And above all else, be kind.

My heart is a little bit broken this morning and I'm not sure how to convey my thoughts adequately to express what I'm feeling but I'm hopeful that it will come across alright.

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Our Love Story: Part 13

"Here's the thing about this love story of ours. It's long. And drawn out. And mushy-gushy. And even a bit cheesy. But it's true. And I've decided to take my time writing it, capturing all the special details of those moments I never want to forget. So if mushy-gushy, cheesy love stories aren't your thing, I totally get that. Just know that I'm writing this as a gift - to my family, and my children, and their future children - and also, for [Parker] and me - so that on those days when the kids are screaming, the laundry is overflowing and the bills are rolling in...on those days when it all just seems so hard, we'll have this to remind us of those first moments when we fell in love. And if sappy, detail ridden love stories are your thing, well then you've come to the right place." -Ashley Stock

To read the beginning of Our Love Story, click here. 

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July 2011

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I was on my way to work one day the summer after my first semester at BYU. I was living in Cardston and for some reason, I was walking to work (this is the only time I ever walked to work which is why I remember it so clearly I think) at the tourist center downtown. I was walking down Powerhouse Hill just passed the high school when I got the text on my flip phone (that makes me sound so old). It was a text from Parker saying that he was coming to visit me. His parents had bought him tickets for his birthday to fly out to see me before he left on his mission and I was SO EXCITED! I remember my eyes welling up with tears and willing myself not to cry and I also remember smiling the entire day afterward. I would just catch myself grinning from ear to ear with excitement!

All Time Faves

Whenever I'm in a little blogging rut/too busy to blog, I find that doing a little fun post helps to get my creative juices flowing again. So here's a little all-time favorites post for your reading pleasure.

In hindsight, this post was SO HARD TO WRITE! I'm too indecisive lol.

Favorite drama tv show(s): Parenthood, Gilmore Girls, and Friday Night Lights. Honorable mentions to Grey's Anatomy (it's a little too hard on the heart), Friends, and How I Met Your Mother. Currently loving American Housewife!

Favorite reality tv show: I cannot decide between The Bachelor/ette, Survivor, and Big Brother. I love them all equally. And I love that they all come on at different times of the year.

Favorite podcast: Awesome with Alison. Scrubbing in with Becca Tilley and Off the Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe tie for second. The Goal Digger Podcast with Jenna Kutcher and The Almost Famous Podcast tie for third place. I like my podcasts.

Favorite song: Drops of Jupiter by Train. It's such a classic and the violins steal my heart! Currently also loving The Cure by Lady Gaga.

Favorite movie(s): Remember the Titans and How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days.

Favorite board game: Aggravation ties with Settlers of Catan... I think.

Favorite card game: Nertz.

Favorite date: Dinner and a movie <3 <3 <3.

Favorite vacation spot: anywhere with the sun and a body of water I can swim in.

Favorite time of year: Summer!

Favorite book(s): Idk why I do this to myself because it's too hard. I LOVED The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines. The Lake House and The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton blew my mind. Marcia Lynn McClure is my favorite romance author.

Favorite food: POTATOES IN ALL THE FORMS. Chips, mashed, baked, scalloped, funeral, FRIES, etc. My mouth waters at the thought of potatoes!

Favorite colors: Blue, white, with a little bit of red. The perfectly classy combination and patriotic, too!

What are your favorite things? Thanks for reading!

xoxo, Chelan