What a MAN

I realized I don't publically express my love for my husband very often.

SO I thought this being HIS day, I would make just a little tribute to him.

First of all, I would not be the kind of person I am today without his continued patience and love. He gets me, sometimes more than I am willing to admit. He loves me unconditionally and helps me be better, in soo many ways!

Secondly, he is an amazing provider and does it all without complaining. We have been some amazing places and done some awesome things, but no decision has been made without serious pondering about the well being of our family. Quinn often sacrifices his own needs and wants, just to make sure we are taken care of and happy.

I realized in doing this I don't take nearly enough pictures of just QUinn and I. This one is actually cropped, just to get the 2 of us....sad huh!

As much as he loves me, his love for his children is endless. He is such an amazing father.
Our kids know, without a doubt, daddy loves them!

He has such a special bond with his little girl.
It is hard to believe that he wanted his first to be a boy SOO badly.
Ame definitely knows how to melt her daddys heart!!

Part of being a great dad is knowing how to have fun with his kids,
and QUinn definitely knows how to do that!
He is WAY more fun than mom.


He is a patient teacher, especially when it comes to the TOYS.
There is still a little kid in QUinn, FOR SURE!

Quinn is so proud to pass on his name to these precious boys.

QUinn, on your birthday, I want you to know that you are such an amazing man.

I love you beyond words and actions. I am so eternally grateful we found each other and

that we get to spend this life (and the next) together. Through the good times and the not so good, I can't imagine experiencing any of it WITHOUT you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart

Happy Birthday

Love, your wife

MORE snow

We have made it through another storm. This one hit really wierd. We got hit HARD, as well as Utah county, and then in between wasn't as much (from what I hear). We probably got a good 7-8 inches of new snow (or more, I am really bad at estimating), on top of about the same amount which hasn't even melted yet.

This has definitely been a SNOWY winter so far, and it is ONLY January!

But the kids are LOVING it and had a blast today.

This is Kaipo's favorite thing to do with the snow...

The kids spent a good hour and a half playing in the culdesac, with some of our neighbor friends.

Doing everything from sledding...

to getting buried in the snow.

the more snow the better, as far as they are concerned!

The house looks pretty all "snow-caped"

I just don't know how much longer it will be so pretty?!

This is a view out into the culdesac.

Does this give a visual of just how much snow we have around our place?

Jump-On-It

There is this AWESOME place in utah county called Jump-On-It, that is a huge warehouse just full of tramps all lined up. You pay by the hour and up to age 3 is free,

so Kaipo is good for a few more months!

The picture below may lead someone to believe that we have locked out kids up in a cage,

and Kaipo is trying to chew his way out!

The last time we went mommy even paid and joined in on the fun, with the kids.

It is a great work out!

Ame liked to play "cracked the egg".

This pic is a good one to show just how this place is set up.

I mean what a great idea someone came up with!

Imaginary Friends

I found this article from the 'Baby Center E-Newsletter' I regularly get. It was quite enlightening for me, considering the imaginary friend Kaipo has had for quite some time now. Ame never really had one, at least not that I was aware of, so I wasn't sure what to think when Kaipo began talking to and about Kleina (who know how to spell it). I do find it interesting that this friend is a girl. Maybe cuz he has an older sister, that he is used to playing with.

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Ever catch your child talking to an imaginary friend? Pretend friends can be a healthy part of your child's developing conscience and value system. They keep him company, provide solace, and even share the blame for the things your child wishes she hadn't done.

Kaipo uses the last one A LOT!

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.