My wife says I'm an investment...

21 days and we're gone...

2012-01-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

...and THIS is where we'll be...

...for a whole week...

...without children...

Can I just say, I am getting SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited! Sleep in everday. Wake up to when my body says, "wake up, Maida, you are fully rested" rather than someone crying or a little annoying beep-beep on my alarm. Lay on the beach and read from my new kindle. Relax with my man. Go out at night without having to find a babysitter. Swim in the ocean. Go out to eat. Go exploring. Not worry about anything. No work, no relief society stuff--nothing. And, we've decided to do a couple little extra adventures, like zip-lining and a kayaking. I don't know why, but I think doing a zip line over Kauai would be so much fun - just zooming over the air in this little harness over a beautiful jungle? Yes please. And then kayaking to a beach and hiking up to a waterfall? Yes again. And then go home, go out to eat and maybe take a moonlight swim? Yes again.

So excited. I even got a new swim suit for the occasion...only 4.50 for the top from land's end clearance, not bad!

Anyway, just wanted to let you know where we'll be!

January Randoms

2012-01-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

So, January. I can hardly believe that it's almost over. Though it also seems ages ago since Christmas. I feel like I've spent most of this month just trying to get into a routine and get everything organized...and yet, I'm still not completely in a routine or completely organized! Oh well.

Here's the randoms!

Madeline has been obsessed with blowing her nose. She probably learned it from me since I had a lovely sinus infection and was blowing my nose every two minutes. But, she loves to do it and, actually does it pretty well for a 15 month old! She usually asks for help, but this morning however, she took it into her own hands

And then, naturally, like the good, little responsible girl that she is, she threw it away.

And yes, that's a large fake spider from Halloween. The girls love it though. Madeline will come running up to me screaming, while she's waving it in my face trying to scare me. They both think its hilarious...and it is actually.

Oh, Abi gave her first scripture in Primary yesterday. It was So cute! I wish I had it recorded. She wasn't scared at all, got right up and "read" it from her little index card, loud and clear. David and I were like beaming and I'm sure we looked like "those" parents. But I did get some amazed teachers - she can read already? ..I just smiled. She knows some sight words, but she mostly just memorized the scripture, but hey, they can think my child is brilliant! :)

Speaking of scriptures...the last week or so, Abi's been saying the word "kill". She'll be playing and say, "oh no, he got killed!" or run up to me laughing, "Madeline's in the room and she's going to get killed!" I must admit, I was a little shocked. Where was she hearing this word? I know it's not a bad word, but it'd kinda disturbing to have your little girl running around talking about killing things. I was running all her shows and stuff through my mind -Dora?..no. Super Why?...no. Max and Ruby?...no. Where was she picking this up from? I decided it my be from some dirty little boy in sunbeams or preschool...yes, that must be where she learned it.
Later that night, we're getting the girls ready for bed and are reading the illustrated scriptures. "And then Nephi picked up laban's sword and killed him."

OH.....

The next night we read about Abinadi, "...Alma believed Abinadi and wanted King Noah to release him. King Noah was angry with Alma and sent his guards to kill him...." and later "Abinadi was killed by fire..."

OH...guess it wasn't some dirty little boy...

Baby Boy!!

2012-01-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

No- no baby boy for me, for my sister! My younger sister Jane is going to be a mother! Not only that, she is going to have a BOY! (sorry Jane, I won't be much help there! I only know about super dramatic, emotional girls...)

It was so fun to see her over Christmas break with her cute little belly and all. We had a "baby shower" of sorts while we were together, it consisted of Me, Jane, Alice and my mom going to the baby outlets and then to Panera for lunch. I don't remember the last time just we girls went out together--especially without any children! It was so much fun - so fun to pick out some cute boy clothes and then chat it up and laugh over lunch! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time - thankfully this picture was taken while I was still composed... :)

But as you can see, Mom and Alice are about to lose it. :)

Here's one little gem I found...

...and I still think Gymboree is trying to pull a fast one by marking this down to $1.95 - still too much for a

3-6 month old onesie that says "First Birthday"...I guess it could be for their first "three month birthday"...

A California Christmas!

2012-01-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

At Christmas time we often hear and talk about different angels. There is the Angel Gabriel, there are "Angels rejoicing", there are angels visiting shepherds and spreading the good news. We see angels in nativities and they adorn our homes and tree.

But...not many know of one special angel that also comes at Christmas...

The FOOTBALL ANGEL!

She comes every year at Christmas time to make your college bowl games come true.

Abi came out one morning with this one, exclaiming, "I'm the football angel!"

So, a few days before Christmas, we packed our bags and took the short flight to CA to spend Christmas with my family. It was so fun to be home again for Christmas. It had been three years and it was just such a good time: seeing all my mom's decorations, the gigantic tree all lit up, all the traditional christmas goodies, making a puzzle and of course just chatting and laughing and being together.

On Christmas Eve we had a fun day with everyone, Alice/Richard and their kids and Andy/Alex and their kids came up for the day- just hanging out and laughing. It was so good to see them again !

We, of course brought the girls' stocking and hung them on the mantle.

Christmas Eve Jammies!

Poking out Dad's eyes...apparently if you're naughty, you don't just get a lump of coal...

Christmas Eve!

Of course, even the "grown-ups" got matching pajama shirts - Christmas tradition!

We had our annual Christmas Eve program - Max and Abi reading a christmas story.

Marshmallow snowmen and hot chocolate!

Santa DOES exist and he DID come!!

Madeline's favorite present - her christmas orange.

The girls got a princess castle/tent from santa!

Grandma and Abi

Abi and Grandpa playing the Wii!

Christmas Eve!

We've arrived...

2012-01-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

Yep. We're officially the proud owner of a Honda Odyssey! And folks, its called a SPORTS van...not a minivan... we're, y'know, way too cool for those.

I'm pretty excited to go to Costco and just throw all my groceries into the enormous trunk instead of playing Tetris around the stroller in our little Honda. And...power sliding doors...and separate climate control for the driver and passenger...no more shivering under a blanket while david drives with the AC in February. And, the most important feature - we are now a two car family again - no more taking David to and from work! Woo-hoo! Of course I should be grateful for that because it forced me to finally learn how to use the "Time Cook" on my oven. Pretty handy little function I must say.

Anyway, let us know if you need a ride somewhere cause we actually have extra room now!

Who's a big girl?!

2011-12-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

Our very own little Madeline has graduated from her infant car seat - so grown up! sniff sniff! She was very proud of herself actually.

And seriously...who needs toys??

Baby blanket I made for my Sis-in-law Alison's little baby, which, by the way is due NOW--so excited to meet her! This was the first time I had done hand-quilting (little butterflies)-it was actually kinda fun!

Joy to the World!

2011-12-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

On of our favorite things about being back in Utah during Christmas is going to Temple Square to see all the lights It's amazing! This year was pretty darn cold, but we layered up the kids and ventured out and we're so glad we did! Abi loved all the lights and seeing the Nativity.

Note any resemblance between Madeline and the kid brother from "The Christmas Story"? I'm not sure if she could put her arms down, but she was warm!

We also had a little family Christmas of sorts and the kids got to open their christmas ornaments early.

I got the girls the cutest dresses this year from The Children's Place. I was so excited to take some cute pictures of them after church....alas...

Pretty amazing pictures huh? I know...I'm not even a professional photographer, if you can believe that....

After seeing these, you probably want me to come over and take your kid's christmas pictures. I'll give you my secret. Have a one year old who is learning to walk and you'll get some just like these.

I guess this one turned out pretty cute. And luckily I can try again this Sunday!

Merry Christmas!!

Deck the Halls!

2011-12-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

We started off the Christmas Season by making snowflakes! Hooray! David even joined in and made a snazzy BYU one...so creative.

We got our tree at a lovely little local place called Home Depot...couldn't really beat the price or convenience!

While decorating, I realized that Madeline had been unusually quiet...she had snuck into a candy cane...and was lovin' in. I have to say though, from a mother's perspective--I'm really quite annoyed at whomever invented the candy cane. Just one big sticky mess....kinda like I just love it when the kids get suckers at the doctors or at nursery, it's always like--oh, yes....thankyou. Anyway, since it was Christmas, we let her go at it.

Finished tree in all its eclectic glory! My favorite is the ornament with little 8 year old David smiling back at me. Next year I'll have to zoom in on it so you too can enjoy.

We helped David's parents decorate their tree this year, the girls had a lot of fun.

My new Nativity this year - I love it!

And of course, the classic Christmas Tree Advent calendar my mom made us. It's just like the one I had growing up and Abi and Madeline love it!

Abi's decorated room. When we were done putting it all up. She stood back and took it all in and then said to me in a hushed, revered voice: "Oh Mommy...it's really SO beautiful..." Love that girl.

We've decided that BYU knows how to party better than the U. Last year the U had a CHristmas party for the employees only (no family/spouse was invited) and their gift was a box of mints. Yeah...way to go U.

This year in addition to the christmas gift and the Dinner CHristmas party to which spouses were invited, they also had a party for the whole family held on campus with Santa, Cosmo, donuts, christmas games and crafts and a Mailbox for Santa.

So...it's out of our hands at this point. Abi mailed the letter, so lets just hope the old Man comes through...

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!

2011-12-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

I'm a slacker...

2011-12-03T20:26:00.002-07:00

...but I have an excuse!

Wow. I am over a month behind in my blogging. Someone once told me, "A tell-tale sign that someone is pregnant is if they are usually pretty good about blogging but then fall waaaaay behind and drop off the blogging world for a while."

Well folks....I guess I might as well tell ya....ha ha ha--no, no way, that would be just a little TOO exciting for me right now. But, I was called as the Relief Society President of our new ward. I know, crazy, and no, I'm not kidding, even though I did ask the bishop if he was when he asked me.

Anyway, I'd like to amend that statement: "A tell-tale sign that someone is either pregnant or the new Relief Society President is...."

Anyway, that's my excuse. But I'm here now, SO let posts begin!!

Thanksgiving!

2011-12-03T20:26:00.001-07:00

This Thanksgiving, we spent it up in South Jordan with David's family. It was a great time, we love being so close to family again! So, Thanksgiving morning, I was feeling pretty good. I had run my very first 10k. I know, I know, it's no marathon, but that's the longest I've ever run in my entire life, so it was kinda cool. Was my time fast? No. But I only had three goals for myself and I accomplished them.

They were:

1. Not be in last place (check that, there were hundreds of people)

2. Run the whole time (check)

3. Have a kick at the end (double check, man, I was CRUISIN'! ...well, for me, I'm no david people.)

So yeah, plus- burn 700 calories Thanksgiving morning? pretty nice. (Needless to say, that was my justification for having pie for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack time the next day...)

Anyway, I was feeling good. My assignment for dinner was rolls and banana cream pies. I had made the rolls the day before SIXTY FOUR big ones to be exact, and I had made the pie filling the day before, so I only had to make the pie crusts. Piece of cake right?

Well--I only make pie crusts once a year...and there's a reason for that...

Look oh-so-delicious dont' they...

For some reason, i can't make a good lookin' pie crust to save my life...at least it tastes good. But man, I was SO irritated, the dough kept ripping and tearing so finally I just pressed it into the darn pie pan with my fingers and called it good.

And apparently I was so irritated by the pie that I forgot to take any more pictures the rest of the day! But we had a fabulous feast with family. Grandma Ras got these cute gingerbread santa sleigh crafts for the kids to do, so Abi had fun with that, even though as soon as she was done making it she exclaimed, "can i eat it now?"

And, David and I hit up Black Friday on Thursday night at WALMART of all places...I know, we're true heros. It was kinda fun though, waiting amongst hundreds to tear open the plastic wrapped palates full of exciting toys like Belle and Cinderella barbies. We were quick though. As soon as the madness began we grabbed our toys and literally sprinted down the store to the checkout. We were the first in line. Looked at the clock as drove out of the parking lot - 10:02pm...not too shabby. It was actually kinda fun. I don't know, there's something slightly thrilling about racing down the middle of Wal-mart with a rocking horse under your arm.

November Randoms

2011-12-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

First snow of the season! Spent the afternoon at Grandma's playing with cousins and making snowmen!

My two little helpers

The many faces...

2011-12-03T20:25:00.002-07:00

...of Abigail Maida.

SCARY

HAPPY

SAD

ANGRY

And of course, in a wedding dress and veil - simply elated.

October Fun & Halloween

2011-12-03T20:25:00.001-07:00

This year we carved pumpkins with Alison and Weston! So fun to have them just a few minutes away!

Final Jack-O-Lanterns

Abi and her Tinkerbell pumpkin

We went up to Salt Lake to go Trick-Or-Treating with cousins, unfortunately my camera ran out of batteries, so I didn't get the kids all together.

But here are the bumble bee girls!

Our family costume - The Bee Keeper and his Bees...

Here are Madeline and Abi's "scary" faces for Halloween.

BOO!!!!

Abi said that Halloween was her favorite day - I think that whole going house to house and getting free candy really sunk in this year... :)

Madeline's Birthday!

2011-12-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

For Madeline's birthday since it was so close to halloween, we did a Halloween themed party with family. The kids got to wear their costumes, because honestly, you might as well wear them as much as you can right? Madeline was an adorable bumblebee and had a great party!

Ghost Cake, naturally.

Added eye-ball punch this year to the halloween food table.

Staring at everyone wondering why they are all staring at her singing...

And of course, she got to go to town on her own piece of chocolate cake...she was elated.

Madeline's favorite toy was this car that converts into a walker, she and Abi played with it non stop the next day. Now it's Madeline's cruiser and she gets around FAST on it!

She also insisted on wearing her bumble bee antennas everywhere she went for the next week or so after halloween...it was pretty cute. I think Abi's fashion sense must be rubbing off on her!

Happy First Little One!

2011-10-28T20:26:00.000-06:00

A year ago today Madeline was born...it's been quite a year little girl! Unfortunately since Abi and David are sick, we're postponing her celebration. But she's still had a fun day - including waking up before six am ( I think she did this to remind me of the early morning contractions she gave me a year ago). She was VERY proud of herself for sitting at the table and holding the iPod.

Looks like she's gettin' the hang of it!

A little bit about Madeline. The main rule about Madeline's personality that we've discovered: She's a very happy, content little person...until she's NOT. And that, my friend's can turn on a dime. But most the time, she's happy just to be exploring and playing...and she will let you know when her mood has changed! She has recently begun true crawling, though she still swims across the floor. She loves cruising around the furniture and trying to walk. She loves to do patty-cake and does the sign for "milk" and "all done". She loves, loves, LOVES bananas and gets super excited if she just sees one. She makes the best faces and has the best scrunchy nosed face. Madeline is definitely a little ham and loves to laugh and tease. She gives the best baby hugs and can be the best cuddler when she wants to be. On the other hand, she loves to move around and will hardly ever sit still! She loves to go down slides, bounce on the trampoline and dance around the house.
And, as second child, she is beginning to learn to "defend" herself. The other day, Madeline was playing with a toy and Abi came up and grabbed it from her. Before I could say anything, Madeline let out a piercing scream and gave Abi the dirtiest look I've ever seen! Abi stood there stunned and then, with a little coaxing, gave her back the toy. To which Madeline smiled and laughed happily.

Happy Birthday Madeline~ We'll celebrate for real when every one is well! We love you!

Pumpkins!

2011-10-28T16:24:00.000-06:00

I've been looking for a good local place to pick pumpkins and I luckily stumbled upon this great pumpkin patch in Springville! It's called Jack's Jack-O-Lanterns and it's free accept for the pumpkins you pick,obviously. But theres two different hay mazes (one that you can climb on top of), a giant hay tower to climb, animals to pet, wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, and this amazing corn kernal play area - not to mention a HUGE pumpkin patch!

It was so awesome we went more than once just to play!

Abi and David atop the hay tower!

The corn kernal box! It was super fun - kids were jumping into, burying each other, swimming in it, making corn angels. I'v never seen anything like it, but it was super fun and free!

And uh-- a "local kangaroo"? was there too. ...who knew, Springville was so exotic?

Happy Fall!!

California came to us!

2011-10-28T15:52:00.000-06:00

...well, not the whole state per say, but my parents and brother did!

We had a great visit with my fam a couple weeks ago. Abi was sooo excited for the "max grandma and max grandpa" to come! She ran down the front steps to my mom when they drove up--it was really cute. And then, she became quite the hostess, showing them around the yard and house and inviting them inside..it was pretty cute. But of course it all went too fast and I forgot to take many pictures...I never even got a Grandma and kids shot...oh well, that's what Christmas is for I guess!

But we did have a great time - going up to the Canyon, playing outside, BYU campus/creamery, playing dominos, celebrating Grandma/mom's birthday, going to a Fall festival, and of course, just chatting it up!

Thanks for coming to visit us Mom, Dad and Max!!

Petting zoo at the fall festival

Abi loved chasing the little goat...though i don't think he appreciated it.

It was a beautiful fall day. Abi's favorite part was riding a pony! She was so excited!!

Also had fun climbing on the tractors...of course she would choose the pink one.

Max and Abi plowing the fields!

Even Madeline had fun - as long as she had a graham cracker in her hand, that is.

They also had a giant bungee cord trampoline thing that you're harnessed in. Abi really wanted to do that (no surprise there) but she settled for the little bouncy slide thing.

Jesus wants me for a Sun Bee!

2011-10-17T20:47:00.000-06:00

And you all probably thought it was "Sun Beam"...nope, sorry. Abi informed today that it is in fact a "Sun BEE" that Jesus wants us to be. So yeah. Good thing she's going to be a Bumble Bee for Halloween.

Anyway, finally downloaded my camera, so here's some pictures!

Madeline is in that fun "feed myself" stage where you should give her a bath after every meal...

Look who has Pig Tails!! So cute right??!

Madeline still "swims" across the floor rather than crawls. But man, she's quick. My SIL Alison compared it to the girl on The Ring...kinda similar actually...

Love it when I look over and these two are just busy looking at books!

Abi, the ever loving big sister is trying to instill some fashion sense into Madeline by doing her hair...

For some reason, I found this hilarious. Abi told me that she was giving her baby a picnic upstairs in her room. I assumed she meant her baby doll and that she set up a blanket on the ground with play food, etc.

When I went up later, I saw this...

... I guess even two inch tall babies deserve to eat.

My Peaches!!! Aren't I domestic??! :)

Abi and David both ran races at the BYU Homecoming this year. It was COLD and CHILL-EE!!! But they both persevered. Abi had fun doing her first real race and was proud of her blue ribbon.

Our Home!

2011-10-17T20:26:00.000-06:00

So, we've lived in Provo for over two months now, but due to requests from family out of state, here's some pictures of our new home! This first one is obviously not us, but I forgot to take a picture of the outside front and now it's dark outside, so this is what google images pulled up for me! :)

Living Room

Dining room/front entry

kitchen

Master bedroom

Great backyard with deck, play area and garden. The gray building is our detached garage.

Abi's room is the biggest in the house--someday Madeline and Abi can share!

So yeah--thats our new place--we really like it a lot. I didn't take pictures of Madeline's room cause she was napping or the Office/play room because, well, I just didn't.

If you're ever in Provo give us a ring, we'd love to have you over!

Just a Bumasaurus

2011-09-03T07:44:00.001-06:00

So, I was getting the girls ready for bed last night. Madeline is starting to get a red bum, so I was putting some stuff on it and told Abi, "Poor little Madeline, she has a kinda sore bum. She still wears diapers so sometimes she gets a sore bum! Good thing YOU don't wear diapers anymore!" (well, she wears them at night until the last pack is gone)

Abi is watching me carefully and then says emphatically, "Yeah--I wear big girl pants! I don't want a dinosaur on my bum!!"

Me "A Dinosaur on your bum?"

Abi "Yeah, Madeline still wears diapers, she has a dinosaur on her bum! Poor Madeline." She then looks down at her diaper that she wears at night and looks at me warily..."Umm..I think I'll just wear big girl pants tonight, not a diaper."

"kinda sore bum" translation: "dinosaur bum..."

oh to think like a 3 year old...

The After party...

2011-08-23T15:54:00.000-06:00

So--day after your birthday is the real party right? Abi spent the entire day playing with her new toys--especially the dress-up trunk she got from Grandma/Grandpa Rob. Madeline also had some fun...in our kitchen sink!

showing off her new bottom teeth!

Madeline's scrunchy nose face!

Abi Turns THREE!

2011-08-23T15:43:00.001-06:00

So--Abi turned three the beginning of this month. She had been talking and talking about her Princess Birthday party for a long time and was SOO excited when it finally came! This year, we were really lucky because all of David's siblings and their families were in town, so they were all able to come to her party. We kicked off the Rasmussen family reunion with Abi's Princess and Knight Party! We're so glad everyone was able to come, it made it a really fun and magical day for Abi!

The princess Cake in all it's glory! Actually pretty easy to make--the trick is using sugar cones!

I love this picture--she was so excited about everything--the cake, the balloons, the decorations and especially her new pink sparkly shoes that she got to open as her first present.

The party--in our new backyard in Provo!

After dinner, all the girls got crowns and bracelets and got to decorate wands, while all the boys got swords and shields to decorate. ...luckily the boys still thought that cardboard shields/swords were still cool...I was initially a little worried they'd be like--seriously--? cardboard? :)

The Three Princesses

And what's a summer birthday without water games?! We had an obstacle course set up to see if they were "true knights and princesses"-- trampoline jumping, slides, slaying a dragon (yes, cardboard again...) and finishing with a slip n' slide! And though it was an Ariel one, the boys still enjoyed it!

Abi really took the term SLIP n'slide to heart here. For some reason, she enjoyed running down it...Love this picture though!

Birthday Girl!

Me, Julia, Janna and Alison!

Grandma and Grandpa!

This year Abi wasn't afraid of the candles

Devouring the castle

"My Scouty" as Abi calls her best friend/cousin

Testing out her new wheels! Complete with water and baby carrier. "I love my princess motorcycle!!!" - Abi

Happy Birthday Abigail Maida--We love you!!

July

2011-08-05T15:37:00.000-06:00

Well--this is going to be a long one--pretty much the whole month of July. It was a fun one--The Fourth, fireworks, BBQs, water-fun, family "vacation", the 24th of July, Parades, Family and--more recently, packing up and moving. Anyway, here's the pics!

Due to unexpected expenses (car, moving, etc) we decided to postpone our trip to yellowstone and take a vacation locally. David took a few days off and we went to Discovery Gateway, swimming, had picnics and went on a few hikes. All in all, a very fun few days even for just staying local!

Abi and the "silly seal"!

Runnin' away fast!

David stepping on Abi's head!

Nothin' like water in the ear!

Even David loved the Silly Seal!

Robertson Pine Wood Derby! A Fourth of July Tradition

Abi, of course insisted on a Princess Car

Fourth of July Breakfast at the Park!

Abi all tuckered out at Grandma's

Madeline's first Fourth!

Abi takes breakfast very very seriously...or maybe she was just pondering about our country's freedoms

Hiked and played in Bridal Veil Fall--water was FREEZING!!

Picnic at the Falls

Hike to Silver Lake

Abi was obsessed with climbing everything! It was really cute, she was so proud of herself!

And--she did a great job! She climbed up this straight up without any help from me!...I had to help her down of course, it was pretty steep!

A Wife's Right...

2011-08-01T11:16:00.000-06:00

Well...we're here! We moved into our adorable house in Provo on Saturday and though I should be unpacking boxes at this point, I wanted to take a little break and brag for a moment. And maybe it's tacky to brag, but this is my blog and as a wife, I have a right to brag every now and then about my man.

So, today David started his job at BYU. It all feels a little surreal to be back in Provo again, but we're excited. And I guess I just wanted to congratulate David again on getting the job. When he applied, we found out there were more than 65 applicants--that's a lot!

After David accepted the job, an email was sent out to the dept introducing him. Here's just part of it:

The interview with David was excellent. He comes to us with an earned JD from Penn State University. He has experience directly related to academic eligibility and compliance from Penn State, the NCAA Home Office in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the University of Utah where he is currently working in the athletics office as the U of U’s compliance coordinator.

Many of the applicants had impressive qualifications and credentials. As examples, we had applicants who were principals at large public high and middle schools. We had many applicants with experience in athletics ranging from staff employees to high school and university coaches to assistant athletic director. Finally, there were multiple applicants with law degrees, doctorates, and master’s degrees. Some even had multiple graduate degrees. Suffice to say there were many qualified applicants.

Anyway, I know this is just shameless bragging, but, like I said, I'm the wife...I'm allowed to.

Congrats again Babe! I'm so proud of you for getting the job and for always being such a dedicated, strong, hard working person. Obviously the Y just couldn't pass you up--something I completely relate to!

I Love you!!

Thirty thirty thirty...

2011-07-21T10:06:00.000-06:00

So, just a little behind on blogging as usual...at least I'm consistent right? Well, did you know that I turned the big THREE -OH last month? That's right, I'm now officially closer to 40 than I am to 20...a little scary.
I never really worried about getting older but for some reason, for just a second on my birthday I thought--oh my gosh, I'm getting old!! I told david--In just TEN short years I'll be in my forties! A middle-aged woman!! He of course just laughed at me and told me something like--"stop worrying I'll still love you even though I'll only be thirty-seven at that point" ...i know... he's hilarious huh?...

Anyway, I started thinking--y'know, ten years really is a long time.. I mean, ten years ago i was only 20--just a young, naive pup in college...and A LOT has happened in those ten years...went to college and absolutely loved it and had many good experiences there ...got my BS...got my MS...met David, fell in love and got married...worked as an SLP in Nebo School District...moved to PA...worked as an early interventionist SLP for three years...worked in the PA schools for a year...moved to Indianapolis..moved to Holladay...and the two most important accomplishments: Abi and Madeline--I have two beautiful girls. And--I'm at home with them full time. I don't think it gets much better than that.
So yeah, thirty? Not so bad.

And, i have to give a shout out to my man, who gave me a fabulous birthday week--that's right, i got pampered all week long--surprise birthday party, sleeping in, new songs on my iPod, chocolate cake (this was probably one of the biggest sacrifices for him since he hates chocolate cake...yeah, I'm loved...) and a night of sleep UNINTERRUPTED by any child...it was a most beautiful thing! AND on my actual birthday--David got his job offer from BYU and Abi went poop on the potty... all in all, just a magical day!

So yeah, I guess I'm actually okay with being thirty, so far it's been great!

So long twenties, it was a good run, but I think this next stretch might be even better!

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts...

2011-07-18T14:34:00.002-06:00

Rise and Shout...

2011-06-29T16:08:00.001-06:00

..IT'S OFFICIAL!! We're headed to the Y!!!

As most of you know, things at the University of Utah weren't working out as planned (go figure, I mean, it IS the U...), so David's been applying and interviewing all over the country. But on Monday he officially accepted a full-time position as BYU's NCAA Eligibility Coordinator!

We're very excited to NOT be leaving Utah and the West, and family, and the beautiful dryness of this state, (that is quite a rarity in this country, I'm learning), AND to be working for BYU! And, for the first time in our married life, we won't be living like starving students!!! ...so excited.

August 1st he starts, so in the next couple months we'll be moving back into Utah county--this part is a little sad, because I really like where we live. BUT moving an hour away is alot nicer than moving 30-40 hours away!

I also wanted to say--isn't this little girl just adorable??? She is 8 months old now...let me say that again--EIGHT MONTHS OLD!!! I can't even believe it! I mean, how did she get so old??!!

Just four more months and she'll be a year! (sigh!)

Just a couple things about our little Madeline on her 8 month birthday:

She is such a happy baby now! She loves to jump in her jumperoo, scoot around (really close to crawling), loves to sit up and play with toys, LOVES her big sister, loves splashing in the pool
Smiles and laughs easily
has a TEMPER!! She can go from 0 to 60 in a second..but she also calms down quickly
Loves her mom! (no really, she loves me...so much that she doesn't really want anyone else to hold her...she does let David hold her too, but anyone else and man--trouble.) I guess i should appreciate it now, since in ten years she'll be having me drop her off a block away from school so I don't embarrass her...
LOVES food!! Seriously, for a little thing she sure packs it away! And she will let you know if you are not feeding her fast enough--which is most the time!
Can drink from a straw now!
Loves to shake her head at you and wait for you to imitate--also does a fake cough and waits for you to imitate--very cute

We love this little girl so much!

OH Summer!!

2011-06-21T10:47:00.000-06:00

Summer!!! It's FINALLY HERE!!! Here's just a catch up of what we've been up too (in a rather mixed up order..thank you to blogger for that.)

Going on a hike with the kids....yes there is still snow in the back ground, but hey, we were wearing shorts! (this is one of Abi's favorite outfits, her jelly bean shirt and her JAZZY shorts)

Father's Day! David and the girls!

These three are a riot and love being together. They are "my friends best" as Abi said.

We took the kids to a little carnival thing and they had so much fun! Well, I was a little wary at first when Abi started screaming uncontrollably on the Merry Go Round..a little too scary I guess...But she did love the cars and the boats and really wanted to ride the Pink Motorcycle, but we ran out of tickets!

Pink balloon in one hand, a churro in another...just a magical day.

Best Friends!

Lovin' the merry go round...my brave, brave little girl.

Little Miss hollywood

Abi's new favorite game--she likes to live on the edge. (obviously, as shown previously on the merry-go-round!)

Fashionista as always.

Giggly girls

David ran the Utah valley Marathon and did great! Three hours 4 minutes--smokin'!! Also a qualified for Boston! Way to go Babe!

Mallows and Witches

2011-05-17T21:57:00.000-06:00

So I was at the store today and saw these Super-Jumbo sized Marshmallows--seriously, they were like the size of a baseball or maybe even a softball...they were LARGE. And as I was walking by them and thinking to myself, what in the world would one do with a marshmallow of that size, I read on the package,

"GREAT FOR SNACKING!!!"

Now, maybe I'm crazy, but is that really a great selling point? I mean, i guess I understand throwing a couple little marshmallows in your mouth, when you get peckish, but taking a big BITE out of one like its an apple??? MMMMMM....yummy....

Hey Joe- you hungry?

Here, have a Mallow-apple, they are just super refreshing and satisfying, take a big ol' bite out of it--and then another and another! Too big to finish? That's okay, just wrap it in saran-wrap and save it for lunch!

On another note. The other day the girls and I were at the store yet again (sometimes I feel like I can't go a single day without running to the bless-ed grocery store...) Anyway, they had those child-sized grocery carts that kids could push around. I always have this internal debate whether this is a good or bad idea to introduce to a 2 1/2 year old, but this time I thought, what the heck, lets just try it. Needless to say, Abi loved it--she raced down all the aisles and only bumped into a few items and narrowly missed a few people. She was actually really good with everything and put mostly just food that we needed in the cart.

Anyway, she was just strolling along, when she looked behind us and a lady in one of these came buzzing around the corner. The lady was, uh, well ...larger, had long gray scraggly-ish hair and was looking rather oblivious to the world around her. (come on people, YOU know the type...)

We were looking at the meat section. The lady stopped and looked at the meat. We went down the cereal aisle. The lady went down the cereal aisle. Abi kept looking behind her, and I could tell she was getting more and more apprehensive. She started pushing her little cart faster and glancing back at the lady. We went down the frozen foods aisle. And who should come zooming down? The lady. Suddenly Abi breaks out in a full sprint pushing her little cart yelling -- NOOOO!!! NOOO MOMMY!!! SHE'S COMING TO GET ME!!! NOOOOOO!!! SHE'S COMING TO GET ME!!!!!!

Abi is super panicked and I had to try really hard to stop from cracking up. Of the course, the lady is just oblivious to all of this and zooms past us as Abi is practically jumping in my arms.

Later that night I told David what happened. He asked Abi - "What did the lady look like?" Abi responds, "She was a crazy lady. She looked like a WITCH! She was coming to get me!!!"

My poor little girl! I can only imagine her horror as she thought this old scraggly witch was chasing her through the store on not a broom, but on a motorized shopping cart!!!

Tulips!

2011-05-17T14:50:00.000-06:00

A couple weeks ago we ventured out the first beautiful day we've had in a long time and went with some family to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point. It was gorgeous with like 1/4 million bulbs planted, or something like that. Anyway, I tried to get some cute pics of the kids, but Abi had a better idea of running around with her cousins, which I can't blame her. But here are a few I caught. Crazy that it was such a beautiful day and as I'm writing this it's sleeting outside...in MAY. (sigh!)

my little poser daughter... (the slow glance over the shoulder!)

Easter and Such

2011-05-10T15:31:00.001-06:00

Madeline is 6 months old now! It's going by so fast--she is rolling over and grabbing things like crazy! She especially loves Abi's hair--Abi's a good sport about it. Madeline has also started eating solids..and she LOVES it...I can't shovel it in fast enough, between each bite she gets really impatient and starts kicking her feet and yelling! ...kinda funny actually.

Abi got to eat an entire chocolate egg to welcome in the easter season...she quite enjoyed it.

Egg dyeing!

This one had the most personality... and of course, Abi insisted on making a "BYU Cougar" one..

For Easter weekend, we met up with part of my family in Las Vegas! It was great to see everyone, especially my brother Wes who was home from Iraq for a couple weeks. Abi loved playing with her Las vegas cousins! And we enjoyed being with Family, being in WARM weather, (since it was snowing in Utah), playing cards and eating delicious food!

The egg hunt! After all the eggs were found, Abi didn't want to come inside. She was convinced that if she just kept looking, she would find more eggs...like they just spontaneously grew in the backyard. She's a determined one! (and actually, she did find two more..)

Mom and Miriam

Family Easter picture

The Girls in their Easter Dresses!

Oh Mary...

2011-04-18T14:16:00.000-06:00

So, just a couple things from Abi...from Abigail Maida Rasmussen I mean--that's what she's been calling herself all week, in case we got her mixed up with a different Abi I guess.

We were at the doctor's the other day and they had some artsy/abstract animal picture on the wall. We were looking at it and there was an owl hanging upside down on the tree. I said, "Oh look Abi--there's an owl too!" She looked carefully at it and then looked at me and then back again to the owl. She turned to me and stared at me with pity in her big eyes and said very carefully, "Uhh mom...I think its a BAT" and gave me that look of "I'm sorry you don't know your animals yet, but keep trying, you'll get it..." (but uh, it WAS an owl...)

The other day Abi pulled out her Illustrated Book of Mormon that has the Joseph Smith account in the front. She sat on the floor and started "reading" about the First Vision to me. "It's Joseph Smith! He wanted to say a prayer. He went to the forest, yes the forest! He said a prayer in the forest! Then he said, 'HELLOOO Jesus!!' "

We were running late for an appointment and Abi still needed to come upstairs and get ready to go. Getting just a little irritated from asking her several times, I said, "Abi--come upstairs NOW--we need to go!" She just sat there reading her book on the floor, slowly turned her head to me and said in a reprimanding voice--"How do you ask?" and then smiled sweetly at me waiting for me to say please.... oh boy.

The other night, Abi ran into the living room very distraught and said, "Where's Mary??!! I can't find her!! Oh I LOST her!!" "Who's Mary?" I asked, thinking she must have finally named one of her dolls or stuffed animals. "Oh I LOST her mama! I NEVER find her!!!" I kept trying to ask what she was looking for, when suddenly Abi exclaimed, "OH! There you are Mary!! You hiding from me!!!" And she happily showed me "Mary" ...

...yes, Mary is a button. A large, orangey-red button. Abi names her doll, dolly. Her monkey, purple monkey. Her carebear, green carebear. But a random button? --it's named "Mary the Button", naturally.

Some randoms

2011-04-18T13:54:00.000-06:00

Just some random pictures from the last few weeks. The ONE sunny day we've had, we headed out to the park with cousins--Abi and Scout are becoming quite good at climbing and jumping!

And these, because, uh--well, as my SIL Julia said on her blog--cuteness must be documented--and so it must!

We braved the weather and headed down to Provo for the Blue and White game...yes, that is SNOW on the bleachers...can I just say I am sick of winter??? We also went to the Bean Museum (taxidermy stuff) where Abi kept saying that the animals were sleeping....yes my dear, the eternal sleep.

great action shot I got huh?...

Her Father's Daughter...

2011-04-12T15:34:00.000-06:00

California!

2011-04-12T14:18:00.008-06:00

So the girls and I headed to Fairfield for a visit, while poor David had to work. But it was a lot of fun--my sister jane also came down from Vegas so I got to see her as well as my sister Alice, brother Andy and his family and my other two brothers and my parents. Abi loved playing with her cousins and "the Max Grandma and Grandpa" as she calls them.

All in all a good trip, minus the RAIN the ENTIRE TIME, Abi bursting both her ear drums, having the croup and Madeline not sleeping--other than those things, it was wonderful. I always love to be back in California!

This is "Woody" the tree monkey that my dad and Abi created and played with one day while there was as break in the storm.

Jane and I and the babe.

And of course, no trip to Fairfield would be complete without a trip to the Jelly Belly! I kept trying to get a cute picture of the kids, but of course--these are the only ones I could get.

Abi loved her hat and wore it the rest of the day--and carried her "jelly bean book" (the free pamphlet) around with her all day!

And I like to have projects to work on when I'm at home, so I made three blankets for friends who were expecting soon. I only got a picture of this one, but I think it turned out cute!
Speaking of friends--I got together with these cute girls for dinner and it was SO good to see them!! Michelle, Megan and Lucy! Lucy and I have been best friends since we were 5 years old, but have not actually SEEN each other in THREE years! So it was so good to see her and catch up on things.
Fortunately, we were able to sneak in a quick visit with Andy and Alex and their cute kids!

Abi was ecstatic that she actually got to eat a big bowl of dessert with everyone! She was the last person at the table...licking every drop of ice cream from her bowl!

David's Bday

2011-04-11T13:49:00.003-06:00

So, I'm a little behind on my blogging....but, guess who turned the big 27 in February??!! That's right--My Man! We had a fun weekend celebrating with friends and family and we finally got to use that Free Birthday meal at Tuccanos! Hurrah for Brazilian BBQ!
And a some special guest visitors... I almost jumped when I came into the room they looked so real!

Abi's always a little wary of "hot fire" and gets a little concerned whenever there's a birthday...

Sisters

2011-03-06T06:30:00.007-07:00

How do people make it through life without a sister? ~Sara Corpening

So, when I found out that I was pregnant again, I was so excited. And since we already had a girl, I "logically" thought that we'd have a boy next. So when we had our ultrasound, and we found out we were having another girl, I was really surprised and maybe a tiny bit disappointed? But when I told my sister Jane, she said, "That's so great--they'll be SISTERS!!" And it hit me--they would be sisters! And I was so excited to have two little girls running around playing dolls, being silly, laughing together and becoming best friends. Which made me think of my own sisters.

I am so lucky to have grown up with two sisters- my older sister Alice and my younger sister Jane. We are not close in age, but that has never prevented them from being my best friends. Alice is 5 years older and Jane is 5 years younger. Growing up, Alice was the best older sister ever. She was always so patient with me - she always listened, when I was upset she would hold me or sit with me and not let me go until she made me laugh. I don't even remember her getting mad at me when I snuck into her room and ate all her hershey kisses she got for her birthday (I know, i said I was bratty...) I remember she told off this one girl in my 5th grade class because she was being rude to me. Playing dolls...experimenting in the kitchen...playing ATARI...playing dress up...going shopping...so many good times.

And Jane, was the best younger sister. We shared a room together from when I was about 6 until I left for college--that's a lot of late night chatting, late night laughing and room cleaning together! There's not enough room on this blog to tell about all the adventures Jane and I had together. We played so much together. I remember always having this inner struggle on the weekends-my friends would want to get together to play, but then I also wanted to play with Jane too...constant dilemma! But more often then naught, Jane would win out because we had so much fun together, I supposed that's why we're so close.

One of my favorite quotes is

"The mildest, drowsiest sister has been known to turn tiger if her sibling is in trouble."

- clara ortega

I could go on and on about my two sisters, because really, they are both amazing people and I love them so much and owe so much of who I am to both of them. But I guess my point, is that I'm just so glad that Madeline and Abigail will always have each other. I hope that they become great friends. I know that there will be squabbles and fights, but I also know how much better life is with a sister. I love seeing them interact. Already, Abi loves madeline so much and loves talking to her and reading to her and holding her. And when Abi is around, Madeline always starts smiling and looks at Abi like she is just the greatest thing ever, it is so cute!

So glad they're sisters!

February Fun!

2011-02-22T10:34:00.003-07:00

Abi had her first Valentine's Day party at her cousin's house! She was so excited for it-she made her own valentine box and valentine's to give away and insisted on wearing her "red-valentine dress"!Decorating cookies and exchanging valentine's with cousins and friends!
We think the kid's favorite part was just eating the frosting...
We had some great packing snow the other day, so yesterday David and Abi made their first snowman together. Abi loved playing in the snow and didn't want to come in, but eventually did with the bribe of hot chocolate!

Final product - we call these, "The Graduate and the Octopus (or death of an elephant by spears)

10th Day of Love

2011-02-10T14:28:00.003-07:00

So this year, for Valentine's Day, I'm doing "Fourteen Days of Love" for David. So naturally, on the 10th day, I bring you....

10 REASONS I LOVE THIS MAN!!!

(this is kind of a random picture, but one of my favorites of david--that smile still melts me--and look at that--baby in arms, burp cloth on shoulder, while we're at a party--what a guy!)

I love that you are so determined and driven in everything that you do, whether it be school, work, running, etc. I know that when you say you'll do something, you mean it, and you'll do it well.
I love that you are so dedicated to our family and have worked so hard to get through school and are now working hard at a job to support us. Love that I know that our family is the most important thing to you.
I love how you interact with our girls. You are not one of those "oh, I can't handle babies--only when they're 5 or 6 do I really get into parenting" people. You are a hands on dad and I love that. You play with Abi and Madeline when you get home and do their bedtime routines every night. They already love you so much.
I love that you help me SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much. Seriously--with everything. When I am just too exhausted to keep going, you let me sleep in, or take the baby at 2am, or take Abi to a basketball game so I can get a break, or rub my shoulder when it just throbs and throbs. You do the dishes every night and help keep the house tidy. You get up at 5am to go running so I can go to the gym at 6:30 and be back before you have to go to work. So many things that you do.
I love that we have the same sense of humor…that we can both see something and crack up at the same time because we know what each other is thinking. I love laughing with you.
I love that you always scrape the cars and shovel the walks for me…I think I've shoveled our drive way ONCE our whole marriage, and that’s cause you were out of town.
I love that, though we have many different interests, we still have many that are the same and we often think the same way. We'd rather go to Hawaii than tour Europe, watch FNL than pretty much any other show, and we definitely know how to just chill.
I love that you are competitive and that we can compete together, or against each other and still have fun. Well, except for that one time we had to stop playing tetherball…for the sake of the marriage. :)
I love that you are such a good listener. That we can talk about anything or nothing. That you always ask about my day and mean it. That you are so patient with me when I'm being a dumb girl and I don't even know what I want or what I'm upset about.
I love that you are just such a good guy. No wait, let me say that again--that you are. such. a. good. guy. (I thought you might like that added punctuation, for. Em.pha.sis.) But you are. I am so lucky. You are genuine. Thoughtful. Caring. Have integrity. And have an inner strength that I just love.

So glad that you're mine. Happy 10th Day of Love!

Cuteness

2011-01-26T16:55:00.004-07:00

So, the other day, Abi was napping and Madeline was in a good mood, so we decided to do a little photo shoot!

She's getting cuter every day = I am just slightly biased though!

Meanwhile, Abi is still the jumping queen...here's a little action shot of her.
And, she's still cooking--this is the zuchinni/green pepper- lover's specialty

Abi has recently (yesterday) been introduced to Winnie the Pooh..she loves it....so here are some tidbits from our life now....

Abi marching around saying "Tut Tut it looks like rain!" over and over and...over again
When told she could not watch Winnie the Pooh again, "No!! I want to!! I want my MR. POOH!!!!"
"I jumping like Tigger!" as she bounces from room to room
(Me) Abi, do you want a peanut butter and honey sandwich for lunch?

(Abi) I don't like honey!

(Me) Yes you do...you love it

(Abi) No, Tigger's don't like honey!!!

(Me)....oh...

Amusement

2011-01-24T11:26:00.008-07:00

So these you tube videos have brought me some good laughs over the past few days.

Guys will be Girls

Double Dream Hands

And one of my all time Favorites...

The Literal Total Eclipse of the Heart
(apparently you can't embed this anymore, so here's the link to you tube)

Abi's Fashion

2011-01-20T14:57:00.003-07:00

Yes--she is willing to do consultations...for a small fee.

2011-01-19T14:42:00.002-07:00

So, this little sketch brought much amusement when David posted it on Facebook, so I thought I'd preserve it here on our blog--for posterity's sake.

We gave talks two weeks ago in Church and last week, this little old man came up to us and handed us this little piece of paper and said, "Here's a sketch I did of you two while you were speaking last week."

Apparently our two kids have aged us quite a bit...and David lost his neck somewhere between Pennsylvania, Indy and Utah...let us know if you see it.

Very random.

A Few Ways I'll Know I've "Arrived"

2011-01-18T19:48:00.007-07:00

In life, my career, whatever.

This is David, by the way.

- My annual salary will be greater than my student loan debt.

-I won't own a dresser that has particle board for the bottom of the drawers.

- I will not be drawn to an event solely by the fact that free food will be available.

- I'll actually have to make payments on my student loans.

- I won't laugh out loud, then curse, when I receive requests for donations from each of my alma maters.

- I won't own couches that look like they came out of a college dorm (check! got this one!)

- I won't have to watch TV or sporting events on the internet.

- I'll register for any road race I want to, not just the ones that offer prize money.

- I'll stop wondering if practicing "big law" would really be all that bad.

- ESPN will no longer be viewed as an unobtainable luxury.

Christmas!

2011-01-16T14:39:00.004-07:00

Unlike last year, when we were in PA for Christmas, with NO family, THIS year, we got to be in Utah and spend it with lots of family! Very fun! Christmas Eve lunch at Grandma and Grandpas and then the evening at David's parents with some of David's siblings and their families!

After an early Christmas morning with the girls, we headed to Julia's for Christmas breakfast and then back to David's parents for Christmas Dinner. So nice to be near family again!

The Nativity... of sorts...two angels and I believe, Shepherd...

New Christmas Jammies! Yay!
I love that here, Hayden is just busy being a photographer!
Christmas morning--santa brought Abi a new kitchen!! (wish he'd bring me a new kitchen...) She really does love it, even though here she looks mildly amused. Little did we know that she'd had a raging ear infection for a while...

David, was also pretty excited, as you can see. But I mean, uh--you WOULDN'T be that excited about Star Trek on blu ray...

Mothers

2011-01-14T10:11:00.003-07:00

So last sunday I gave a talk in church, my topic was "being a mother of young children"--kinda random, but a good topic. As I was getting it ready, I came across several really good quotes, so--I thought I'd share them on here, if any of you fellow mothers out there need a little "pep talk"!

"Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible." - Marion C. Garretty

"When you have come to the Lord in meekness and lowliness of heart and, as one mother said, “pounded on the doors of heaven to ask for, to plead for, to demand guidance and wisdom and help for this wondrous task,” that door is thrown open to provide you the influence and the help of all eternity. Claim the promises of the Savior of the world. Ask for the healing balm of the Atonement for whatever may be troubling you or your children. Know that in faith things will be made right in spite of you, or more correctly, because of you. You can’t possibly do this alone, but you do have help. The Master of Heaven and Earth is there to bless you—He who resolutely goes after the lost sheep, sweeps thoroughly to find the lost coin, waits everlastingly for the return of the prodigal son. Yours is the work of salvation, and therefore you will be magnified, compensated, made more than you are and better than you have ever been as you try to make honest effort, however feeble you may sometimes feel that to be..." - Jeffrey R. Holland

"Do the best you can through these years, but whatever else you do, cherish that role that is so uniquely yours and for which heaven itself sends angels to watch over you and your little ones. " - Jeffrey R. Holland

“I remind mothers everywhere of the sanctity of your calling. No other can adequately take your place. No responsibility is greater, no obligation more binding than that you rear in love and peace and integrity those whom you have brought into the world” - Gordan B. Hinckley

"May I say to mothers collectively, in the name of the Lord, you are magnificent. You are doing terrifically well. The very fact that you have been given such a responsibility is everlasting evidence of the trust your Father in Heaven has in you." Jeffrey R. Holland

One young mother's letter to Elder Holland

"Through the thick and the thin of this, and through the occasional tears of it all, I know deep down inside I am doing God’s work. I know that in my motherhood I am in an eternal partnership with Him. I am deeply moved that God finds His ultimate purpose and meaning in being a parent, even if some of His children make Him weep."

"We fancy God can manage His world with great battalions, when all the time He is doing it with beautiful babies. When wrong wants righting or a truth wants preaching or a continent wants discovering, God sends a new baby into the world to do it" - Spencer W. Kimball

"Families mean work, but they are our great work, and we are not afraid of work." - Julie Beck

"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the young child's mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security: her kiss, the first realization of affection, her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world." - David O. McKay

...and this, because she's just so cute.

Pre Christmas Fun!

2011-01-10T16:29:00.010-07:00

Abi was a great help this Christmas season with making all our Chrismas Goodies! --Gingerbread cookies, peppermint popcorn and pretzel turtles!

We went to This is the Place Christmas Festivally thing with cousins! Abi's favorite part was the reindeer and the little goats at the live nativity. When I tried to show her baby Jesus at the nativity she started screaming hysterically...go figure.

And of course, Santa was a still a little scary this year, so we both got to sit on his lap!
This is a little gem of a video of Abi snitching the dough...and man, does she give me "the look"!!

2010-12-26T15:26:00.001-07:00

Madeline's Blessing

2010-12-19T20:39:00.003-07:00

In our church, new babies get a blessing from their father. Madeline was blessed last Sunday by David in our home. Her blessing dress was the blessing dress that I wore when I was blessed as a baby. It was made by my Grandma Larsen and Aunt MaryAnne.

Isn't she so cute?!

Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Rasmussen!

Mary's Lullaby

2010-12-19T20:06:00.002-07:00

So, I typically don't love many of the "new-ish" Christmas songs that have come along. Most of them are too cheesy, too shmaltzy, and don't even have a good melody. However, last week in Relief Society, the song "Mary's Lullaby" was sung and I remembered how much I loved it. I sang it in a small group a few years ago at Christmas time and loved it then too. The melody and harmonies are beautiful and the words are sweet.

It's about Mary. How would it be, to have carried, labored and birthed this little baby, who you know is the Savior of the world, yet, at the same time, he is still your little baby? I'm sure she wanted to protect him from all the evils and hurts of the world, but knew that she couldn't, and that his mission in life would be hard. But even though she knew all these incredibly hard, painful things would happen to him, she knew that for one moment, just for a little bit, he was hers--her sweet little baby. And thats what this little lullaby's about.

And I think that as mothers, don't we all feel that way? We are entrusted with these sweet little babies--these babies that will grow into children and into adults. We know that they will get hurt, that they will have hard experiences, that they will feel pain--and we wish we could protect them from all of it--that we could just keep them safe. But we know that its not possible, and that someday we'll have to let them go, but for now--for this little brief moment, they are all ours....just a perfect little baby in our arms.

Mary's Lullaby

All mine in your loveliness baby, all mine.

All mine in your holiness baby divine.

Sing on herald angels in chorus sublime;

Sing on and adore, for tonight you are mine.

The wise men are coming to worship their King,

The shepherds are kneeling their homage to bring.

Out yonder the star over Judah will keep.

No harm will befall thee, then sleep baby sleep.

O let me enfold thee, my baby tonight,

While legions are singing in joyous delight.

A new star has risen to hail thee divine,

For you are a king, but tonight you are mine.

Away spectered future of sorrow and plight,

Away to the years that must follow tonight.

The pangs of Gethsemane, let them be dim,

The red drops on Calvary, not Lord, for Him!

O let me enfold thee, my baby tonight,

While legions are singing in joyous delight.

A new star has risen to hail thee divine,

For you are a king, but tonight you are mine.

Sing on herald angels in chorus sublime;

Sing on and adore, for tonight you are mine.

Weddings & Christmas Trees

2010-12-14T16:05:00.004-07:00

David's sister got married the beginning of December. We were so glad that we live in Utah now so we could all attend! Here's an official shout-out to the newly-weds! Welcome to the family Weston!The triumphant couple.

Classic "let's-get-all-the-grandkids-together-with-grandparents" shot...
Abi had fun running around with all her little cousins--it was especially fun to see McKay (and you too janna) since its been a while!
McKay was falling asleep here just staring at his mom's clip!--pretty cool clip.
Around all the wedding festivities, we managed to get a tree! We went to a random lot and we actually got to barter for the tree! Yeah--we drove a hard bargain, cause we got a great one for only 26 bucks! (it also helps to have a newborn and two year old out shivering in the cold, to get some sympathy...) :)

Abi was a lot of help once we got the tree in and insisted on tapping around under the tree with this screwdriver. Apparently the tree was a little unstable....good thing she was there!
Yes...after several Christmas' together, we still have never purchased a little saw to get rid of those lower limbs. Previous years, we've used my old swiss army knife (this takes a while), but this year, we got smart and used a drill...

Decorating the tree!
Abi has recently discovered the Disney classic of Cinderella, so she was especially excited when she saw this ornament.

The Birth Story

2010-12-11T15:29:00.005-07:00

Okay, so I've been meaning to write down Madeline's birth story for a while now, so here I am doing it! Many of you may have already heard it, so feel free to skip this one, but I still wanted to document it for myself--and warning, it'll probably be long and detailed, but this is my blog, so I can do that. Okay--are you ready??--ready for the thrills and chills of labor??!!! …well then proceed.

The day before madeline was born, I had my OB visit. My midwife asked if I wanted my membranes stripped to possible start things. I said no, because first of all, I had a nasty cold/sore throat combo going on and second of all, I wasn't even due for another week…little did I know.

That next morning, October 28th, I woke up about 5am to some mild contractions. I thought that maybe this would be the day, but then, I wasn't sure, maybe it was just false labor. I lay there in bed and they kept coming every 15-20 minutes, but they weren't intense. Around 7 I told David "Don't freak out, but I'm having contractions." He was going to stay home from work, but I told him to go because I didn't know how long I'd be at these mild contractions and there'd be no reason for him to miss work if the baby didn’t come today, or if I wasn't even in labor at all. So David went to work and I said I'd call him when and if things started to get real.

I wasn't sure myself if I was in REAL labor, and even though I think I did know, I didn't want to end up at the hospital and then have them tell me, oh--you're not really in labor, or worse--oh, you're in labor, but not very much, so we're going to put you on pitocin to speed things up and no, you can't go home. So based on that little fear, I decided to just ignore the contractions as long as possible and just see what happened.

So Abi and I did our morning routine--breakfast, shower, getting dressed, we even did some ironing. The contractions were definitely not going away and were getting closer together, but still I wasn't sure and didn't want to call David and tell him to come home if it was nothing. So I got our my old pregnancy book and was reading on false vs real labor, while I was walking around in circles in our family room to see if that would speed them up or slow them down. They were getting more intense, so I decided this must be it, but no way was I going to the hospital just to have them put me on pitocin or something (yes, I was scarred from my last labor!!). And my mother-in-law always told me, to not start the lamaze breathing or go to the hospital until the contractions were so intense that I couldn’t walk or talk through them. So I kept keeping busy around the house--I even emailed some friends and called my sister--told her I was having contractions but that they weren't too bad yet, oh, and I packed our hospital bag too. Around 10:30 I called my mom to let her know I might be having a baby today. She was like--is david there?? I was all--no, I told him I'd call him. My mom started freaking out--maida--call him right now!! Labor can change on a dime!! I was like--mom, I'm fine. Then suddenly I had a little more intense one. My mom started talking again and I was silent. She was all--Maida, are you there?! And since I was in the middle of the contraction, I was just like--I'm having (grunt, breath) a (grunt) contraction!

After that I hung up and decided to call david. I guess I should have told him to come home right now, especially since the contractions were about 2-3 minutes apart. But again, they didn't seem like anything I couldn't handle or couldn't get through without much difficulty, so I told him--Yeah, you should probably come home sometime…I don't know--you could come home in like an hour, or now--whichever works. Thankfully, David said he was coming home now.

Just a few minutes after I hung up with david things started getting pretty intense. The contractions were SO hard and SO intense and SO close together. I remember bending over leaning on our couch and trying to relax with my mom's words ringing in my ears--It can change on a dime! (mom's always have to be right!) And then I called David again and was like--Have you left yet???!!! Cause I need you at home!!!! He was on his way and would be home in 10 minutes. Meanwhile, I'm trying to remember and practice those lamaze breathing techniques. I tried the slow breathing--nope, it's crap. Tried the modified slow--crap too. Nan told me that you move on to the next technique when the current one stops working for you….I only had one breath on each technique! But the hee-hoo one was a little more helpful.

I look over and Abi is in the corner looking at me like I'm crazy and then she starts crying and crying and screaming--no wonder, I probably look like I've gone mad. I try to reassure her between the contractions, but this is just freaking her out more, and I can't focus, so I just have to ignore her. They are SUPER intense at this point and suddenly I had a flash back to Abi's labor….those same intense contractions…being on pitocin for hours…and thinking that I was in transition, but then only being at a 5 when the checked me… I suddenly remembered all that and thought "Maida, this whole natural thing was STUPID idea--STUPID idea!!! You're probably only at a 5 again!! This is why you got the epidural last time!! STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!!!"

Finally david got home, it seemed like eternity waiting for him. He calmed Abi down thankfully and got her dressed and packed her bag. I asked if he'd called Julia (his sister--she was going to take Abi) and he said no, but that she was at his parent's house. I freaked out at this because that was a half hour away. Thankfully, she had already left there, so when David did call she was like 10 minutes away--which still seemed like an eternity to me. While we were waiting for Julia, the contractions were almost unbearable and I started crying a little and was like--I can't do it David! I want an epidural--I can't do it!" And David was like--that's fine--you can have anything you want.

Julia got to our house a little after 12noon. We packed Abi off and hobbled out to our car, stopping every minute for a contraction. Let me say, laboring in a car with a seatbelt on?--not so great. I started to lose it--esepcially since we got stuck behind some granny and hit every red light. I tried the hee-hoo breathing, it was something like this: HEE-HOO-HEE-HOO-HAAA-HAA-HEE-HOW-HEE-HEE-HAA-I-DON"T=KNOW-WHAT -I'M-DOING-I-CAN'T-DO-THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! David then says-- Maida, focus!! Focus on that! And he pointed to the little honda insigna on our dashboard. I snapped to attention and focused on those little letters like my life depended on it.

We finally made it to the hospital and were parking. I'm not sure david realized how intense the contractions were, because though he was trying to just be considerate, he kept asking me where we should park and stuff. I was like-- I DON'T CARE!! So we parked and had to walk up this big hill to get to the hospital entrance (great planning hospital--make laboring women walk up this large hill to get in…)

We made it to my room and I tell the first nurse I see--I want an Epidural! I want an epidural!! She just looks at me and slowly yet calmly says---honey, lets just check you, cause you just might be there. She checks me and sure enough, I'm at a ten and ready to push. So no epidural for me. I must say, part of me was so relieved when she told me this, because I knew that I made it past the hardest part, but then part of me was a little disappointed that I couldn't just have that big needle take away all my pain!

The nurse also commented--oh, your water hasn't broken yet. Of course, as soon as she said that, it burst. I started pushing, my midwife wasn't there yet, but her partner came until she could. David was a great support while I was pushing. He said it was only for like 10 minutes, but it seemed like a lot longer to me. Then, my midwife was telling me something and for the life of me, I couldn’t understand what she was saying because I was just concentrating on pushing and suddenly she pulled out the baby and placed her on my chest. I realize now she was saying--do you want to pull her out? So no, I didn't pull out my own baby, which would have been kinda cool, but I did cut her umbilical cord.

Anyway, I couldn't believe it when they placed her on my chest--that she was finally here, and that she came so quick! We left our house a little after noon, and Madeline was born at 12:35. She was so beautiful--lots of dark hair and just beautiful.

Right after, I commented to David that I wasn't sure about the whole "natural birth" thing and if I'd do it again. But the next day, when I was thinking about it, I changed my mind. Yes, I'd do it natural again, but I'd like to have a few things different:

Not essentially be laboring by myself, especially during transition
Not have my two year old screaming in panic in the corner while I'm laboring
Have David there the whole time
Not be going through transition while strapped in a seatbelt

So yeah--but also next time I'll know what more to expect, since with Abi's labor I was on pitocin for so long, I wasn't sure how my body would progress naturally with this labor--and now I know. And I know that I can do it. So--if you're thinking about trying natural childbirth--try it! It hurts, its hard, but most everything worthwhile in life is. BUT, if it doesn't go as you'd like it too, no worries, you are still bringing a child into this world, which is a miracle in itself. No matter how you labor and deliver, you deserve a standing ovation--my thoughts haven't changed on that--see my previous post.

So all in all--good. So glad to be on the otherside of it now, and so glad to have our little girl with us.

One Month Old!

2010-12-02T10:10:00.003-07:00

I can't believe it, but Madeline is already a month old!! She still seems so little to me, but she is definitely more alert and awake than before! Pretty cute huh?

Abi still loves being a big sister!...and seeing photos of herself...hence the two that follow!

Speaking of Abi, here are a few little amusing tidbits:

My mom was here for a week to help and was helping Abi get dressed. Mom said "Oh--Abi, these jeans are a little tight..." and then Abi quickly jumped away from her and said emphatically " I LIKE 'em tight!!!" ....oh goodness, we're in trouble...
One day after feeding Madeline, I had just put her down for a nap, when Abi comes running in the room. (Abi) "Where's baby Madenine?!!" (Me) "She's sleeping now." (Abi) "NO! She's hungry!!" Abi then lifts up her shirt to her neck and tries to rush past me to the baby yelling, "Abi's milk!! She wants Abi's milk!!!"
We've been reading some Christmas books and I'm trying to teach Abi about the real meaning of Christmas and the Nativity. Yesterday Abi was playing with a little nativity and she told me, "Look mama! Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Smith!"

Thanksgiving!

2010-12-02T09:55:00.004-07:00

This year we were lucky enough to have TWO Thanksgivings! One with my family in Las Vegas and one with David's family in Utah!

It was a lot of fun seeing Paula and the kids, Jane & Alex, Max, Ernest and my parents. It was a quick trip, but a good one, full of playing-cousins, Wii, football watching, chatting it up and of course, delicious food!

I somehow got out of having to really cook anything! (i did help peel a couple potatoes though...) I guess that's what happens when you bring a newborn with you! :)

It wasnt' as warm as we'd hoped in Vegas, but it beat the 7 degree weather that we had in Utah! We've gotten a lot of snow the past couple weeks!

Sunday after Thanksgiving was Thanksgiving Part II! It was great to have almost the whole family together on the Rasmussen side!
Mmmm...potatoes...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Utah

2010-11-18T16:19:00.005-07:00

Yeah, we live there.

This is David, by the way.

It’s been an interesting ride the last six months or so. Utter ecstasy at getting the internship at the NCAA. The “summer from hell” spent by myself studying for the bar exam. Enjoying my time at the NCAA, and making great friends in Indianapolis. Wondering what we were going to do for health insurance once Maida and Abi’s was up in September. Getting a fateful call from the University of Utah in late August. Moving for the third time in three months.

Now we’re here in Holladay, UT. Loving it. We’ve got a new baby girl, cute as the first. Family that lives less than 10 minutes away. Back to my old stomping grounds. Working in college athletics (and the free tickets that come with it… if anyone wants basketball tickets, let me know).

I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m happy. We never expected to be back in Utah this soon. We never expected to be living in Salt Lake City. I’m glad that we are where we are. I like Utah. It’s kind of strange how it feels so different to be back here. We only lived back east for three years, but it seems like a lot longer. I’m glad that we had that experience. I wouldn’t trade it for anything (not even the oodles of dollars it would have saved in tuition money/student loans). I feel like venturing out with our little family was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

And it makes it that much more exciting to be back. Everything old is new again. The other night I was driving home by myself, driving through Sandy. Listening to all the old radio stations I used to when I was in high school (never really listened to the radio in PA, strangely enough). Some of those old familiar songs came on, and took me right back.

It’s good to be home.

And it’s good to look forward each week to the latest episode of the greatest show currently on television. If you haven’t seen it, we need to talk.

Madeline Christine

2010-11-16T20:29:00.008-07:00

Well, the title says it all! On October 28th Madeline Christine was born at 12:35pm in Salt Lake City. She came a week early and pretty quickly, especially when compared to Abi's labor (more to come on this subject later!)! Madeline weighed 7 lbs 4 oz and was 18 3/4 inches long.

We're so glad that she's here with us, and Abi adores her! So--here are a bunch of pictures of our beautiful little girl!

The day we got released from the hospital was Halloween, so we had a little Halloween party at our house with the fam. Abi was a bee, Hayden was Thomas and Scout was a witch--all so cute!!

This is called "Abigail and Too Much Halloween"...

Pumpkin Carving & such

2010-11-16T19:48:00.004-07:00

So I'm a little behind on my blogging, so here's a quick catch up of "pre-madeline days"!

A few days before madeline was born, we got together with David's sister Julia and her family for pumpkin carving! Abi loves her cousins--Hayden and Scouty and always gets so excited to see them.

Hard at work carving...

The final products!

Abi and I have also been doing some cooking together--here we are making granola bars and sugar cookies. She's quite a good little helper--aside from her "I'm 2 years old and we have to do everything MY way" streak.
--she kept trying to snitch ingredients from the bowl when I wasn't looking!!

It's Autumn Time!

2010-10-14T14:17:00.003-06:00

I love the Fall! Last weekend was BYU homecoming and we had a great family weekend. Friday we went to a pumpkin patch and got some pumpkins. Abi loved it and kept putting more and more pumpkins in the wagon, we had to slyly keep removing them!

And later that night we went to dinner and then had fun at the Bingham HS football game. The next morning we headed down to Provo for the Homecoming 5k. It was perfect fall weather---a little cripsness in the air, and it was just fun to be back in Provo again in the Fall.

We walked around campus and showed Abi all the great spots (which I'm SURE she'll remember for years to come). And then, as we were walking out of the WILK, we saw this...it was like they came to practice just for us...so special.
Abi loved just running around and gathering acorns!

And then we got lunch at our favorite place--a little Salvadorean place on Center street, who have the BEST pupusas! They were delicious...it had been so long... (this is such a great picture, I know--but I forgot to pull out the camera when the food came)
So yeah, it was a fun, Fall weekend! Oh and BYU won, which, this season is a small miracle.

Been a while...

2010-10-14T13:38:00.004-06:00

Well, like the title says--its been a while. Since the last post, we packed up the old ghetto townhouse in Indy and made the trek out west to Salt Lake...lived in David's parent's basement...and then packed up again and moved across town to a nice duplex in Holladay, UT--only a 15-20 minutes commute for David!

A few highlights from our move from Indy: waking up the night before to gun shots from our neighbor who was shooting at some guy who was ranting in the parking lot about "finding his REAL brother..." (told you it was ghetto)...picking up the rental truck only to find that it was WAY too small...so we ditched our lovely green plaid couches that we've been wanting to ditch for years...Abi throwing up the morning of our flight out from Indy...I'm sure there are others, but those are the top.

Here's a few catch-up pictures from the last little bit.

Abi still loves to jump off anything... Why am I hugging this NCAA mascot?
Because its David! One of the last weekends in Indy the NCAA hosted a College Colors 5k. So David ran it--and won it and then 10 minutes after he finished his run, he got to put on this lovely mascot outfit...pretty nice for a cool down!

Those are the last pics from Indy. Since then we've been busy trying to get settled into our new place, decorated for halloween and preparing for the baby to come! Abi loves Halloween and will often give her pumpkins little rides in her stroller--such a nice girl!
Abi was helping me get the baby's room ready and I turned around to find this...I guess she remembers all those rides in the shopping cart!
Okay, so i am not a quilter...but before we found out we were moving, I bought material to make a baby quilt for the new babe. Since then, i wasn't sure if I'd have time to finish it, but yesterday, I officially finished it! I know--its not perfect, but still, its my first quilt and I'm actually kinda proud of it--and that I actually got it done before the baby comes! Hopefully Baby Madeline will like it too!

Winds of Change...

2010-08-31T12:49:00.003-06:00

Well, you probably never thought you'd see that old big symbol on this blog huh?--HUH? Crazy, but as much as david despises the U, guess who just got a good job with them? Yep...david. I told him its okay, its like loving the sinner, but hating the sin...you can work for them but still not love their football team--its okay.

So yeah, a week from today we load up the truck and Abi and I fly out to Salt Lake! And then David's parents fly out to help drive our two cars and the U-haul--BLESS YOU TWO FOREVER for that!!! :)

It's a little crazy though, this all came up so unexpectedly, but we're excited to be back in the West and so much closer to our families.

Here's my pro's and con's to the move:

GOOD:

back in the WEST
closer to FAMILY
no more HUMIDITY
Cafe Rio
Snowboarding
I can blow dry my hair without sweat dripping down my back and actually have my hair get DRY
Benefits for the WHOLE family
REAL job
NICE snow, not just ice
10 hour drive to CA and less than 2 hour flight
Closer to Temples
CLOSER to family
leaving our GHETTO complex
leaving our pot-smoking, dog pooping in our yard, music banging through the walls, ghetto and now-david-is-convinced-drug-dealing neighbors

SAD:

leaving my one friend Karlee
not delivering the baby at the cool hospital here with water birth options (really, I'm kinda bummed about this--I was really impressed with the hospital and midwives, but oh well!)
not having a pool
yep, that's about it...

So yeah, here's to packing up again! And here's a few pics of Abi and what she's been up too!

Forts for her animals and dolls

Her first pedicure--she choose the hot pink color and then we put a glittery coat on top...she loves them and keep saying "pretty toes..I love pretty toes..."

Oh, and these are two places I drive by often in Indy and that bring me amusement. This first picture I was bummed about because this WHOLE time its said "Find us on FACEBOOK!" but then when I finally have my camera with me, they changed it to some 5k..typical.

But, I'm SURE you can still find them on facebook--you KNOW you want to become a fan of Crown Hill Cemetery and Funeral Home, everyone will be so envious of you.

Day Care I suppose? Or is it an actual factory where A) Kiddie's work their little tails off or B)Kiddie's are actually being mass-produced? (which I won't go into the details on how that's done, but if you don't know by now, then go ask your parents...)

Oh Indy...you'll be missed.

The Beach!

2010-08-17T11:23:00.002-06:00

We had a fun Saturday at the beach! Yes, I know we live in the midwest now, but apparently Lake Michigan is pretty cool and only a few hours from our house! This was Abi's favorite game of the day--and david's back also loved it.

I kept snapping pictures of them trying to get a good one and this one is my favorite!

love...

2010-08-11T13:00:00.002-06:00

...this. Yes. I bought a Brita Filter pitcher. I've never considered myself a water snob--and I still don't. I've always had great tap water wherever I've lived. I usually PREFER tap water to the boughten bottled water. BUT I must draw the line somewhere...and that line is when I get a glass of water from the tap and its like drinking cold bug spray. Yes--some (ahem!!--david) might call me a water snob for not liking cold bug spray, but, like I said, there is a line.

Anyhow, I bought one of these in hopes that it would help. I didn't really believe it would, but IT DID!!!! Amazing. I am completely sold on these things!!

So if purchasing a Brita makes me a water snob, then I guess water snob, I am.

Birthday Girl!

2010-08-11T11:57:00.004-06:00

Abi turned two years old on Monday! Crazy to believe that she is turning into such a little girl--definitely no longer a baby! We did a "Dora" theme since that is now her favorite thing ever!She is also practicing for motherhood...
Birthday weekend started out with a trip to the Zoo! Abi's favorites were the elephants and the splash park!

All tuckered out with her animals.
Birthday girl! With her dress matching with dolly from Grandma and very fancy purple jewelry...

Had some friends over for cake and pin the tail on Swiper

I can't be beat, and i won't be beat!

2010-08-04T19:36:00.002-06:00

...thank you Clubber.

Here is Abi after her little mishap yesterday evening. She actually looks pretty good in this picture, but her nose was pretty banged up and swollen and her right eye was a little swollen too.

She has been in a jumping phase--she'll jump off anything--and she's pretty good at it--for the most part! Yesterday David and I were in the kitchen when we heard a bump and then saw Abi lying on the floor crying pretty hard. She had jumped off the couch and her face landed on scraped down the side of the coffee table. Poor kid! I was afraid her nose was broken, but it seems to be okay. The funny thing was, after she calmed down a little we asked her if she wanted a drink of water, she tearfully said "yeah" and started to walk to the kitchen with david. Then she stopped, went back to the couch, climbed on it, looked around and jumped off again--this time landing solidly on her feet. Then she stalked into the kitchen and got her drink.

take that coffee table...i won't be beat and i can't be beat!

Oh yeah--this is Abi's "bunny backpack" aka her bunny strapped on her back by looping the ears through her shirt...I'm pretty sure this was inspired by DORA.

We're Back!

2010-08-04T19:20:00.002-06:00

Well we did finally make it back to David and to Indy. Once the BAR exam was over (see the previous posts for more details on that!) we got to relax and do some fun things as a family. It was great-- we went swimming a lot, David ran a 5k, went to The Hall of Champions, walked around downtown Indy and just hung out!

Abi and her mad basketball skills at the Hall of Champions
Exploring Indy

Abi has quite the fashion sense...she has practically refused to take off her pink sun glasses since we've gotten back. She wears them at breakfast...while playing...while swimming...while reading stories...at dinner...at the store...she loves them. she also rediscovered those little rattley-shakey things that you put on little infants to entertain them (note the one on her foot--it barely squeezes on)...she thinks they are just beautiful.

After church on Sunday---yes, we let her wear the bracelet things to Church--thankfully, the sunglasses we were able to sneak away.

looks like a girl who knows what she wants...

I sail--I am a sailor!!

2010-08-04T19:07:00.003-06:00

I craft...I am a crafter!!

Well....kinda. While at my parent's this summer, I finally finished these wall hangings I designed for Abi's room that I started ohhh--last fall. But I was pleased that they actually turned out! I know, nothing super fancy, but for me--it was!

And then my mom--who is an amazing seamstress and crafter and well, person in general, she helped me make a couple little things for Abi. Two adorable pajamas and a matching night gown for her "dolly" (yes, that is the doll's name..I'm just glad that she has clothes now--Abi was bringing her all over the place in the nude--Raley's, the Mall, Wal-mart...well, at least at Wal-mart Dolly probably fit right in...)

Las Vegas & Such

2010-08-04T18:29:00.005-06:00

So while I was in CA, my family and I took a trip to Las Vegas to visit my brother and his family. we don't get to see them very often because my brother Wes works for the State Dept so they're typically in another country like India. Anyway, my sis-in-law Paula and the kids moved to Las vegas for a year while Wes has another year serving in Iraq.

It was really good to see them, my other brother Andy and his family were able to come up too and we all stayed in this swank house, it was really fun--so much that i forgot to take many pictures! But here are some!

(this is supposed to be at the end, but, well, y'know blogger...) Anyway, Abi locked herself in the bathroom of the swank house ( I know, I know, she's already becoming a dramatic girl!!) BUT the lock jammed, so she was stuck in there for like an hour or so...kinda traumatic! She started out screaming and putting her eye to the door knob hole (yes, still wouldn't open even witht he knob off) then by the end she was laying face down on the bathroom map and quietly whimpering to herself. Eventually she got out--we even were pushing animal crackers under the door to help her keep up her strength...

Okay---we went to eat at this Waffle House...i ordered an "Apple Pancake"..the description: One Apple Pancake with caramel sauce. Sounded good, so i ordered it...had NO idea it was going to be this large...Don't get me wrong--it was delicious and everyone at the table got to partake and I had it for breakfast the next morning!
The girls!-me, Paula and Miriam

I don't know why I had to order the chocolate chip pancake for Abi...
Lots of pool was played and uhh (ahem!!) I was declared the family champ...thankyou very much.
Abi had the most fun playing with this A-Team car and action figures--maybe I should get her one for her b-day..
While in Vegas we headed to FlagStaff and Sedona for my cousin's wedding. It was in a campground, very beautiful and Abi had fun running around...She found this log and kept telling me she was "riding alligator".

Then back to the swank house for more swimming and fun...well, except for me. I and thank goodness only I got the stomache flu and spent the last few days of vacation throwing up and in bed. Luckily all my family took care of Abi for me--I dont think she even missed me wtih Grandpa around!
Cousins!
Abi and Uncle "dee-dee"

Abi loved getting to know her cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents better--she still asks about them even now that we are home in Indy.

Bar Exam: Day II

2010-07-28T21:28:00.003-06:00

If you're up for reading the long summary of Day 1, go here.

I'm kind of losing steam on writing about this.

Day 2- Multistate Bar Exam

So, this is the big time. 200 questions, multiple choice, covering six areas of law, worth 50% of your score on the bar exam. Going in, I felt pretty confident about this.

They fixed that quickly.

I had done every practice question that Barbri has available. Well over 2,000 questions. I was by no means expecting to ace the thing, but after what I felt was a successful day on the essays, I felt I could handle the multiple choice.

(Side note: For months, I'd been hearing Barbri lecturers and reps say: "Other bar review companies are behind the times. In their practice questions, the parties in the questions will be given proper names (Bob, Charlie, Dana, etc.). The MBE stopped using proper names years ago. Our practice questions are the most like the MBE. We just use 'Plaintiff' and 'Defendant.'"

Question #1 on the MBE today: "Abe and Burt entered into a contract..."

Thanks Barbri)

This was brutal. Three hours to do 100 questions in the morning, 1 hour lunch break, three hours for 100 more questions in the afternoon.

Just a few thoughts I had:

- During the essay portion (Day 1), I noticed that the girl next to me finished and moved on to the subsequent essays a lot faster than me. At first, I freaked out that I was behind. Then I realized she was just going really fast. Then I thought, maybe it's because she didn't know how to answer it. Then I thought "Great! That increases my odds of passing!" (the whole exam is on a scaled grade).

This is what law school does to you. It's never about how well you do. It's about how well you do compared to everyone else. The competitiveness turns the nicest people into petty infants. I felt like Jason Bourne at the end of The Bourne Identity, when that other spy that was sent to track him down is talking to him after Bourne shot him.

"Look at what you've become. Look at what they make you give..."

I cursed the Board of Bar Examiners under my breath. Both for this, and for the fact that I was handwriting the essay.

- On the MBE, I'm not sure what to think. It's tough to know how to feel after an exam where 65% is considered a good score. You never really know how you did. There were a few questions that I had absolutely no idea what it was asking, while that were a minimal few that I felt 100% confident about. I do remember wanting to impale the kid in front of me who kept tapping his flip-flop adorned foot on the floor throughout the exam.

Not much to say about today. I don't know. I'll find out in October how it went.

For now, time to sleep, veg out, maybe read a book. I'm really looking forward to waking up tomorrow and reading the sports section without feeling guilty that I'm not reading an outline. I'm looking forward to going back to work on Monday and feeling that I can fully dedicate myself to the job that I love. No more splitting my mental faculties between studying for this cursed exam and trying to learn every piece of legislation in all three NCAA Divisions.

I'm free of my disease...

The Bar Exam

2010-07-28T20:18:00.008-06:00

So, as many of you know, I (David) had the good fortune of studying for and taking the Indiana Bar Exam this summer (hence Maida and Abi's exodus to California).

For me, Bar Prep started May 11. That's the day after my last law school final exam, and four days before graduation. Yup. Since then, my days have looked like this:

5:00 am- Wake up, do a practice test

6:00- Go for a run, get showered, go to work

8:00-5:00- work

5:00-5:30- Eat dinner at my desk

5:30-9:30 (up till July 2)-- Attend Barbri review course at IUPUI Law School

10-12- Study

(After July 2)

5:30-11:00- Study at my desk at work

11:00-12:00- travel home, get ready for bed, try to sleep

It's been a bundle of fun.

Anyway, so Tuesday-Wednesday, July 27-28, I traveled to Primo South Banquet & Event Hall in Indianapolis to sit for the bar exam. Rather than give you a minute-by-minute break down, this will just be a stream-of-consciousness ramble of what I remember (and what I'll try to forget).

Day 1--Tuesday, July 27

Morning Session: Multistate Performance Test

Afternoon Session: Indiana Essay Exam

The registration packet I received in the mail stated that I had to be present at 7:30 am for registration and check-in. I had made the drive down to the test site a few days before, to make sure I knew where I was going, etc. It took about a half hour to get there. So, naturally, on test day, I left our house at 6:30, leaving myself plenty of time. I figured I'd get there early, would be there alone, and could do some last minute cramming before hand.

When I got there at 6:55, the parking lot was already half-full with nervous examinees. Tells you something, doesn't it?

So, I pull up and try to relax, listening to the same song I've listened to before every test since 2005 (We All Have a Map of the Piano--Mum). I fumble through my outlines, trying to learn everything there is to know about Indiana law regarding commercial paper, secured transactions, and corporate law.

At about 7:20 I get out of the car and join the growing line outside the door. Some people are talking, laughing nervously. Most look like me, kind of a blank stare on their face.

Eventually they let us in the building, where we all stand around while the senior citizens that the State Board of Law Examiners somehow cajoled into volunteering receive final instructions. I'm first in line at the M-R check-in table. Finally, a smiling old man sits down, looks at me, and asks for ID. I show him my Pennsylvania driver's license, and he thumbs through a box of envelopes. He hands me an envelope with my name on it and smiles.

"So, do I open this, or what?" I ask.

"I don't know..." he says.

"Thanks."

Love it.

I look to my right, where there are two smiling ladies who look ready to help. So I wander to their table. The lady in front of me says "Here's a list of things you're prohibited from bringing into the exam." It includes everything you'd expect (study aids, drugs, hypodermic needles) and some you wouldn't (eyeglass cases, keys, etc.). At this table, you're supposed to check-in all of your earthly belongings, and they'll give you claim check to pick it up later.

I came prepared for this. The materials we got in the mail said we could bring pens, etc., in a plastic bag, not to exceed one-gallon volume. So, I had all my pens in a quart size bag.

"This is all I'm bringing in," I say, showing my bag as I hand her my lunch and keys.

"Okay, but you can't take in the bag. You have to take everything out of it."

"Is that so no one tries to suffocate themselves in there?" I joke as I unload all 47 pens that I brought, because obviously each and every one was going to run out of ink.

She laughs. I don't think she realizes how serious I really was.

"That's odd," I think. "The paper said we could store our stuff in a bag. Oh well."

So, I'm all checked in and ready to go. It's 7:45. They won't let us into the testing room until 8:30. I head to the bathroom, get a drink, and then sit down on the floor outside the testing room. Looking around, I notice everyone around me has all of their belongings inside plastic bags....

It's interesting to watch people right now. Two girls talking about their law school sororities or what not, one girl staring at the floor, mumbling check-lists of memorized minutiae to herself. One girl, I kid you not, with her legs pulled up to her chest in the fetal position, rocking back and forth.

So, eventually, they let us in. The envelope the old man had given me had a seat number and examination number. This examination number would assure that my test was graded "anonymously."

Once we all get seated, I look around. There are a few hundred people in this cavernous banquet hall, with row up on row of tables and chairs. There are a few papers on the table in front of each person. No one dares to touch them without being told, as the Bar Examiners have done an effective job of instilling the fear of God in us that we'll be disqualified if we don't follow instructions precisely.

Then, in walks the test moderator. He's a smallish, white-haired man. Somehow, he reminds me of the stereotypical town mayor you see in any movie about a small town. This is only reinforced when we steps to the podium and begins to speak in a high, squeaky voice.

Well, it would have if his microphone had been working. Wouldn't you think they'd check these things beforehand?

So, the mayor finally gets his mic working and welcomes us to the 2010 July Indiana bar exam (in case anyone didn't know why they were here). We fill out various release forms and affidavits stating that we are who we say we are, etc. Finally, the mayor instructs the monitors to hand out the first portion of the test, the first question of the Multistate Performance Test (MPT).

The MPT. This is the "real world application" portion of the bar. They give you a fictitious case file, complete with client interviews, fake cases, statutes, etc., and a problem you're supposed to solve. You're supposed to read all this as if you were a clerk or something at a law firm, analyze it, and write out a solution (whether it be in the form of an inter-office memo, a brief to be filed in court, a closing argument, etc. etc.).

You do all of this in 90 minutes. Very real world.

In Indiana, you get to do two of these gems, each worth 10% of your total score on the bar exam.

As the mayor is explaining the procedure for the MPT, everyone is fidgeting nervously, only half paying attention to the required instructions being read verbatim from a script. Suddenly, almost in mid-sentence, the mayor squeaks "You may begin!"

Whoa! Okay, go. I look at my watch. It's 8:54. Of course, dude couldn't have started on a nice round number. How in the world am I supposed to figure out 90 minutes from 8:54? I can't do math right now!

So the general plan of attack on these things is to take 45 minutes to read the materials and outline your answer, and 45 minutes to actually write it.

To be honest, I don't even remember what this first question was about. Obviously it was very memorable to me.

Ha ha, this is embarrassing. I've been sitting here for five minutes trying to remember the topic or the task assigned. It's not coming.

I do remember settling into a rhythm pretty quickly, and finishing with a few minutes to spare. This doesn't give any indication as to how I actually did. For all I know, I could have completely missed the main point the examiners wanted me to get.

The mayor steps up to the podium and tells the moderators (monitors, as they called them) to collect the answer booklets and questions. Of course, they can only pick up one thing at a time. So, it's "Monitors, at this time, please collect the test booklets." (five minutes pass as the geriatrics move slowly down each aisle, collecting our books) "Monitors, please collect the answer booklets." (A little drama this time, as the monitor on the row in front of me accidentally drops her pile of answer booklets, spreading them all over the floor. I look to see everyone who's tests she had just collected recoil in horror. Two guys lean in to help her pick them up, then suddenly stop, surely thinking that, if they touch someone else's answer book, they'll be nailed for cheating.) "Monitors, please collect the scratch paper now." (Another five minutes pass).

Town mayor: "Thank you all for your cooperation. You may now take a short break. Please return to your seats in 18 minutes."

Seriously, 18 minutes.

I wander outside with everyone else, passing the four saps who stopped to smoke right outside the door, and have to blow their second-hand crap in our faces as we walk by.

And, 18 minutes later, I'm back at seat 437. Note, my "confidential" examinee ID number is also 437. And I have to have my picture ID on the table next to my seat number for the duration of the exam. Very anonymous.

MPT Round 2. This one I remember was about an argument that my client, an attorney, should not be subject to a subpoena to testify in a grand jury proceeding, claiming the attorney-client privilege. Again, I was able to finish it with a few minutes to spare, but not before

"YOU HAVE TEN MINUTES TO COMPLETE THE EXAM!!! TEN MINUTES!!!"

Somebody got the mayor's mic working now, but apparently he isn't aware he no longer needs to yell into it.

Eventually the mayor lets us leave for lunch. It's 12:45. We get one hour. Some people get in their cars to leave. Most people get in their cars to study, keeping the engine and A/C running in a vain attempt to escape the 95 degree heat and 400% humidity. We're not allowed to bring any study materials inside the building, so people make do outside.

Though I'm not hungry, I force myself to eat a wonderful lunch prepared by my wife (thanks, Babe). I move to sit on the grass in some shade, and start to go over flash cards and outlines covering all of the Indiana Law subjects that we could be graded on in the afternoon session. As I sit on the grass, there are various ants and bugs crawling around. I notice one crawling on my shoe before brushing it off, and I wonder what would happen if I was sitting in the test and suddenly got bit by some stow-away bug. Would they give me some kind of medical exemption and say I passed?

Indiana Essay Exam

This is the part that had me the most freaked out going in. Four hours, six essays, covering any of 15 subjects. Going in, there were two subjects that I felt confident I could knock out of the park, a few I thought I could muddle through, and a number that I was praying I didn't get.

Praying. I did say a few earnest prayers from Seat 437 the last few days. As the saying goes, there are no atheists in the bar exam. Or something.

Oh, and little side note here.... Most jurisdictions have come into the 21st century and allow examinees to use laptop computers for the MPT and Essay portions. Not Indiana, they're still stuck in the dark ages, and require us to hand-write all this junk. My hand started to cramp midway through the first MPT.

Anyway, the mayor gives us the go-ahead to start. I grab the first of the six essay booklets and nervously open it.

Great! Family Law! This was one of my two coveted subjects. Here we go!

Wait, what? Paternity suit? That's not supposed to be on here. It's supposed to be about division of marital property at dissolution of the marriage! Or child custody issues, or child support or alimony! That's what they always test on, and that's what I know!

And adoption??? What is this? I think I got the wrong test.

I'm shot.

After momentary panic, I gather my thoughts and realize I do know something about this stuff. After 40 minutes (four hours divided by six is 4o minutes, you know. By the way, I already have a blister forming on my finger from the friction from my pen), I move on to the second essay. Administrative law. Okay, I know this. Next, corporations. Derivative action. Not the exact corporations subject I was hoping for, but I think I can at least sound minimally competent.

Essay #4. As soon as I look at it I know I'm toast. Wills, Trusts, and Tax. Chalk this one up on the "knew I didn't know it, tried to study it, still didn't learn it" column.

Essay #5- Secured transactions. Muddled my way through it. My finger really hurts.

Essay #6- Pleading & Practice (known to the law school world as Civil Procedure). Motion for summary judgment (hey! this was supposed to be testing personal jurisdiction! who wrote this exam anyway?). But, I actually feel okay about this one.

So, I finish essay #6. It's 5:35. The test doesn't end until 6:00.

Now what? Do I dare leave early? I really don't think I have anything else to say, but I can't leave early, leaving extra time on the clock when I could write something that will really wow the graders. But, let's be honest, nothing I've written to this point is going to wow anyone anyway. So, at 5:47, I get up, turn in my papers, and leave before the mayor can shout "YOU HAVE TEN MINUTES TO COMPLETE THE EXAM!!!! TEN MINUTES!!"

Day one complete. Honestly, I feel a lot better about it than I thought I would at this point. 50% complete.

For short thoughts on Day 2, click here.