birthday pics

During some time off yesterday, QUinn went with me to get the boys birthday pictures taken.

I figured kill two birds with one stone, and get them both done at the same time, especially since QUinn could come and provide some extra support (and hands).

The picture taking was somewhat oppposite as what I imagined it to be.

Kaipo was VERY easy!

And we had several pics to choose from...

this was the unanimous choice between Quinn and I.

Ash was a little more of a challenge.

Probably because they try and make him do too many weird poses,

and take way too long trying to get them to be un-natural.

Lets just say, it doesn't take very much to be a

Professional Photographer @ Kiddie Kandid.

But doesn't our little man look soo cute & grown up?!

taken for granted

I (the whole family actually) definitely took these past several months for granted,

when QUinn wasn't working a full-time job. I know I will feel no sympathy from most people, whose husbands work a normal full-time job, but these past few weeks have been tough!

Quinn got a new job as a progress mentor at Western Governors University. He has to commute for the next 3 months to SLC, and then after that he can work from home or wherever he likes. Plus in a week he is starting to teach 2 more classes,

which means he will be gone 4 nights a week, on top of his full time job!

I got so used to having QUInn around and the convenience that was for everyday life. Now I am experiences being a full-time mom, in full-force! But it is all worth it, because (most importantly)QUinn has found something he REALLY enjoys and once the 3 month training process is over,

he will have freedom again to work from home and still be able to spend time with us too!

what an angel

Quinn didn't have to leave for work until 9am this morning,

so Mommy got to sleep in a bit (7:30). Which worked out well cuz I have been feeling a bit under the weather with a sinus cold. I was awakened by this little angel bringing me breakfast in bed! All by herself, she made me a delicious bowl of cereal (one of my favorites-maple & brown sugar shredded wheat), and of course a card accompanied my breakfast.

Ame is the queen of card making. She makes cards for everyone, for everything!

She loves doing this kind gesture ALL the time!

Ame is so thoughtful and is always thinking of others!

I love you sweetgirl. You made by day of feeling yucky, soo much better!

ps. the above picture looks a little more like me now...as I have gone back blonde

Close???

I think we are close to another milestone in our family, with our (not so baby) Ash. He is actually using his walker now and cruizes all over the room. He pulls himself up everywhere too! His favorite place is in front of the fridge, where all the leapfrog letters are and just drop them ALL on the floor. Not a favorite for mom.

Will he be cruizing solo by the time he is one? We will see...

Tomorrow is birthday picture day at Kiddie Kandid for the 2 boys.

Any creative ideas?

Throw me some ideas if you have any, PLEASE!

I just hope their runny noses stop b4 then,

or they may be looking like rudolph with their noses soo bright (red) from the constant wiping

I'm a BIG Boy

Pardon the boy in his underwear, but WE are pretty excited to be wearing them AND keeping them dry! Kaipo has grown up SOO much to me in the past week, mostly due to becoming a BIG boy and using the potty. He does both #1 AND #2 successfully in the toilet. He still wakes up wet after a good night sleep, but wakes up dry when he takes a nap! We struggled with the night time wetness with Ame for quite a while, so I think that may continue with Kaipo, but we will see! I am just happy with the daytime success and am soo proud of Kaipo.

Way to go my handsome boy! Kaipo is shouting...I'm a BIG BOY !!!

(with his sword in hand, of course...he never lets that thing go)

so much emotion and gratitude!

This past weekend has been filled with emotion of ALL kinds. Mostly happiness and gratitude! Saturday and Sunday was a special time for this little girl AND her parents. I can't believe it has already been 6 months and how much Kaiya has changed.

**Isn't she a precious little angel**

I was thankful to be able to share in this special time with my sister, her husband

and their little miracle. The Lord has truly blessed this little family. I am just amazed at how the Lord works and how perfect His plan really is. He know soo much more than we do and I can't imagine Kaiya NOT being where she is now. It is the perfect place for her.

She is sooo blessed and lucky to have the incredible parents she has,

and I know they feel the same way about her!

Switching directions a bit..........

Occassions like the ones I have been blessed to be apart this past weekend,

remind ME just how much I have been blessed with, as well.

Much more than I feel worthy of!

Like this little guy

This was my family a little over a year ago. It is amazing what a year does!

Now my baby Ash is almost one,

and my other not so little boy is 3 (and do VERY well with potty training I might add)!

3 pretty special girls

I don't even want to begin to talk about what is happening at the end of this week...
because that will begin another flowing river of tears!

But I am going to miss special moments like this one



and this one!

I just feel overwhelmed with gratitude for all that I have been blessed with.

I am thankful for this weekend and the reminders it has given me.

I hope I can show my appreciation more, to those who mean so much to me!