Memorial Day Weekend

This year we had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We got invited by some friends at church to go camping and water skiing for the weekend. I was not really looking forward to going being sick and pregnant. I was first just going to go up for the day, then my husband as he always tends to do talked me into spending the night. His mantra for me this pregnancy is, well if your going to being feeling sick at home you might as well be out doing something to keep your mind off of it. It actually has helped a lot. It rained off and on all weekend. I actually didn't mind because that meant it wouldn't get to hot for me. Everyone had a great time Kate loved playing on the beach with her friend Bella, and Caleb did pretty well. It was hard at times because he just wanted to get down and crawl, so we would just go in are tent. It was great he loved romping around and trying to play with all the zippers. I love the sound of rain on the tent at night. I loved sleeping hearing the sound of rain outside. I was pretty comfortable, we had a twin size blow up mattress for me to sleep on. I think I slept better on that then my bed at home, go figure. We had fun chatting around the fire and eating marshmallow on the last night. Jerry brought little glow sticks for the kids to play with at night they loved it. There was about 5 families there. It was a blast. It really did keep my mind off of my morning sickness. The first night it rained so hard we went inside our friends camper and the kids got to watch a movie. They thought that it was neat to be camping but still watch a movie. The other exciting news is Caleb is officially walking. Of course when there is no camera at hand he decided to walk all around the inside of the camper while we where cleaning of camp for the weekend. He still crawls a lot but is really getting the hang of walking. I'm so excited for him, he getting to be a big boy. It was so nice to see the Clark's again, they live in Georgia now, and It was a blast to hang out with our good friends the Guistina's. Thanks to the Mozzo's for inviting us to spend the weekend Camping with you, it has truly been a blast. Jerry was great, I told him if I went he, would have to do a lot of the packing and unpacking, it was nice not to have to think about that for once. I did however reap the rewards of a raining, dirty weekend.... I day and a half of Laundry, yeah my favorite thing to do. It was worth it thought. I hope everyone had a great weekend . I wanted to thank those service men and women who are and have served this country to allow us to have the freedoms we do each and everyday. I can't thank you enough.

Random Thought

Why is it the moment you get out the fly swatter to kill the annoy fly that has been flying around the house forever inevitably disappears the moment you pull out the swatter. So annoying

Caleb's 12 month Check-up

On Monday I took Caleb in for his 12 month check- up. He is 29 1/4 inches long and weights 19 pounds. He did really well getting he shots, he stopped crying as soon as I picked in up. The shots must of taken a tole on him because he ended up taking two, 3 hour naps. It was so strange and he slept in until 7:30 the next day. I enjoy the break, but didn't quite know what to do with myself. I don't get that long of breaks usually. The doctor said is height is o.k. put she had a concern about his weight. He has not gain much weight in the last few months and has been in the lower percentile for his weight, so she wants to see in it two months instead of the regular 3 months. Caleb is much smaller then Kate was at this age. The doctor think it's because he is starting to walk soon that's why he is leveling out. Kate did the same thing. I was so looking forward to getting rid of the infant car seat finally. He is not quite the right weight. Everything else at his check-up was great. Caleb is growing healthy and strong, and I am very thankful to have a healthy little boy.

Caleb's 1st Birthday!

Today Caleb Jerry Rasmussen turned one years old today. Wow time has flown by. We had a very fun family party for are little guy. He loved eating his cake and opening his presents, well he liked eating the paper. Caleb favorite toy was his lighting Mcqueen car that he can walk and ride. Caleb is such a sweet boy. He took four steps all on his own today, what a great day to start walking . I'm sure he will be running soon. I had fun as always making Caleb his birthday cake. Jerry pick out the soccer ball theme, that was fine because it was way easy to make. We had a great time opening presents and eating yummy cake. We sure do miss family at these special times but know they are thinking about us. We were able to but the web cam on and have Jerry's parents watch us open presents and eat cake. Gotta love technology, it was nice to have them see Caleb on his birthday. I wish others were able to watch but it was kind of a bad time of day, we had to do our celebrating before Jerry went to work at 1:30. That was fine with me, I am just worn out. It took alot to get everything ready, being tired and sick. I was glad I was able to have enough energy to make it a good day for Caleb. Caleb loved watching daddy blow up all the ballons, that's his job on birthdays. Big sister Kate help blow out the candle and help Caleb unwrap some of the presents. She had troubles with it being Caleb's day, she was really wanting extra attention. She said how long is Caleb's day. I said just for today, and then she said is it my birthday next, I said yes. Kate has done really well having a little brother around, except for maybe today, I can't complain, thats not to bad. It's hard being three and it not being your birthday. All in all it was a great Birthday. Caleb is such a blessing in our lives, he is growing healthy and strong and learning everyday. We love you Caleb and Happy 1st Birthday

Kate Riding her Big Girl Bike!

Kate can officially ride her two wheel bike without her training wheels. She tried riding her friend Bella's bike last Sunday on her grassy lawn and she rode it all the way across the yard without falling. I was sad I didn't have my camera for her first offical ride, but I later got some footage at home. She could hardly wait for dad to wake up and take the training wheel off her bike. I told her we need to get you a helmet and some other protective gear before we can do that. So while dadddy was sleeping we went to wal-mart to pick up a helment. We decide to get a new basket and streamers and bell, to go along with this exciting new event. I never had all this gear growing up and I survived, but due to us living in an apartment are front yard is the parking lot. The back yard is a big hill so there is not a soft lawn to practice on. I decided it would probably be wise to get all the saftey gear. Kate loved picking out her helmet and gear. Jerry got up and took the training wheels off, I never had those either, it's a wonder how I ever learned to ride a bike. I remember falling and getting lots of cuts and bruises. Kids now a days have it made. Well, Kate did just fine, she rode all over the parking lot. She was so excited and proud of herself. I just had a glimpse of her riding her first tricycle down the sidewalk and now she is ride her big girl bike. Wow she is growing up fast. Time is just flying by. So now the newest thing to be doing here on Dixie Drive is riding our bike. I have to say putting on all that gear reminds me a little of getting a child ready to go out and play in the snow, it takes you more time to put on the gear then they actually play outside. Oh well. I am very excited for Kate , she is only 3 and 1/2 and can ride a two wheeler, boy she learned how to do that quick. It was really fun to watch her smiling and laughing riding all around.

Expecting the Unexpected

Most of my family knows already, but for all others, it's true from the title, I'm pregnant with my 3rd child. It was very unexpected. I'm going to try to be very honest with my feelings here, so bare with me. I actually cried for a week, I wasn't sure what to think or do about my new news. It's much closer than we hand planned for the next one to come. Caleb and this next little one will be 20 months apart , which for me is very close in age. I like the age difference with Kate and Caleb, I can handle that. After the initial shock of my news, I am now very excited. It's kind of strange how the Lord sort of gives you a heads up or a warning of things to come. It was very suttle this time, I don't think I was paying attention to well. A couple of weeks before I found out, Kate asked me do you have a baby in there, and I said do you know something I don't know. At the time it was depressing because I was still trying hard to loose the baby weight from Caleb. I didn't think much of it, then we were all walking at the park and the rest of the family had run ahead of me. I had time to ponder a little, which is rare as a busy mom of two now a days. I had a thought of what about another baby, you could handle it right. I quickly squashed that thought and move on, little did I know it was the Lord giving me a little head up of things to come. It's interesting how the Lord works sometime. I know without a doubt that this little one is suppose to be here at this time. There is also some personal aspects that I understand now that I will keep to myself. It takes me along time to get pregnant, the doctor says that's due to me having a tilted uterus, it sometimes can take longer to conceive. Well, that was not the case in this situation, and also the numbers don't add up. All you ladies out there know what I mean, ovulation dates, and the day you start things like that. I know without a doubt this little one is suppose to be here, even if I am not the most prepared or ready for it. I find comfort in knowing that the Lord will never give you more than you can handle. I am very excited to find out what it will be a boy or a girl, I doesn't really matter since I already have one of each. I am once again terribly sick with this child as well. I'm just not lucky in the morning sickness department. I went to the doctor yesterday and he gave me yet another nausea medicine to try. I was highly doubtful it would either make things worse or knock me out so I could take care of my two kids. He said this is the best stuff out there and It will not make you sleepy. Well I took it this morning and it seem to be working better than past medicines. I don't know sometimes I think it's better to just deal with the morning sickness stuff. Well the doctor gave me a due date of December 5th, but due to me having to have a c-sections said it most likely with be right after Thanksgiving sometime. They like to take c-section patients a week before there due date. Well there is my news I have been trying so hard not to tell. It's been difficult to teach singing time at church without not letting everyone see how sick I really did feel. Now I can just relax a little, and not try to act like I'm not sick, what a relief. Well there you have it I'm pregnant and I'm 9 1/2 weeks along!! Yeah we are all very excited and Kate can't hardly wait to have a new little sibling. She is already picking out names, to cute.

Children Festival

Yesterday the kids and I made our way to our favorite park where they had the annual Children Festival. It's all free and it all for kids. I look forward to going with the kids each year. Kate was really excited this year because she remembered it from last year. She told me everything she wanted to do before we got there. This year the weather was so perfect, it was cloudy and breezy you could ask for better. The last couple of years it's been really hot and overwhelming. Jerry got called into work so he wasn't able to go, we really wish he could have been there with us, we still had a really good time. Kate loved going in all the jumpy things and she loved riding the ponies. It was a really long line and I said are you sure you want to wait, and she sure enough she did and she didn't complain a bit. I was worried usually they have the parents stand by the kid while they ride, and there was just one of me and two kids. Caleb was just a little to small for everything this year, so he just enjoyed the nice stroller ride and a pretzel. He did really well, he didn't get to fussy, considering he is getting his two top teeth in and has been a really pill the last two days. I can't blame him growing pains hurt. We then went to the petting zoo and walked around to see the other attractions. They had the train this year, last year they didn't, I felt bad there was no way I could do that with a stroller and Caleb and a nice camera underneath, and the line was way to long. Kate seem to be ok once I explain I would need Daddy here to help and he wasn't able to come. We spent a good two hours there and then got some dinner, by the time I got home it was time for bath and bed time, it worked out perfectly. I really had a great time with the kids and was glad I went. I was sad Jerry wouldn't be there to help me, but it ended up being ok. I think this festival is so neat and like I said before I make sure I mark my calendar each year so I won't miss it. It was a great day of perfect weather and fun!

Caleb 11 months

Caleb turned 11 months a week or so ago. Caleb is really on the go now. He is practically running along the furniture. He hasn't gotten brave enough to walk but will stand by himself for a few seconds. He now has 4 teeth, finally, two top and two bottom ones. He got his first hair cut this month. He now eating more table foods thanks to his new teeth he has now. He loves to laugh at his sister and get into everything he can get his hands on. He signs more and all done. He say ma ma and da da. Caleb is very sensitive to others around him. He cries if others are crying and if you tell him no don't do something, he curls his bottom lip up and begins to cry. He still loves to hold your ears and your nose to comfort himself. He is still on the small side but I'm sure he will grow into his own. He loves to laugh, she has the funniest Laugh, you can't help but laugh yourself. Calb is a joy and so much fun to have around. It's been fun having a boy around the house. It's a totally new experience for me growing up with all girls, I'm really enjoying it.

A visit from my Mom and Sister

I had a wonderful week last week. My mom and sister flew in from Utah to visit for a whole week. We had a blast. It was nice to have extra hands around to help with the kids, I don't really know what that's like, I do it so much on my own, not having relative near by. After a little delayed flight on Monday my family got here safely and took the rest of the day to rest.

Tuesday we took the kids to our favorite park, my mom loved the long winding path around the park and Caleb love the baby swing on the playground. We end up watching American Idol that evening, it fun to watch it with family instead of by yourself. You get to hear their option's on the performances. Sorry this sounds like a travel log, there was no other way to describe it. Well, any ways on Wednesday we stayed home and made some tote bags I had learned to make. My sister was dying to learn how to make them, and of course she was able to sew one in half the time it takes me, she talented that way.

Thursday we headed to the Beach in Panama city. We went to Saint Andrews beach, it's a state park, we wanted to avoid all the spring breakers down here right now. Jerry was able to get the day off to go with us, that was a real treat. It was a great day, the weather was beautiful. The water was a little chilly due to are recent stormy weather we had been having. The white sandy beaches never cease to amaze me, so soft and beautiful. Kate had a great time getting barried by her daddy again. Its a tradition the two do each time they are at the beach, it never seem to get old with Kate, she loves it. It was so nice to take my Mom and sister down to the beach. I have been wanting to take them the last two times they have come, but have been way to pregnant to go, or I was just about due and it wasn't safe to go. They had a great time, making sand castles and looking for shells on the beach. Thinking back on the week I didn't do a great job of taking lots of pictures which is unusual for me, I did get some of the beach though. Jerry enjoyed taking pictures of the Alligator wildlife preseve, right near the beach. You can walk right up to the water on this deck structure and watch for alligators. We got lucky and there was one right at the end of thr dock.

Friday, I think is when we went out to Lunch with Jerry to Ruby Tuesday's. My mom and sister got to be here after lunch to watch Caleb get his first official Hair cut. Caleb did a really great job of sitting still, they even gave him a cute certificate saying congratulations on your first hair cut, too cute. After that I took my family to the "I Create" place in town, it's a paint your own pottery place. We all had a great time painting pottery. I painted a little round keepsake box for my ear rings,my mom painted a really cute mug with Caleb's hand print and my sister paint a heart shape Keepsake box. They all looked great, I can't wait to see the finished results. Jerry was so nice he watch Kate so we could go and paint, and he told us to take our time. I had so much fun going shopping at Khols on Saturday, thanks for my new clothes mom! I found a great dress and some shirts for the hot summer approaching. It's been a busy week.

Sunday my family decided to primary to watch me sing with the children. It was crazy hat day and the Kids love it. The best singing class got to pick a silly hat for there teacher to wear, it was hit. Then Kate gave her first Primary talk as a Sunbeam, thanks mom for helping with her first talk. Kate did great she has most of it memorized and she spoke up and very clearly so everyone could hear her. She did a great job, I was so proud of her. It was great to have my family here to have them see a few of my kids firsts. Caleb's first Hair cut and Kate's first talk in primary. I wish I could share more of those with them. I miss being able to do that. Monday I had to sadly drop of my Mom and sister at the airport in Dothan, It was such a fun week, it seem to fly by. I am so grateful that they where able to come out and visit. I had such a great time and I hope they did as well. I know flying a a plane is hard sometimes, but I appreciate their sacrifice to be here. It's been hard for Kate the moment we walked into are apartment after dropping them off she realized that they weren't coming back and they were gone. She cried off and on the whole day saying I miss my Grandma and Amy. It was hard to watch, this was the first time it's really affected her this way. It's been a couple days now and Kate still gets teary eyes about grandma and Aunt Amy being gone. She said can we move by both Grandma so we can see them. I told her maybe someday, I don't know right now. All in all it was week to remember and I had a blast thanks again Mom and Amy it was wonderful to have you here.

Catching up, Updates, and Getting You up to speed!

I know it's been a while since I posted and I have a lot to catching up to do. My sister and mom came into town for a week and I've been having way to much fun with them to post anything. I will start from the lastest to the present. Make sure to stay tuned for the fun I had this last week. Picture are coming soon. To get you caught up a few weeks ago a friend asked me to take pictures of her boys. I thought it would be interesting to use different subjects other than my own children. I thought it would give me more experience trying to get a good shot of someone else children. Well here are my top four picks, there was a lot to choose from, but here is my lasted photography work. I really enjoy taking pictures. I'm not anywhere close to being a professional, I just enjoy taking fun pictures.

Jiffy Pop

The other day Kate said she wanted to get popcorn while we were at the store. I just happen to see Jiffy Pop and thought this might be fun for her. She said no no that's not popcorn, or at least she thought it wasn't from the outside container. Well we it was a blast. Kate had fun watching the ball of foil get bigger and bigger. She kept saying I hear something popping, what is inside that ball. I said it popcorn she said no it's not. Let just say after I open the top she was super suprized. It's like magic she said. I think the slogan they have on the outside of hit it right on the nose. The slogan is " It's just as much fun to make as it is too eat! Ahh gotta love Jiffy Pop. It's always fun to watch Kate experience firsts.