back to blogging. again.

Wow. It's been a year. I could try to fill you in, but that would take too long. Or I could pretty much just sum it up with one word: BABY. More on that later.

Here's my baby and her big sister visiting a splash pad in North Salt Lake a couple of days ago. Ava had so much fun! She just talked and walked and fell and got a face full of water and kept right on going--again and again and again.

Noelle had fun playing with some her new friends from homeschool co-op. She took a face full of water a couple of times too.

back to blogging

So I'm getting tired of trying to be insightful and funny on my personal blog. Also I am proud of the fact that I haven't blogged in months and I don't feel guilty about it. So, here's some updates on the family, because that's easier to blog about.

Melissa turns 16 (June 5, 2010)

We enjoyed a 5 day relax-and-do-nothing vacation in St. George over Melissa's birthday. I love it when I can get teenagers to wear party hats.

Melissa and Spencer go on Pioneer Trek (June 9-12, 2010)

Thanks to a handy neighbor, I didn't have to make Melissa's dress. And thanks to the D.I., Spencer got what he needed for about $30.

End of 2009-2010 school year

Erick finished his first year at Snow College. I haven't seen his grades, but he says he's doing well. He is currently living in an old house with some roommates and working some summer jobs to save for next year.

Melissa finished 10th grade at West Jordan High School and also passed Driver's Ed. She's currently logging driving hours so she can get her license. She worked really hard all year and did well. Even in honors English.

Spencer finished 8th grade at West Jordan Middle School. He completed his 2nd year of playing the oboe in the band with awesome teacher Mrs. Flygare. He even had a solo part in the end of year concert. He got great grades overall, in spite of the many days he missed due to some health problems.

Shannen finished 7th grade at Hawthorn Academy. She enjoyed her drama class and after school choir and art. She did not enjoy Spanish. She made some new friends, dealt with Junior High issues like sticking lockers and trying to manage 7 different teachers. She did great.

I only have a picture of Noelle at her end of year program for 1st grade at Hawthorn Academy. Noelle is one of the best readers in her class. Her teacher, Mrs. Steffensen, was the best 1st grade teacher any of my kids have ever had. I was room mom this year and spent time every week volunteering in the classroom. We both loved her and will miss her terribly. We are, however, very much looking forward to a summer full of no homework.

My sister Annie gets married to Curtis (May 7, 2010)

"Annie is music to me"

awwww.

3 Girlies Expecting Babies (due August, September and October, 2010)
The results are in:

I'm having a girl in August, Jessica is having a boy in September (or August, since she's usually early), and Katie is having a boy in October. 3 new babies for the Rasmussen Clan.

Shannen turns 12 (January 27, 2010)

Shannen had been looking forward to this day for a very long time. Finally, she gets to join her older siblings on youth nights at church. She's out of primary and never has to sing in another primary program again. Hooray!

And then there's the home addition. Ick. We are currently living in the addition and enjoying it. We still have not passed the final inspection, but that's coming soon. Pictures to come later, because it's just all too much.

Photos from the Pumpkin Patch

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Back to School

I love back to school time. I loved it as a kid, when I got to put together my new folders and school bag. I loved shopping for my "trapper keeper" folders, new pencils and paper. I loved back to school clothes shopping with my mom. I loved the change in the weather and the excitement of starting something new.

This year, my children and I were excited to be a part of the newest charter school in West Jordan: Hawthorn Academy. Shannen is in the 7th grade and Noelle in the 1st. I like that it is a smaller community with very involved parents, school uniforms, the IB program of study, and an incredibly better environment for the middle school than what I have found at our local public school. Noelle was a little nervous, but relatively happy to start a new school.

And then school actually started. The first day was horrible for Noelle, as it took an hour for me to pick up the girls after school and she was afraid I wouldn't come. The charter school has no buses, 700 children and lots of cars during pick up time. She cried a lot the first week of school. We prayed for help. We talked, loved and reassured. After going to school now for a few weeks, things are slowly getting better for her as she has had time to adjust to getting up earlier, making new friends, having homework and trusting that mom will always pick her up after school (which happens faster now, because I refuse to get in that pick-up line. I walk a block from my parked car to be there when the bell rings).

For Shannen, struggles have included P.E., occasional fights with her locker, and having to take her own boring lunch every day. But I love that there are no swear words in the halls, the classes are all close together and the halls not too crowded, she gets to learn Spanish, and she is making new friends. It seems to be a good fit for her. Middle school was such a horrifying experience for me, and I am glad I have an alternative to public school for her.

So far, so good. We have parent teacher conferences this week. Here's hoping for happy kids and good grades.

Noelle loses her first tooth

Notice the small gap in the bottom row of teeth, the gift from the tooth fairy, and the fabulous morning bed head.

Noelle age 6 birthday photos

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Rasmussen Family Campout

Random quotes:

"Dad, I can't pee in the dark!"
"He's looking for his pants."
"I should be a professional smores maker."
"I'm bored."
"Pretty boy with no talent, that's me, right?"
"Did you fall down? That's worth a quarter."
"You're being awfully generous with those house points."
"Yea! (clap clap)"

More to follow, as submitted by fellow campers.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook