O Motivation, where have you been hiding? Part 1

I'm finally getting motivated enough to sit down at the computer, instead of trying to get a nap, to make an attempt to catch up on our lives. Let's get started.

After Thanksgiving, we headed to Disneyland for a quick trip. Really we wanted to hang out with my brother Ben, and his family before they moved to Missouri. And very rarely do we pass up an excuse to go to Magical Kingdom.

Kate, Kimball, Anna, and Jack trying to keep themselves entertained while they were waiting for their Mickey Mouse pancakes.

I made Jason "take one for the team" and go on the teacups with Kimball and Jack. I really am getting old, because there is no way I was riding that ride without turning green. Thanks J!

The best part of this trip was that Jack and Kimball are both tall enough to ride some of the good roller coasters. We all rode on the roller coaster in Toonland.

And this is Kimball getting ready for her first time on Thunder Mountain. Yea for being 39 in. tall! Disneyland becomes a whole new world. She laughed, screamed, and giggled, and rode most of the ride with her hands up in the air. It was very fun to take her on her first real roller coaster! She can't wait to do all of the other rides.



Tod gets a video in this post, because he gave us quite the scare before Christmas. His stomach decided it was going on strike which began a week long bout of the pukes and diarrhea. After one trip to an E.R., 2 office visits to the doctor, and losing one pound, Tod and this stomach ended up being admitted to the hospital. He had to stay for 3 1/2 days, on an I.V. and being tested for all sorts of stomach viruses. His vomiting stopped, but the diarrhea still continues (yes, currently still has the "rrhea"). So, we're testing his diet to see if maybe he's intolerant to gluten and if not that, then I'll try to eliminate lactose from his regimen. Either way, he's doing a lot better, is very happy and gaining weight again.

Here he is post hospital and doing well. Practicing his "zerbert" skills on the couch.

Once we knew Tod was going to be okay, I started stressing about getting Christmas taken care of. Unfortunately, this was the year I had procrastinated much of my Christmas responsibilities, and being stuck in the hospital for a couple days sure didn't help. We didn't Christmas cards out, but here's what they would have looked like.

What happened to November?

I'm going to blame my sister Abbey for the month long break from blogging. She usually harasses me about updating my blog. But, I guess that's what happens when you get a real job. Congrats Abbey on your teaching job!

We went to the air show out at Nellis Air Force Base, but this is the only picture I took. Kimball was entertaining herself as all the planes were flying over us.

Tod has discovered that he can climb over things, and how to pull himself up to standing. He loves being mobile because he can find Kimball and Jack to play with them.

A week before Thanksgiving my parents called and said you better get up here sooner than later because of the weather, so we hopped in the car and drove up the next day, on Friday.

My parents weren't kidding. This was the day we were supposed to drive up on. Thank goodness for warm coats and a sister that will make us take a self-portrait to capture the crazy weather.

Kimball wanted her own portrait with her first snowman.

Eventually, Kimball ditched her snowman for rides on a sled being pulled by Daisy (my parents ranger). From front to back - Kimball, Ashbug, Hannah, and Jack.

And after a long day out in the snow, what better than a movie night. Nothing like your own bowl of popcorn and Toy Story 3.

How I love this man! Jason drove up with me, and then flew home for work. After being a single mother for 4 days was I ready to have him back. Not just to help me take care of the kids, but to take care of me. I try not to ever take him for granted, but living without him for a few days is a good reminder of how much I need him and that I am so lucky to have him. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving here are a few of the things I'm thankful for this year...

I am thankful for Jason, and for the kids we have and for the new one on the way. For my parents, who are willing to clean out their garage and turn it into an indoor play area with space heaters, bikes and electric ride on cars, so that our kids (or their parents) don't get "cabin-fever." Also for the best thanksgiving dinner ever, and great conversations about everything and anything, but mostly about knowing who we are. For my dad who will be my own personal Super Nanny and teach me how to get my kids to stay in bed, inspite of me not thinking I could be strong enough to follow through with the plan. For my siblings and their kids who play with my kids. We love cousins!!! I'm greatful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the way it always helps me keep things in perspective. It was the perfect thanksgiving week to help me get ready for the Christmas season.

To: Ashbug Love: Kimball

Kimball didn't want Ashbug to be sad, so she made him a video message.

Halloween and Other Good Times

Here's what we've been up to lately.

Kimball is my little cheese ball and decided to bring Tod in on the action. She was asking to play with him and then she wanted to make sure I documented the good time.

I had been procrastinating the day of Jack's haircut, and this is the result. Long enough hair to make a great mohawk after his bath.



I was complaining about how much I dislike the crawling phase, and Tod must have decided to show me it's not that bad. So at 8 months, he perfected his army crawl and now cruises all over the house. Here's to an early walker (I hope).

Tod getting excited for his first Halloween.

This was at the end of our trunk or treat at church. Notice we all look a little like we're ready to be back at home. Kimball's bow turned into a rambo head band, Jack was ready to strip down, and Tod, well, he was just happy be there.

On Saturday before Halloween, we drove up to St. George to go trick or treating with some of the Ashton cousins. I need to give a shout-out to my brother who made his son the Fox News Anchor complete with TV and Antenna. Very Cool!! It was a great trip. Kimball had a great time, and really got the spirit of asking for candy. She was so disappointed when someone didn't answer the door, but then quickly moved on in search for more candy.

Disneyland, General Conference, Birthday Fun, and Martha Stewart moments

We finally made it back to Disneyland, after what seemed like years! Okay, it maybe was 8 or 9 months, but my little problem (read: addiction) made it seem a lot longer. We took tons of pictures to record our return to the Magic Kingdom. The Hafen Family action figures, aka Mandy's life in a box. Available at a Disneyland park near you. Only $19.95... wait they're priceless, could never give them up!! I'm the luckiest mom and wife ever!

Our newest Disneyland addict in the making, Tod, has been officially introduced to the joys (okay, maybe Small World isn't the best example of "joy") of D-land.

The first 20 mins in the park, we managed to catch 3 of the princess for Kimball to meet. She was very excited. Jack, however, didn't see what all the fuss was about.

Kimball didn't quite understand the Fairy Godmother (and her bad english accent) but was happy to hold hands with her anyways.

But Sleeping Beauty was definitely her favorite.

Kimball found the "sleep kit" in our hotel room, and wasted no time putting on this little sleep mask, and laid down. She thought it was a pretty cool thing, but decided not to sleep with it on.

It was quite a successful trip with 3 kids. Only 1 blow-out (thank goodness for an extra onesie), 1 melt-down, 2 strollers, Pirates of the Caribbean 3 times in a row, a visit to the petting zoo, lots of good food, and many trips on the shuttle to and from the hotel. What a great time!

General Conference is always a nice weekend to relax, listen to the counsel from our church leaders, and eat delicious treats. I looked at Jason and said, I want cinnamon rolls (which he mastered with the help of my mom when Tod was born). He said sounds good, and this is the result.

Just more proof as to why I am the luckiest.

Then, the next weekend was Jack's birthday. This is what Jack woke up to on the morning of his birthday. We set out a couple of presents and always balloons for on the table. He climbed right up and started playing with the balloons.

He did get a present that he loves. This spiral racer thing has been the source of non-stop car racing. He loves racing his cars down it, and says "Ready, Set, Go!" as he sends them down the track. I just need to remove the batteries from the sound, because that's getting a little old.

The next day we also celebrated Jack and Lia's birthday at family dinner.

Jack had been practicing blowing out his candles , and was very excited to do it for real.

But really, he was more excited about licking his name off of his cake.

And here are so more pictures of his cake (pre-licking). It's not often that I get Martha Stewart/Ace of Cakes moments, so they must be documented. I decided that I could make a car-cake. And with the help of the internet, some fondant, food coloring, and the love and support of Jason (during my "why did I think I could do this?" phase), this is what came about. It looks better in pictures than in real-life.

As promised... Cirque Du Hafen

This was our family's contribution to the Hafen Retreat movie night. Enjoy. I certainly did.

And, did I mention how much I love my husband! This video is just proof of why.

Summer Catch-up Part 2: Cousins, Fish, and Horses

Here's my attempt to catch up on all the different activities from the last month or two:

One of the great things about belonging to a big family is that it's almost a guarantee to have cousins (or 2nd cousins) the same age. We, the parents, always try to get them in a picture together.

Kimball, Logan, and Jensyn were all born w/in a month of each other.
Some of my favorite 3 year olds!

And Tod, and his cousin McCade are 10 days apart. So fun to see these kids grow up together.


Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm a bit of a home body, and get a little hesitant about taking all of my kids out of the house by myself, but I have some awesome sister-in-laws who invited me and the kiddos to the aquarium, offered to help me if I came. So, I took them up on their offer and we had a great time. Thanks to good older cousins who are willing to help me keep an eye on Kimball.

Looking at the camera isn't half as fun as looking at the crabs and stingrays in the touch pool.

"Please don't fall in, please don't fall in, please don't fall in" (what I'm thinking as I am grabbing my kids).

Kimball was a little obsessed this this alligator, she thought it was pretty cool, and wasn't afraid at all. Natalie may have a different feeling, because the alligator jump at the glass as she was looking at him.

Jack having a great time trying to touch the fish.


Really, this picture was taken to prove that Tod was there too. We was more entertained by his toy, and was just happy to be out of the house.

And, another proof picture that 4 moms and 15 kids (Jack, Tod and Liz and Erica were stuck in strollers) can make it to the aquarium, and more to the point, make it home without forgetting anyone. Woo hoo!

So, when I'm not brave enough to get out of the house, here are some of the random moments caught on camera.

Okay, before someone calls CPS on me, I caught the kids in the dryer, got the camera, snapped a shot, and then they got huge warnings not to do it again. Sending the wrong message? Probably, but the kids can discuss that in their therapy sessions in 15 years.

Tod has discovered the joy of his bouncer. His mom has discovered the joy of having him in the bouncer.

And, this is our recent endorsement deal for DQ. Who wouldn't pay to have these cute kids endorsing their product? Maybe I'll send an email.

For Labor day, we headed north to my parents house for Swiss Days. Well, the kids and I actually ditched Jason for a couple of days, and made the trip up without him the week before. My parents kept the kids and I very entertained and arranged for us to go horseback riding.
I have to admit that I didn't feel as comfortable up on the horse I as was hoping. All of a sudden I seemed very high up, and concerned about the phrase "the bigger they are, the harder they fall."
Jack hopped on the horse with me, and we went for a ride around the corral. Jack didn't understand what was supposed to be so cool about this.


Kimball had no fear of the horse. She climbed right on, but she did start to cry because of the flies. The nice guy that was leading her around said it was pretty funny, because most kids are afraid to be on the big horse, but not Kimball, she was afraid of the flies. My little city girl.

And this is the one picture we took while we were at Swiss Days. The whole family enjoyed some delicious cotton candy.