Goodbye and Good Riddance!

One of my facebook friends wrote on his wall that he "was ready for a new year" and "2008 can suck it!". I'm going to have to say, I agree! As I look back and reflect on the past year it seems to be one of heartache, stress, and uncertainty. I wish I was speaking about myself only. Unfortunately, many of my friends and family have had a trying year as well. From health to financial to family crisis and everything inbetween, most of my loved ones were tested with trials and adversity unlike ever before. 2008 has definately been one of the most trying years of MY life but I've been blessed to learn so many lessons for which I will always be grateful. I've learned that when times get tough, families have an amazing ability to pull together and support each other. I just don't know what I would do without my family. I've learned that it's ok to need family and friends and help when you just can't do it yourself! This is a tough lesson for most people and incredibly humbling when you have to learn it! It's hard to accept that you need help but a wonderful blessing when you do. I've learned about service and sacrifice not by being on the giving side, but by receiving. I've learned that I have more friends than I thought! I've learned that the Lord puts people in our lives to do His work, to be a blessing and an answer to prayers. I've learned alot by watching my children adapt to whatever life throws our way. I fight change with every fiber of my being. They accept it and make the best of it! I've witnessed pure love and pure friendship. I've had prayers answered and witnessed miracles. So although I am eager to see 2008 come to an end, I am grateful for all I have learned!

To everyone who had a great 2008 - I hope it continues for you and that 2009 is even better! For all of you who are counting down, anxiously waiting for the clock to strike midnight and see 2008 come to an end - I hope 2009 is SO much better!

I wish you all hope, peace, prosperity, good health, love, friendship and all the best this world can offer! Happy New Year!

Christmas 2008

Parker's Letter to Santa

Parker wrote a letter to Santa at school today and I can't scan it so I'm just going to type it exactly like he wrote it...

Dear Santa,

I want most for Christmas is happy for my family because they are rily sad. Thay dont wot as to mouv away from are family. They wot as to sta hir.

Love,
Parker

The Things We Can Learn From Children

Yesterday I did some shopping with my sister and Anna REALLY wanted to help wrap. Kristi suggested I take her and Parker to the dollar store to let them pick out presents for each other that they could come home and wrap. Anna was SO eager to get to the store and the whole way there asked me "are we close?" So, after about the 10th time of her asking me I said "Wow, Anna, you're sure full of the Christmas spirit!" and she replied "that's because I love Jesus." She happened to be wearing a shirt that said I LOVE SANTA and so she followed up with "I wish my shirt said I love Jesus." Oh how happy that made my heart to hear my little five year put Jesus above Santa. I'm glad that even at her young age, she knows and understands the importance of this season! What a great example she is!

You're Crashing But You're No Wave

Here's What You Do...

1. Put your iPod on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got the memo from.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?Jasey Rae - All Time Low
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? First Date - Blink 182
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? Better Days - Goo Goo Dolls
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? Stranger by the Day - Shades Apart
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? We Close Our Eyes - Oingo Boingo
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? Given the Chance - Starting Line
WHAT IS 2+2? Everything's Magic - Angels and Airwaves
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND? What I've Done - Until June
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Everybody's Changing - Keane
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? I've got all this Ringing in my Ears and none on my Fingers - Fall Out Boy
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? - The Carpal Tunnel of Love - Fall Out Boy
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Why Can't I - Liz Phair
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? Cat and Mouse - the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? Viva La Vida - Coldplay
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? Only You - Yaz
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? All the Small Things - Blink 182
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? Dirty Little Secret - The All American Rejects
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? Pictures of You - the Cure
WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN? Nine in the Afternoon - Panic at the Disco
HOW WILL YOU DIE? Hello - Hawk Nelson
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET? When Love and Hate Collide - Def Leppard
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH? Waiting - the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY? All Together now - the Farm
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED? Fool for Love - Stefy
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST? Find Your Way Back Home - Dishwalla
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU? Make You Smile - +44
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? Perfect - Simple Plan
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW? I'm Not OK (I Promise) - My Chemical
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS? You're Crashing But You're No Wave - Fall Out Boy

Feeling Grateful!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and have the opportunity to reflect on all your many blessings. This is something I've thought about alot lately as we're ending a pretty tough year at the Rasmussen house and know that we still have some tough days ahead but through it all, I can't deny the countless blessings that have been sent our way.

I can't help but feel blessed for my family. The two smiling faces that shower me with hugs and kisses everyday. For a husband who is patient with me and loves me even when I'm most unlovable and of course, the rest of our family. I love you all and could never tell you how much you mean to me, so I'll take the coward way and hope you read it in my blog. Thanks for all you do and have done for our family! I love you all SO much!

I also feel especially blessed for having such wonderful friends. We have friends that we've had since junior high and some much shorter but we love you all! We have surrounded ourselves with friends that are such great examples, that they truly make us want to be better and for that we will always be grateful. We know absolutely, that although we'll be a bit further away, our friendships will remain! There are no better friends than ours!

We really do hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and go into this holiday season with a happy heart full of gratitude for all that you've been blessed with!

What's So Great About Edward?

Yesterday after seeing the Twilight movie I had a funny conversation with Aaron about Edward. What's so great about him? Whether you prefer Jacob over Edward, you can't deny the answer is EVERYTHING. So here is my list of 10 reasons to answer the question 'What's So Great About Edward?'.

1. He's gorgeous. Regardless if you agree that Robert Pattinson makes a good Edward or not, most people have "their" Edward. I know this because I've heard it many times..."my Edward would be...". And their Edward is simply gorgeous. Beautiful face, beautiful smile, beautiful eyes, beautiful body, beautiful hair, and on top of all this beautiful-ness, he dresses perfect. So there - there is number 1.

2. He's loaded. Who doesn't find this attractive? Not for the fancy lifestyle that his money could provide but more for the security. There's safety there. Which leads me to number 3...

3. Edward is a protector in every sense of the word. He doesn't just have good intentions..."if I was there I would have...". He actually has the ability to protect. He's always there, right where he needs to be!

4. Edward is smart. He talks like a gentleman. He's chivalrous. He's thoughtful. He's confident without being arrogant. Of course being over 100 years old would afford you the opportunity to develop these qualities, but still...he has them! I know, I know...that should have been #'s 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

5. He's strong. Unbeatable physical strength yet also the control to stop himself from killing or kissing his strongest desire!

6. His devotion to family. When he speaks about Esmee and Carlisle, he does it with complete adoration. Plus, his adorable relationship with Alice!

7. He has the ability to read minds...wouldn't this be great at holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or just when you're having a bad day?

8. His cute little quirks...crooked smile, winks, sideways glances, witticisms, etc.

9. All of the things he says that we think are silly but really make us swoon..."and so the lion fell in love with the lamb", "you are my life now", and "look after my heart, I left it with you"...

10. Obviously, how should I put it...the romantic, sensual side. Whisperings in the ear...I'm going to leave it at that because this IS a family blog but you all know what I mean!

Plus, he's a vampire. Forbidden fruit. Most of us have a dark side, even if it's just itty bitty, that find this VERY desirable!

On top of all this, you wouldn't even have to cook and he plays the piano!

So, I don't want to sound like an over-obsessed Twilight freak but wanted to share my thoughts...and to answer EVERY husband out there who is asking...YES, I KNOW EDWARD IS NOT REAL!

And since people keep asking me - How did I like the movie? Here are my thoughts on that...a movie is never going to be as good as the book. It just can't happen so go into the theater with that in mind! I like the book because it's fun and easy to read. I like the movie because it's fun and easy to watch! In fact, I'll probably go see it again! I did hear it was better the second go!