Dear John

I was so excited about seeing the upcoming movie based on this book by Nicholas Sparks. I decided to listen to in on my MP3 before the movie comes out. I remember a few years ago when this book came out, I picked it up saying this might be something I would like to read, but as you can see I never did. I am so glad I did. I was apprehensive about it because this after all is a Nicholas Sparks novel, and you know he writes really good stories but they are sad at the same time. It was so worth reading, well listening to. It was such a good story about the power of love and how it changes you, for the better. I won't give anything away if you haven't read it, but it's a good one. A little predicable a points but still good. I also wanted to say I sure do have a clean house now. Listening to my a book on my MP3 really motivates me to clean. I hate house work some days I just don't have the motivations, those late night feeding with baby are killing my energy. So I recommend a good book on CD to jump start your cleaning bug. It's a great way to multi-task, a little me time mixed with a little bit of housework equals a happy mom and a clean house what more could you ask for. Gotta love books on MP3.

Getting back on track

I know that this Chart may not look like much, but it's huge for the Rasmussen Family. We as a family needed to do better about having Family Home Evenings/Scripture Study and Saying all of our prayers. I personally had a nagging feeling lately I just wasn't doing enough teaching the gospel to my children and being consistent with prayers. I need this to change. Don't get me wrong we do say prayers, over food and at bed times, but I wanted to be better at having more family prayers. It's been a struggle for many reasons that are personal and I don't want to discuss in to much detail. The biggest reason is my husbands work schedules, it just throws me off, it's just something we have to work with it's not his fault. He works from 2:00 in the afternoon until 10:00 at night. So as you can see Family Home EVENING is not really happening. We now like to call it Family Home AFTERNOON in our family, Just kidding, we still call in FHE. Also having evening prayers as a family has been tough to remember because Jerry is gone at work. So I was just plain frustrated and annoyed with myself that I could get this basis tasks put into my life more consistently. This is something the Lord has asked us to do, and I felt like I was letting him , myself and my family down by not doing these basic things. I know that we have needed this for a while and I can already feel the difference it has been making. It is very hard to admit these thing I am struggling with but that brings me to my next point. I wanted to blog this so that I could let out into the world of blog readers so that I could hold myself more accountable for the things I am trying to achieve. So by putting myself out there and letting you know my weaknesses maybe it can motivate me to stay on track and to do better. I thought that if I got the kids involved, making it a family goal to do better, it maybe easier to achieve more consistency. The basic ideas is I made a chart for two weeks, and each person has four little squares for the day to fill in with their choice of stickers. I bought a big variety of stickers, character ones and all to get the kids excited. To get all your stickers you have to participate in Morning Family Prayer, F.H.E, (when it's not Monday it's Scripture study), Evening Family Prayer, and Individual Prayers. I do help the Kids with their individual prayers. It's been a hit so far, the kids are super excited to place the stickers on the Chart and even Jerry likes to pick a sticker out and put in on the chart. Their excitement has made this welcome change easier. I can truly say after only a week so far it has made a huge difference in my home. I can feel the spirit more, there is more of a sense of family unity, and there is less contention in the home. This is what we have been needing and missing for awhile now. It's so hard to admit I have struggled to have FHE/Scripture study and more Family Prayers, but maybe putting it out there it will inspire others and let them know their not alone either. I'm very excited about the change happening in my home and the blessings we have been receiving just after a week of this. I have a testimony that prayer does change things, and the Lord has asked us to have FHE for a reason, to help strengthen families against Satan's gasp. I am excited about this new leaf I have turned and hope to continue to strive to so better each day.

One Size Fits ALL

Have you ever heard the phrase one sizes fits all, well in this case it really does. Mammaw gave me this shirt for Christmas. It's one of those shirts that stretches really big, but looks like it fit a baby. Well that gave Jerry and I an idea we thought would be fun to try. We decided to see if it fit everyone in the family. So we took pictures of everyone in the shirt, minus Jerry I couldn't talk him into trying it on, I think the pink threw him off. Well we found out that one size does fit all.

Jane's First Big Girl Bath

Sorry about the red eye, new camera need to learn how to use it.

Before

After Bath

Jane finally got her first big girl bath at home on my birthday. Her cord just wanted to stay on what seems like forever. She did really well, Daddy gave her her first bath and she seem to really like it. She cried at first then she really seem to relax and enjoyed the warm water. (Jerry is dressed in boxers in the picture, so no worries.)She looks so cute with her baby rolls. Well her is one of many first to come for Jane, let the adventures begin!

Caleb's big boy bed and turning 20 months

I have been meaning to post this for a while. About a week after Christmas, Caleb decided to show off his climbing talents to his daddy by climbing up the crib and dropping down into the crib, yes the complete opposite of what most kids do. Most climb out, he climbed in, making it very obvious that it was time to move from crib to toddler bed. I was very reluctant to make this change. Kate struggled so much to stay in the toddler bed and night time was a disaster at times. I was also still healing from my c-section. It had to be done, and I really think Caleb was ready. He has done great with this new transition. You give him a kiss, say prayers, put him down and he goes right to sleep. This has been such a welcome difference compare to his older sister. I should have know it would be alright, Caleb has always been good about just turning over and going to bed when you put him down. He hardly ever cries or fusses at night, it's been so nice. It's sad to see the crib go down with another child, it means my little man is growing up.

I am excited for Caleb he is really doing well he just turned 20 months old. At his check up last week they said he is growing height is in the 20percentile and his weight is in the 10 percentile. The doctor is worried he only weights 24 pounds but is height is right on target. He met all his developmental marks. He says about 10 words and signs about 14, he is really picking up with the sign language. I asked the doctor if he signs does that count as part of he language development or does he need to be speaking words. She said as long as he is connecting language with meaning whether vocally or with signs he is doing great. So I am a lot less worried now. He has such a bubbly personality. He loves to laugh and be tickled. He still loves ears, he grabs every ones ears even his own for comfort. He loves his blanky. Caleb loves to watch Curious George and CARS. When I put on Rascal Flats song from cars, Caleb starts to dance, so cute. He also loves to play with any that is a Car, Train, or a Plane. Caleb also loves to play with Sadie our dog and share with big sister Kate. He also can't get enough of Jane ,his new little sister. He doesn't say Mommy but he will say Jane. He loves to tickle her and kiss her and pat her on the head. He is oh so gentle with her, he just seems to remember her, it seems like. Caleb has a big heart and a wonderful personality. I love to watch him learning everyday. He loves to dance and runs to the bathroom every time you say it's bath time. He loves his baths. My favorite thing is Caleb love to sit with you all the time and watch TV, mostly in the morning. He is my little cuddle bug, I hope he never changes that. I love his sweet smile and he adorable noises he make when he is excited. It sounds like an owl. HOO HOO, he has made that sound ever since we was a baby. I think that is everything right now to update you on Caleb turning 20 months. We love you Caleb!

Birthday turning 32

Yes it's true I am another year older. I had a good birthday this year. The kids got me really cute cards and a point and shoot camera for my diaper bag. I needed a small camera for those out and about times when I see a cute photo opp. I originally wanted to go out to dinner and a movie but we ended up not getting a babysitter in time. So we bought a movie and Jerry made me a nice steak dinner at home. The food was great and the Kids love it too. We went to Best Buy earlier in the day to get my camera and buy a movie to watch later. We rented some movies too on the way home . After dinner Jane just happen to have a blow out in her diaper so I had to change that, so in the picture of me blowing out my candles that is why I am holding Jane in a towel. Oh and Kate was taking the picture so you can see much of me. I thought I would let her take a picture of me blowing out me candles, she was dying to take my picture, the results is funny. The only bad part was we all ended up getting really sick with a bad cold so the pictures of me look not so great because I feel so terrible. After the diaper disaster we ate Ice Cream Cake and opened up presents. Jerry got me my birthday roses, always nice, and my kids got the cards and camera. My sisters and mom got me really nice cards and money to spend later, and charms for my bracelet, and my most favorite was the book my mom ordered me. It's my blog spot but into a really hard bound book. I simply treasure it. It is so nice to have. After Presents we watch Post Grad and Fame movies, with my favorite treat Popcorn and M&M's with a large glass of milk. Thank you everyone for making my Birthday a good one, now I am just hoping my birthday wish comes true this year!!

Oxy Clean

While I was cleaning yesterday, Kate comes up to me and points to the bottle on the counter and says "That gets tough stains out, that's Oxy Clean right Mommy" It made me stop in my tracks and say yes you are right. I said how do you know that? She said the man on the T.V. says it gets tough stains out. I guess it's hard to not pay attention to the commercials with the voice of Billy Mayes behind it, just something about his voice gets your attention. Wow the power of advertising at work. Just wanted to share this cute story.

Caleb and His Hats, Just like Mommy!

Me and my Dad

Caleb and his Daddy

Caleb loves to wear hats around the house. He also loves to put them on everyone else too. I took these pictures of Caleb just the other day of him in this huge garden hat. It was so funny. He loves to wear his Daddy's hats and Kate's hats and Jane's well he tires to, basically any hat he can find he likes to wear. I Use to do this as a kid as well, it so cute to see you kids do the same things you use to do when you where little. It just takes me back to my childhood watching my kids. I had was so excited when I found the picture of me and my dad in one of my hats. My mom said I wore that hat everywhere and wouldn't take it off.

Creative Kate

Kate really love to create. She loves to draw and color and paint. Kate is always, I mean always drawing or coloring something all the time, all day long. She can't seem to get enough of it. She loves her new art easel that Gramma Mott got her for Christmas. She plays and creates art work everyday. It has really been nice to have something for Kate to use to get her creative ideas out on paper. I love her rainbows she paints. It reminds me of myself at her age, I did the same thing painting rainbows. Thank you Gramma, Kate love her new art easel.

Sticker fun

Caleb and Kate love to play with stickers lately. Caleb loves to put stickers on himself and others. He sit there for hours taking them on and off everyone. One day they decided Jane should join in the fun. The pictures as you can see are the end results. Jane looks great don't you think. I love my kids, there is never a dull moment.

Encouragment

I came across this quote today in a pile of old papers. I found it very encouraging, especially as a stay at home mom in this time in my life that I am going threw. Makes me put things into a real prospective, something that is achievable.

"I do not ask that you reach beyond your capacity. Please don't nag yourself with thoughts of failure. Do not set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. Simply do what you can, in the Best way you know, And the Lord will accept of your Efforts."

- President Gordon B. Hinckley

Another First for Kate

Kate is holding her happy meal we just bought her, in the car. We turn a corner and you hear her say " Oh that is just great" , then you hear the happy meal box drop to the floor. Jerry and I look at each other and chuckle, there is just something funny about a 4 year old using Sarcasm for the first time. It was to funny.

Double Take

Kate was given this Life size Barbie doll from her Best Friend Bella . My Friend Erica, Bella's mom was almost to excited for Kate to take the barbie off her hands, and Kate really wanted it, so I said ok. Bella was done playing with it and instead of selling it at a yard sale she wanted Kate to have it. Well I can't tell you how many times I have walk into a room and Kate as been playing with this barbie and I have done a double take, it totally freaks me out. It's about the same Height as Kate and has the same hair color and style. If you are not paying close attention it makes you jump a little when you see it and the light are not on in the room. So you can imagine Jerry was going to take this to the next level. One day he strategically placed the barbie facing into the door way of the Bathroom, a little off to the side to proper her up against the wall. After I came back gone from droping Kate off at school I was carrying Caleb into his bedroom right across the hall from the bathroom for nap time, I glance over to see this Doll and it totally made me jump/freak out. My mind was going crazy because I knew Kate wasn't there and was at school, but it looked like she was standing there in the doorway, it didn't help that the hallway was super dark. I definitely took a double take and immediately called my husband at work. He didn't hardly even say Hello and was chuckling hysterically because he knew why I was calling him. He had placed the doll there on purpose. I told him what happen and that it wasn't funny, and then I asked him has it made him take a double looks sometimes and that's were he got the idea to freak me out and he said yeah. At least he admitted it, that made me feel a little better, knowing I wasn't the only one that gets weirded out by this doll. So I called my mom yesterday and asked her if when she was visiting last month if that doll made her look twice and she laughed and said yeah it did once or twice. I still need to get Jerry back, I just need to figure out the best place to put her. So this new doll of Kate's has really has made for some good laughs in the Rasmussen home lately. Kate loves her. She talks to her, dresses her up in her clothes that actually fit her really well, kind of freaky to think about. She loves to have imaginary play time with her. She has had the doll for over a month and is still playing with it daily, it still hasn't lost it magic for her yet. So I guess I should thank my friend for giving us this doll and giving us a few laughs in the process. Thanks Erica!

Jane One Month old !

Can you believe it Jane is now one month old, what happen to the month it went by so fast. Well, Jane went to her first appointment and weight 9 lbs and was doing so well the doctor said she didn't have to come back until the two month check up. Jane is a very sweet little girl. She is so layed back. She really has her days and nights down pretty well. She is starting to hold her head up and reach for things. She follows your voice around the room. Jane is nursing well and things in that department are great. Jane has to put up with a lot with her older siblings, they just can't get enough of her. They loved to hold her. Even Caleb grabs the boppy and reaches his arms up to ask to hold her it is so cute. He even says her name, he doesn't say mommy yet but he does say Jane. Kate loves to give her kisses. She is very well loved. Jane keeps her food down which is great and she sometimes struggle to want to burb, but all together she is a very good baby. I love to hold her and look into her eyes as she looks at the world around her. She sometimes if you watch her long enough she will smile at you sometimes. Jane is truly a wonderful addition to our home.