The Birthday Continues

We pass the Hill Airforce

Aeprospace Museum

like every other day (its right off the freeway,

just minutes from our house), but we have never been

so we went on Kaipo's Birthday. The kids thought it was pretty cool,

for about the first 15 minutes and

then they got somewhat bored of it, but we kept on.

From this picture, it looks like we have something to work on :)

The boys trying out the PILOT's seat

Luckily, we found this FUN room.

It made it all worth it!

Give THIS kid some crayons and he is HAPPY!

The kids got to try out this cool flight simulator.

And also try out LOTS of other fun & interesting stuff

We even stopped in the gift shop on our way out

to let the BIRTHDAY boy pick out a souvenier.

He's 4!

Thursday was a BIG day for our Kaipo.

He turned 4!

Ame, the best card maker ever,

made this special one for her brother.

We opened presents first thing in the morning

B4 Ame left for school, cuz we had a lot going

on and Daddy was going to be gone during most

of the day. Besides how long can a 4 year

old really wait to open them??

Kaipo saw this Pegasis several weeks ago,

and has been DYING to have it!

Daddy thought it was a little to sparkley

and girly looking, but mom got it anyway!

He is very much into Knights these days,

so we had to get one to go with the Pegasis.

I picked these games up a few months ago,
because they happened to be on sale at Target.
I wasn't sure how good they would be, but
they were definitely a GREAT purchase.
The kids love them!

Of course what else would this boy pick for a cake,
Narnia's Prince Caspian.

No, mom was not ambitous enough to MAKE his cake this year. Although it wouldn't have been hard to make a better one than this Walmart cake. But the birthday boy was happy with it and THAT is all that matters.

~Happy Birthday Handsome~

This mom LOVES her Kaipo for soo many reasons. I love how affectionate and emotional he is. He loves to cuddle, give hugs and kisses (even his friends and fellow-preschoolers who don't really appreciate the invasion of personal space). He often tells me throughout the day YOU are the best mom in the whole world. That phrase may come not long after he has thrown a tantrum, and screamed at me you're mean! or I don't love you anymore! He is so full of life and energy, and enjoys the simple things (something I could definitely learn from). Yes, he does try my patience ALL day long, but at the end of the day, I wouldn't want my boy any other way. He loves action figures of all kinds & is incredible at make believe play, because he has such an imagination! His smile is soo BIG and BRIGHT, and his eyes just sparkle with excitement (and mischief) about soo many things! I am so grateful for my Kaipo and the special, unique boy that he is!!!

A bit of a SCARE

I went to the Dermatologist a few weeks ago, for an overall skin exam. I had heard it was a good ideas, to have a professional look. I ended up having 2 moles removed. One just because it was in an annoying spot (on my pant line) and the other because the Dr. said it needed to be tested. I came home with a pamphlet and discussed it with QUinn. The mole showed serious signs of melanoma and we became VERY nervous! We were convinced it was cancer. It has been a long two weeks!!!! We went in today for the test results and to our surprise and much relief, I am in the clear. This has been a big awakening for me and I am dedicated to not WORSHIP the sun, as I always have, with not much precaution. I am determined to be much smarter, and never again think it won't happen to me!!

he did it!!

I was SOO grateful for this note from Kaipo's preschool teacher, because most days I don't get such a wonderful report. Next year I will be looking for a different setting, more fitting for his personality. I think the small, confined, basement space just doesn't work for Kaipo. His teacher has been soo outstanding and patient with him this year. After Christmas I had explored some other preschool options, but there were no opening. And at this point, what is my alternative? Keep him home???? No way! He needs an out, as much as mom needs the time of peace :) So THIS week has been a much better one and he had a FABULOUS day today. I guess bribery isn't so bad after all!! I hope he has turned a corner and is headed in a better direction, so Ms. Michelle can enjoy my boy more, and not just tolerate him :)

Wanna Try it???

I have gotten this twice from friends and LOVE it! I think if you wanted to start it you would just do the 3 ingredients, from day 6. I'm not sure though, I've always just had it passed on to me :)
Maybe YOU know have done it b4 and know how to start it?? Let me know if you do. If not, it is worth a try, because it really is soo yummy!

Amish Friendship Bread

Important Note: Don’t use metal spoons or equipment. Do not refrigerate. Use only glazed ceramic or plastic containers/utensils.
Day 1: Do nothing with the starter. The bag is dated.
Day 2-5: Stir with wooden spoon or just mash the bag.
Day 6: Add 1c. flour, 1c. sugar, and 1c. milk. Stir or mash.
Day 7-9: Stir or mash.
Day 10: Add 1c. flour, 1c. sugar, and 1c. milk. Stir. Take out 3 cups and place 1 cup each into three separate gallon size Ziploc bags. Give one Ziploc and a copy of this recipe to 3 friends.
To the balance (a little over a cup) of the batter, add the following ingredients and mix well.
1c. oil ( you can also use applesauce for a healthier bread)
½ c. milk
3 eggs
1tsp vanilla
In a separate bowl combine the following dry ingredients and mix well:
2 c. flour
1c. sugar
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. baking soda
*1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding (prepare ahead for this one, as you may not have it on hand)
½ tsp. salt
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix and pour into two well greased and sugared bread pans.
Bake @ 325, for 1 hour.

he's speechless

During the HUGE snow storm on Tuesday,

Ame made this snowman

all by herself!

Mom wanted nothing to do with the snow

and Kaipo is NO help (according to Ame).

We realized afterwards that Sarafena was

missing her mouth :)

broken hearts

This story goes back to Valentine's Day.

Ame and Mommy made some cookies to share.

Funny tidbit behind the making of these.

I couldn't find my cookie cutters (among the many

other things packed away somewhere), so we

used the little heart cookie cutter from

Ame's easy bake oven set. We had fun

making these cookies and now they were cooling

on the stove. The kids were all downstairs playing,

so mom decided she better head outside

(quinn was gone teaching at UVU) to shovel

the snow. I came in about a 1/2 hour later to find

THIS...

Mom was SOOOO mad at Kaipo, and wasn't

feeling so much LOVE anymore!

Kaipo decided he needed to test almost every cookie.

Good thing for frosting!

The few that weren't sampled got decorated

and we gave them to our babysitter (who

watched the kids, while mommy & daddy

went out to dinner).

Doesn't this Betty look cute in the

handmade apron she got for Christmas,

from Grandma Sheri.

first THIS then THAT

THIS post is not picture worthy, so it is just a READ ONLY.

To end our day yesterday, Ash decided to drop a few (it was actually much more than a few, sorry for the detail) surprises in the bath, after I had gotten him all nice and clean. I had washed him and headed downstairs to give Ame and Kaipo a shower. Daddy was SUPPOSE to get him out of the bath and get him dressed, but thought he needed a bit more time to play in the bath. A few minutes later he is running Ash downstairs so I could put him in the shower (which he screamed bloody murder about). I really didn't plan to clean my bathtub last night, but I guess I didn't have a choice!

If THAT wasn't enough of a surprise, we woke up to(as any other Utah'n did) what was suppose to be just a small storm, but it is STILL snowing! We probably have a good 7-8 inches, and I can only imagine what is up at my parents house...sorry Karli & LeAnne :)

I know I should be grateful for the moisture, but I am just not feeling it right now! Is spring right around the corner????? PLEASE tell me it is, I will welcome it with open arms!!!

At least my kids are lovin' playing in it right now. I better go get a picture of the snowman they built all by themselves (because I am obviously a scrouge and NOT helping them), b4 it too is covered with snow :)

We had a fun Friday Night Every time I turned around this boy was

getting another donut.
This is Ame's best bud, Irelyn.
They are in the same kindergarten class.

They had so much fun dancing :)

Quinn & Ame enjoying a daddy/daughter dance.

Mommy & Kaipo also enjoying their dance together.

I LOVE my boys!

The Limbo...how low can you go??

go Ame

And Ame's favorite thing to do!

And there was a whole table set up,

just for card making.

Oh what a feeling...to love and to be loved!!

Matt & Brenna

I was so glad we got to be a part of their Special Day.

Quinn and I were able to attend the sealing @

the Salt Lake Temple.

We had a quick visit from Elder Uchtdorf, who came in and said

"Oops, wrong room." He was doing the sealing next door.

We were all in awe and sort of wishing it wasn't a mistake.

But the sealer we had did a fabulous job!

It was FREEZING outside for pictures
and the bride was even in short-sleeves, BBBRRR!!
Their wedding dinner was in American Fork,
at a really neat OLD chruch, that is now a reception hall.

It was so great to see old friends and have a chance

to catch up and visit. But we sure missed the

LIFE OF THE PARTY, Bob.

I took a lot of pictures for my parents who

couldn't be there. I guess the distance was

just a little too far?

We greatly missed you, and so did all of your friends!

Here's some shots of a few who wished you were there...

And I had to throw in a picture of this cute little guy,

Mark and Tina's boy, Wesley.

He was soo good for such a long day.

Oh those cheeks!

These two were way to sweet and polite

with the cutting & sharing of the cake.

No smearing at all!

It was such a fun evening (and so quiet

without all my crazy kids). Once again,

I was so glad to be a part of it all!

part 2

Remember I posted about going to a Quinceneria,

a few weeks ago, for one of the YW in my ward?

Well my friend was the photographer for the evening

and got some cute shots of Ame.

This girl can shake it, and sure looks cute doing it!!

What is a party, without Y-M-C-A.

Thank goodness she didn't send any pics with ME in them :)

WHAT???

We have been spoiled with 40 degree weather

for the past couple of weeks.

Quinn even got to golf a few times last week.

So when I saw THIS sight early this morning,

I can't say I was super excited.

All of our snow had pretty much melted,

so this is all new! We are suppose to have a

week full of this, so winter is not even close to over.

I know we need the moisture, so I will TRY to be grateful :)

a BIG thanks

Ame decided this was something important to include

in her tooth bag, for the tooth fairy.

Everyone feels more generous when

they are appreciated!!

THIS and THAT

Rather than do seperate posts for all of these

RANDOM things, it's coming all in one.

Ame pulled out tooth #7 today.

Funny conversation about that.

She had about $85 saved up at the end of the year,

and Quinn asked her today how much she had left.

So she counted it out and is now down to about $30.

She has had a couple of loose teeth for awhile,

and decided one of them needed to come out,

so she could add to her money stash.

She spent a few minutes in the bathroom

after church and...out it came!

She is one crazy girl!!

Gma &Gpa asked what she is going to do with her $$

and of course she said, PAY TITHING FIRST.

that's my girl

And yes, my little angel volunteered for yet another talk.

She came out of primary with her note and said

I forgot I was suppose to give someone else a turn :)

Kaipo missed preschool last Thursday because

he was sick, so he got to decorate his

Valentines Box at home.

I wish I could say I was as ambitious as Jamie

and made homemade cards with my kids,

but at least Ame did get hers all addressed

& ready yesterday. We still have to get all 8 of Kaipo's

ready b4 his party on Thursday.
And what may I ask do you do with ALL the left over

Valentines?? I tried to get my kids to share, but

they didn't want to do that. I mean Kaipo

only needs 8. Is there really a class with 34 kids?

And like they will want the same kind next year.

I guess if I DID do homemade cards

we would not have this dilema!

And I know a box of Valentines cost little to nothing,

but it still feels wasteful to just throw the extras away.

I tried to make our FHE treat a little healthier today.
This bundt cake is soo moist & yummy-
made with (fat free) sour cream and applesauce.
If it wasn't loaded with chocolate chips, it
could be not so bad for ya!

Had to throw this in here.
I bought this little KING chair on KSL yesterday,
for a steal of a deal.
I am trying to find some inexpensive things
here and there, so when we move into our new home,
we have a few new additions.

Speaking of new house,
the word is they will begin digging in about 4-5 weeks.
All the BIG decisions (from our end) are made.
So the ball is rolling and we are Excited!!

Double Wammy

This morning when Kaipo woke up (b4 the SUn, as usual) he seemed fine and just watched some cartoons. But then when it was time for breakfast and to start getting ready for church, he was complaining that he wasn't feeling well. I could tell he wasn't his usual self of bouncing off the walls, so I knew something was up. Sure enough, he pucked the only thing he'd had, some watered down juice. So I decided it would best to keep him home from church and see how he felted throught the day. He was fine, other than not eating anything and just laying around.

We had been invited to the Robinson's for a Superbowl/Ryan's Bday party later in the day and I thought if he didn't have any other issues that it was probably just his sensitive stomach. He had some toast and few crackers is all. But of course about a half an hour B4 it was time to leave he did it again. ALL OVER his blankets, clothes, pillow, and even some on the couch. I so love the clean up!! I told QUinn he should just take Ame and go, no sense it us all staying home. So I got all the disgusting stuff cleaned off and threw it all in the washer. Here's where the other WAMMY comes.

We have an OLD washer/dryer set, but they have lasted and lasted so why buy nwe ones?? To save you from occassions like today, is what I have learned. SO all the stuff that I listed above is what was in my washer. I go to put it all in the dryer and find it all soaking wet still. So I put it to spin and tried again and again, only to find that it will NOT spin, just hums. Oh wonderful! SO I tried my best to ring out the water from everything, remember this isn't just normal stuff. It is all the heaviest fabrics possible. Maybe THAT is what did the washer in. At least the dryer still works, right?!

SO tomorrow we get to go shop for the unplanned, but all so necessary NEW washer and dryer!!

At the end of this day though, my boy is sound asleep and seems to be doing better. We will see, for sure, in the morning (hopefully NOT in the middle of the night).

*An interesting side note: as I was praying last night, I was expressing gratitude that no had been sick this year, huh. I was just being grateful, NOT asking for anything! And of course Kaipo is the only one of the 3 kids who didn't get a flu shot.