Monday, March 11, 2013

Happy Birthday Elyse!

We had the best time celebrating with our friend Elyse at her 4th birthday party yesterday. 
The party was at Kokokahi Gymnastics gym. They opened up the whole gym for the kids to play for 2 whole hours. Both of my boys went CRAZY in there! Especially Mark, my natural tumbler.



the birthday girl!

Keaton was so proud of himself for walking across the beam all by himself!
Jumping in the foam pit!
Happy Birthday Elyse! Thanks for inviting us to your fun party!

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Long overdue beach day!

Because of the wind and rain on our side of the island, it had been weeks since we had some time at the beach! Yesterday, we headed out west to the Ko'olina lagoons.  There were seven sea turtles swimming in the lagoon with us, including Mia's old friend, Finn!

The boys hung out on the boogie board, and loved when the turtles would swim under them.
Keaton liked naming all of the turtles.  His favorites were "Up-head" and "Panther-y." :-)


Keaton even tried snorkling for the first time yesterday and did so great! Sorry no pics of this, but I'm happy that it's because I was enjoying the experience with him instead of ALWAYS behind the camera!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Open for Business

 I'm hanging my sign out today, folks. 
I know what you're thinking. 
Seriously, Ashley?
Here me out.

Everything about Arbonne happened in God's perfect timing for me. I learned about Arbonne when I was invited to a friend's party who had just become a consultant about a year ago. This was a time in my life when both of my parents (who are healthy-minded, active people) each had their own fairly serious health scares. This opened my eyes to the effect that stuff we put in and ON our body can really play a factor in our overall health. I was very impressed by Arbonne's commitment to botanically based ingredients and products that are free of any harmful chemicals, animal products or by-products, parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, artificial colors, artificial flavors and sweeteners... you get the picture. So, I decided to purchase a few of the products and immediately loved how my skin felt and looked. In the meantime, over a few months, I watched my friend (the Arbonne consultant) completely change after using Arbonne products consistently. Her countenance glowed, and I could tell that the products were bringing out her beauty from the inside, not covering up external flaws. Additionally, her exposure to the Arbonne business was making her a more confident person and allowed her to help support her family financially just by working her own hours and sharing awesome products with other women. I love being a stay at home mom and would not trade it for anything, but after almost 5 years of strictly volunteer work, I missed the feeling of also getting to contribute to our our family's bottom line. It would be so nice to have a little bit of financial freedom to do the things we WANTED to do and the freedom to give to people and causes that we really believed in. Plus, I was just feeling like a little challenge, y'know? So, I started doing a little bit of research on Arbonne as a company and I was equally impressed with the company as I was the products. They have a 30 year heritage of producing quality, high-standard products. But what’s more, I realized the company was filled people just like me! If they can do it, I can do it, right? I believe -hands down- that these are the best, safest, and most effective skin care and health and wellness products anywhere. I’m excited to represent Arbonne, not only because I get  to enjoy the products for myself, but I get to bless others with these amazing products as well.

Here's how you can help me: 
1) Pray for me: that I can be faithful to accomplish the goals I've set for myself, and that I can glorify God in the process.
2) If you have any friends that love Arbonne, but do not currently have a consultant, refer them to me!
3) Host a party for me: I'm going to be on the mainland for 8 weeks this summer! I'll be in the Greenville, SC/ Charlotte area from May 10-May 22 and Oklahoma/TX from May 22-July 3. I would love to come hang out with a few of your friends, pamper them with a facial, and share with them about Arbonne. (Bonus: you would get to buy products for up to 80% off!) 

I would also love to share samples and a product catalog with anyone who would be willing to try, as long as you'll use them and tell me what you think! I know you will fall in love with the products as I already have. 

Here are some my personal favorites:
RE9 Skincare System: believe me, your face will thank you.
FC5 Shower Set: made from the extracts of 5 fresh fruits and vegetables. It's like salad for your hair!
Makeup Primer:  Fills in all the pores and lines so you have a perfect canvas for applying makeup - your makeup stays on so much longer too! 
Protein Powder: 20 grams of protein per serving, soy free, gluten free, certified vegan - plus it tastes REALLY good. 
Before sun self-tanner with SPF 15:  great for getting  a little color on your legs with the bonus of sunscreen WITHOUT any streaking or nasty stinky chemicals. 
Hair Mask: One application, and my hair just OBEYS. It's so awesome.

Thanks to all the encouragement I've received from so many of you already.  
Mom, you are my biggest encourager and cheerleader - thank you! 

Now, don't everyone start ordering at once... :-)

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Creative? Disturbing? You tell me.

I love seeing Keaton's imagination at work through is drawings!
Even though almost every one has a dangerous animal in it. 

I told him the other day that he was certainly a "panther expert," since he talks about them ALL THE TIME.
Keaton tells me, "No, mom, I just love animals that kill you." 
Ok? 

Also, almost every drawing has Mark at the bottom falling in hot lava. (see him?)
This is normal, right? 
I'm going with that.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

"My help you?"

Mark is my big helper these days.
Anytime he sees me busy doing anything, he runs to get his stool and asks, "My help you, Mama?" 
How can I resist?
He's the kind of helper that makes everything twice as long as it should take, but also makes it twice as entertaining.
He especially loves helping in the kitchen. He's becoming my little sous chef.
My friend gave me this great kid's knife from Pampered Chef, so that he can "cut" food without cutting himself (or me!)
He also loves "helping" me get ready in the morning.
Soaking in these toddler moments! He's growing up so fast!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Candyland Smackdown

This is what talking Candyland smack sounds like: 
 "I think I'm gonna draw the cinnamon roll!" 
 "Oh yeah? well I hope you draw the cupcake!"
 
"Well, I hope you get stuck on the licorice!" 
  
"Oh, yeah? Well, I hope you LOOOOOSEEEE!" 

Just doing my part to instill great sportsmanship in my son. 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

President's Day

"Hey, Boys! You wanna go to the park to play with your balls?!" 
(Uproarious laughter from boys young and old)
"Wait, that came out wrong." 




"Football! Ready? 1 2 3 Go!"
Practicing with his camera.


I am Chinaman's Hat.

Keaton, that's not a real smile!
On Monday, we headed downtown to escape the wind! 
We checked out the Waikiki Aquarium...





We took a little stroll down the beach...


And of course, we couldn't leave town without a visit to Keaton's favorite place...

I love long weekends!