Princess Butterfly

We made several visits to Busch Gardens the weeks before Christmas.

Zoie couldn't get in enough "face time" with Santa Claus. By Christmas Eve, "Busch Santa" knew Zoie and Tobin's names and what they wanted for Christmas by heart.

On Christmas Eve, Zoie got her face painted like a Princess Butterfly-- her words. I don't think I have ever seen her so excited about anything-- ever. It was her favorite part of Christmas this year. Here is a (slightly scary) picture:

Gingerbread Tragedy

I bought a gingerbread house kit and thought the kids and I could just "slap together" a gingerbread house in a few minutes as a fun holiday activity.

I was wrong. Apparently, it needs hours to dry and set. Between my impatience and Tobin's love for frosting and candy, we managed to create the world's ugliest gingerbread house.


I am including a picture from my friend Valli's blog. Guess which one is ours...

Christmas Photo Shoot Gone Bad

Does it seem as though I am always writing about unsuccessful photography sessions?

Last Sunday I was finally able to dress my kids in the adorable clothes my Mom sent them for the "Christmas Sunday" occasion. I was so excited to capture the moment. I scheduled in a full hour prior to leaving for church for the long- awaited photo shoot.

The first two pictures were preliminaries, taken while I was doing their hair.

Stunning:

And Handsome:

Unfortunately, It went down hill (WAY down hill) from there.

Case in Point:

Sorry Mom. The outfits were a hit-- regardless of the failed photo shoot...

Hats

I took the kids to Toddler Time at the public library this week. The topic of the week was HATS. They read "hat" books and sang "hat" songs. This got Zoie thinking....

Within minutes of arriving at home...We had a Cowboy- A Princess-Mickey Mouse- (This is Ryder-- my best friend's baby that I get to watch a few days a week. Isn't he adorable? We absolutely love having him around!) And a chubby Mom with a bunch of clever kids...

Nativity Experience

Last weekend, we participated in a living nativity activity at our church.

Apparently, there is a shortage of baby boys in our ward, so Tobin was asked to be the Baby Jesus for a living nativity missionary activity. Lance and I were Joseph and Mary, and Zoie was an angel.

Despite being "large in stature", Tobin was a pretty great Baby Jesus. I just had to keep stuffing candy (out of the myrrh box given to us by the wise men) into his mouth when no one was looking.Zoie was the sweetest little angel anyone had ever seen.I was a poor (and chubby) excuse for Mary, but Lance was rocking that beard!Most of these pictures were taken courtesy of our friends who, upon hearing of our roles in the display, drove across town to witness (and laugh). Thanks guys!

Frugality

I love good deals. I always have. My mom instructed me in the art of cheap shopping from a young age. I grew up perusing the aisles of the Goodwill and Ross.

This week I have discovered some great resources for the budget-conscious folk. These are new to me-- but may not be for some of you.

1. Red Box movie rentals- These are genius. It is literally a box located in stores or parking lots that spits out a movies. I couldn't believe how convenient and easy it was to use. The best part- each movie is only $1 for 24 hours.

We have a Red Box in the Walgreens parking lot by our home. I have never seen anyone else use it. I think of it as my own personal movie friend. It has never been sold out of the movies I want, and I have never had to wait in line.

2. Aldi Food Market- Word on the "Mom Beat" is that this store has been popular in the midwest for years. I heard about it this week and just tried it today. I am in LOVE!!


I frequent the Walmart (read: ghetto, dirty, and crowded) by my house for my groceries because I save so much money. However, by my calculations, I saved over $80 by going to Aldi today.

It does not carry everything-- and sells only its own brand. But everything is SO cheap. I have never been a brand snob (except you, Diet Coke). It does not bother me at all to eat Thin Wheats instead of Wheat Thins or to have Cinnamon Crunchy Toast Squares for breakfast in lieu of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Now, I cannot yet attest to the quality of the food. I may have to print a retraction-- but at these prices, the food would have to contain some kind of radioactive disease to make me stop going to Aldi.

Just thought I would pass some of this on... please feel free to share any money-saving tidbits. I am cheap and proud!

The Obligatory Santa Photo

Yesterday we went to the mall and were lucky enough to catch Santa on his worldwide tour "to make sure that all the kids around the world are behaving." Now, every time Zoie does something helpful, she asks me to tell Santa about it.

Zoie was so excited to discover that there is a Mrs. Clause. Tobin was very happy when Santa gave him a lollipop.

Trouble Maker

This is what I found when I went to retrieve Tobin from his afternoon nap.


That massive white object is actually a big wet pile of baby wipes. He completely emptied out two whole packages of wipes during his nap.

He looks pretty happy about it, huh?

Out with the Old and in with the... Used

Today is a momentous occasion-- sure to be recorded in Rasmussen Family History books. Today we say goodbye to a beloved family member... and welcome a new one. This is Lance's truck. He never named it, but was fond of calling it "Trucky"-- clever, I know. Trucky has been the most dependable, handy and convenient vehicle we have ever owned. It has assisted in the relocation of dozens of families in the Brandon Ward. It has hauled mulch, rock, plants, tile, trash, and anything else you can think of. It easily pulled a large trailer and has transported our family (dogs included) in comfort for years.

Today we bid adieu to Trucky. He will be missed.

We would like to welcome MY new ride... the Tahoe. I am sure to have a wonderfully suitable name for it after to get to know it a little better. We have known for a while that I needed an SUV with a third row-- but the thought has made me nervous because I hate spending money and we refuse to finance anything.

We took Lance's truck back to where we purchased it and asked for a deal. After a short conversation, they obliged. We ended up swapping out his truck (with nearly 100k miles) for the Tahoe (with just over 60k miles). YAY!!!! No money, no financing, no hassle!

What is my favorite thing about the new ride? What sold me on this particular SUV?

The sweet rims rolling on 22's?
The sunroof/ moonroof?
The heated, leather seats with adjustable lumbar support?
The fact that it has every gadget imaginable? The BOSE sound system?

Actually, it was the captain's chairs in the backseat! I was hesitant to get a 3rd row SUV because I hate having to climb over the 2nd row. Problem solved! I was almost considering a minivan just for this one feature!! (Phew-- dodged a bullet there!) Thanks to my sweet husband for sacrificing his "Manly Work Truck" for my Mom-mobile. Best Christmas present EVER!!!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

I love small comfortable Thanksgivings. This year, we had a sect of the Utah Rasmussens here with us. Including:

Collin (Lance's brother), his wife Rebekah (a close friend for years) and their daughter Scout (a tiny ball of energy-- just a few days older than Tobin).

We are so happy they came out to see us!

Some Thanksgiving Thoughts this year:

Ths year, I am thankful for...
1. Bekah making the turkey

I have never prepared a turkey. This particular organ reminds me of one graphic episode of Man vs. Wild.

2. These Boys

3. This girl

4. Tobin's "Hold Me" face-- it can get old pretty quick, but I know I will miss this phase once he is older.

5. Princess Days- Some days you just can't hide the true princess inside.

I have the greatest family-- extended family included. In any trials or hardships we face, it is impossible to sit down and feel sorry for myself while surrounded by so many amazing people. 2008 is an awesome year.