Last Post of the year

Well, I figured while my kids were asleep for a nap I would jump on and put just a couple last thoughts of the year on our blog. Jeff and Passelly got married on Thursday. It was nice to go to the SL temple and watch their sealing take place. It is always such a good reminder to me of the importance of eternal family and how lucky I am to have the family I do. It was also fun to see people I haven't for a while - like my cousins Terra and Summer - who now know that I have been secretly spying on their blogs. Thanks for not blocking me now that the secret is out! I wish I didn't have kids that day that were higher than a kite so I could've visited with people more! After the wedding we headed for Idaho to spend a few days with Aaron's family. It was fun to see the Texans again - Emily & Luke and Heather, Troy, and Eva. Aaron got a good day of skiing in at Targhee and then Saturday we got to go through the Rexburg Temple open house. We had a very enjoyable visit and are thankful for Justin & Harley's hospitality!!! Without them we probably wouldn't have received our precious sleep! Although the holidays were fun it feels SO good to be home relaxing today.

This past year has been so good to us. I love the stage we are at (unless we are at a place where we have to keep our kids quiet) and look forward to what will happen this upcoming year. I feel like I have experienced a roller coaster of emotions and learned so much from life's joys and challenges. Here's to another year of good times and good health - who knows, maybe I will be able to do one of my life's ambitions and go surfing this year!! Happy New Year everyone!!

Christmas

We had an awesome Christmas. Somehow Grandma Rasmussen always knows how to throw a great party and Santa always spoils us at her house!! We went up Christmas eve and had a really fun day with the entire Rasmussen family - an event that hasn't happened for a lot of christmas'! We went up to the church and played some noodle hockey wich I really enjoyed (pool noodles and a plastic ball) and it was definately a workout!! Later that night Grandma threw a princess party. Whitney had been looking forward to this moment for way to long and was in complete heaven being princess Belle.

We then celebrated Aaron's Birthday party - he turned the ripe old age of 30. I would say his favorite present was this Flag football set I got him.

We had a great Christmas morning with lots of family and it is always so fun to have the excitement of kids and Santa. Whitney's favorite present was probably her Rollerblades. Here she is sporting her helmet and pads with her Rollerblades.

Grandma banked with this favorite present of Travis. It is a Mickey Mouse ride on plane. The propeller spins and plays music. Travis didn't even care where he went or who was pushing him as long as he was moving on this. He is also sporting his new soccer sweatsuit from Grandma.

My Montage 12/31/07

After we opened all the presents we went sledding. I haven't been sledding for quite a while and even though it was freezing outside it was a lot of fun. Here is some pics and video.

My Montage 12/31/07

Later on Christmas Day, as we headed home me and Aaron were talking about how soon we will be having our own Christmas' at home with just our little family. As excited as we are to do that, I still have so many incredible memories of Christmas growing up... and I hate to think I have to grow up and not be "home" for christmas. There is something so magical to me about being at my house with the parents and family I love so much..... I'm just so thankful for the memories I've been given. As another Christmas comes and goes I look forward to the year ahead and will swear to have my shopping done by November next year so I can enjoy the next Christmas season as much as I did this one!! Here is Whitney's little fashion show of some of her Christmas stuff.

He's starting to walk!!

This morning out of the blue when Aaron came home from Basketball he sent Travis in my direction and to our amazement he actually walked to me. Usually he thinks about it and then wooses out and decides to crawl to me. I don't know what got into him, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time before this is permanent. For some reason it wouldn't post on here so this is the link to the video.


http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=488974a3d2c7d754301311&skin_id=5&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Gingerbread Houses

Monday for our FHE activity we did gingerbread houses. I love doing this, but I think Whitney's love for this activity matched and probably surpassed mine! I must say without bragging too much for her that she was a pretty darn good decorator - I'm still in shock at how well she did. There's no question that she was just as interested in taste testing the candy while she built. Here's the proof.

Rub a dub dub

I couldn't pass up getting the camera out when Travis and Whitney were going crazy in the bathtub. Take it from me, the sound of water splashing was a lot louder than on the video!

Travis is 10 months old!

This past month of Travis' life has probably been my favorite stage of his. His personality is starting to shine through, he is imatating, laughing, interacting, trying to walk, and trying to talk. He is starting to be a little man. The last couple of days he has been walking with his walker and insisting at any opportunity that I hold his hand so he can walk. On wednesday when he turned 10 months his two front teeth were coming in and needless to say he was not a happy camper. But since then he is as happy as can be and learning more every second.

Here is some video of Travis with his walker. The poor kid needs to do it in a little bigger area.

5 year Anniversary

It's been Five years since me and Aaron got married. It is so crazy to think how much has changed in our lives in 5 years, and to think what the next 5 years might have in store for us! I remember all to well 5 years ago how we had moved into a basement apartment also known as the dungeon - and with 2 4 inch windows in the whole main area it pretty much was a dungeon. The kitchen area was slanted and held our washer and dryer & a portable dishwasher. The bedroom could barely fit our full size bed and had beautiful green carpet. We had $400 dollars to our names combined. Aaron had just started working for Larry's company (the one he now ownes) and I was a semester away from graduation. We didn't care about all this though because we were just so happy to have finally found the one we wanted to spend the rest of our life with!

Now, two kids and a new house and business later I still feel the same way. Yes, I obviously love my life right now, but truly I would move back into the dungeon as long as I could be with Aaron. I'm not going to pretend these last 5 years have been the easiest of my life, I think between knee surgery, a teaching job, coaching, being pregnant twice, and trying to raise two high-energy kids has thrown at me more challenges than the previouse 21 years before it. But regardless of this our family has been so blessed and my heart is so full of gratitude to think of what I have. Even on the hardest days when I'm exhausted I can honestly say I wouldn't want it any other way.

I'm so grateful for a husband that has made my life so good through his hard work. I have learned so much from him and in so many ways I want to be more like him. I know this is all cheesy but thanks for humoring me and letting me put just a few of my thoughts down.

By the way - Thanks so much Bethany for playing with our kids so me and Aaorn could celebrate our Anniversary in peace. Our planned crazy family celebration trip to Reb Robin turned into a nice, peaceful night out at PF Changs.

It's beginning to look like Christmas

We made it through a crazy Christmas week - with Christmas activities mon, tues, wed, fri, and sat. Saturday was Passelly's shower (which was really fun) and Aaron's Work party - which was fun of good food and great presents! I won a $100 cash and then Aaron won brownie points by giving not only the empoyees but the wives bonuses!! I wasn't expecting that - so I'm already decided what to do for my shopping spree!!!!!!!!!! Anyways, this post is for lacy - she wanted to see the decor - it's nothing amazing by any means, but it's a start!

bunk beds

My kids are really getting in to their new bunk beds - the two shelfs in our front room! Travis has taken a liking to the bottom shelf for a while now and as so as Whitney figured out how to climb to the second shelf bunk beds have become almost an evening routine.I had to document my crazy kids. Every other day I lift weights in the cold abyss of our basement (really not that bad). My kids love it - either they go crazy because they are trying to stay warm or they really need a change of scenery more often! Here are some videos of them. The last video on this is my personal favorite. We have a christmas train that Travis just loves. He will follow it around like a dog until he finally catches it. If I had the patience to put it back on the track every time he caught the train - this toy could provide hours of entertainment!! In the video you will see that Travis is pretty smart!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I elfed myself

I finally figured this thing out - I love it - good call Matt and Lacy!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1145367700

Thanksgiving

We had a great Thanksgiving! On our way to Idaho this year we were able to attend my Grandpa's Funeral. It was really well done and nice to see family and put life into perspective. Another miracle happened on our ride to Idaho - our kids were excellent. They slept most of the way and were pretty content (movies sure help!) - a great start to our vacation. We did a lot of fun things while we were there, nighttime hiking, football, games, but my most favorite, and Whitney too, was swimming at Green Canyon. Justin was smart enough to tell us to go when they opened on Friday - so we had the pool all to ourselves for almost an hour!! It was so fun, Travis and Whitney loved every moment of it. I think I enjoyed it so much this time because 1. I wasn't pregnant this time! 2. Travis was in so much heaven that he was fine chilling with Dad 3. Whitney was doing so good swimming with her floaties and ring that I didn't have to hold her every second in case she went under and 4. Me and Whitney spent a good while just jumping off the Diving Board and goofing off - I love the freedom!! Justin & Harley were awesome hosts and let us crash their place for a night of good food and Football. Whitney was in heaven the whole vacation because she had two friends to play with the whole time. It was so fun to see Brynn, Tori, and whitney always planning the next party and playing together, they were so cute. I couldn't help but take this picture of the 3 girls with their snacks watching a movie.

On our way home we stopped at my parents house for a much needed break. My parents gave me and Aaron a questionnaire type thing we filled out at thanksgiving 5 years ago (kind of a tradition - I really enjoy it). It was fun to have a flashback to when we were engaged and 2 weeks away from getting married. It brought back a lot of memories and made me realize how much really changes in 5 years. It was fun to fill out another questionnaire and wonder what our lives will be like five years from now. Reading that little paper brought a lot of feelings with it - mostly an appreciation for life - for everything I've been able to experience. I'm so grateful for an incredible husband and awesome kids. Even when it's a hard day and I complain about lack of freedom, sleep, ect.. I always know I would never want my life any other way. I'm so grateful for family and friends that make life fun and exciting.

Frogger

We couldn't help but put this on the blog. I'm sure the video doesn't do justice to seeing it in real life. Lately when we throw Travis in the air he tucks his legs in and looks like a frog. We were laughing pretty good when he started doing it.





Also here are some pictures of the latest with our kids exploring the house. Travis has found his favorite nook where the toy basket usually is and Whitney is still obsessed with her two barbies. Last Saturday we had Neal and Bethany over for cake and icecream (a late b-day party for Bethany) my kids were all about some cake.

We love Grandma's!!!

This last week Whitney has been spoiled once again to play with grandma - both of them. Grandma Hoopes was on her way to a trip to Missouri and stopped in for an evening to visit and let us have some cake in honor of her birthday. Aaron wasn't sure exactly when she was coming so I didn't prep Whitney for this visit, that day Aaron came home early and house sat while I got some cake. Whitney ran out to the garage to greet me when I got home and was a little shocked that not only did I arrive then but Grandma Hoopes was there also! Needless to say Whitney was estatic to sing happy Birthday and watch Grandma blow out candles!

This week Aaron is on another "business trip" to Vegas - with a nice hotel...big screen tv... and jacuzzi... and swimming pool... and good food - man business is rough! Thank goodness Grandma Rasmussen came to save the day again and keep me out of the nut house! She came and played for a couple days which makes an otherwise long and rough week fast, fun and exciting. Grandpa was even nice enough to come and play the first night. Whitney absolutely adores Grandma and really doesn't let her out of her sight.... so I'm sure Grandma is exhausted be we appreciate her. What a fun Grandma who will jump on the tramp and go down slides at the playground with her Grandkid!

We love Grandma's!

All Dolled-Up

Whitney is obsessed with princesses. So a couple weeks ago we went and bought her another "prom dress" for church. She just loves to get all dressed up and dance like a princess. I found this snazzy outfit for Travis that I couldn't pass up either. Although Travis wasn't in a good mood for the pictures, they give a little glimpse of thier church date.

9 months old!!

My little boy is starting to turn into a little man! The first few months of his life seemed to creep by - but now honestly they are flying! I love counting every month milestone during the first year and seeing how much they progressed in such a short amount of time! Although I look forward to him getting more independant he still knows how to work me over and melt my heart - especially with his new cheesy grin. I love that all I have to do is smile really big at him and he'll flash me a cheesy smile. No matter how much work or sleep deprivation, I love my life and wouldn't trade it for anything. It's amazing how kids change the way you think and even feel about life! I love my kids!!

up to trouble

The last three weeks have been primarily focused on one thing - potty training whitney. She is doing really well - for some reason she likes just strutting around in underwear - or as she says "mom I just want to be naked k" (I can't imagine where she got this trait from :)) Aaron just told me a funny story that happened while I was at Young Women's in Excellence. Aaron and Whitney were being so good and cleaning the house for mom and then he said he heard her say "dang it!" - he asked what - "I peed in my underwear." I guess she was kind of upset that she had an accident, but honestly it has happened so seldom that I thought it was cute. Anyway, to save you anymore potty talk, Whitney is a quick learner and it's coming along. Meanwhile my kids are exploring every corner of this home! They definately are not used to being stuck inside even half the day. Whitney's new fasination is with lights and my eliptical which she hangs on like a monkey (thus the Halloween costume) and Travis loves the stairway railing - especially when he is surprised with a game of peek-a-boo. Here is some proof

It's pretty scary and funny at the same time (funny mostly to hear Whitney grunt and to see the look on Travis' face!) but Whitney is always trying to carry Travis around. She is really proud that she can hold Travis while going down the slide at the playground.

Also in latest news, yesterday was my annual try to cook a turkey day. We had Bethany, Neal, Jeff & Selly over for some good food and pie. The side dishes definately turned out better than the turkey, but oh well, live and learn. It was fun to have them over and enjoy company and finally let Jeff win a thrilling came of Settlers of Catan (definately sarcastic - it was a loooooooooong game!) I even got to take some pics of Jeff & Selly - I love doing that kind of stuff, I wish I was a photographer! Maybe one day. Check out thier blog if you want to see a couple of the pictures - they are a cute couple - a lot of the pics were really cute!

Jeff and Selly were having fun eating with Travis - Jeff put these sunglasses on Travis, I thought it was hillarious and Aaron thought he looked like Elton John!

Halloween

We had a great Halloween......besides the day being a mess because Whitney had so much energy it was one thing after another! But our Halloween night was very enjoyable. Jeff, Selly, and Lindsay came over to help us celebrate. I got to witness Selly pulling seeds out of a pumpkin for the first time before both Me and Aaron were able to take the animals out trick-or-treating. It was so nice of them to house sit for us because I hadn't been trick-or-treating in a long time, it brought back a lot of great memories growing up!

Travis was a chicken - the costume idea fit him pretty good - he was a funny chicken. I got a pretty good laugh when I set him down and he couldn't hold himself up in the costume and would just fall over and try to roll.

Whitney was "curious Whitney" our Monkey. Lindsay helped paint her face and it was hillariuos to watch her reaction to her painted face in the mirror - she just froze and didn't know what to think, I think it scared her a little bit, well worth the entertainment!

Like I said we got to take both kids out trick-or-treating while the siblings ate the candy and held up the fort - thanks guys! My endurance for trick-or-treating was a little longer than Aaron's, so after about 30 min. he took the chicken home and me and the monkey continued. Whitney was so into it - her eyes always got so big when she saw that bucket of candy and I could tell it took a lot of restriction to take only 1! She was in heaven when she came home and dumped out all her candy - she shoved a lot in really fast! It was so cute how giving she is though, after the last couple houses she was excited to go home and share some of her candy with Jeff, Selly, Lindsay, and Daddy.

We finished the night off with a classic movie - the burbs. The previous night I found out that Aaron had never seen the movie when I joked that our neighbors were like the burbs. definately an 80's movie - but still fun.

My mom should teach El. Ed.

My mom is such a teacher in so many ways, but I think this video I'm about to show you will truly capture her teaching skills. Whitney learned this song from my mom, and if you really listen carefully to the lyrics, it fits our family perfectly!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I planned to carve pumpkins tonight for FHE - which Aaron was excited for except he hates gutting the pumpkin. So being the beautiful, intelligent, carring, wife that I am, I cowboyed up and gutted all the pumpkins with the help of Whitney (During Travis' nap). I was smart enough to strip her so she wouldn't get her top dirty and thought this would be a fun QUIET activity. I don't think Whitney stopped talking for one minute - which I guess means she is having fun. Her pulling the seeds out of the pumpkin quickly turned into rubbing the guts already pulled out all over her. As she narrated it "Mom I'm going to wash my arm, okay, okay, okay, is that alright....I'm taking a bath now.....I'm going to wash my belly now okay mom, okay, okay, okay....ect. Although it took a lot of my patience thinking of the possible messes that lay ahead of us I had to grab the camera. And yes, this activity was fun, in a much different way.

Tagged!

I've apparently been tagged by my neighbor friend Amie. I usually never do these because by the second question I'm bored of typing - but I'll do my best to take on the challenge. All I can say is if I will do this - the people I tag better (which is everyone I know who blogs - especially my sister Amy who made me do a thousand question one of these about a year ago.) So Tag your it Amy, Lacy, Matt, Selly, Jeff, Emily & Luke, Christa, and Kristin = that's right all of you - cowboy up!!

1.Best thing you cooked last week. My meals are getting more and more simple every month - too bad my mean roast and potatoes was over a week ago. I guess my best would be some pretty decent enchiladas last Sunday. If Carmel apples count - I made my best ever Carmel apples for a beehive Halloween party at our house yesterday - the braeburn apples with Reeses were the best!

2. If money, time and babysitting were no object, where would you go and with whom? I would make my husband be a volunteer couple at the BYU Jerusalem study abroad program. But if I am realistic that I still have kids and they don't take couples with young kids I'd have to go with a month long Mediterranean Cruise! Go see Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain......

3. When was the last time you cried? The funniest last time I cried was kind of pathetic. Whitney was swinging this water bottle that Aaron brought back from a business trip. Seems innocent enough except it had a rock hard metal bottom and some how I timed walking my shin right into the momentum of her swing (the kid is buff!). I had to laugh at the same time - especially when I saw Whitney's face trying to figure out what happened to mom - but if freakin' hurt! So yes, sadly I cried too.... I'm a woos.

4. 4 things you were doing this month 10 years ago. It was my Junior Year of High School so I 1.finished my soccer season, 2.started practicing for basketball, 3. went to the Halloween Dance with Christ Tarbet (surprised I remember his name!), and 4. handed out trick or treat candy to kids on Halloween (I don't specifically remember this, but I'm sure it happened :))

5. 5 things on your to do list today 1. Get Aaron's Christmas Presents 2. Potty Train Whitney 3. Scan my childhood pictures - I'm doing a digital scrapbook with all of them 4. Get Travis more emotionally independent - coming along nicely 5. Win our soccer game tonight

6. 6 favorite snacks: oh so many to chose from! Usually it would be candy but lately #1 would be Fresh Salsa and chips #2 Reeses Blizzard from DQ #3 Red Vines #4 PB Rice Krispie Treats #5 so much candy to choose from...... but to pick just one...... Mike and Ikes I guess.

7. 5 bad habits: 1. Wearing a ponytail everyday - Travis just pulls it if I don't - so what's the use! 2. Not wanting to talk on the phone 3. Cutting corners a little too close because I always seem to run into the wall! 4. Having to get EVERYTHING DONE RIGHT THEN!!! 5. Looking Forward rather than living in the moment.

8. 5 favorite foods: 1. Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo 2. Lettuce Wraps & Kung Poa at PF Changs 3. Fries, Fries, and more Fries - usually from Red Robin - but I'll take Wendy's too! 4. A good tender Roast 5. Home BBQ marinated chicken done just right!

9. 5 places I've been: 1. Jerusalem 2. NY city 3. Puerto Vallarta - Honeymoon! 4. Maui - before kids, but pregnant 5. California - I miss boogie boarding so bad!!!!

10. 6 favorite memories: 1. So many of when me and Aaron dated - don't know which to pick - but probably when he proposed and he was so nervous he dropped the ring and then put it on the wrong hand - it was so cute though because Aaron never shows when he is nervous!! 2. Walking and taking a run on the beach at the Sea of Galilee while listening to church music - never forget it! 3. Looking off my balcony of the Jerusalem center at the old city while the pray call played. 4. Telling Aaron I was pregnant with Whitney - wow, I was so overwhelmed yet I knew it was so right I couldn't help but cry - I had no clue and probably still don't what I was in for. 5. Hitting a last second three-point shot against our rivals in high school basketball - although scoring some goals in High School soccer rank right up there!

ALRIGHT PEOPLE PUT IN THE TIME - I WANT SOME GOOD STUFF TO READ!!!

Way better week than predicted!!

Aaron had a business trip planned for Tuesday - Saturday this week, so I figured it would be one of those weeks you just have to endure, but this week was actually one of the funnest I've had in a while! On Monday we went to Hee Haw - like I posted. We went shopping on Tuesday and got some Christmas presents while Whitney played with every toy in the store! We then packed and prepared to go to Grandma's house in the morning. We went to my mom's house on Wednesday and Thursday to play. It was a lot of fun because Lacy was in town also. My mom was so nice to house sit while me and Lacy went on a little shopping spree to Tai Pan to get Christmas decor while our kids slept. It felt so good to shop without kids - oh the freedom!!! My mom and dad are so good to my kids and me. It was so fun to put my kids down for the night and just talk and hang out. I'm sure my mom is happy to have her life back - but thanks for donating 2 days of your life to playing with Whitney - she is so lucky to have a grandma that will sit down and play with her - or go spoil her with donuts and toys - she absolutely adores her grandma and grandpa. Travis is also starting to warm up - probably because it is becoming his second home. Here is Grandma, Reagan, and Whitney doing what they do best.

We found a steel of a deal on this backpack at the mall. It was pretty funny to watch Whitney walk around the whole mall pulling this backpack behind her. We got in a lot of rides up and down the escalator too.

Friday morning my kids were tired and ready to go home and sleep. After the kids' nap we decided to go get pizza and relax for the night. I was a little bummed knowing I was going to miss a neighbors halloween party - I don't like missing halloween parties! Too my HUGE surprise my wonderful, brilliant, good looking husband got an earlier flight, cancelled his hotel and rental car and surprised us when we got home!! He even made arrangements for Bethany to come babysit (thanks so much Bethany!) After Aaron pondering what to wear to the party this is what we came up with. My husband is sooooo great!! I love you!

I wore my stunning clothes donated from Grandma and sadly yes - Aaron has worn all these braces multiple times (he couldn't even wear all the ones he had!).

Another benefit of my husband coming home early was I was able to play my soccer game Saturday morning = a happy day for me. They better have soccer in heaven, even if it is old woman soccer. To cap the week off Aaron tried to salvage another crazy yet boring Sunday by making a fort. Whitney must have sensed that I needed to blog the occasion because she kept taking pretend pictures of us and saying "that was a good one guys!" (funny thing is half of them she was standing on the outside of the fort and having us say cheese inside the fort - perhaps an x-ray camera?) Here are the beautiful pictures to document the big event.

I think this picture is hillarious because the sudden flash obviously caught Travis by surprise!