Where o where could our camera be?

I'm afraid our camera may have fallen victim to Jacks latest obsession with throwing things into the garbage. I can't find it anywhere, which means, blog posts without pictures. Either way, here's a quick sum up.

At the beginning of this month, we headed to St. George for my nephews baptism. We stayed up way too late the night before playing Rock Band at my brother Abe's house. He made us all take turns singing... for anybody that knows my family, you know that we have absolutely NO musical talent. So it was pretty entertaining listening to my brothers and myself sing. But, I would give Pink a good run for her money. We also made Jason sing in his falsetto, which is always very entertaining.

So, January birthdays are great because they're in the middle of cold and flu season. It's been a regular occurrence since Jason and I got married. So of course, Jack woke up sounding like a barking seal a couple days before my birthday. A quick trip to the doctor confirmed that Jack has croup. We didn't let a sick kid stop us from going out, so we went out to dinner. Thanks to a couple of my young women that volunteered to babysit for us! THANKS Maddie and Kelsey! We couldn't make it to Sunday dinner (trying to contain our sickness) so Jason made me pasta for my birthday dinner. What a great husband I have. I've already read the 2 books I got for my birthday, and just trying to take care of sick kids (Kimball now has a cough and running a temp). Life is still good, even with 2 sick kids, a belly that is starting to get a little uncomfortable, and a missing camera.

Christmas and New Years Catch-up

Has Christmas really come and gone already? Of course it has. We had a great time up in Midway with my parents and siblings. Our kids got to enjoy 2 Christmases, one here at home before we left, and another on Christmas morning.








Midway had gotten about 4 feet of snow a couple of weeks before we arrived, which made for some good times out in the snow. Any snow time, included my dad in this hat. My mom says it's one of the few possessions he has had since before his mission, which is a miracle. We don't know what the bigger miracle is... that he hasn't ever gotten rid of it, or that it actually fits his enormous noggin.

This is Jack waiting for his turn to be pulled around the backyard in a tube. No need for snowmobiles when "Daisy", my parents rhino, had snow tires and four-wheel drive.












Even Jason got his turn, on the very small tube.




This picture has become a bit of a tradition over the last couple of years. All of the Ashton girls, in our Christmas pajamas. At some point during this picture being taken, I know that someone is getting their bum pinched. Sometimes I get pinched, sometimes I do the pinching. We all take turns.


Aside from bum-pinching photo shoots on Christmas Eve, we managed to create a little more fun with an indoor slide. This is what happens when we've all be cooped up for more than a couple of days. All of the kids took their turns, along with some of the adults.

On Christmas Eve, we had a little Nativity with all of our little ones (no one over 2 years old) playing the parts. Kimball played Mary, Jack was the Inn Keeper, Joseph was played by Ashton (Ash-bug), and Kate had the role of the Angel. Kimball and Ash-bug couldn't stop kissing the baby. It was pretty cute.









Jason was in charge of the program and created 2 versions of the Nativity, one was a Beyonce interpretation, and the other was a little more Biblically accurate and more spiritual... thank goodness.



After Christmas, I sent Jason home to work for a couple of days then come back up in time for New Years. During those couple of days Pukefest 2009 occurred at my parents house. Everyone, except me (the pregnancy gods must have smiling down on me) and my dad got the stomach flu. No, I will not be posting any pictures from those days. But, I did get to enjoy some great food all to myself during those days. I tried to be sympathetic, but when I've got a whole pan of cinnamon rolls, there's only so much a pregnant girl can do.

By the time Jason got back, everyone was well. So my parents humored us and let us try our own version of "Chopped" on New Years Eve. It's a show on food network where chefs have 30 mins to cook an appetizer, entree or dessert with some sort of mystery ingredients. We worked as couple with my mom, dad, and Abbey as the judges for our 30-min desserts. Our mystery ingredients included: microwavable churros, gross yogurt, vanilla pudding, and a Caramelo candy bar. I must commend the judges of their excellent tastes because they chose Jason and I as the winners.




We had a great time, but partying and playing in the snow that much for that long, sure took it's toll on all of us. Hence the "I need a nap" picture. Now we're back (enjoying temperatures above freezing) and trying to catch up on sleep and get back to a somewhat normal schedule. THANKS Mom and Dad (Nana and Papa) for a great 2 weeks and putting up with all of us.

Is it Christmas yet?

Do you ever feel like there's a lull between Thanksgiving and Christmas? I do, especially this year. I don't know what my deal is. It's not like we're not busy with the kids, presents, attempts at crafts, church callings, and everything else that's been filling our time, but for me, I just can't wait for Christmas. Thank goodness it's almost here. Kimball was a little excited to wear her hat and gloves.

We finally gave Jack a haircut. I was a little traumatized at first because it made him look so old, but I'm getting more used to it, especially as it grows out. As you can see, this is one of their new play rooms. Along with Jacks new hair cut, I'm trying to work on new ways to curl Kimball's hair. I never thought I'd love to have my cute girly girl so much, who says "thanks mommy" after I do her hair!


Baby Tod has already been helping me out tons this season, with a great case of "prego-brain." I find that I am even less able to make a decision than normal, which helps tons with present shopping. My favorite prego-moment so far is when Jason and I had both of our cars at his parents house. He took the kids home with the diaper bag that I had put the truck keys, my wallet, and cell phone in. So, I had plenty of time to finish a project, and poor Susan (Jason's mom) was really nice to chat with me while I waited for Austin to make it to my house, get the keys, and deliver them to me. I hope Susan enjoyed the chat as much as I did, and THANKS Austin.

Oh, and tonight, I almost turned Jack in to Vincent Van Gogh and cut off his ear while I was trying to trim around his ears with some scissors. I felt so bad, but thank goodness, he got over it real quick. Sorry little guy!

Either way, I'll quit whining and try to enjoy the last nice weather we have here before we head up to the "winter wonderland" of Midway, UT. But, just to show all the winter people what they're missing here... this was Jack and Jason enjoy a great PB&J at the park today. A beautiful 68 degrees! This is when I love Vegas.

Beds, Brine, and Blessings

It's official, Kimball is officially out of her crib. She, of course, is still a little reluctant about giving up her crib. We made the mistake of starting this new arrangement the night before Thanksgiving. We thought she was going to be totally okay about getting a big-girl bed, but we were very wrong. It took a lot of convincing (and various baby dolls and mickey mouse) before and during the night (2:30am-4am) to get her to stay in bed. Now, she doing okay, every once in a while she'll ask for her crib, but we show her that it's "broken" and take her back to her bed. I love how small she looks in her bed now.


Jack, on the other hand, is still loving his crib, and exploring as many different positions possible. This is one of the newest, but his old favorite is falling gripping on to the rails while he's dreaming.

For Thanksgiving this year Jason volunteered to cook a turkey. He had been watching Food Network all week, and learning new tricks and recipes. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that Jason really likes trying new recipes and cooking more than I do. If I don't know how to do something or never seen it done, I hesitate to even try. Jason, however, loves a good challenge at a new task...which may have something to do with him marrying me. Anyways, he saw a recipe for a brine to soak the turkey in the day before cooking, and got all excited. He did it almost all himself, and the turkey turned out fabulously. I love how excited he gets to try new things.

Thanksgiving itself was awesome. It was the Hafen Reunion this year, which meant 90+ Hafens all coming together for food and games. We had to have dinner in at a church because no house can hold us all now. The spread was amazing. It took up 3 long tables (with a separate 2 tables for desserts).

Here's a random shot of what this crazy-huge family looks like when we're together. And this picture doesn't show most of the kids all running around outside.
I do miss my family when we don't get to see them for holidays, though I am very thankful and blessed to have married into such a great family.

Of course during Thanksgiving, it's nice to reflect on what we are thankful for and I can't help but think of my own growing family. For Jason, Kimball, Jack, and baby Tod (whenever he gets here). I once heard I man respond to "how are you?" by saying "better than I deserve." For a lack of creativity, I'll copy him and say that I have been blessed with more than I deserve. I am very thankful for the Gospel, and for the chance that Heavenly Father gives us to learn and progress through challenges. Sometimes He must look down at me and just think - "Rookie...she still has so much to learn." And don't I know it. But somehow, in all the learning experiences, He finds ways to let me know that He knows me and loves me... and for that, I am most thankful.

Now, before I get too sentimental or cheesy, here are the token videos of our kids making us laugh.

I don't know why this particular bite of apple had such an effect on Jack.

Jack loves the camera, either to look at or head bang.

Growing Up, Cousins, Characters, and Planes

My sister, Abbey, has been so kind as to remind for the last 2-3 days in a row that I haven't updated my blog in a while (since Halloween). I wish I could give her good excuses like, I've been cleaning/organizing my house, cooking some great meals, volunteering my time to various charities (aside from the Young Women in the ward), and so on. Unfortunately, I've just been tired. This 3rd pregnancy (I'm 24 weeks along now) has been relatively mellow, aside from sapping my energy. So when the kids are down for afternoon naps, I usually ignore the blog and take a nap too. But here's the recap of the last 2 weeks... which has actually been kind of busy as I take a look at the pictures.


We went to St. George to celebrate Halloween with some of the Ashton cousins. This is as many of the kids as we could get to sit still for a picture. My parents love to look at us (their kids) like we're nuts with all of our kids/kids on the way. But we just remind them that we were raised by two nuts, so what else could we do?





On this trip, we decided not to have Kimball sleep in a crib. (Yes, she's still in a crib, because we've been too lazy/indecisive to get her a new bed) She got to be a big girl and sleep on her own pull-out bed. She did awesome. So, for Christmas, she may be getting a new bed.







Jack is also getting so big. He's figuring out just how to control mom and dad, especially while getting a shoulder ride.



Okay, I know I shouldn't blog about any more trips to Disneyland, but we were peer-pressured into going again. Anybody that knows us, knows that there is no pressure needed at all to get us to go to our "Happy" place. Jason's brother and his family decided to go for Veterans day, and we invited ourselves along.

On this trip, we did something we've never done before...actually take pictures with as many of the characters as we could. Kimball is just getting old enough to be excited about meeting her favorites, and Jack, well, he's just happy to be there and grab whatever body parts he can. We saw Tigger, Pooh, Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, Mickey, and Aladdin.

It must have been a great day because this is how the kids looked by the time we headed back to the hotel.







We hurried home from Disneyland to go the the Air Show at Nellis AFB. My brother was able to get us on the "family day" so we didn't have to battle crowds on Saturday. I highly recommend this show to anyone! It is simply amazing what these planes can do, and just to see them up close is awesome.







Kimball snacking with the girls, and then running as much as she could. Even taking off her shoes and socks to go as fast as she could.






I love having my favorite aeronautical nerds there to explain to me just how cool these planes are. My brothers, Jake (no sunglasses) and Ben are the best tour guides. They'll tell you about the planes in a way that make it enjoyable... like, Yes, Mandy, that's the plane that Chester flew in "Top Gun," or that's the plane they put the laser in in the movie "Real Genius." Just enough so their little sister can understand. Sure love these guys!



Being at that show helped me remember the importance of our military. Having had a couple of brothers as veterans (2 two still serving), makes me appreciate just how much these men and women (and their families!!) give while being soldiers. HAPPY VETERANS DAY!!!

Oh, here's a couple of videos for Abbey... I haven't forgot about you.

Jack loves the water, and bath time.

Kimball and Jack playing follow the leader with Jason's old phone and charger.

Sibling Love

Nothing new happening at our house. I just wanted to document the fun sibling bonds developing in our house. Kimball and Jack are starting to entertain one another. It almost makes having kids close together worth it. Actually it makes it very worth it (bring on #3). They chase each other around the house playing with each other, so I can actually do things like laundry, dishes, and eating.





They even discovered that they can hang out with each other in the backseat. That is until Mom and Dad tighten Kimball's straps so she can't get loose like this again. Jack's not half as amused as Kimball is. Holding hands is overrated I guess.




Even bouncing around together can be fun. Until they both run into each other and end up on the mat. But no matter what they're doing, they sure have fun doing it together. Jack is learning to push Kimball, and Kimball is busy recruiting him to play with her. "Come on, Jack" is now one of her favorite sentences.

When Jack isn't around, Kimball manages to create her own fun, or whatever you would call this.Yes, I left her there while I got the camera. It was just too classic not to capture.

Random things in the back of my car... swim goggles, and a flashlight. Kimball kept flashing the light at Jack, Jason, and Me, saying "I see you."

Jack, meanwhile, is just loving his indepedence.
Nothing like going down a slide by yourself.

Trick or Treating at Disneyland and Jack's First Birthday

Yes, yet another trip to Disneyland. But this one was extra special, because we got to go to an after hours Halloween party at California Adventure. They had the park all decorated and their were tons of characters all dressed up. We even saw "the Bowler Hat Guy" one of my favorite villains.








We dressed the kids as pirates and pushed them around to all the candy stations. We came home with around 10lbs. of candy. They also had carrots, craisins, and apple slices, so Jason and I ate the candy, and kids got the healthy stuff.











Here's a look at our own "captain" Jack. I can't believe how fast this boy is growing, and is becoming so much fun. His new talent is sucking in his lips to make a fish face. Really I think his practicing his puckering up skills.

We celebrated Jack's first birthday with the "Grandma Norma" chocolate cake at family dinner on Sunday.
This is the "before" picture of Jack and his cake.

This is the "after" picture of Jack and his cake.
I think he liked it. Or at least like the feel of it.
And this is the "post" after picture.
Nothing like a quick scrub down in the kitchen sink.
Good thing Grandma gave him a new outfit for his birthday. THANKS GRANDMA!
I bet she didn't think it would come in handy so quickly.

Here's a montage of pictures to honor Jack and how far he has come from a year ago.

One day old

2 1/2 months old

Five months old

Eight months old

10 1/2 months old

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!!! We love you!!!