From one to two, feels like three.

Dear Sadie,

You had your 2nd birthday 11 days ago. That morning I woke up and lay in bed thinking about how fast these past two years have gone, how quickly you’ve grown. Your dad and I laughed thinking about the funny things you do, the sweetness you bring into our lives. How you love having a phone. When your dad or I get off the phone you’ve started asking us who we’re talking to. You are so curious about all things phone. We’re sure you’re going to take phone priviledges VERY seriously. How you suck your two middle fingers on your right hand and hold the panos (old burp rags) with the ribbon on the sides, those are your sources of comfort. How you love to sing and dance, you always seem to be humming a tune. Our favorite sound is your giggle. If we can get you giggling everyone smiles.

You had a fun birthday, I hope. Vovo took you to Disneyland where you rode the carousel

(I was dying that I wasn’t there with you and mad that my pass was expired) and to buy some new ear rings. You had a nice nap and then we went out to dinner and came home to party with the rest of your aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents that live nearby.  I made cupcakes for you and wanted them to be perfect…I think you ate one bite and were done.

I got some balloons and hung our birthday banners around the house for our little party. You had a lot of fun with the balloons. I think you’re dad recorded you laughing up a storm with some game your brothers were playing with the balloons.

Your Grandma and Grandpa Rasmussen sent money for your birthday and you picked out this cat keyboard when we were at Target. Its fun to see you pluck the keyboard but even funner to listen to you try to swallow the microphone.

Your aunt Mae and uncle Clay gave you the coolest purse. Every one wants it! It was decked out with a pair of sunglasses (pictured), a wallet, a photo album, some Tic Tacs, your own iphone (not really but looks good, unfortuneately you figured out quickly that it wasn’t the real thing – and I quote, “uh, not working!”), some jewelry…is that it? I forget. You love it…and so do I. Mind if I borrow it…for a few years?

Here is the bag and your new shoes! I love buying clothes and accessories for you. We are going to do serious damage on our shopping trips when you get older.

Your aunt Ev and Uncle James got you your first princess dress up that you ended up wearing for Halloween. It was A-DOR-ABLE. You really like to do this slouchy thing. I think its your modeling abilities beginning to show. You’re the next Top Model…hehe…I’m not being serious. You can or you can’t, no pressure.

Ok, this wasn’t on your birthday but I had to include it. Isn’t it adorable? Your first, and LAST bikini (that I will buy anyway). You have to be doing what your brothers and cousins are doing (or anyone for that matter). You were not going to sit by and let everyone else have all the fun at swim lessons anymore so I had to buy the “mandatory Health department regulated” bathing suit for children under 4. Happy swimming!

This one wasn’t on your birthday either but this is a post about you and I’m writing it so I’m going to include the cute picture of the two of us. I don’t know if you know this yet, if its sunk in, but you’re my sidekick. I always want to take you everywhere. Most of the time its not too much fun for you but I’m trying to work on that. We went to the pumpkin patch and you gave me a run for my money. You did not want to walk and I did not want to carry you, that’s the short of it. But we got this picture and it was all worth it in the end.

Sadie, I can’t believe you’re two. It kind of makes me sad. You might be my last two year old and its just going so fast. Pretty soon you’ll be out of your crib and out of diapers and speaking in full sentences that everyone around you actually understands (no more Sadie speak) and the rest will be history. We love you like crazy, little girl. Hope you always know that. Happy Birthday!

San Francisco trip with two of my favorite girls

Back in September I went on a quick weekend trip with two of my old college roomies, Katie and Britt. I forget how much fun we have together. I’ve missed these girls like crazy. I remember when we were such a big part of each other’s lives. We’ve all moved on to our separate lives but we got to come together and act like kids again. San Francisco was our destination. I couldn’t believe that neither Katie nor Britt had been there before. We got in all the sights, thanks to our cool double decker tour, and ate our little hearts out.

We had the perfect weather while we were in San Fran. The Golden Gate Bridge was breathtaking. I know that sounds cheesy but it really was…honest.

Smile! BB, me, Kate

Tour time! Our tour guide liked to use the phrase, “bam! there it is!” It was hilarious in his Spanish accent.

Did I mention we ate? Yeah, its no wonder I’m dieting. Ah, the irony. Sure was good while it lasted.

Let’s do it again, k girls? I’ll start saving my pennies. Oh, and hon? Thanks!! You Rock.

Summer Fun: Soak City and fruit leather

Our favorite Oceanside cousins invited us to go to Soak City with them before school started. It was a hot day and we enjoyed being in the water…until Sadie decided she was done and then would not stop crying! Luckily, I got her to sleep in the stroller for a little while and had some one on one time with Easy E.

One of the blogs I subscribe to (martawrites.com) had a post about making your own fruit leather. It looked so easy I had to try it. I had some strawberries and nectarines that were past their prime so I threw them in the pan and voila! Tasty fruit leather! It was gone in a flash.

Summer Fun: Camping for the 4th of July

This summer we went on our first family camping trip. The campground was beautiful and I realized how much of a city girl I am because I could NOT sleep with all the crickets chirping, raccoons rummaging around, and pitch blackness. I need to go camping more often. The kids, on the other hand, slept wonderfully and had the time of their lives! Who wouldn’t if s’mores were involved?

Gotta Go Back, Back to School Again…

Yesterday was the first day of school for Ethan and Luke! Luke started Kindergarten. His teacher is Mrs. Honda. Ethan started first grade and his teacher is Mrs. Fox. Luke was so excited and reported having a fantastic day when I picked him up at 1:25pm. Ethan was a little different. He was so upset but he made it. He told me it was pretty boring at school. Monday night we had a back to school FHE and Steve told a good story about his first day of school and going to a new school in California. He also gave them each blessings. Sadie even asked for one too! It was so cute how she sat so still. I’m so thankful for the Priesthood.

 

This one has nothing to do with the first day of school but I threw it in for good measure. :)

 

Rasmussen Reunion 2010

In early August we got together with most of Steve’s family (minus two brothers and their families) and had ourselves a little fun. We played at the beach for two whole days. Ethan and Luke were, not kidding, in the water from 10am-6pm for two days straight. They LOVED it. Ethan became a pretty good body boarder. Luke got a braver and went into the water a little deeper. Sadie just played and played. Unfortunately, Steve threw out his back at work the day before the reunion started so he spent the first two days just observing the fun.

After two days in the sand and sun we decided to venture out into San Diego. We rode the train down from Oceanside to San Diego, which was a thrill to the kids in and of itself. We toured the USS Midway. We heard from Grandpa Rasmussen about his service in the military and about Great Grandpa too. Uncle Allen promised to have some stories to tell eventually…we hope not, for Anna’s sake. ;)

 

We walked down town San Diego and rode the trains up to Old Town San Diego and got a tour of the new Mormon Battalion center. Branson and Tyler got the gear ready for battle and the rest of us searched for some gold.

 

It was such a fun reunion. We wish we lived closer to all the cousins and could play all the time like this. I need to thank Sherrie for providing me with all these pictures. There were MANY, MANY more and my kids are lucky their aunt chronicled everything since their mom was seriously lacking in the photog department.

Five

We partied it up yesterday celebrating Luke’s 5th birthday! His friends from last year’s preschool class, Aidan and Coen, come over in the morning to play. I got all fancy with my rice krispy treat cake for that one.

After a short nap for Sadie we picked up Ellie and Ryan and headed to Jumpin’ Jammin’ in Mission Viejo.

 

 

 

The kiddos got nice and sweaty running around and playing in there for a few hours.

 

Luke requested McD’s for dinner (I was so bummed) and then we headed home for cake and presents with the family.

 

Luke wanted a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Well, I filled it with chocolate mousse and he didn’t complain that there was no chocolate frosting. He said he wanted it green so thats why I skipped the choc. frosting.

 

 

 

I think he had a good day. He told me, more than once, that it was the best day EVER. I hope so. Luke had his 5 year well check today and he is 48 1/4'’ tall and 71 lbs.! He is going to be towering over me so SOON!! This boy has never been average and it doesn’t look like that is going to change.

Luke, I hope you have a good year as a five year old. If it were up to me I’d press the pause button and just keep you here at this time in life for an extra year or two. You are growing up too fast. You start Kindergarten on Tuesday and you’re already reading fantastically! Your dad and I love you so much. Happy Birthday, Luke!

Its a list

1. I’m bored. There’s lots I could be doing. But I’m not. I’m bored of them.

2. Yesterday was not a boring day. It was my 9 year wedding anniversary. It was a fun day. Maybe that’s why I’m so bored today. Its so hard to transition back to reality after a day spent completely in fun. Really though, I can’t believe its been 9 years. Nine years since my parents and I missed the exit to Manti and ended up in Price, UT instead – a whole hour and some odd minutes off course. Nine years. Wow. We are not old enough, not really. Anniversaries are funny things. Some are spent so gallantly. Extravagant trips, gifts or maybe a combination of the two. My husband has a knack for making me feel spoiled. Yesterday I spoiled him a little. I took him to an Apple store and he signed another contract to become the proud owner of an i4. I’m jealous but not. Our anniversary was so low key. We didn’t go anywhere. We didn’t spend more than $30 on dinner and we went to a dollar theater to see Russell Crowe in Robin Hood. But it was fantastic. It was a reminder of the days when we focused on each other. When we were each other’s world. I know we still are but we have three kids that inhabit that world now and take the focus off each other. We do our best to balance things but our time is still theirs. It doesn’t take much to renew my love for my hubs.

3. I just painted my toe nails red. I love red toe nails. Mine are sloppy. There’s nail polish all over. But I feel good. There’s something about painted toe nails that makes me feel good. Makes me feel like I’m beautiful, even though I haven’t even showered yet…hmmm.

4. Ethan and Luke have been playing video games for too long. I know I should turn it off. They love it so much though. And its summer. They played outside all morning.

5. I’ve always known the next step I would take in my life. I’ve always felt I had a clear path. Right now I don’t and its kind of driving me crazy. There is no obvious step and I’m wondering what to do with myself. Some people think I should have another child, thats the next step. I’m definitely not clear on that. I know some of you are thinking, just enjoy where you’re at. I’m trying. But I need something too. Can you tell me what it is?

6. Next Wednesday Luke turns 5. I’m so unorganized. I have no clue what I’m doing for it. Ugh.

7. I applied to get Ethan and Luke into Davis Magnet School today. Its a long waiting list so we’ll see what happens. Might not be until next year. I’m cool with that.

8. I made a cheesecake for yesterday and I didn’t even finish my piece. I think I left something out. Its completely not me to leave dessert on my plate. Its been sitting in the fridge all day and I haven’t heard it call out to me at all. Weird.

9. I want a Brazilian blowout. I want. I want. I want.

Camera, camera…what’s on my camera?

Ahhh…the life of a mother, changing poopy diaper after poopy diaper. I let Luke take this picture of Sadie and I. Nice face huh?

So my sister Mae babysat Sadie for me the other day. Looks like they had a little fun with my camera. I love this face. I love my sisters. They are so supportive and helpful and goofy. Mae, you can’t be mad at me. You left the pic on my camera so you have to accept the consequences. Love you!

My darling girl…

and her darling feet. Wonder if Zane took this pic?

And Mae’s youngest, Ezra makes a debut in this post. Isn’t he handsome? I wouldn’t mind nibbling on those cheeks right about now.

The other day I packed up the kids and we headed down to O-side to visit our cousins. My SIL took us on base (her hubs is in the Navy – he’s a dentist), which my boys thought was “totally wicked,” to a tank museum. Sadie and Jake climbed right into one of the jeeps.

Adam and Ethan thought this was the best jeep yet because of the “bombers” on it.

My boys dream of becoming soldiers. If one of them do I’m totally using this picture later on. Funny story, as we were driving to the museum Ethan says to me “I think I just saw President Obama.” I was a little surprised by that and replied “oh yeah?” Ethan explains, “yeah, he was brown skinned and with all the soldiers.” So there you have it. Next time you see someone brown skinned and with all the soldiers count yourself lucky to see Mr. President himself.  (I love 6 year olds.)

We have started to have family cleaning days on Saturday mornings, much to my children’s chagrin. I would have to say that their favorite chore to help with is the mopping (their least favorite is putting away their clean laundry but we won’t focus on the negatives here). We roll up our pants (or shorts, if your Ethan) and get down on our hands and knee pads to scrub away the grime we’ve tracked in during the week. Its really therapeutic…or something.

Ethan got the idea to wrap the rag around his feet and his brother followed right along.

Oh man, I could not pass up this opportunity. Like I said, I love 6 year olds. Nice tan line, Ethan.

 

Pioneer Day was last Saturday. Its not so big in California. Honestly, I never remember hearing about it growing up. But when I moved to Provo, UT for school I learned its big in UT. And since I married a UT boy… we had a small celebration of going to Pioneer park and dinner at Costco.

There you have it, camera unloaded. By the way, I also love my 4 year old, 1 year old and 33 year old….just in case you were wondering.