2010

Before we ring in 2011, I want to celebrate accomplishments in 2010.

Lance and I realized a couple of long-awaited goals this year. We finally got scuba certified and we got ourselves in shape.

Since first moving to Florida, we vowed to become scuba certified. It took a friend who is a scuba instructor to light a fire under us to get it done. Now, we love it! So glad to mark it off my bucket list.

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This is what Lance and I looked like in November 2009 (be nice-- I had just had a baby!) Pregnancy has never been a friend of mine and Lance was kind enough to join me in gaining "baby weight". We started cutting back on sweets and fast food in 2010, but really got ourselves in gear in April of 2010, thanks to this:From April to August, we worked out 6 days a week, for 1- 1 1/2 hours per day. It was awesome. We were sore for about a month straight, but we never missed a single workout. It was fun to do together and I swear, I have never slept better at night.

For the rest of the year, we tried to workout (or at least run) 2-3 times a week. But the holidays have taken their toll and we are ready to start again. P90x: Round 2 begins this Monday. This time we are starting out stronger and thinner, so we should be ready for swimsuit season this Spring!

Some bigger goals we have set for 2011 include:
Learning Spanish
Starting a Master's Degree (Kira)
Obtaining a Roofing License (Lance)

Keep you posted!

Family Christmas

As I mentioned earlier, this year was the first Christmas since 2006 in which the whole Slovacek family was together. In 2006, Zoie was not quite 2 years old and the boys were but a twinkle in our eye...So it was an awesome Christmas. Loved every minute of it. Loved having Steven around (I loved having everyone around, but we never see Steven-- so it was extra special). Loved the noise and teasing and laughing that comes with the family get-togethers. My kids were in heaven. Steven flew back to New York this morning and Matthew flies back to Idaho this weekend, so the reunion was short-lived-- but we had a blast.

Here are a few pictures of our Christmas morning. At our home, Santa brought the kids guitars, microphones and even a little piano. The kids have been "rocking out" ever since. (Half of these pictures were taken with my amazing, tiny new camera)

Christmas afternoon was spent trying to connect with all the Rasmussens via Skype. It was a bit complicated due to Lance's little sister trying to Skype from her mission in Chile. But the Rasmussens didn't let a little static and loss of audio keep them from cracking each other up for over an hour.We have the best families in the whole world!

The Christmas decorations are down and we are reluctantly settling into "real life" again. Looking forward to celebrating the beginning of 2011!

Christmas Eve 2010

We upheld our Rasmussen family tradition and went to Busch Gardens for Christmas Eve. Perfect weather, perfect kids, perfect day.Chase rode his first kiddie ride by himself. He seemed very unimpressed.
We then had our Christmas Eve "Program" with the Slovaceks (the first one since 2006!). This included the nativity play and homemade gifts-- one of my very favorite parts of Christmas. This year I drew Lance's name and made him a "manly" Snugglie. He hasn't taken it off since. (Matt made a Rasmussen Family Puzzle-- which I am holding).

After putting the kids to bed and making preparations for Christmas morning (oh--the batteries!), Lance and I indulged in the 8th season of 24. Needless to say -- it was a late night with Jack Bauer.

Obnoxious Church Photo Shoot

My Mom bought my kids the cutest little Christmas outfits this year. I ran out of time to take some pictures before we left the house on Sunday morning, so I took some in the foyer and the Primary Room of the church building. Obnoxious, I know. But Lance and I have not been late to church in years-- we always arrive at least 10 -15 minutes early, out of habit. So-- there weren't many people around while I was taking the pictures. I thought the floral armchairs and small brown folding chairs made a particularly striking back drop.

Poor Zoie can barely see over her brothers' bulbous heads.

No More Excuses

Christmas is over-- I have no reason not to begin blogging again. In an effort of full disclosure, Christmas 2010 really did not have me running around like crazy. I began my shopping in October and completed it on Black Friday. Therefore, using Christmas as an excuse to be lazy on my blog-- really doesn't hold any water. But it seemed as good a reason as any.

So, to catch up: We made Chase an official Rasmussen boy by giving him "the haircut". His mud flaps/ Justin Beiber 'do had to go.Oddly enough-- since the haircut, he has been happier and much better behaved. I understand. Sometimes, when I feel unattractive (pale, no pedicures, grown out hair cut, etc.), it makes me cranky too.

Is it wrong to admit that I kinda like Chase better now that all of his hair is gone? Maybe its the "sunny" personality that comes with it.(In case you are wondering-- yes, that is Tobin playing with Barbie mermaid dolls in the background).

Merry Christmas

Will resume blogging soon...