Nice job getting it on video babe!! Sorry mom, I had to post this. (Pause the music on the blog so you can here the video)

This is what babies make us do. We make silly sounds and faces just to get a laugh...and LOVE every second of it...we have a cute baby in case you weren't aware. :)

Scott and Liza took us to Horning's Hideout for the first time and here are some pictures of when we went with them about a month or so ago...so we took the fam back when they came into town. (And it's HornING's Hideout dad...not Horny Hideout...lol.)

Dallas trying to shoot Denmark and Scott.

Happy little family.

Denmark nailed Addy, but I think Addy got Scott pretty good.

We probably should've taken pictures before we got soaked, but didn't think about it. Lincoln is sleeping here like in most of our pictures...:)

5 YEARS ALREADY!!

So I've been reflecting a lot these last few months. Dallas and I have experienced a lot of pretty awesome things in our 5 years of marriage. I wanted to write down some of the best things I've learned from Dallas. He is a wonderful husband and a great father to little Lincoln. Although our marriage has been the happiest 5 years of my life, we have also worked hard together to make each day better than the last. I love you babe!!

Things I’ve learned in 5 years of marriage

I’ve learned that quality time IS quantity time

I’ve learned that thinking is an ability we have, not necessarily a reality

I’ve learned that being happy is more important than being right

I’ve learned that an apology is, “I’m sorry.” Not, “I’m sorry you feel that way.”

I’ve learned it is important to compliment more and criticize less

I’ve learned to laugh at myself AND my husband

I’ve learned that sarcasm is not uplifting and is rarely an effective way to communicate

I’ve learned that it’s important to ask for what I want and not expect anyone to read my mind

I’ve learned that all frustration comes from unmet expectations, so communicating expectations and managing them prevents frustration.

I’ve learned that communicating about communication is essential.

I’ve learned it is best not to parent my spouse

I’ve learned that Dallas can find things that I’ve looked for for days.

I’ve learned that worry is not worth the energy

I’ve learned that it’s awful to be a dream stealer and a fun sucker. It is more important to let the person you love talk about things they want, things they can’t afford and dreams they have. It helps us believe in ourselves and each other.

I’ve learned it’s important to believe in your spouse no matter what.

I’ve learned that being happy is a choice regardless of circumstances, hunger, or PMS!!!

I’ve learned that the use of superlatives like NEVER and ALWAYS is usually ineffective

I’ve learned not to discuss important issues when I’m hungry, tired or in a low mood.

I’ve learned that praying together teaches us more about each other than a lot of other things

I’ve learned that praising your spouse in front of others is important

I’ve learned that correcting or interrupting in front of others is not worth it. The details that get corrected probably aren’t crucial to the story anyway

I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as, “That’s just the way I am.” We always have room to improve.

I’m sure there are lots more, and even more to come, but I think Dallas has taught me some pretty awesome things so far, yes? Happy Anniversary Dallas. I love you!!

Crazy Summer!

Lincoln's first two months of life have been AWESOME!! Well, we think so anyway. He went to Idaho at 2 1/2 weeks, California at 3 1/2 weeks and New York, Ohio, and Illinois at 5 1/2 weeks. He is a pro at traveling and quite comfortable on air planes and in his car seat, I must say! :)

Pictures in this posting are from all of our travels. This first one was of my first experience forgetting to restock the diaper bag with diapers...LOL. Hilarious. Lincoln had a blow out about 20 minutes after we arrived at the park. I had a receiving blanket that we cut in half and used as a cloth diaper. Then I tied a plastic bag around him. I'm sure all you pro moms out there would've had some better ideas, but I was quite proud of myself...except when Lincoln started crying. I could hear him saying, "Are you serious? What the heck, mom?!"

Daddy dressed me and I am stylin'!

Sleeping oustide of the Nauvoo Temple

Where he spent several hours on our Church History Trip

Brookie hanging out with Link.

Getting ready for takeoff. Heath picking his nose. Weird, usually it's Dustin doing that.

Dustin looking stoned and Aidan looking a bit mischievous, don't you think?

The beatiful Sacred Grove

Lincoln looking at the trees.

The Simmons Girls

The Simmons Kids...

And their families...

Being how we usually are

The sun was a little bright for Link. :)

Everyone!

Lincoln usually sleeps with one or both eyes partially open.

Lincoln sporting his motorcycle onesie from Dallas

Standing in front of Niagara Falls.

Being tourists :) Yes, I am flexing my massive arm muscles.

American Falls...with a rainbow.

Bruce Almighty anyone??

In Idaho. 2 1/2 weeks old.

Wearing my new church clothes.

Liking my new church clothes.

Disliking my new church clothes...