AT HOME WITH THE HENLINES

2012-01-22T17:04:00.000-08:00

Picture update:

A little delayed? Yes. But I did get a few requests for pictures, so better late than never I guess. Life is moving fast I tell ya.

We are so happy to say that we are finally settled into our new house! It's like a dream still. Here are a few basic photos. I'll prepare for a new update that includes us all enjoying and living in the place.

I love you, house.

2011-12-19T09:57:00.000-08:00

Ellie's celebration dance (Uncle Andypants' dance)

...

It's

Done!

...

Front door (Ellie telling Brody that we are moving here)

Kitchen desk and fridge :D

ASHLEY's tub

Kitchen

Brody on the new carpet

Stairs/kitchen

Moving soon...

2011-11-29T20:29:00.000-08:00

2011-11-29T19:38:00.001-08:00

Feels Like Home

I am so excited to say that our cupboards, tile, wood floors, bathtubs and showers, rain gutters and a few other new details are in! It's all starting to feel like a real home. So happy I could cry!

2011-11-15T12:58:00.000-08:00

Hurry Up!!

The house is taking longer than we expected. I just hope we're in by Christmas. Sigh. Looking good...

11/15/11

I should add that the stone shown here was put on by mistake. Oops. They have now taken it off and are putting up the correct stone.
-
This project is a roller-coaster! It's so exciting and happy one minute, and then the next minute I feel like it's going to all go wrong... No matter what happens though, I have absolutely LOVED this whole process!

Dream. Come. True. :D

2011-11-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

Blessing babies and loosing Teeth.

Lots going on here.  Dyson lost a top tooth.  He is thrilled.  Ripped it out himself.  Here are the before and after pics:

wiggly...

and gone!

I'm starting to wonder if we will ever get a family picture where we are all looking at the camera.  Can you make 4 kids smile and look at the same time?  Not sure it will happen.  Here's a smattering of failed attempts from Brody's blessing day:

We have now realized it was a bad idea to put a 5-year-old in a skirt on a top stair for pictures.  Especially with pink undies.  Oh well, not like these are going on the Christmas card.  

And last:  The house update.

11/11/2011

2011-11-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

10-31-2011

2011-10-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Moving along...

Soon after we take a picture, it's outdated. That's a good thing. By now (10-30-2011) the roof, windows, doors and a few more things are done. Soon we'll do some inside shots! Drywall should be up this week. Yessss!

10-20-2011

2011-10-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Getting bigger...

Brody weighs about 10 lbs now.  2 months old.  He's so precious!

2011-10-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

Jarred Brody Henline

Our baby was due on Sept. 18, but came 5 weeks early via c-section. I really wanted another water birth.  I was super dissappointed, but you do whatever you have to for your baby.  Recovery was rough, but Brody did great and was only in the NICU for 5 or 6 days.  He was so tiny!  5 lbs when we took him home.  So incredible to see him learn to breathe and to swallow.  He was a trooper.  

Before the tubes could come out

A few days later...

Dyson showing how big his brother is


Dyson got to scrub up and visit his baby brother in the NICU. One of my most precious memories ever. I couldn't go with him to see the baby so Dad took pictures and they came to show me right after. Dyson was absolutely glowing.

Cambry had to wait a few days to see him because she and Ellie had colds.  She FINALLY got to hold him.
Good thing we waited until she was better because she 'could not stop kissing him!'


Waited for months to have her brother hold her finger like this.

2011-10-19T16:23:00.000-07:00

New House!

That's right. We are finally moving from my parents' basement.

We decided to build and even helped design the house.

I can't wait to move in. I dream about it. I LOVE it!

Here are a few pictures of the process... : )

The lot before we started

Dig time!

Dyson's wolverine claws (construction nails)

10/15/11

2011-06-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

School is out. It's sad that only a few posts ago, I am updating on Dyson starting kindergarten. Not so good with keeping it current here. Eh. With three kids and a lazy streak in me- that's what we're gonna get.

Latest adventures update:

Went to West Virginia to visit Jarred's extended family- they all live there. It was a great trip and we somehow survived the plane trip with the 2,4, and 6 year-olds. Go Henlines! The trip was a gift from Jarred's parents (whom I love just like they are my own!). The trip was filled with family visits, lots of swimming, and Jarred's favorite part was that he got to rent a shiny new Jeep Grand Cherokee while we were on the trip. He is now planning to buy one as soon as we are rich! Here's a few pictures from that trip:

The kids and I (Ashley) went to Vail again this year. Jarred didn't come. Somebody has to make the money around here. I decided to leave Ellie home for this trip and take the 'big' kids. Lots of swimming, relaxing and getting spoiled by Grandparents.

So, what now? Well, I look like I am smuggling a soccer ball under my shirt now. Yeah, if you hadn't heard- we are having another one. I feel like a mother rabbit with all these kids all over and waddling around expecting another one. I love it. It's so intimidating to think that we will have 4 little people to take care of! 3 is hard... I sometimes skip one already when I am making lunch. Seriously. What will I do with 4? Poor Dyson. He will have to be the helper. Cam will be great too. I also get a guilty excitement when I think that 2 of them will be in school everyday starting this fall!! Then I cry because I don't want them to be that big, then I cry because I can't juggle this many darn noisy kids all day, then I cry because I hate my pants... Blame the hormones. I am teetering on crazy here. But in all seriousness- I do completely love my kids and I can't wait to meet by next little baby!

So that's the latest, and now we are determined to have a wonderful, memory-filled summer and get ready for our new little brother! (And possibly move sometime soon... but more on that later ;) ).

2010-12-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

Hello.  Are PEZ really meant for children?  I mean, sure they are kids' characters and sure, the candy is just highly compressed sugar with coloring which puts it into the kid candy category.  But honestly- are kids really operating these contraptions on their own?   

I find it hard to understand how the design hasn't changed for all these years they have been out.  I am not suggesting they are a choking hazard or something.  Who cares about that?  I mean that I have to admit I sometimes seriously struggle putting the candy into the PEZ dispenser.  

These candies have such a precise fit in the plastic track that if even just one turns or falls over- you can't get the rest in.  No, you have to squeeze your finger tip into the track and attempt to stand up or turn the rogue sugar capsule.  This is difficult because the average adult finger doesn't actually fit into the plastic track.  This again, alludes that the device was meant for children.  

After watching my 5 year old struggle to line up and then load the candies into his new "toy" I offered a hand.  10 minutes later (yes 10 minutes)  I ended up waiting until he turned his head to actually EAT and thereby eliminate the last 2 squares that had been frustrating the both of us almost to the point of tears.  Delicious and ridiculous at the same time.  

I then had to help Cambry. 

 It is well known in our home that Cambry can be a bit dramatic and sometimes we all wince and brace ourselves as we see her begin to tackle situations where she may become flustered...  I'll admit I have actually hidden from her before.  So the PEZ thing was potentially hazardous for that reason.  

I started by opening (shredding to pieces) the paper wrapper around the candy package.  Can't these just open like gum wrappers or even have the little string that you pull to rip a strip down the side to get it started?  No?  

"If I can just keep them in this straight line..." I think, of course.  Nope.  Can't keep that many candies in a strait line and just simply slip them into the track.  No, you can't do it either.  Trust me.  You think you can, but NO- YOU CAN'T. 

By the way;  do the springs need to be so powerful that the thing SNAPS shut if you accidentally let your twisted awkward "keep it open" grip slip on the body?  (A body which, really, has no proportion relation to the character head atop it.  Let's be honest- Santa's body is not anything like a square tube, and it looks stupid with his head stuck up there)

So, finally, I get the little purple treasures all lined up for her, slide up Santa's "body", and hand her the toy with a generous smile.  

Click, click, click.  

"That's it?"  She says.  " There were only 10 candies in here?  Where's my orange pack?..."  

Yes.  That's it.  You load the impossible candies into the frustrating track and "click, click, click", your kid empties it in disappointment.  

Fun.

They're getting suckers next time.

2010-11-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

I'm Learning...

I've been practicing with my camera like crazy. I have even had a couple opportunities to rent some different lenses and even a whole lighting setup! I am slowly figuring out some of the ins and outs of creative photography. I. LOVE. IT.

Portraits are the best. Such a good way to combine all the things I love. My kids, funny memories and everyday stuff, art, and helping people- I love that I can grab the camera, and freeze time. Better yet- I can actually create something that is valuable to people with just what's going on around me. I got to take pictures for my brother and his cute fiance who are getting married in Dec.- Loved that day! I got to make it fun for them and then it was even like a little gift to be able to give them the photos. Couldn't be better.

Sometimes my test subjects get a little bored (as Cambry is demonstrating above) and I grab somebody else's kids to practice on (See my niece below :) )

Wish I had done more of this in High School and college. Pictures are priceless!!

Stay tuned for more!
I am surely not amazing yet. But I am not stopping until I get there!

2010-10-13T13:19:00.000-07:00

Ellie-

Not such a baby anymore.

I am starting to lose another one. These babies grow so quickly. Ellie is running with the big kids and talking up a storm. She is picky about food and would like to eat only sugar foods and cheddar cheese the rest of her life. She loves being outside and following Dyson around. She wears dress-up shoes and pulls clothes out of her closet to attempt to dress herself. I take more pictures these days now that I realize baby Ellie is soon going to be just a distant memory like baby Cambry and baby Dyson.

Sure love you, Ellie-bean.

2010-08-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

First Day of Kindergarten

Dyson started school this week. He could hardly wait! He loves having friends and getting to do projects. He was very tired of being home everyday with me and the girls. He has been wanting to escape all summer! It's fun to pick him up everyday and see him grin and say how much he loves it. Great start to the school year.

These pictures were as he was going into school on the first day. Not sure what he was going for in these. Anybody a Calvin and Hobbes fan? Well, if we pull out the camera this is what we get...

Mom only cried a little. It's so bittersweet to have them get bigger. Love you, little man.

2010-06-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

Yearly trip to Vail.

Every June Jarred's parents go to Vail, Colorado and we usually tag along. We love spending a little time with the Henline family and especially like to see our nephew, Gavin. We had a great time in downtown Vail and going for walks to a park nearby. The best part was all the swimming! Great vacation. We miss Grandma and Grandpa Henline so much already! Can't wait till we see them again this fall. ;)

2010-06-25T07:57:00.000-07:00

Finally, I got some pictures to load! Now I can blog again!!

Going to the ball.

Jarred recently took Cambry to a princess party royal ball. We got her all dressed up. It was her dream-come-true. It was all Jarred's idea too. What a dad. They were an adorable couple. Cambry got to ride in a horse-drawn carriage, eat chocolate, meet princesses, and get Dad all to herself.

Mom's favorite part was when we had finished her pretty nails, hair, dress and even put on her essential "dangle" earrings, she strutted around very prim and proper for all of 10 minutes before she decided to look for worms in the dirt out front. That's Cambry in a nutshell. ;)

2010-03-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

Kids.

So, Cambry found a highlighter. It was not good.

She also found, in the same catastrophic afternoon, my digital camera.

Sad.

Now the camera doesn't focus right and everything has a yellow-ish tint.

Soooo...
Look for new updates when I get a new camera. Can't wait!

2009-08-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Update on Life With 3 Kids:

Wow. We are a whole new family.

Three is a whole new ball game, folks. As you can see, I don't even make time for the blog anymore.

I keep thinking to myself that is it going to get easier and we will get some kind of schedule... I am not sure that is true anymore. Now that Ellie is a little bit mobile, it's getting harder!!! AAAAhhh! I don't have enough hands to do it all.

I find myself daydreaming about romantic getaway vacations more and more these days.

Jarred is still looking for a job. No luck. He took the Utah bar in July and we will get results for that in October. Yes it takes THAT long.

In the meantime he will keep applying like crazy and handing his resume to anyone in the legal field. People keep saying it's a tough economic time, but we have decided to ignore that. THERE MUST BE SOMEONE SOMEWHERE WHO NEEDS AN ATTORNEY, RIGHT??

We just have to keep our faith that something will come along soon.

Summer has been fun. Lots of swimming lessons, a boating/camping trip, visits to the zoo and the park. It's exhausting and difficult with three, but we brave all the activities we can!

Happy Summer Everyone!!

2009-03-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

It's all about perspective.

Here's a sappy little thought for ya.

I (Ashley) was having a rough day. It happens, right? I was feeling a little sorry for myself and struggling with some health problems. For the purpose of perspective I will share some of the negative, self-pitying thoughts:

-I have too many people to take care of to have these problems

-I don't even have a home of my own

-Who knows when we will be uprooted (not that I am even close to feeling "rooted") and move to some new and unknown place with no friends or family

-I never get to go on vacation

-I feel frumpy and hate my hair

... to name a few.

Anyway- I am dwelling on my difficulties and being completely self-centered when my big sister calls me. Certainly not a coincidence. Charity has a such a subtle, calming influence. I started to vent and something I said reminded her of a friend whose baby was born with a cleft pallet and has to have a feeding tube.

Bam!

It hit me hard. What is my problem? Seriously? I have it so good.

Three healthy babies

Amazing husband who cherishes me

My siblings and parents so close

Amazing In-Laws

A (free) place to live while we look for jobs

Everything I need to be comfortable

My own relationship with the Savior

So much to be not only grateful for, but COMPLETELY IN AWE AT.

As my thoughts swirled deeper and deeper, I realized that I am completely happy. I didn't do much to deserve all the goodness I have surrounding me. I feel like I owe an apology to anyone I have complained to. I want to be more grateful. I know I am not the only person to come to this conclusion. No matter what comes our way- we can still be happy when it's hard. We can even be grateful and feel abundance and peace in our own little world. So, it's all about perspective.

Love you, Charity. You have always been just the big sister I need.

2009-03-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dyson!

Sunday was Dyson's birthday and we had a rockin' pirate party on Monday to celebrate. Kids make everything crazy and fun. Dyson LOVES pirates. Well, he loves to pretend he is a pirate and begs anyone who comes over to pretend with him.

I (Ashley)made him a pirate cake, which turned out great considering I threw it together in a couple hours. I used blended up nilla wafers to make the sand and some pirate toys Dyson got from Nana and Grandpa for Christmas.

We let them make hooks and eye patches and they got to play pretend pirates. They followed little messages in a bottle that Jarrred had made for a treasure hunt, and Dyson was in heaven (notice the cheesy grin above).

This was the treasure they found (pirate ship pinata). Uncle Austin (left) had to break it open in the end.

Not a wimpy pinata.

Can't believe we have a 4-year-old. He is such a smart little guy. He makes life so challenging and fun.

He is Daddy's little buddy, Cambry's hero, Mommy's helper, and Ellie's protection. We can't imagine life without him.

Love you, D.

Dyson with his new, very own scriptures on Sunday

2009-02-24T09:02:00.000-08:00

I thought I would burst with pride when I first saw this!

Jarred has worked so hard and we have all been looking forward to this degree.

Just had to post a picture of it.

Jarred says you can all call him Dr. Henline now.

2009-02-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

It's a Girl!

This is Ellie Henline

She was born on January 24, 2009

Lots of friends have been asking for details and how the birth went, so here is the story.

Caution: if birth stories are not for you, stop reading.

So, this time my dream came true and my water broke!! Yessssss! I know that is strange to get excited about, but my water was broken by the Dr with Dyson and Cambry, so it was fun to have it so unexpectedly rupture. I knew the baby was coming- a few weeks early- and what is more exciting than that?

I still felt great and wasn't having any real contractions yet ( no timed, regular ones anyway). We headed down to Orem, Utah to the birth center where my midwives were. It's about a 30 minute trip in good traffic, so we wasted no time getting there- to wait all day. I didn't start labor all day! We did tons of walking and still nothing happened. I got nervous that I might have to go be induced (this was NOT what I wanted and I was determined to go naturally) so I called my little brother who was close by at BYU. He came right up and they gave me a blessing. I totally chilled out after that. I knew my body was just gearing up and that it would happen when I was ready. Sure enough, that night at about 7:30 the contractions started, and with a vengeance! I pretty much started my labor out in transition ( Usually you work up to this phase...). I had been dilated to about 7 cm all day (no surprise, I had been that way for days with no regular labor) so when they started, the baby was COMING. With my other births, I had epidurals and didn't feel too many contractions so I wasn't sure what to expect, but once they started, I knew it wouldn't be too long for me.

I survived a few big ones out of the tub while Jarred and the midwives got the water going. The water was a huge relief and helped me relax between contractions- Crucial to surviving that phase of labor. In about an hour and a half, Ellie came in less than 3 pushes. I wasn't sure how I had survived it, but it was amazing. Jarred saw Ellie coming and caught her and handed her to me. She hardly cried and even smiled dreamily at me when our eyes met. It was indescribable.

I have never felt so strong and valuable in my life. I felt so close to heaven, partly because I thought I was going to die from pain *joke* and because I felt like I couldn't do it alone. I never knew how strong I was. I think we sell ourselves short and say "can't" too soon. I do anyway, but I think giving birth is a time when we can't give up. Even when we want to. Our babies need us and we have to go deep inside to find strength that we didn't know we had to make it through. For those of you who are wondering just how difficult birth is, well I can't describe the pain in words but I will tell you that my pain scale from one to ten has been permanently altered. So has my view of women. How did women do that alone, in a field or barn or whatever??! I have gained so much respect for the generations that came before us and the mothers that sacrificed and were so strong! Wow.

I am so glad to have Ellie. She is so alert and peaceful. Even when she cries, she seems calm inside. I can't wait to see who she becomes. It is so fun to see her with her sister and brother. Dyson is great with her. He knows she is too little to pick up (Cambry, however does not realize this...) and they both love to throw away diapers, bring me blankets or pacifiers, and even sing or read stories to her. It is so fun.

I can't believe I have 3 children. Where did the time go? How am I so lucky? How will I ever go anywhere with 3 children?

Enough from me. Here are some more cute pictures. I love this one where Jarred and Ellie are smiling at each other. She is only about an hour old. Amazing.

Here's Ellie in the bath. She loves the water. Maybe she will always have a special connection to water from her birth. We will see.

2008-12-03T09:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Jarred for the last two blogs. What a dad.

This autumn has gone quickly. We are already moving! I can't believe that next Tuesday is Jarred's last final - ever. I think that day will be amazing- my schedule is super full that day, which is good because it helps the time fly. My brother is flying in to help us pack up the truck the next day and drive one of our cars. (Thanks Andrew- what a brother!!)

So here's our plan: We are starting out in Utah now. My parents just moved to a new house and have room for us in a downstairs apartment. What a miracle. So now we will be with them for Christmas and stay until we get a job. Jarred is taking the Colorado Bar exam at the end of February. Aak. We will be applying like crazy all over Colorado for jobs.

I, in the meantime will be staying as busy as possible so as not to "wait" for this baby (or give into the urge to buy baby stuff...). I have about 8 weeks left. This is when all the fun begins. The hips and back go, and it starts to get hard to get up and down... I am determined to keep enjoying this pregnancy as much as I have been. It has been amazing.

So now we just finish finals, move, enjoy Christmas, get through January, have a baby, then take the bar and find a job.

I am booked till March.

2008-11-16T03:13:00.000-08:00

HALLOWEEN 2008

This was the first Halloween the adults dressed up. We had to dress up for a party so Ashley sewed the Pirate Costumes herself.

The kids, of course, looked studly as Peter Pan and Tinkerbell!

We even went all out on pumpkins this year. We carved 8 and covered our entire porch wall. Even Ashley and #3 got pumpkin fever.

kjhkjh

2008-11-15T08:42:00.000-08:00

The Johnson Family Curses

Johnsons are cursed with two curses. The first curse is clumsiness. You know, not being able to walk and chew gum, that's them. In addition to being clumsy, they are also easily susceptible to injury. These injuries include spraining an ankle during family pictures, breaking a foot walking up stairs or even massive swelling and bruising from a tootsie roll.

Needless to say, the curses did not overpass Ashley. Ashley fell down the stairs (clumsiness) late in October and hurt her wrist a little. Then just the other day, she injured it even worse by picking up a gallon of milk (easily injured). Please don't laugh!

She has suffered a torn ligament and possibly a stress fracture (from milk?). She will be immobilized in her "stupid" pseudocast for 10-14 days.

2008-11-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Autumn

I was at the grocery store today and started thinking about how much easier my kids are now than 3, 6 or even 9 months ago. Things change so fast and each phase is new and challenging in a different way.

I was so happy that I took the moment to enjoy them- In the grocery store of all places. (This is not usual. Mostly, I am wiping screaming, boogered faces as they try to climb out of "time out" in the cart... while people tell me I really should buckle them in the seat part and mention how "brave" I am to have kids so close in age.)

I guess it's hard to enjoy things for what they are. I get so caught up in goals, and milestones and what is around the corner that I forget how good I have it today. Who doesn't? The future is bright for my little family right now, with graduation, moving, a new baby coming, the holidays approaching... I could go on. I am looking forward to it. But here is a list of other things I am loving today:

I got to feel the baby's hiccups inside me

I made dinner - before 7 pm

The rain stopped and the sun peeked out for a minute (first time in a week or two)

Cambry has worn big girl undies with no accidents for about 4 days- this is VERY exciting

Both kids took a nap at the same time!!!

I have a couple weeks before I have to plan another mutual activity

That is a good list. I may forget it in a couple of hours and go back to feeling overwhelmed, but I am glad I can take time to think of it.

What is on your list today? Seriously, please post yours here-

-Ashley

2008-11-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

Henline Falls

We discovered that right here in Oregon (not far from Salem) there is a hiking trail called Henline trail, that leads up Henline mountain to Henline falls. Seriously. So, spur of the moment, we took our kids and went on Jarred's birthday. It was spectacular. We went at the perfect time too, with all the fall leaves and amazing Oregon forest. We will always remember this. Thanks to our friends the Thuesons, for coming with us and braving it with their twin two-year-olds and newborn baby...

2008-11-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I am way behind on updates. Let's sum up the last couple of months. First thing I missed: Our Trip to Kansas. We had a great time visiting Jarred's family in late September down on the farm. We went fishing, chased chickens, went out on their beautiful pond, and had a great retirement celebration for Dad Henline. Now he has more time for fishing, hunting, grand kids, and well, work. He is starting as a substitute teacher (he will be amazing!) and has lots to do on the farm. Congrats on Retirement!! We love you.

The next event I didn't blog: My brother came home!

Jarred wasn't able to go with us for the trip to Utah and I was sad. I am so excited to say that law school is almost over. Jarred has requested a count-down so I will make one in our side bar.

Cambry, Dyson and I (Ashley) went though and we had an amazing visit. Dyson remembers Uncle Andrew, but Cambry was barely a couple months old when he left, so she knew him only from pictures and stories. Needless to say, they fell in love with him right away and had such a good time with their uncles and aunts.

(thanks to James and Aly Walston for the picture... )

I am such a baby. It was so great to have all my siblings together again. I loved cramming so many people back into my parents' house (maybe for the last time before they move).

Oh yeah, and by the way I am not just getting fatter. As my brother also discovered at the airport- we are expecting baby #3! We are so excited. No, I am not finding out what it is. I can't wait for a surprise in February.

Here I am in full glory (by the food of course) after Andrew's talk in church.

2008-08-13T11:17:00.001-07:00

Can't wait until October!

My brother Andrew is almost home! I have missed him every day for two years. I am so glad he is on a mission. There is nowhere else in the world better for him right now. He is turning out great. I think the hard part has been watching my kids change without him. I know he wants to be near them. They could use him too. He is such a great uncle. All their aunts and uncles are amazing. I think it's such a miracle that my kids will have so many people that love and support them. My two brothers and two sisters and their spouses (Uncle Randall, and whomever else may come along...) and Jarred's brother and sister-in-law. Not to mention amazing friends and extended family. Lucky kids.
Anyway, here is a countdown for family and friends who are waiting too...

plus an occasionally -updated website- http://www.elderandypants.blogspot.com/

Love you Andrew. Thanks for teaching my kids about being a missionary. Priceless.

2008-08-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

All these boys want to do is GOLF!

This has been the month of golf. Dyson is obsessed with it and it's got a lot to do with the fact that if Daddy is not at work...he is golfing.

Dyson's not too bad. He is getting his swing figured out. Good thing we have whiffle balls.

2008-07-19T22:15:00.000-07:00

NEW PICTURES
After lots of urging from Ashley, we decided to finally get our family pictures taken
Enjoy our sexiness!

2008-07-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

The Oregon Zoo

In an attempt to be the greatest husband ever, I took the kids to the Oregon Zoo to give Ashley the day off. We went with my friend Brandon, from law school, and his two girls. Besides the appearance of being Brandon's "partner," it was an awesome day.

The best part was the Dinosaurs! Exhibit. Dyson and Cambry loved it. We were able to walk along a path and see like 20 different dinosaurs, from spitters to flyers. We were even able to compare our wingspans to a Pteranodon.

The best one though was the T-Rex. Although Dyson loved him the first time around (Cambry didn't), when we came back for pictures neither of the kids could stand it. I guess his gigantic teeth and loud roar were too big. Cambry just kept screaming: No bite me, Want to go home.

We even got a few sweet pics.

I don't quite understand what those expressions mean.
We got a picture of a gator just to make Mom squirm when we got home.
When we were walking into the elephant exhibit some kid looked at me and said, "that elephant has giant dookies." I just thought he was weird until I saw what he was talking about. It was gigantic, almost as big as Cambry.

2008-07-17T15:28:00.001-07:00

Is it time for a new post? It's good to know so many people care.

We are loving summer and life is flying by.

At Father's day We spent some time in Colorado with the Henline family and had a blast. Of course Dyson went fishing and loved it.

We loved having Grandpa and Grandma Henline around. We got to do tons of activities, including a Rockies game (Matt Holliday waved at me... :D ) It was a great trip and it really made it feel like summer.

2008-05-28T20:53:00.005-07:00

Tyler saved up his money to come visit us this month and we had a blast! He is such a great uncle to our kids and they love him very much. Thanks for coming and showing us such a good time Tyler.

2008-05-21T16:10:00.000-07:00

I am feeling nostalgic today.

I am missing my dad, even though he seems just as far when he is at home in Utah as he is now in Lumbumbashi, Africa.

I love watching my kids grow and learn, but somehow I feel like I miss baby Dyson and baby Cambry. It's so bittersweet to have them become older versions of themselves. I sure love them.

Today Dyson asked me if I will love him even when he is naughty. I laughed and almost cried. OF COURSE I WILL!

Even now, as I am typing, he and Cambry are trying to "clean " the fish tank (pulling up a stool to drop toys in it). I want to put them in the garage and shut the door sometimes. Maybe get a big padded room (well, two so they won't beat on each other I guess) and let them just go nuts.

How can something so awful and hard and frustrating be so wonderful?

I guess that is the lesson of life.

The harder we work the more perspective and happiness we have room for.

Cool.

What a couple of stinkers.

Thanks you two, for teaching me about love and happiness.

I couldn't be "Mommy" without you.

2008-05-02T08:31:00.000-07:00

Dyson's first fish!
We went for a cookout at a neighbor's house last night and they had a fish pond. Brother Olsen introduced Dyson to fishing- He is a born fisherman. He caught two. The second one he did by himself! Look how proud he was.

He dreamed about fishing all last night and is convinced that is what life is all about. He can't wait to get out there again. Fortunately, the Olsens left us an open invitation to fish again in their pond anytime. I think we will be going again just as soon as Dyson can get his little hands on a fishing rod of his own.

2008-04-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

Freezing at the beach with the Bowers.

We love you guys!! Thanks for coming all the way to Oregon to see us.

2008-04-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter everyone.

We had a great time and the kids looked so cute in their Sunday outfits from Nana and Grandpa Johnson.

Dyson could hardly wait to find easter eggs and knew just what to do. It was so fun to watch Cambry let the idea of hidden candy sink in... They loved it. Thanks again to the Morrisons for letting us tag along for the hunt.

2008-02-05T14:48:00.000-08:00

Our visit to Utah

The kids and I (Ashley) went to visit my family in Utah. Jarred didn't come with us this time because of school :( It was so fun to go see family and friends. Especially to share the joy of children with them.

Dyson got to play in the play place at McDonalds for the first time while we were visiting- He LOVED it. Uncle Tyler came allong to join the fun. What a great day.

We also got to play in the snow. Dream come true for the kids. They didn't get tired of the snow and sledding with Aunt Charity- even when they were freezing cold. It was just too much fun!

2008-01-02T10:43:00.000-08:00

December 2008

A few days before Christmas we went to see Santa. Dyson's dream come true!

That night, the kids opened their pajamas from Nana and Grandpa Johnson. Dyson was screaming "Green green green!" (His most favorite color, which he is VERY passionate about)

Then we made a gingerbread house. Jarred even added a TV satellite on the roof. (It says TV in blue and red)

On Christmas morning, it was obvious who was most excited. Yes, we woke up our two year old son. I couldn't wait any longer. The one day he doesn't get up before 6am, I did.

We had Jarred's parents visiting from Kansas and it made it even better. We have the best family and friends. It was a really great year. We will have some sweet memories.

Hope you all had a great Christmas and enjoy the new year!

2007-12-12T13:02:00.000-08:00

This is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Dyson watched Charlie Brown Christmas and was quite concerned that he didn't "know what Christmas was all about"either. I know- so dramatic.

I got these foam cutouts (Walmart) and we hot glued a nativity together. He loved it. He held the little baby Jesus while we made the manger and kept telling him that we were making him a bed and it was going to be soft. He even pretended Mary kissed and hugged the baby and sang to him. It was so fun.

He is so proud when he makes things and loves when I spend time with him to answer his questions. It even made me think about the true meaning of Christmas.

This will be a fun Christmas memory for us.

2007-11-11T20:52:00.000-08:00

Let's take a picture of us Mom!
I just love when my kids think of what they would like to do. Today Dyson wanted a picture of just us. He is so fun.

Here is a list of some more of my favorite "Mommy" things:

-Being able to bring snacks to church "for the kids"

-Dancing with them before nap time - they think I am so good at dancing

-Kissing little feet and toes

-When they put their hands on my cheeks and look in my eyes...

-When Dyson asks me really good questions such as, "Did we think it was sad to leave Heavenly Father?" or "Uh-oh Mom, did you forget that yellow lights mean wait, and not go?"

-When they sing along in church with the hymns (Even the ABC song over "How Great Thou Art" at the top of their lungs)

-When Dyson notices I am wearing earrings or a necklace and he says I look "Sooo bootifool"

-Talking to my babies when they are fast asleep to make them "sleep smile"

-Knowing my kids' cries from across a room full of kids. I love being so connected to them

-When "DADDY'S HOME!!!!!" and we all run to the door for hugs and kisses

2007-11-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

A picture is worth a thousand words. She wanted something that was on the counter so she created a step stool for herself (I didn't know she could open the dishwasher...) Very resourceful. This is the most adorable incriminating evidence I have ever seen.

2007-11-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

Halloween.

This is the best part of being a parent. Dressing up the kids. I almost burst with joy watching them trick-or-treat. Dyson's eyes were wild with excitement. He couldn't believe people were just GIVING AWAY CANDY!- EVERY WHERE HE WENT! Cambry soon caught on too. She would run ahead of us to the door and knock yelling, "TREAT!". So fun. So here are picts of Woody, the cowboy and the cutest ladybug I've ever seen. Totally biased though. I love being Mommy!

2007-10-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

Today we went out back and played in our beautiful maple leaves! It was raining (suprise, it's Oregon) but we all had a blast!

2007-09-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

Our first stitches! Dyson jumped off a chair and hit this corner on our file cabinet on friday (9/14/07). Ironically, just as I was walking out the door to take Cambry to the doctor for an earache (which turned out to be just a good cold). He just came with us and the doctor fixed him up.

He was very scared (so were Mom and Dad) but he was so brave, even when they had to cover his face to do the stitches and he couldn't see us, he tried so hard to be "tough". He even flexed his muscles for the doctor after they were done to show that he was okay. We were so proud.

Today it is quite a bruise (the pictures don't do it justice). Dyson is very proud of the stitches now and we got some pictures during the broncos game today. I guess all's well that ends well. Certainly a day we will never forget.

2007-09-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

DYSON HAS LEARNED: Nobody should EVER assume their chocolate pudding is safe just because their sister is in the bath.

MOMMY HAS LEARNED: If your one-year-old runs away when drying her off- chase immediately. Nobody should assume one-year-olds can't reach chocolate pudding on the table.

CAMBRY HAS LEARNED: Pudding is good. It takes 25 minutes to find me if I hide under the table.

2007-06-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

We did it. Disney trip 2007.

It was amazing. We have so many pictures that I made a temp blog just to show them all off. Enjoy.

(It's really done now, check it out.)

http://www.henline2.blogspot.com

2007-05-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 8th was a busy day for us!

First we said goodbye to our good ol' Hyundai Elantra...

Then we got a ....... NEW CAR!

It's a Hyundai Entourage. We LOVE it. It is so easy to get the kids in and out.

I swore I would never drive a minivan. But it's okay because it is that awesome! It is really nice. We are so spoiled.

I wasn't feeling so good though, so we went to the hospital after we made the trade and they took my appendix out that evening! The kids came to visit the next day. A few days later I was much better

2007-03-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

Here we are just chillin'

2007-01-29T15:22:00.000-08:00

Our amazing girl!

This morning cambry (now 7 months old) took a nap in her swing. I heard her talking from the other room and came in to get her. She had slid\climbed out of the swing and was standing like this, holding the swing. She was just beaming. She knew that she had just discovered some amazing freedom. We are in for it.

2007-01-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

***

Alright, so these are late, but we had a few requests for holiday pictures so here it is in a nutshell: We got snowed in in the Denver airport and had a few extra days with the Henline family- what a blast. Sledding, horses, warm fire and even a thrill ride adventure in a blizzard where we actually ended up abandoning the car in a snow flurry. Those country folk sure know how to show us a good time!

Christmas Morning at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house

***

Before that was our first Thanksgiving by ourselves. It actually turned out great!

Cambry had her first solid food that day. Dyson ate as much as Mom.

***

And before that was our Halloween. There is nothing better than dressing up your kids. We had the cutest bunny and skeleton in the world! Would you give them candy? Jarred and I had to use them to get some loot. We did very well. :)

2007-01-29T14:07:00.000-08:00

Dyson in Daddy's Shoes.

2006-11-30T14:30:00.000-08:00

Not a great picture, but here we are at my sister's wedding. We clean up pretty good.

2006-10-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

Cambry Nicole

...

and her many moods

2006-10-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

My Babies

by Ashley Henline

...

Tiny hands

Little feet

So funny and wiggly

So needy and sweet

A new kind of adventure

A challenge each day

We're tired

We're hungry

The diapers need changed

...

But somehow a mommy can see past it all

Through the crying

And spit-up

And nights up at your calls

When I'm tired

Or teary

When the house is a mess

I remember the reason I took on this test

...

I love what I'm learning

...

I love what I gain

...

And what I'm becoming makes this all worth the pain

...

So happy

So fast

So full and complete

Life is so crazy

So blessed

and

So Sweet

...

2006-09-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

Ouch!

Our little wild man is all into climbing. Today he fell (not the first time) and hit the edge of a table. He got quite a shiner. He was so brave. He didn't even cry as much as Mommy.

2006-09-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

First Bronco's Game of the Year!

This is what Jarred has always dreamed of

Aren't they so cute...

2006-09-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

Dyson has been telling me for some time now each time he has to go to the bathroom. Today we discovered UNDIES!

Here are Dyson and Cookie monster

checking out the fish and just hangin' out in their spiderman undies.

2006-09-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

Our new house

We are now in Salem, Oregon.

We are loving our new place and Jarred is hard at work in law school. Dyson, Cambry and Ashley stay busy all day... Cambry is a sweet baby and loves her swing for nap time. So cute!

Dyson has a cat friend.

He calls him "mow". He is the neighbor's cat, but loves to hang out on our porch. Don't tell the neighbors, but sometimes we leave him treats.

It doesn't like me much, but he and Dyson talk to each other through the screen door.

One day, I heard the cat meowing loudly at the screen and I went to see what was going on.

He looked up at me and dropped a small snake on the ground.

He walked back out into the field behind our house as soon as he saw that Dyson saw the snake.

It was a little gift.

Sweet, but gross.

2006-07-05T06:02:00.000-07:00

We Have Visitors!

Okay, So Ashley has a tummy here- This was less than a week after having the baby- sheesh.

Grandma and Grandpa Henline came to see their first granddaughter and play with Dyson. We had a great time. We had a small baby shower, played at Gateway mall, and even blessed Cambry in church. It was fun to have them here and we already miss them.

2006-06-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Meet

Cambry Nicole Henline

She was born on June 22, at the stroke of midnight.

6lbs. 6oz. and 20" long

She's finally here!

2006-06-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

Here are our last photos of pregnant Mom and Dyson. We sure love our little guy-

*AT HOME WITH THE HENLINES*

AT HOME WITH THE HENLINES