beautiful and NOT so beautiful

This morning started much earlier than I had wanted it to. I already knew I had to get up by 7am to get ready for an 8:30am ward council meeting, but Ash thought I needed to be up by 6am WITH HIM. Then I looked out the window to heavy snow fall (3-4 inches of new snow and still falling) and just wanted to crawl back into bed! This picture was taken after I had been to my meeting, so imagine this picture without all the plowing done, and that is what welcomed me on my way to a 2 HOUR calendaring meeting. I have to say I was NOT exciting about my day. It definitely would have been a much more beautiful sight,

if I didn't have to go out in it so early, in a skirt!

On a happier note...

doesn't Ame look gorgeous in her Christmas Dress, from Grandma Asplund?

Ame and mommy visited this little All For Girls shop, by our house, in search of something for the hair to go with Ame's beautiful dress. This headband was Ame's choice. Mom had a hard time buying it, despite it being VERY cute, it was WAY over priced.

The cuteness obviously won this time.

Kaipo is one good-looking boy too, who didn't want to miss out on his time in front of the camera.(Ash missed picture time, cuz he was napping)

How could a mom not be happy now!!

one more surprise

And, if this day wasn't already filled with enough surpises,

along with a visit to our home from Santa,

Ame got a visit from the tooth fairy on Christmas Day!

She lost tooth #2.

alerady over???

While my mom was over our house Christmas morning, we were discussing how we spend sooo much time decorating, buying gifts, and preparing for this day, and then....it's over.

You just hope you have helped teach your children the real meaning behind the gift giving and why we celebrate this wonderful time of year. At least that was my wish for the holidays.

We have had so much fun spending time with friends and family. We were with Quinn's family on Sunday and Monday in Orem, which is always full of fun and excitement. We got to do some service with QUinn's mom and the siblings (and their families), for an elderly man, 89 years old, and his wife. We gave them a christmas program: QUinn sang acapella (beatifully I might add) 'O Come All ye Faithful', his sister played the violin, the kids sang, others read from Luke 2, and Frankie signed 'O Holy Night'.

It was nice to see this old couple so touched by it all.

I hope their Christmas was made a little brighter.

We made it back home literally "just before" the big storm hit, and spent a quiet relaxing Christmas Eve at our own home, making our own traditions. Grandma and Grandpa joined us the next morning for awhile, once they could shovel their way out of their house. Then later in the evening, Karli and Chris met us at mom and dad's for more presents and Christmas Dinner.

I was soo looking forward to a yummy turkey dinner and Mom, of course, outdid herself with an awesome meal, as she always does.

Here's a little glimpse into our Christmas Day.

Off to grandma's house.

Our big family gift, full of fun for all ages.

Grandma always gets the kids such great well-rounded gifts

After opening presents, Ame kept commenting she didn't know where to start...

maybe that is a sign of too many gifts!?

she told grandma she would always be ready for learning since she now has her own little school desk...Ame loves to do school with grandma. She will miss that A LOT when they leave soon!

Santa got Kaipo the "perfect gift" for performing...his own keyboard and microphone.

Our little Ash was happy with what he got. Doesn't take much to make this guy smile!

We hope your Christmas was filled with as much fun, excitment and spirit as our was.

Happy New Year!

trouble???

Do I look like I could rob a bank?

OK, maybe not that kind of trouble....

but my daddy sure thought this was a funny picture pose.

a fun night out

Our good friend's, the Jordyns, called yesterday and said they were taking their kids to see the lights @ Temple Square and were calling to see if we wanted to join them. We were just sittin' around, not doing much and thought it would be a fun thing to do. So we bundled up and headed to Salt Lake. We did not know what we were in for-backed up traffic all the way to farmington(coming from the North), crowds galore because of the Jazz game and several other things going on downtown. We finally made it to the Gateway and took tracks up(which is always fun for the kids to ride) to Temple Square. The hustle and bustle of people felt like Christmas though. It was enjoyable to just be out and about! Luckily there were a few places indoors that we could visit and get warm.

Ame was very excited to watch the life size nativity outside.

She was so overly concerned when she saw it playing, while we were INSIDE. She didn't understand it played over and over, so she wouldn't miss it!

It was definitely COLD, but....
What a better way to put you in the Christmas Spirit!

Kaipo kept saying he wanted to go inside the castle. It is quite a magnificient place, isn't it!

A sigh a relief

Up until last Friday, I (or I should say our family) has been consumed with getting ready for our Christmas Party, since I am the Activities Chair in our ward. We decided to do it Hawaiian Style, which is NO SIMPLE TASK. I had great help from about 6 committee members to cook rice, pork and chicken for 300+ people. QUinn and I tried to do the food as traditional and authentic as possible, which was A LOT more work, but worth it in the end. Of course we way overestimated and had way too much food. But as everyone says, better too much than not enough. We donated a ton of left overs and have still been eating it for days ourselves.

Ame's Hula group came and performed as our entertainment, which made the night even more fun for all who attended. I had soo many people (especially the old people in our ward) comment that it was the best christmas party they have ever been to, much better than the traditional Ham and Potatoes. Which was good to hear, and made all the work worth it!

We of course ended the night with a beautiful spiritual program (unfornately several people left after the hula performance and missed the best and MOST important part of the night. I used this book as my focus of the program.

If you have a chance to get a hold of it, it is a very touching & heart-warming story. Included with it is a CD by Hilary Weeks. We used it as well and made a picture show that turned out beautiful. I am still very moved every time I hear it!

It has definitely brought the Christmas Spirit into my life this Holiday Season

and I hope to many others (maybe even yours).

Oh Christmas Tree...

We have pretty much always had an artificial tree (Quinn and I). Growing up, we always had a real tree and I kind of miss that, but for now an artificial one just seems easier.

Maybe I can just find a candle, so we can still enjoy the real tree smell.

The tree we've used in years past was just getting old and the stand had to be rigged to actually stay together and hold the tree, so I decided we needed a new, bigger one (since we have such high ceilings), and thanks to KSL, we found this 9ft tree for $50!! It isn't pre-lit which is a bummer, but what a steal, huh?

I also decided we needed somewhat of a new look, so we've made some changes.

The string of balls says Mele Kalikimaka. The white star, in the middle, I thought was cute

it says BELIEVE in the magic. And I have also done new bows and balls. I do need a new star for the top of the tree, but I guess that will have to wait for next year (it is somewhat expensive to get ALL new decorations, especially when the tree is 9ft tall). So I will just have to gradually add to it. But for this year...I am VERY happy with our new tree.

I am still in search for a nice looking stocking holder (that isn't just metal), since I actually HAVE a mantel now to hang our stocking on. So if you have seen anything fun, let me know.

The big debate Quinn and I had was where the tree should go, in the family room is where I thought, cuz then WE can enjoy it, OR in the living room is where Quinn wanted it, where it can been seen from the outside. The only thing now is our tree is too tall for the living room, so maybe we can make our old tree work and next year have 2! Then we can both be happy!!

(I'm not ready this year to decorate 2 trees)

A Snow Day

So we went to bed Friday night and it was cold, but just raining...then we woke up to this!! Of course the second the kids woke up and looked out the window they wanted to go outside and play. But I had an meeting (to get ready for our christmas party this coming Friday, talk about stress week) in the morning and didn't want to "do the snow thing" before. SO I told them if they were good they could go out after my meeting.

And they waited somewhat patiently.

All bundled up and ready for some fun! They even thought it was fun to help Daddy shovel the driveway. I wonder how long that excitement will last??

Luckily I had just bought them new coats a few days prior, but was still in search for snow boots (which I have to say are not a cheap thing to buy, EVERY YEAR). So unfortunately here Ame is wearing tennis shoes and Kaipo is wearing Ame's old boots from last year (that of course don't fit her anymore). Despite the cold feet, they had a blast!

Mom headed out and did some shopping that afternoon and found snow boots for both the kids, so now they can be COMPLETELY warm and dry when they go out and play in the snow. I got both of their boots a few sizes bigger, hoping they will fit for a couple of years, I just don't know if they are TOO BIG.

Our Little Snow Angel

I have never been so appreciative for a backyard WITH a fence, as I am right now. It is awesome to let the kids go out and play in the snow (when I don't want to) and know that they are safe and cannot go anywhere...especially Kaipo.

Family pics

On Saturday, Quinn's sister-in-law (Raschel) took family pics for us. She is really good at photography and even better at photoshop...good thing cuz as you can see in this picture we are missing one grandchild. Kyle decided it wasn't something he really wanted to be apart of, despite his parents many attempts to persuade. So once he calmed down, Raschel took a picture of him alone by the rock and now will attempt to add him to the rest of the group, using her wonderful skills.

This was just a picture I took with my camera, while everyone was trying to get their kids to look, smile and stay in the picture. Raschel did get some great shots (about 400 of them). Unfortunately, out of ALL those pics not one has everyone (in the WHOLE family) looking. Thank goodness for the wonderful invention of photoshop, Raschel will be able to make it look like one big happy family!

Oh, you gotta love family pictures!!

Hope it was good for you

We hope everyone had a nice, relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving!

Our was filled with all of the above.

We spent Wednesday evening with Quinn's family in Eagle Mountain (his brother Kam has a house out there) and then most of the day Thursday, with my family @ mom and dad's .

It was great to see my brother Aaron and his family. We don't get to see them very often. His boys are all so unique-both looks and personality. But all cuties! And of course it is always great to see Grandma Thurgood, soo happy and healthy.

This was the first time all of my family has been together for quite a while, and maybe the last for even longer, since mom and dad will be gone in a few months!

It was soo fun to see all the cousins playing together (with minimal fighting). Ame had a blast, even among ALL THOSE BOYS!

I think she had even more fun holding that sweet, precious Baby Kaiya.

Unfortunately, I got zero pics of all the fun. But my mom and Karli seemed to be snapping lots, so I am sure their blogs will have some great pics.

I soo love this time of year and look forward to the wonderful Christmas Season.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

ALREADY???

Baby Ash (who is everyday becoming less and less of a baby) is 8 months old today, and coincidentally has taken his first crawling movements today as well. I'm not sure what makes it official crawling, but he is definitely scooting on his arms. One thing I know for sure.... I am not quite ready for this !

As you can see from the expression on his face, he is pretty determined!!

Nursery Lessons=FHE

I love to see each Sunday, when Kaipo comes out of Nursery, what lesson they have had. And especially what creative prop has been made to go along with it.

If you can't read this one, it says:

Scripture Specs

help me see my way to heaven.

One of the eyes is the Bible, the other is the Book of Mormon.

We always save what the kids bring home from primary and nursey and make that their lessons for family home evening. The kids are always soo anxious and excited to give their lessons and share what they learned. It makes family home evening so easy and fun for all of us! The kids are much more anxious and interested this way.

out with the old...in with the new

TEETH...seems to be the big issue around our house these days. First Ash cut his first two teeth and now Ame has officially lost her first baby tooth. It has been loose for a while and we tried a few times to pull it, but that sucker was holding on tight! Then she lost her bravery and wouldn't let us try anymore. So it just got looser and looser, until it was literally hanging by a thread. She finally let daddy try again. This time was A LOT easier.

As you can see in the picture below, the adult tooth has already come through, even while the baby one was still there. So she hasn't really had any time WITHOUT a tooth.

Being our first time with a lost tooth in our house, the tooth fairy wasn't quite sure how much to leave, but decided $5 for the first tooth. I don't think that will be the regular amount, this was just the first, special one. We will have to see what the tooth fairy decides from here on out. Any advice? The big debate was dollar bills (mom) or quarters (dad). The tooth fairy did quarters. So, the first thing Ame said in the morning when she opened her little tooth bag...I wonder why I didn't get dollars. I guess the tooth fairy know for next time!

1st teeth

They're finally in.....Ash's two bottom teeth!

(yes, both at the same time)

At 7 1/2 months

This morning, through the runny nose, extra fusses and crying-mommy discovered the first teeth finally through. He has been soooo slobbery and chewing on everything for like a month or longer (it feels like). Of course, mom always assumes he's gotta be getting teeth, but nothing seemed to be coming. Then when you don't really expect it, there they are.

I tried and ....

tried. Even got daddy in on the picture attempts.

But, Ash just didn't want those little teeth on camera.

He even opened wide, but they just didn't show.

I promise.........they are really there.

costume to dress up

Ame and I had discussed the idea of getting a new dress-up, after Halloween, since she didn't really get a real costume for halloween, at least nothing that could really become a dress up afterwards. I told her if we could find something on Sale, she could choose one. We hit wal-mart and they were completely bare, next we tried Shopko and got lucky. This costume was $50 (I would never pay that much) but was reduced 75%, so we got it for $12. It isn't a REAL cinderella costume (as Ame so quickly pointed out) but she was happy with it and I was even more happy to find such a deal!! This picture is a pretty poor one, cuz it is taken with Quinn's camera, but it captures the costume good enough.

photo shoot

So, a few weeks ago, LeAnne (my sister-in-law) was gracious and patient enough to meet us at the park for a little photo session. I guess I shouldn't say little, cuz we were there for a few hours. But now I have hundreds of pictures of great snaps of the kids. LeAnne has a great eye, and got tons of cute shots. Here are a few...

Can you tell Ame LOVES to pose?

Kaipo was a bit difficult to get a snap of, so we had to get creative. LeAnne was soooo patient. I would have given up long before she did.

We only got a few of Ash even looking up. He was mesmorized (sp?) by ALL the leaves.

I like this shot beccause it captured PERFECTLY what this experience was like.

Ame posing pretty, Ash eating the leaves, and Kaipo collecting sticks and running wild (we fortunately got him to sit for just a second, literally)

As you can see I went with the whole Camo idea. Ame has a cute skirt on, which you can't see. She saw these pics and said she looked naked (bottom half of course).

LeAnne you're awesome!

THanks so much for your help and for doing such an amazing job!!

Much better than I ever could have done.

HALLOWEEN FUN,AND MORE AND MORE...

I sort of feel halloween'd out and it isn't even officially halloween yet. But the kids have had lots and lots of fun and that is what it is all about!
We went to a community halloween carnival, which is usually outside at the park right down the street, but because of the winter storm we had over the weekend it was moved into the community center. They had games, story telling and a bake sell. It wasn't super exciting but the kids got to dress up, see their friends and play games, so it was worth it for them.

Don't let the smile fool you, Ash didn't really like his costume, especially the hood.

But isn't he the cutest Spiderman ever???

SUPERMAN

What a grin...

Ame loves to bake and decorate the cookies

Kaipo loves to eat them

Daddy helped with the pumpkin carving-he cut out the face on one and Ame colored the face on the other pumpkin. One pumpkin carving was enough I guess. They're holding each others finished products. Mommy even cleaned and roasted the pumkin seeds.

Ame's class @ their school, all ready for the Halloween Parade. Kaipo even got to join in the fun.

Ame's teacher, Ms. Mandy w/her little girl. What cute matching costumes, huh!

The kids got to have a parade all throughout the high school and went into several of the classes where they got to trick or treat and get their bags filled with candy.

Kaipo was in heaven and loved all the attention. He felt like such

a BIG BOY at school with his sister.

Hope everyone is having a Happy Halloween!! We sure are!!!

home decorating

This is what I've done in Kaipo's room. The order I got actually came with 6 surfboard and a ton of flowers and leaves, so it is actually on two walls. I like this wall better, the other has different designed boards. A student of mine, a few years ago, had made me his name sign and it goes perfectly with the colors.

And this is the vinyl saying in his room.

Here is one of the walls in Ash's room. These are called "wall-pops". I found them @ Lowe's, and they come in all sorts of colors, shapes and designs. They are awesome because they are adhesive and can be taken on and off as many times as you want.
Great for trying to come up with a design!


Ash's room is somewhat decorated with the "pond animals" so this is his saying...

These are also "wall-pops" in Ame's room and a cute saying for our girl full of dreams!

It is fun to come across easy inventions that really add character to a room.