Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

I can't believe we're already five days away from Christmas and we soon welcome in 2009!

Because of some mild scoldings from my oldest brother Clarence, and since I don't want to be hypocritical after calling out my other older brother Andrew for failing to post ANY pictures of his new son, I must correct my folly and update our blog, just a warning, this is going to be a long one! (Sorry Clare, no time to edit video)

It's been quite the adjustment for us to have two kids instead of one. We now have to play man on man defense, and can no longer double team. Sometimes, Heather has to play zone defense when I'm at work, but it looks like she does a good job don't you think?

Right after the Thanksgiving holiday it was time to focus in on Christmas. Without a doubt this is Heather's favorite time of year. She always wants to listen to Christmas music and set up the tree before Turkey Day, but I tell her she can't till after. Seems like we'd be ungrateful Americans to not give the Pilgrims their due respect. (The next two pics are on T-Day)

For those of you who know Adam Rich, don't you think Jax resembles him here in the pic below? You know I love you Adam. And I can assure everyone he is not the father... or the mother.

Our little Jaxon will be 7 weeks on Tuesday and he's growing leaps and bounds.

He's definitely eating more, and is already up to almost 10lbs. This is him on December 18th.

And here he is on the 14th looking all studly in his church threads.

Little Ashlyn is still little, but she's growing so fast. We can hardly believe what a chatter box she is and how quickly she picks up on everything! Almost nothing gets by her, especially if you're trying to sneak some candy or any kind of food for that matter. She'll bust you every time. This is her today downing a giant brownie from Uncle Jared and Auntie Leslie Keo.

We also recently had our ward Christmas party, it was lots of fun and even though we tried to prep Ashlyn for Santa Claus for an entire month, she was still scared of him when she met him. No picture there. Jaxon was pretty good though.

The Nursery and primary did a song together, and it was so crazy to see my little baby on a stage "singing." Where has time gone? That's her good friend and pretty much her sister Kiera Nitahara next to her. They're trouble together.... but so cute.

The Relief Society also sang a carol in Hawaiian. I wish I had video of Heather, or even a picture to show you. I think she just kept mouthing "watermelon" over and over. The Elders did the 12 Days of Christmas Hawaiian style. I was assigned the fifth day and the verse said "On the fifth day of Christmas my bishop gave to me, Five big fat pigs..." So I drew pigs on a poster board and Ashlyn modeled a few of them for me.

I must confess, with 99% surety we won't be sending out Christmas cards. Time just ran away before we knew it, but we are grateful for this time of year. We are so thankful for the Gospel in our lives, thankful for our little family, and thankful for the knowledge that we will be together forever. We miss our beloved mom and "MaMa" but we are comforted to know she's in a better place and we'll see her again.

Here's a quick update on all of us though:

Jason has been working at KHNL news 8 for over a year now. Highlights from work include covering the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, traveling to American Samoa twice, and covering and meeting some of our Olympic stars like Bryan Clay. He loves living in Hawaii though misses his family. His contract ends in October 2009, so we'll see where life takes us next or if we re-sign. His new year's resolution is to be more cardiovascularly fit, and be more patient.

Heather retired from the workforce in September. She's now a bona fied full time mother, functioning on less sleep than humanly possible. She loves spending time with her babies, though she is both sad and excited that they grow up so fast. She loves going on walks 12 months out of the year and taking friends and family to all the beaches on O'ahu. She loves the Aloha state, but is also sad family is an ocean away.

Her new year's resolution is to keep on NOT making resolutions.

Ashlyn is two. Enough said. She's actually very sweet but full of attitude when she wants to be. She is a very smart girl. Her accomplishments this year include getting potty trained and getting her ABC's and 123's down. She loves to sing and dance, and has the calf muscles to prove it. She loves chocolate, dino-sours and meat. Luckily she'll still eat veggies every now and then.

Her new year's resolution is to learn how to swim.

Jaxon is the newest addition to the Tang Ohana. He's our chunky buddy and is pretty much an exact duplicate of what Ashlyn looked like when she was born. He's learning to hold his head up and is starting to smile. He's also learning how to survive an over-loving and sometimes jealous sister.

His new year's resolution is to take his first step to becoming the first Asian American President of the United States.

(He was born on election day, Nov.4th)

On Tuesday we're leaving for California for a nice break, we plan to eat a lot, sleep a little, go to Disneyland and enjoy time with family and friends. We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and wish everyone a prosperous and happy 2009!

You Turkey!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Love, Jason, Heather, Ashlyn & Jaxon

(The title is a classic saying from the one and only Terry Tang)

You know something's wrong when...

Somebody asks to borrow your wifes' hair dryer and your daughter says,

"That's Daddy's hair dryer!"

And then when you sit down to watch TV and you hold your remote and she says,

"That's Mommy's remote!"

I guess she's just saying what she sees the most.
Dad getting ready for work in the mornings.
And I guess Heather's watching TV the rest of the time.
Wonder what else she's thinking?! We'll keep you posted.

Winnipeg!

Well, my mom's funeral has come and gone, it's still hard to believe she's really gone.

We all lost some pretty good water weight thanks to the free flowing tears, and expectorated snot, but I'm pretty sure all that weight and more was replaced by the palette blowing invention known as ketchup potato chips!

Bags upon bags were consumed, and it was glorious.

It was so good to see my brothers and sisters, my dad, and extended family. We experienced every emotion together (which is incredible for a family who usually only knows how to laugh and poke fun of things, usually the bum...) and I feel all the closer to them for lifting each other up. I don't have any pictures to post since Heather wanted to keep the camera at home for Jax, but Nancy did email me two, so here they are.

(Above) This is me with my three jackets on. I'm also wearing the touque and scarf Mom H bought for me for a dollar at Old Navy. Not the most "Jason" kind of accessories, but it kept me much warmer.

(It was 85 degrees in Hawaii when I departed, 18 degrees in Winnipeg when I landed)

(Above) Here's little, but big, James Tang, Clarence's youngest of four. He's rockin' a tuxedo Ethan and Isaac wore for our wedding thanks to Mom H again. He looks like he's in the hallway of the David Letterman show ready to strut his stuff as the child prodigy pianist.

I do have video of the trip, I'll be posting some later, but I need to catch up on life before I get working on the blog again. It was sad to say goodbye to everyone, but can't wait till we're all together again... preferably at a reunion this time around :)

Jaxon's Video Debut

Jaxon Kyle Tang

(Sorry Clare, it won't be Jaxon Kyle Amy Zolo Horspool Tang....)

I came home to take a shower and grab my toothbrush, but I wanted to post some pics.
Born: Tuesday, November 4th 2008 @ 9:12pm
Weight: 6lbs, 10oz
Height 20.5 Inches

Ashlyn was a little unsure of him the first time she met him. She pretty much ignored him the first hour, but she soon warmed up to him and liked to point out all his body parts. More later, gotta get back to the hospital!

P.S. Thank you to all our amazing friends, family, and loved ones whose outpouring of love has overwhelmed the entire Tang family. We hope to thank you all individually, but wanted to throw out the safety blanket too. Love you all.

The Circle of Life

My roller coaster ride continues. With the passing of my mom I will be leaving for Canada soon, but not before I welcome in my new son. Heather will be induced this afternoon so we can be together for a few days before I leave. Pictures in the coming days!

My Mom

1947-2008

She's the greatest mother a son could ask for. I love you forever.

Thank you for teaching us the Gospel so I know we will be together again.

For those of you who don't know, my mom passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 3rd 2008 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada while she was visiting her mom. Not much is known on exactly how she died, but it was by natural causes. We weren't ready for her to go home yet, but know that God must've needed her. Our family will be going to Canada for services in the next few days, we appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers.

Happy Hulaween - Year #2

Happy Halloween! Being the not-so-crafty person that I am, I bought Ashlyn's costume. She hated it. She cried when I tried to put this witch outfit on her, and finally, after much persuasion and bribery, she tried it out, and immediately wanted it off. This costume went back to the store. On Saturday, October 25, we had a ward Halloween party, and so we needed to go get her costume ASAP. We saw this one in the store and she LOVED it! She just kept saying..."Ooooh pretty dress!" She couldn't wait to put it on! But, after this photo, I wonder if we should've had her dress up as a monkey...We had lots of fun at the party, and Ashlyn liked trying to win her candy

While we were cleaning up after the party, some of the little kids were just running all over. The best part was the tulle on all the little girlie girls!



Then came the big night. She was all dressed and ready to go. She was so excited she even let me take probably 45 minutes just to do her hair! Thank goodness for videos for her to watch...



Checking out her loot


I'm pretty sure the pretzels were her favorite.


From beautiful ballerina to Medusa. After all the ribbons and rubberbands came out, this was what was left. I still think she is pretty cute!

Sneak Peek...

I had a second ultrasound on Monday to make sure our little guy isn't too, well, little. He's growing just fine, and we got to get another preview! They didn't get any very clear pictures, but here is a super short video for your viewing pleasure. Hopefully we'll be able to see him live real soon.

Heather at full term. (Taken on Oct.25th - 2.5 weeks to go!)

Since we can't call...

My dad went to the Philippines last week for a business trip, but we still wanted to wish him a Happy 60th.

Happy Birthday Old Man! We love you!

specTAGular!

(Sorry it took me forever mom...)

4 RANDOM THINGS I LIKE ABOUT MY HUSBAND:
1 - He has sexy eyebrows
2 - He cooks me delicious food
3 - He is really good at washing dishes
4 - He LOVES it when I respond to these tags...

4 JOBS I'VE HAD:
1 - Heritage Hall server
2 - Swim Lesson teacher
3 - Gap sales associate
4 - 24 hour fitness kid's club attendant

4 MOVIES I'VE WATCHED MORE THAN ONCE:
1 - The Little Mermaid (at least 4 times a week...Thanks Ashlyn)
2 - Finding Nemo (same as above)
3 - Zoolander
4 - Tommy Boy

4 TV SHOWS I WATCH:
1 - Desperate Housewives
2 - The Office
3 - Curious George
4 - Everybody loves Raymond (Reruns, but still funny)

4 PEOPLE WHO EMAIL ME REGULARLY:
1 - Elder Horspool
2 - Becky Giles
3 - Mom Tang
4 - Shelbie Stewart

4 OF MY FAVORITE FOODS:
1 - Banana Splits
2 - Pepperoni Pizza
3 - BBQ steak with Uncle Russell's marinade
4 - Sub sandwiches

4 PLACES I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT:
1 - Fiji
2 - Mount Rushmore
3 - Havasupai
4 - Another island in Hawaii besides Oahu

4 THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE COMING YEAR:
1 - Our baby boy making his debut
2 - Going to California for Christmas
3 - Ashlyn getting potty trained
4 - Jason's parents coming in March

4 PEOPLE I TAG:
1 - Mom Tang
2 - Rachel "Skillz" Nichols
3 - Annie Tang
4 - Michelle Barker

Picture Tag

Tami tagged me. Here are the rules. You go to your files, and pick the fourth picture in the fourth file. Then you tag four friends.

This picture is from Andrew and Liew's wedding. Jason and I got engaged about a month before they got married. I actually met his parents for the first time at this wedding! Busy wedding year for the Tang's!

I tag:

1. Nancy Tang

2. Melissa McIntosh

3. Rachel DeFreese

4. Jenna Dunn

Terrible Two's...

My baby girl turned 2 yesterday. She woke up in a good mood, which is always nice. She "helped" me decorate her cake by eating the m&m's, and then we ate cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Healthy, I know, but hey, it was her birthday! Then she let Amber do her hair, including curling it, and then she got to go to the swap meet with Amber and me while Mike and Jason stayed behind to watch football. When we came back, we started the festivities. She didn't want to blow out the candles, but she loved opening her presents. Jason had to dash off to work, and Mike and Amber left for the UH football game, so the cake is still sitting, in tact, on the counter. Oh well. Last year on her birthday we were in the middle of moving, so I'd say it just keeps getting better! I still can't believe how fast time has flown by. She is growing up way too fast!

Her favorite present was this ball Jason got for her. He gave it to her when she first woke up, and she has wanted to play "catch" ever since.

Ashlyn talking to Grandpa. She can be so cheesy sometimes! I love it!

The finished product. Ashlyn thinks this is a "Happy Birthday to Ashlyn". Silly girl.

For Tami & Jenna

And all you other curious mommies and mommies to be...

Taken: Saturday, Sept 20th, 2008 @ 7:12pm HST

Heather is almost 32 weeks along.

Ashlyn is 23 months and three weeks.

(she put herself in the pic too, she's officially her mom's shadow)

___________________

Pictures of our entire trip (401photos) available for your viewing HERE

From Paradise to Vacationland

You don't get a much better sounding vaction than that!... Until you factor in the 5100 miles that separate the two locales. Add in a two year old, an 8 month pregnant wife, and a 12 hour flight, plus a four hour drive from Boston back up to Bangor, Maine, and a husband who can't function off less than 10 hours of sleep....well you do the math.

Luckily our flights were pretty much cut in half. We flew from Honolulu to Los Angeles, and then from LA to Boston. Ashlyn slept on both flights, and while she wasn't perfect, she certainly did very well given the circumstances. We left Hawaii on Friday afternoon but didn't land in Boston till Saturday morning. My old college roommate, Nate Knoebel, picked us up and we spent the morning at his house with his beautiful wife Mandy and adorable daughters Edith and Allison. Ashlyn and Edie quickly became best friends.

Mom and Dad Tang picked us up that afternoon, and with the Knoebel's following, we went back up to Maine. Our first stop was in Portland where we checked out the Portland Head Light. Excuse our travel clothes, but it was still a very nice Atlantic day. Cool, crisp air and kind of gloomy. A nice break from the sunny skies of Hawaii to be honest.

hen we got back to home base, we ate dinner and pretty much hit the hay. We were pretty tired as you can imagine.

Sunday morning came quickly and of course we went to Church. After we ate dinner, went on a walk around the neighborhood, and then played games that night. It was mostly a relaxing day even though we were still a little jet lagged.

On Monday we left Ashlyn and Edie with Mom Tang and the younger Tang's and Knoebel's went east to Bar Harbor. There was only one mission we wanted to accomplish, and that was to consume some lobster. Nate and I ordered the "Lobstah" Experience. A 1.5 lb lobster, clams, clam chowder, corn, potatoes and Maine blueberry pie. The wifey's ordered just the lobsters, but don't worry we shared our other sides with them. The food was delicious, and if you know Heather you'd be amazed to know she ate her whole lobster and liked it too!

We also walked around the shops, bought some Christmas ornaments, the Knoebel's treated us to ice cream and we checked out Cadillac Mountain.

Before we knew it, it was time to go home, and we were happy to hear that the little girls had a blast with Mom. They went to the playground and the library, but there favorite thing was riding in the car shaped shopping carts, they made such a ruckus with their giggling, my mom had to leave the grocery store. The Knoebel's left that night after a delicious chinese dinner (which we were treated to almost every day we were there), and we quickly hit the sack afterwards.

On Tuesday we slept in as long as we could, but we didn't want to waste our day away, even though it was rainy. Dad came home early from work and we spent a couple hours shopping at TJ Maxx, a store we don't have in Hawaii. They were having great sales already, but making things better, they were clearing all their summer clothes, and since we live in Hawaii.... well you put the two together. That night we rented a movie, The Forbidden Kingdom, and then went to bed.

Wednesday was a nicer day so we went to Treworgy Family farms, Dad unfortunately had to teach his classes. We saw goats and llamas, played a bean bag toss game, and Ashlyn picked a pumpkin and a lot of apples. Mom would later use those apples to make a delicious pie. After the activities, Heather desperately wanted to shop at Target since we don't have one in Hawaii either, and of course we picked up more clearance summer clothes! Woo hoo! That night we left Ashlyn with the grandparents and we went over to Bridgette and Gary Saunders to play some games and catch up.

Thursday we took a little road trip with the parental unit. We traveled about 70 miles north to Millinocket where we stayed the night so we could go on a Katahdin lake cruise the next morning. In our hotel we took advantage of the cable TV and busted out scrabble. For the record, I won the first game, and Heather won the 2nd. Not bad Tangsta's! We all finally went to bed at 1am... yeah, including Ashlyn.

Friday morning we did our private lake cruise, it wasn't a cruise-cruise, but it was beatiful and though we didn't see our coveted moose we did see some beautiful scenery and a bald eagle. Upon returning to Bangor, we shopped some more at Kohl's and Old Navy (yes more summer clearance deals) and had to make a pit stop at one of our favorite restaurants. The Texas Roadhouse. Two words: Sexy ribs.

Saturday it was time to go. We were sad to leave, the trip went by so quickly, but like we said before, better something than nothing. We spent the night at Nate and Mandy's again, got an hour and a half sleep since we stayed up too late and then got ready for our marathon travel day home.

It wouldn't have been so bad if it went according to plan. We left in the early morning, landed in LA just before noon and spent a good two and half hours with the Horspool's who drove over to spend time with us during our layover. Father Horspool treated us all to lunch at Carl's Jr, and we had a fun time visiting with Amber and the kids, Mom and Dad H, and Taylor and Aubree. It was my first time meeting Aubree too!

Soon we had to go back to the airport to catch our flight, but what originally was a 20 minute delay turned into a 7 hour delay. Yikes! Poor Ashlyn was so loopy and wired in the terminal! I guess the plane kept failing it's mechanical inspection, hey better on the ground in LAX then in the Pacific Ocean right?! When we finally arrived home it had literally been 24 hours since we left Boston. Yuck. But we had a great trip, and hope to have more in the future. Now we will gear up for our next set of visitors! Mike and Amber at the end of the month, Aeson and Erin Reed from Grand Junciton in October, and Mom H in November when baby boy Tang comes to planet earth!