dance pics

I was really impressed with the dance, picture taking process, this year. They took pictures @ a studio right next door. Everyone was soo organized and they scheduled picture time during their regular dance time, which was VERY convenient! We got them back the next week and they did a great job (I think). Isn't her costume so cute? After watching dress rehearsal yesterday, I am even more happy with the costume SHE got. SOme of the others...hhmmGrandma and Grandpa, we will have more pics after the dance recital this Saturday!

Preschool Graduation

Wednesday evening Ame had graduation.

It was just a simple, cute, little "pirate" program.

The kids sang a few wiggles songs (I think the song choices could have been better, but whatever) and then they talked about each of the kids... as they got their certificates
Ash makes for a real CUTE pirate, don't you think?!
Ame and her teacher, Ms. Mandy
(what a job-and she did it so great!)

Here are some of her favorite friends.

And several of the student teachers

(Ame really liked the idea of having all these BIG sister type girls around-

they were really cute with the preschoolers)

They provided a sloppy joe dinner after the program, which I thought was VERY nice, considering they have 2 classes of 16+ students and then to feed their families too!

Ame has had a fun time at pre-school this year and has been such a BIG helper.

But she is definitely READY for Kindergarten in the Fall!!

For our Special Grandma (Asplund) and Mom

Since we can't be with you IN PERSON, we thought you'd enjoy these special videos made

JUST FOR YOU!

Grandma we hope you know on this Mother's Day just how special you are to us!

I didn't really want this to be on my blog, because it is more personal, but I didn't really know how to send these large files via email (I'm sure I could have figured it out,eventually, IF I tried)

Here's to YOU Mother:

You are such a perfect example of what a mother is and should be. And I love that we have become so close, not only as mother and daughter, but also as great friends too. I am so fortunate to have you as one to emulate. I don't think I could ever become half the person that you are...but it is always good to set your goals high, right?

I am also so grateful for the grandmother you are to my children. They are so fortunate to have someone who is so thoughtful, generous, loving, concerned and just enjoys having fun & being WITH them! ( just not right now)

Happy Mother's Day...to the GREATEST mother I could have ever asked for.

Love, your daughter, Brittany

Tumbling

Kaipo started taking tumbling last week. I was a bit nervous about starting him, not knowing how good of a listener he would be and if could stay focused. He has pleasantly surprised me and done very well! This is such a positive way for him to release some of the enormous amounts of energy he has, at least once a week! (This gives me hope for preschool next year)

Way to go Kaipo...YOU made your mama proud!

Here are 2 of his buddies, from our ward, that are in the same class. They are actually

both older than him, but you would never know that cuz he is just such a tall boy!

Classic

Have your kids seen this "timeless" classic?

We saw it at the library yesterday and I just had to get it for my kids to watch.

They have never seen it.

They are actually watching it right now.

Great movie for a rainy day, I think!

I have told Quinn before that we should get this movie for the kids to watch.

But He doesn't think it is as great of a classic as I do.

He says it is a creepy, wierd movie.

What is your opinion????

For Gma and Gpa

I don't want to bore anyone with another performance by Ame, so this video is put on here just to make a grandma and grandpa proud, of their favorite little girl (well one of them).

I don't think Ame has given the scripture or prayer, since we have been in this ward. But she has given 4 talks (because she always vounteers)! If it were up to MOM, I don't think I would choose a talk EVERY time, but as long as she is willing I will let her choose. We always seems to get the assignment on a busy week. But once I see her share it on Sunday, the little time spent was SO WORTH IT! And if this didn't make a mama proud enough, she jumped right up in Sac. Mtg. and shared her testimony. What an example this girl is to her parents and brothers!

yard work

This weekend we (mostly I-Quinn sort of checked the sprinklers) spent some time in the yard, doing some planting, care, repair and clean-up.

This is a picture of my flower bed(s) and the tulips I planted last fall.

I planted several other things this weekend, that I ordered off of a website my neighbor recommended. So we will see if I made good choices and if they will actually bloom.

I tried to pick out some things that seemed kind of unique, as well as some traditional flowers.

I also gave our lawn some "lawn food". Hopefully it will help with the less green areas. These are some of the flowers I ordered called Lupines.

This is a picture from the website and it said they come in a bundle,

so we will see if I actually get this assortment of COLOR.

The New Front-Runner

For those who live in Utah, you have heard about the MUCH anticipated Front-Runner Train. Well we decided to give it a try, since the first few days were FREE!

We only went as far as Layton. But after waiting to get on the train, then waiting again to return, plus we all had to share like 1-2 seats, because it was sooo crowded, we are glad that is as far as we went. But the kids got to experience it, so that is what counts!

And it was BEAUTIFUL weather yesterday-close to 80.

(just for your info. today is only 50)

Hawaiian Day @ Pre-School

Ame had her MUCH ANTICIPATED hawaiian day at school.

She wanted to share something withe everyone, so she passed out SHELL LEIS

(conveniently we had some left over from our ward christmas party).

They also made foam flower leis, painted fish, made vocanoes erupt and

had lots of other fun activities.

Ame was being silly and wearing one of the flower decorations. Kaipo loved PLAYING in the water and sand with the other kids.
Ms. Mandy even brought some coconuts to show the kids and cracked them open,
so they could try a piece. They had them for snack (after Kaipo and I left)
but according to Ame they didn't really like the coconuts.
Ame shared one of her many talent with the class. She was VERY brave to
perform ALL BY HERSELF (with the exception of Kaipo joining in a few times)

in front of everyone. The decision was completely left up to her as whether or not to dance.
She was feeling shy at first but after one dance, she actually WANTED to do a few more!

Here is one of the hula dances she knows. She did a tahitian dance first, but I missed

recording that one...trying to tame Kaipo instead!



Ame told me after I left she even gave some Hula lessons to some of the girls!

2-in-1

This picture shares two things for me. One: my new favorite cleaning supply.

Kind of weird I know, but I tend to buy generic cleaning supplies as often as possible,

including window cleaner. But not anymore! I picked up some windex because it was on

sale at the grocery store and I am never going generic again with window cleaner.

I can't believe the difference!!! No streaks and a much better smell! Two: notice the much excess blind pieces stacked at the bottom of the window.

Well when we installed the blinds ourselves (from home depot) they cut the width for you,

but they come in just a standard length which you are suppose to remove and trim to size.

Well we obviously didn't do it when we hung them and said we'd DO IT LATER.

Well it is a year later and they still aren't done.

Hopefully I will get to them this summer (in addition to my many other PROJECTS).

Sounds like so much fun...doesn't it?

brushing?

Are you a manual brusher OR an electric toothbrusher?

We used to just use regular toothbrushes, but Quinn and I just had dentist appts.

(at a new dentist) and got electric toothbrushes. We have had them in the past, but

Ame didn't really like it before. But opinions have changed and of course NOW the kids

love the tickle toothbrushes (as Kaipo calls them). And since we are trying to have

better oral hygiene, in addition to floss Ame wanted to get mouthwash. This kind is

great because the lid flashes so they know how long to rinse. Now every morning Ame

is taking care of her teeth without me even having to remind her!

And that is a GREAT thing for a busy mom!!!

hugs and kisses

This is a special post for Grandma and Grandpa Asplund.

We just wanted YOU to know how much we LOVE you,

that we are thinking of YOU (as we often do)

and since YOU aren't HERE to give

YOU a hug... and a kiss...
we are sending them to YOU via blog.

Hope you are having a great day!

*YOU are our favorite missionaries*

A Few Updates

Here are few updates:
#1 You can see I have changed the background to my blog page. My sister-in-law sent me the link and I really like it, cuz I like Roxy! (maybe cuz it helps me FEEL young) I haven't changed anything on my page up to now, cuz I am soo clueless, unlike all you smarter & more creative people out there. I definitely need a course in blogging! Any offers I accept. Although... I do NOT prefer pink, so hopefully I can figure out how to change the color.
#2 Ash is drinking some milk. I started buying the pediasure drinks and he really likes the chocolate ones. Who wouldn't, it is soooo chocolatety. I dilute it with some milk and hope to gradually add MORE milk and LESS chocolate. We will see how it goes.
#3 Kaipo has gone a week without any accidents, during the day. He is still wet after night-time sleep. But I am OK with that for now. That is how Ame was and she just gradually started staying dry. Way to go BiG Boy!
#4 I got a new calling. I am in young womens now-0ver personal progress AND athletics. I am excited to be in YW's! I haven't been in there since I "graduated" so many years ago! I have my first personal progress activity tomorrow night. Another thing to help keep me young!
#5 Quinn has finished his training (in SLC) for his job and is now officially working from home. We are still working things out-scheduling and work space wise, but my flexibility is back (somewhat).
#6 Ame is getting to her busy HULA season. Her teacher emails us the performances they have scheduled and then everyone makes it to what they can. The performances are optional but encouraged. It just helps them become better, besides lessons every week, to perform as often as possible. Their big annual LUAU is in July! I may be biased, but I think she is getting pretty good! She especially loves tahitian!
She also has her Jazz/Ballet recital next month. So she is a busy dancer, but is having fun (which is most important)!

Spring Cleaning

I have LOVED my new home, but my only complaint is it is soo much easier to see the dirt, scratches and dings on the walls, doors, etc, when everything is new! So I decided I needed to stop procrastinating & tackle this (never ending) battle. I am starting in one room and wiping the walls, baseboards and doors, then moving on to the next room. I figured if I tried to get 2 rooms done a day, it would only take me a few days (if I'm lucky).

The blinds really need a good wipe down, but I decided to start

with the easier job first!

Here is what one of the wall (between my kitchen and family room) looked like

BEFORE:

AFTER:
This guy works magic on all those black marks, crayons,
and pretty much everything!
Thanks Mr. Clean

Flossing

So how many of you parents FLOSS your kids teeth everyday???

I mean we are lucky if everyone gets them brushed twice a day!

I have to admit I have only done it a few times with Ame. She has some pretty big gap between her front teeth, so I thought (to myself) it wasn't that necessary. BOY WAS I WRONG! We visited the dentist today and got some shocking news...cavities!!! I am too embarrassed to say how many. In my defense, because I really do feel like it is MY fault, the kids haven't been to the dentist in over a year (no insurance for a while) and even worse they have Quinn's Horrible Teeth Jeans (is it hereditary?).

I guess this mom got a rude awakening about the importance of

flossing her kids teeth too!

recent challenges

Who would ever think a cutie like this could cause soo much frustration? Well let his mom just tell you.

Since he turned one I have been trying to wean him from nursing. We are down to a feeding when he wakes up and before he goes to bed. Only because we are having a battle with M-I-L-K in a sippy cup! I have tried every idea I can come up with-mixing it with various flavors, also yogurt drinks, pediasure, several different kinds of cups and have had little success. He takes one or two swallows and then wants nothing more to do with it. He drinks water fine with a sippy. I am not so concerned with the nutritional aspect, because I offer a lot of cheese, yogurt, etc. I am hoping for the "comfort" and "convenience" of it all! This is so different than his siblings because they begged for more milk. I mean what am I suppose to do with Ash when he wakes up at 5 or 6 AM. Without the comfort of a drink of milk, how else am I suppose to get him to go back to sleep (and ME for that matter)? That is why I am still nursing. I am at a loss as to what to do. Quinn isn't all that concerned with it,

but that is because it doesn't really affect him all that much!

So HE doesn't have much in the way of suggestions.

If ANYONE has had a similar struggle and can offer some advice

PLEASE send it my way. I have got some advice online, and have

tried them (mentioned above).

With this Big Boy
Potty training is coming along, MOST days! We still have our occassional "accident". Even though I constantly ask if he needs to go, he still pees on the floor in front of the TV or playing with his toys, or just doens't quite make it to the toilet and its on the bathroom floor. So we are getting there ! And mommy is trying really hard to "keep her cool" and gain some more patience.

It does take a lot of patience with #2. He does it fine IN the toilet, but I just have not brought myself to let HIM do the wiping. Just the thought of CLEANLINESS makes it hard for ME to not take charge. I think boys are just WAY to curious. I wasn't concerned that AMe would PLAY, if you know what I mean. I know I don't want to be wiping his bum on the toilet forever, but for now... we will just take this one step at a time!

stuff

I guess we haven't been up to very much cuz I haven't felt a real NEED

to blog anything lately. But here are a couple of things to share...

Mommy has been giving Ame some VERY BASIC piano

(or I should say keyboard) lessons. I can't believe how quickly

she catches on AND retains was she is learning.

Way to go sweetie pie!

I actually quite enjoy doing this with her, when we MAKE the time to do it.

Not too professional of a set-up though. Do you think that is the proper way for a pianist to sit? I really need to find the stand for that thing and a chair.

And here is one of the spring dresses Ame has been DYING to wear.

We bought it a while back during one of our warm spells, but it seems like

every Sunday we get a cold spell, and it is NOT short sleeve weather.

Not this past Sunday...it was gorgeous!!!

So she finally got to wear it!

correction

I was just reading my last post, from Ash's birthday and noticed a few mistakes (maybe I should save my blogging for the daytime, when I am not so tired).
One mistake I would like to make a note of is the website I visit for cake ideas:
www.coolest-birthday-cakes.com

Frog Party

It has been a LONG day and this mom is beat, but I have a few quiet moments to blog, since EVERYONE hit the hay early.

Today we had some of the family over for a birthday celebration for Ash.

We had a frog theme for our little "Prince Charming"

We all love to have our loved one over, whenever we can!

We think everyone enjoyed their Kalua and Rice

And a chance to break the FROG pinata

Ash enjoyed some playtime with his cute cousin, Kaiya

But even more...
He LOVED his cake!
At first he just stared at it, not sure what to do
But once he just dove into it, he thought that was pretty tasty stuff!
(didn't care so much for ice cream-but maybe it was just
a little too cold for those baby fingers!

Here was the FROG cake mommy made.
We also had green, frosted cupcakes WITH a plastic frog on top
which the kids all loved!
(the cake alone would never feed a crowd of about 40)
this cake was actually pretty fun to make, much easier than the princess castle cake I made last year, for Ame. It was chocolate w/mint frosting.
**We even found fruit roll-ups WITH flies, for the tongue**

I like to check out coolcakes.com for good ideas

Once again Ash...we love you and can't believe you have already been apart of our family for a whole year! Where has the time gone???

Progress

Quinn and his brother spent about 6 hours working on the playset. Notice this box...1 of 3. I would say THAT is about how much

progress was made on the set up. Here's is how far they got
And here are some random other parts that got put together.

Quinn's brother coming up was the motivation for Quinn to work

on this thing (and the fact that he finally had some free time).

Now that the work week is starting again, maybe QUinn will be

hiring a "handy man" to come finish the job!

(too bad my dad isn't around to BE that handy man.

We could sure use you about now dad!!!!!!!)