The Rasmussen Family

Colonel Rasmussen

2010-08-15T15:45:00.002-04:00

Soon after Jake left on his mission, Jay left for a year-long tour to Afghanistan. I have a lot of different emotions swirling around inside me about being away from him for so long. The first thing I'm feeling is that I feel sad for him. People always feel sad for me when he is gone, they feel sorry for me, but really, it is harder on him. Jay does not like to be alone. He will miss me. He will miss his kids. He will miss his grandkids. His living conditions will not be great. It will be dangerous at times. I will miss him terribly, but I think it is easier on me than him. I still get all the comforts of home. I get to go on trips and see the kids and grandkids. My routine will not change that much. I will be lonely, we both will. I love him with all my heart. I am also feeling very proud of him. He is the best husband and father anyone could ever hope for. I hope the year goes by fast, but, it's always good to have something to look forward to, and we can both look forward to Christmas and his mid-tour break!

Girls' Trip to Pennsylvania

2010-08-08T11:47:00.017-04:00

While my (very pregnant) daughter Jessica was still here visiting, we decided to go on a little get-away to somewhere both she and I have always wanted to go- Falling Waters, which is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed home that is open to the public for tours. We decided to make an overnight trip out of it and visit some other sites that were close by to the house. My two friends from book club and church, Denise and Elaine, came also. For book club we had recently read David McCullough's book "The Johnstown Flood" so we went to the Johnstown museum and the site of the previous earthen dam that broke. Also close by is the site where flight 93 went down on September 11. There is a small makeshift memorial there, and they are working on a permanent memorial. But, it was a very emotional place to visit, very somber, very sad.

It was a wonderful trip; fun, interesting, and emotional. We were all quite drained by the time we got home!

Jessica, me, Denise, and Elaine at Falling Waters

At the Johnstown Flood museum

Site of the dam that broke and flooded Johnstown

Saying Goodbye to Elder Rasmussen

2010-08-01T15:21:00.001-04:00

We enjoyed the fireworks on the 4th of July

We ate one last meal together at the Cheesecake Factory

Then we went to the airport

Gave hugs, shed a few tears

And said goodbye to him for two years!

If you would like to follow the adventures of Elder Rasmussen on his mission, hop on over to his mission blog at ElderJacobRasmussen.blogspot.com

Back to blogging

2010-07-25T11:40:00.001-04:00

Well, my son has left on his mission and I am starting a mission blog for him, so I thought I'd might as well keep up on my personal blog. I am horrible at keeping a journal, so this is something that is important for me to do. I will try to update on Sundays, I hope that is a realistic goal I can keep. Wish me luck!

The Annual Rasmussen Family Reunion

2010-01-08T14:02:00.006-05:00

Every year Jay's parents host a Rasmussen Family reunion. We hardly ever make it to the reunion since we are the only one of Jay's siblings not living in Utah, but we were fortunate to be there this year. It was a lot of fun seeing everyone and being with the family. There were a lot of people there, but this little guy is the only person I took pictures of!

Grandpa sure loves his boy!

Back To Utah

2010-01-08T13:50:00.006-05:00

Lucky me! I was fortunate enough to make the drive out to Utah twice in one summer! I had flown back to Virginia to go to Jake's Eagle Scout court of honor and to take care of some things with the apartment, so I was able to make the drive out to Utah with Jay and Jake. Three of us in the cab of a U-Haul that couldn't go much over 60 mph! Too much fun! We rented the U-Haul so that we could take Jordan all his childhood possessions now that he has a house with an unfinished basement (his wife is so excited to see his Star Wars collections). We also took out Julie's piano and some other things for Jake and Julie. It was a long, uneventful trip, and we were so glad to finally reach Utah.

Along the way we stopped in Grinnell, Iowa, the cutest little midwestern town ever!

Eagle Scout

2010-01-08T13:32:00.008-05:00

I flew back to Virginia to attend Jake's Eagle Scout court of honor. It was a really nice event and we are really proud of Jake and all his hard work during scouting.

Saying a few words about his experiences with scouting

Dad putting on his Eagle Scout neckerchief

We're so proud of our Eagle Scout

They Will Always Be My Little Girls

2010-01-08T12:26:00.008-05:00

Jessie and I went to the PX on Hill Air Force Base one day to do some shopping. I was thinking maybe I would get her a new outfit, maybe a piece of jewelry. What do you think caught her eye and caused her to squeal with excitement.....

That's right, a dollhouse! As we were in the toy section looking for a toy for Kaden she came across this dollhouse in the clearance aisle. It was originally $70 marked down to $15. When she saw it this is what I heard, "Please, please please, please." Now remember this is my 24-year-old daughter. She also added that she and Julie would have so much fun making it together (since children know that parents like it when they play nice together). Well, of course I bought it and when we took it back to Jordan's house and showed Julie she was so excited she could hardly contain herself. Now remember, she is my 20-year-old daughter. I have to say they did have lots of fun building, decorating, and painting their new dollhouse which is now in Jordan's basement waiting patiently for a granddaughter to play with it, or for Jessie and Julie to get it out and play with it again!

Deciding the color scheme for the new house

Working hard on their project

I love my girls!

Best Friends

2010-01-08T12:13:00.005-05:00

I spent a lot of time with these two cuties over the summer in Utah. Kaden loves bouncing in his chair and Toby just hangs out underneath him.

Off To Utah

2010-01-08T11:18:00.002-05:00

Well, we needed to move into the apartment a little sooner than I really wanted because Jake and Julie hadn't left for school yet and I didn't want to move until they were gone. Our renters needed to move in before school started, so we moved out. Life in a one bedroom/one bath apartment doesn't work so well with four people, so after a week or so Jay had the idea that Julie and I should head out to Utah early. Julie could get settled and find a job before all the other students got back and I could spend more time with Jessica and Justin while they were in Utah for the summer for Justin's internship. Jake had a summer internship with the Army National Guard doing some statistical work, so he needed to stay in Virginia. So Julie and I packed up her little car and made the trek west. We made it in four days. We listened to two Harry Potter books on the way. It was a good trip!

Our New Place

2010-01-08T10:35:00.006-05:00

As many of you know, this has been Jay's life for the past 6 years. Up and down I-95 to get to work every day. It is a terrible stretch of freeway going into/out of Washington D.C. When we first moved here we settled in Stafford County because we could afford a large house there and the schools are really good there. So Jay made the sacrifice and commuted to work every day.

We had been talking for a while about having a grand adventure and moving to the city after Jake graduated. I wasn't sure if it would really happen, the housing market being what it is, there were so many houses for rent that I didn't know if we could rent ours. Jay and I made our lists of pros and cons, prayed about it, and decided that we would put our house up for rent, and if it was meant to be, it would all work out. Well, we put our house up for rent at 9 pm on a Wednesday night, and by Thursday we had 4 people come look at it. One man really wanted it for his family moving from Colorado, so we rented it to him that day. The next day we went out looking for apartments and found our new home.

We are loving city life, and our little one-bedroom apartment. Those who know me know that I am very good at purging, I don't hang on to much unless it really means something to me, so I pretty much sold all my furniture except the little that we brought with us. We have a storage unit that is full of our children's belongings that we will keep until they have places of their own to store them. Also, all my Christmas decorations are stored there.

I have never seen Jay so happy as the day he sold his lawn mower and weed-eater! He always worked hard on our yard, and always kept it nice, but it was not something that gave him much pleasure. Now he can spend his Saturdays on the golf course, he's earned it!

We are on the 16th floor, top balcony on the left

The view from our balcony

Jay and Molly on the balcony

Must Finish 2009 !!!

2010-01-08T10:27:00.003-05:00

Well... I certainly did not get caught up on my blog like I said I would in my last post! I am trying to think what happened... Jay went golfing and I was going to spend the morning blogging, but it started raining and he came home, so we spent the day together and I didn't get my blog caught up. So here goes another try. I was supposed to work today, but it is a SNOW DAY. School is out, so I think today is a good day to catch up. I am hoping to print off my blog as a type of journal, so that is why I am determined to get everything posted. So, even though it is 2010, I am going back to finish 2009!

Landscaping

2009-11-11T12:35:00.010-05:00

Ever since we bought our house here in Stafford, we have had problems with the backyard, mostly because nothing had ever been done with it. This is our backyard when we first bought the house, the deck is in our neighbor's yard. Our house sits level to the backyard, so we decided to put in a patio instead of a deck. Less up keep with a patio and it was a lot cheaper.

The main problem with the yard is that our house sits at the bottom of a hill, and all the water flows down the hill and turns right into our house. There is no good drainage path, so when we have heavy rains, which are frequent in Virginia, the water would just build up by the house.

So, for reasons that I will go into in my next post, Jay decided that after living like this for six years, the time had come to do something about the flooding in the backyard. He worked day and night for about two months, after work and on weekends, and pretty much dug up the whole yard, graded the yard away from the house, put drainage pipes through the yard, and built a beautiful retaining wall with drainage pipes behind it. Then he put sod down and lots of rocks to help with the drainage. He and Jake did all this by themselves, my only contribution was bringing them cold water and helping to carry in the bricks for the wall. It looks beautiful and we have had hard rains since completion, and not a drop of water accumulates by the house. I am so proud of all their hard work!

The finished yard. It's beautiful!

Jake's Graduation

2009-11-11T11:52:00.006-05:00

Jake finally reached the end of high school. He graduated from

North Stafford High School

on June 13, 2009. Jake graduated

Summa Cum Laude

meaning he graduated with a 4.0 or better grade point average. We are so proud of him for all the hard work he put into his studies. We are equally as proud of him for being a 4-year seminary graduate (that's 4 years of early morning seminary!)

The seniors in our ward at seminary graduation

Ready for the class of 2009

Jake walking into the stadium

Proud family with our graduate

The Summer of '09

2009-11-11T11:46:00.002-05:00

Well, here it is November and I am finally going to blog about my summer. Jay is gone golfing for the day (even though it is rainy, he says that's good because there will be less people on the course) so I have the day to myself inside. Today is a good day to get caught up on my blog. Life is good, and I really want to document my life and share what's going on with all my family and friends. So, read on (I hope someone will read my blog) and enjoy the events of the summer of 2009!

Why I Haven't Posted in a LONG TIME

2009-09-23T10:44:00.005-04:00

Hopefully you haven't all forgotten me... It has been too long since I have posted anything, but I have very good reasons why time time has gotten away from me without blogging. Here are just a few of the reasons, I will go into more detail soon, I promise.

Where in the World was I last Weekend ?

2009-05-23T18:36:00.010-04:00

I enjoyed a fun weekend getaway with my girlfriends this past weekend. Can you tell by the pictures where I went?

That's right, New York City! We had tons of fun, the weather was perfect, and we had a great time together. I am getting to be quite comfortable getting around New York now, so whenever anyone wants to come visit, we can take a quick trip up there. Come see me!! (That last plea is to my sisters, or maybe my nieces)

Pictures:

1. First stop - Museum of Natural History (did you see Night at the Museum?)

2. Central Park for lunch

3. Next visit - Metropolitan Museum of Art

4. China Town for shopping

5. Dinner in Little Italy (yes, I am holding my precious buys in the infamous black bags, Coach purses!!!)

6. Evening in Times Square

7. We saw the newest show on Broadway - 9 to 5. Way fun!

The joys of home ownership

2009-05-01T21:54:00.007-04:00

As you know, we have lived many places. We have bought and sold many houses. I have to admit, I really loved my time living in quarters when we lived on military bases. My quarters in Germany were huge and I loved living there. My quarters at Ft. Lewis were a bit small for our family, but I still loved living in them. I liked the fact that when something needed to be fixed, I could just call a phone number and a nice man would come fix it. I miss that.

We have noticed for some time that our garage doors were not going to last much longer. I just hated the thought of what it would cost to replace them, so we just kept putting it off. But when it got to the point that we could only open one of the doors, we knew the time had come. So today we got new garage doors.

I can think of PLENTY of things I would have rather done with the money, but this is the reality of home ownership. For those of you still in quarters or in apartments, enjoy it while you can! As for me, I will just have to go outside and admire the new doors every day to make me feel better.

Our house before new garage doors

As you can see, the door is not in good shape

Jay's repair job is not going to last much longer

New garage doors!

I don't know her, but I love her

2009-04-19T13:30:00.004-04:00

I love coming across things that make me so happy that I cry. My previous post was about how happy I was to be able to watch Twilight in my own home, whenever I want. This post is about how happy I was to watch Susan Boyle perform on Britain's Got Talent. I know this clip is everywhere on the web, but I wanted to post it on my blog because rarely do we get to see something that just plain makes us feel so good. So good in fact, that it brings me to tears to watch it. I am so happy for her and for all of us that we, through the power of the internet, get to know about her. I will watch this whenever I need a good pick-me-up. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Why I Am Happy Today

2009-03-21T14:09:00.003-04:00

I am happy as a clam sitting on my couch watching Twilight today. And, YES, I did go at midnight with my friends to buy it! Can you say NERD ???

Don't care... so happy...

27 Years ago today

2009-03-19T14:28:00.008-04:00

March 19, 1982

Jordan River Temple

Amazing... I love him more today than the day we got married (and I was REALLY in love with him that day)

Here's to 27 more great years! (at least)

My fun week

2009-03-14T22:43:00.003-04:00

I was in Utah a couple of weeks ago, and I just haven't had the time to post about my fun trip. So, for those of you wondering what I did all week, here's a glimpse....

18 Years Ago Today, An Answer To A Prayer

2009-02-26T22:45:00.005-05:00

Jay left for the Gulf War when I was 8 months pregnant. It was not an easy time for me, I had three small children at home, and, at the time, they were predicting a very bad war with many casualties. Jay was the commander of a field artillery battery, so I needed to watch over all the wives of the soldiers in our battery while the men were deployed. I did pretty well, I just did what I knew what to do, which was making them all visiting teachers to each other (they never knew what hit them). We all took care of each other and watched the news and waited.

During the beginning it was mostly air strikes. I did pretty well during those days. But then the day came with an announcement on the news that the ground war had begun. My due date was still a week away and I was very worried about how I would keep it all together for my kids and the other wives. I remember thinking that I didn't want to watch the news, but I couldn't NOT watch the news. I just didn't know how I was going to get through it.

I knelt in prayer that morning and asked my Heavenly Father to please help me get through this, and to be able to not worry, so that it could stay somewhat calm around the house. Now, I have received many answers to prayers throughout my life, but I know my Heavenly Father was aware of me that day, that He heard my prayer, and blessed me.

I went into labor that afternoon and Jacob was born that evening, February 26, 1991, the day the ground war began. I spent the next four days in the hospital, focused on my baby, and by the time I went home, the war was pretty much over.

Every year, when Jacob's birthday rolls around, I am reminded that his birth was an answer to my prayers, that he came at the exact time that I needed him to, and that our Heavenly Father knows us individually and will always watch over us.

Fast forward a couple of months, Jay came home safely and saw his son for the first time.

I am grateful every day for Jake. He has brought happiness and fun to our home for 18 years. I am so proud of the wonderful young man that he is.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE

We were tagged...

2009-02-21T10:50:00.007-05:00

Thanks Paul and Alison (I do read your blog). They sent this to both Jay and I, so I'll try to answer about both of us. Try to stay awake, we are really exciting people!

8 T.V. shows or movies that we watch regularly:

1. American Idol

2. The Big Bang Theory

3. Top Chef (Jane only)

4. Project Runway (again, Jane only)

5. The Office (Jay only, Jane can't get the humor, if there really is any)

6. How I Met Your Mother

7. Friends reruns

8. Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy) (oh, of course, Jane only)

8 things that happened yesterday:

1. Larry H. Miller died (a sad day for all Utahns)

2. Taught 6th grade reading class (Jane)

3. Went to meetings all day at the Pentagon (Jay)

4. Unpacked my suitcase (yes, 2 days after I got home)

5. Watched two episodes of American Idol that I had missed while I was gone

6. Scratched Molly's belly

7. Took an evening nap on the couch (Jay)

8. Did not make dinner (Jane)

8 of our favorite places to eat:

1. At home (we don't eat out much)

2. Spaghetti Factory (sadly, only in Utah, none here)

3. Winger's (again, sadly none here)

4. Fina (my favorite restaurant in Georgetown)

5. Carrabba's

6. Cracker Barrel (for the Friday fish fry and Coca Cola cake)

7. Famous Dave's

8. McDonald's (sad but true)

4 people we tag:

1. Leslie

2. Carol (write something on your blog!!!)

3. Heather

4. Alanya

Jessica, you were tagged by both Megan and Alison and you never answered! Is this good blogging etiquette??? And you're the best blogger I know! What's up with that???

Jordan, you were tagged also, but I'll cut you some slack because this is what your life is like right now:

Idol Update #3

2009-02-08T21:26:00.003-05:00

Well, I have been a little frustrated with American Idol for the past couple of episodes. Too choppy, too much of the same people, not enough singing! Don't get me wrong, still LOVE IT, but I am not seeing the people I want to see. Anyway, SO HAPPY the BIKINI GIRL is gone. Still waiting to see my fav, SCOTT MACINTYRE, sing again. So happy another fav, Danny Gokey, is still around. I haven't seen Stevie Wright sing since her audition, but from what I could see she is still there also. Looking forward to this week, the contestants get to use their instruments if they want, I think. So don't call me Tuesday or Wednesday night! (OK, you can call if you really need to, I have a DVR and can hit Pause, LOVE IT).

One Year Ago Today

2009-01-27T08:38:00.002-05:00

It was one year ago today that we lost our beloved President Hinckley. I love him and miss him. I am so grateful for the opportunity of knowing him and learning from him. I'm grateful that he was the prophet of my children's youth. He is to them what President Kimball was to me. There is always a special place in your heart for YOUR prophet, the one that led the church when you came to your own understanding of the gospel and gained your own testimony. As I write this my heart is full of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for a living prophet. What a blessing in my life, in all of our lives. I love and sustain President Monson and am grateful for his teachings. I can truly feel his love for all of us.

Let's take a moment today out of our busy lives and remember the life of a wonderful man. Here is a beautiful tribute to him.

Idol Update #2

2009-01-25T19:49:00.002-05:00

Well, you can tell my life is pretty boring these days because I have had nothing to post in between Idol posts. But here's my opinion of last Tuesday and Wednesday's shows.

I really did not like ANYONE from the San Francisco auditions and that makes me sad. I can't believe out of all those people there wasn't anyone to get excited about. There was one guy, Adam Lambert, that was pretty good, but I think he looks too much like David Cook, so I don't think people will want the same type of guy again this year.

Even more disappointing was Louisville. Again, I didn't really love anyone, although I do like Leneshe Young. She is really cute and I do wish good things for her. I do need to say that I am VERY UPSET with the show for putting Joanna Pacitti through to Hollywood. She already had a record deal with A&M Records in the past. I think this show should be for unknown, everyday people to get their big break. Things like this just make me mad.

Well, I'm looking forward to this week's shows, hopefully there will at least be some people to get excited about.

And pray that some excitement comes in to my life so I can blog about something other than American Idol.

Idol Update

2009-01-16T07:42:00.002-05:00

Well, here's my favorites from the first two audition shows:

From Phoenix I loved Stevie Wright! I think she is adorable and I love her voice. I hope she goes far in the competition. I also loved Scott MacIntyre. Remember he is the guy who is blind. I think he is amazing, I can't wait to see more of him.

From Kansas City I loved Jessica Furney. She is the girl that lives with her grandmother. I'm not sure what it is, but I really think she is good and has lots of potential. And then, of course, who didn't fall in love with Danny Gokey, the sweet guy whose wife just passed away. I think he is wonderful!

What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Can't wait for Tuesday!

PS. I miss this guy. Love him!

Are you ready?

2009-01-13T19:00:00.003-05:00

I apologize in advance to all of you out there who read my blog (all 4 of you), but I love American Idol and there will now be weekly posts about who I like and don't like on the show. It is my guilty pleasure and I am so excited!!! It starts in an hour, so I'd better go get ready!!!

A Rasmussen Family Christmas

2009-01-09T23:22:00.004-05:00

This is why I loved Christmas this year...

We were all together in the same house for the first time in two years. It's hard when the kids get married, or go off to college. It's hard getting everyone in the same place at the same time. This was a really special Christmas for me and I hope it was for the kids too. Of course, Kaden made it extra special. There is something about having a baby in the house. We enjoyed a White Christmas with tons of snow in Utah. Jordan and Aubrey graciously gave up their privacy and their home to us, it was so great of them. We went shopping, went to the movies, played games, and held Kaden. It was a wonderful Christmas!

Our Golden Gopher

2009-01-09T23:07:00.004-05:00

This one is for Uncle Justin and Aunt Jessie

Minnesota, Hats Off to Thee

To Our Colors True We Shall Ever Be

Firm and Strong, United Are We

Rah Rah Rah for Ski-U-Mah

Rah Rah Rah Rah

Rah for the U of M

M-I-N-N-E-S-O-T-A, Minnesota, Minnesota

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, Gophers ! Rah !

Let it be noted that no-one in the state of Minnesota knows what Ski-U-Mah is... you gotta love fight songs!

Who Cares About Florida?

2009-01-09T20:30:00.003-05:00

Well, the picture says it all. But, if you want to read about someone saying it again go here.

It was SWEET

2009-01-04T21:28:00.004-05:00

I know I graduated from BYU, and I have a daughter that goes to BYU, and I have a son that is hoping to get into BYU, but something deep down inside of me loves the

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH.

Maybe because that is where I met Jay, or maybe because Jay loves it so much and I love him, but whatever the reason, last Friday's Sugar Bowl was the best football game I've seen in my life. It was so amazing to watch and I was just so excited for the whole state of UTAH! Even BYU fans had to be excited about this one!

Now we just hope the AP polls vote them #1. GO UTES!

Saint Barbara's Day Celebration

2008-12-20T21:53:00.004-05:00

One thing I always look forward to in December is the Saint Barbara's Day celebration. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of the Field Artillery. If you would like to know more about her, go here. When we were in an artillery battalion, the celebration was usually a formal ball, which was always really fun. Here it is also a really nice formal event, complete with the Artillery Punch ceremony, many toasts, dinner, and remarks from a distinguished guest, just no dancing.

Jay was inducted into the Order of Saint Barbara when we were at Fort Riley. That is the medal that he is wearing around his neck. I am also wearing a medal. I was awarded the Molly Pitcher award when Jay returned from the Gulf War. If you want to learn about Molly Pitcher go here.

It was a great evening and we will look forward to next year!

When husbands think they're helping, a Thanksgiving story

2008-12-20T21:26:00.003-05:00

I was having two families over for Thanksgiving dinner, about 13 people, including us. Now, anyone that knows me knows that entertaining is not my strong suit. I love to socialize, but being in charge of the get-together usually puts me in panic mode. But, to me, Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where you need to surround yourself with loved ones. Since our family was not nearby, then we needed to surround ourselves with our other loved ones, our best friends.

I had cleaned the house and the turkey was in the oven. That's when it happened. Jay looked up at the ceiling and took note of the stain from the water leak we had had earlier this year. The ceiling didn't look that bad to me, I didn't think anyone would really notice, but Jay decided he would paint it really fast before everyone got there. (This was about one hour before everyone was to arrive). I told him I didn't want the house to smell like paint, and it wasn't that noticeable. But he insisted he could paint it really fast and it would look a lot better.

He has some cool ceiling paint that goes on pink so you can see where you've painted, and then it turns to white when it is dry. So there he went, painted the area, and it was nice and pink. I went on with my food preparations and at about 10 minutes to dinner time I noticed that the ceiling was still pink. I asked Jay why it wasn't dry yet and he said it should be dry by then. I looked closer and realized that the ceiling bore a strong resemblance to Julie's bedroom wall, which is a nice PINK color!

We then realized that in his haste to get the job done, Jay had grabbed the paint can with Julie's bedroom wall color. It was nice and dry on the ceiling, and it was PINK! (he said he just saw the pink color on the side of the can and grabbed it, but if he had thought it through, if it was the ceiling paint, the color on the side of the can should have been white, since it dries white!)

So, instead of a small water stain on the ceiling that I'm sure my guests would never have noticed, they were all quite impressed with the big pink circle on the ceiling! This is why I don't entertain!

Below is a picture of Jay fixing his masterpiece. Enjoy!

A Magical Time at the Magic Kingdom

2008-12-16T20:43:00.010-05:00

I love all things DISNEY. I could go to Disneyland every year and never get tired of it. I wish I could take my whole family there again, maybe someday. I have discovered that if you can't get all your kids together to go to Disneyland, the next best thing is to go with your sisters. It is a whole new experience, and it is a blast! If our kids could have seen us they would have died of embarrassment. But, there were no kids, no husbands, only three fun-loving women having a magical time.

We're off to a good start, Mickey is at the gate to greet us!

And Pluto was there too!

We had to take it easy after this ride, it was a little much for Lisa

Carol was on a mission to get up close and personal with Captain Jack. I think she scared him a little bit.

Two beautiful princesses

Thanks Mickey for a wonderful time!

A visit to the Jencks side of town

2008-12-15T21:57:00.007-05:00

Carol came up with the idea. She said she wanted to take mom to see her brother Harold, who she hadn't seen in many, many years. I of course said "I want to go too." Then we made Lisa go (against her will since we had to actually take a plane to get to California).

It was a fabulous trip... old people crying, pushing old people around in wheelchairs, eating at 4:00 (old people time), taking old people to visit even older people, and lots of talking about the good old days.

Now all kidding aside, it was a dream to see these people again, it had probably been 30 years ago that I last saw any of them. My Aunt Kathe and Uncle Harold are like idols to me. When I was with them it was like I was 7 years old again. I was in awe of them growing up. For me, going to their house was like going to a castle. They lavished expensive presents on me and generally pampered me to no end. I remember when I was young thinking that my Jencks cousins were the coolest people on the planet, and if truth be told, they still are.

I hope it is not another 30 years until I get to visit them again (because then I will be OLD).

Brother and Sister

Aunt Kathe leaving to play bridge with friends. Isn't she the cutest thing you've ever seen on three wheels?

Cousins

Lisa, Jane, Laurie, Lance, Melinda, Carol

Kathe, Harold, Unity

One last post on this subject

2008-12-06T15:09:00.003-05:00

"It's the most insanely romantic film since 'The Notebook'," said Harry Medved, a spokesman for Fandango.com, who described Pattinson's Edward Cullen as "the ideal boyfriend...He's incredibly strong, superfast, impossibly handsome, plays the piano, and all he cares about is what's on her mind."

Now, this is all I will post on this subject. I just wanted it noted again that Edward is PERFECT. I will now resume posting about the holidays, my family, and other such not as interesting or gorgeous subjects (sorry family, you're cute, just not Edward gorgeous).

LOVED IT !!!

2008-11-22T13:06:00.003-05:00

It's been many years (if ever) that I have been in a theater full of screaming girls and let me tell you, last night was quite the experience. As soon as the previews ended and there was a lull before the movie started they screamed. The first time Edward appeared on screen they screamed. When he had his sunglasses on and he and Bella walked into school together they screamed. And of course, when he and Bella finally kissed they screamed. There was no screaming on my part. Just yearning..... for Edward. It doesn't get much better than this!

Thoughts from a grandma

2008-11-18T21:35:00.005-05:00

It was quite the day yesterday, the day my first grandchild was born. Thank heaven for text messages and cell phones that take pictures. I was at school teaching, but Jordan kept us updated throughout the day and into the evening. Aubrey did wonderful and all went well. He is beautiful and perfect. My heart is full of love for this little guy. I can only imagine our adventures to come with him, our Kaden.

Did you ?

2008-11-04T12:43:00.005-05:00

Man, I miss these guys

2008-10-31T20:05:00.003-04:00

I had no costumes to make. No one had a hard time eating dinner because they were too excited to go out trick-or-treating. I didn't cut out hundreds of bats to stick all over the house. There are no fake cobwebs anywhere. We didn't carve a pumpkin. There will be no piles of candy on the floor tonight with intense trading going on. No one is going to say, "here Mom, you can have this Mr. Goodbar 'cause you love them."

I love the wonderful people that they have become, but man, I really miss the kids they were.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

It was Heaven on Earth

2008-10-24T20:57:00.010-04:00

War college was over. Jay would soon be beginning a new job, a new DEMANDING job, and Julie was leaving soon for college. It was the perfect time to get away before all the madness began. I had always wanted to go on a cruise, but Jay swore that he'd never take me on one since the time he took me on a dinner cruise around Seattle and I spent the whole time in the bathroom violently ill.

My motion sickness is legendary. Every family travel story from my childhood includes some mention of me throwing up somewhere on someone. So I pretty much ruled out the possibility of ever taking a cruise. Then Jessica went on a cruise for her honeymoon. She inherited my motion sickness gene, but... she didn't get sick! "The ship is big Mom, you never feel like you're moving."

I armed myself with this knowledge and started my plan of attack with Jay. But, you know, he loves me (and he loves a good vacation), so all I had to do was mention (over and over for about a month) that it would be a great trip and he was on board! I also promised that I wouldn't get sick. And I didn't! Our trip was perfect in every way, perfect weather, perfect food, perfect ship, sooooo romantic, and tons of fun!

Our first view of the ship in the Port of Miami

Set Sail party on deck

Our first day was spent at sea so Jay tried to master the FlowRider and learn to surf

Our first port was Labadee, Haiti. Beautiful!

The water called to us

The daredevils wanted to go off on their own, and fast!

After dinner there's always a new friend waiting for us

Heaven part 2

2008-10-24T20:20:00.010-04:00

Jamaica and Cozumel were both stops on the cruise. While parts of Jamaica were beautiful, I would never want to go there again. For the most part, Jamaica is run down and a mess. The people are rude and the taxi drivers were pushy and dishonest!!! Steer clear of Jamaica if you have the chance. Jake and Julie explored the rain forest by going on zip lines through the canopy while Jay and I tried to have a decent sight-seeing trip around the island. But it did not turn out so well. But we did not let it get to us and we still had fun the rest of the day doing some shopping on our own. Cozumel was beautiful and restful, the people were friendly, and the taxi drivers were REGULATED! It was $6 into town and $6 back to the ship. All the same price. That made it so much easier. The kids had a blast with all the shopping there. Jay and I found a nice beach to soak up the sun and do some snorkeling one last time.

Jamaica is beautiful from afar, just not close up!

Jake ready to take on the zip lines

Julie is ready to go!

Heading back to the ship after another fun day

When we came back from breakfast one morning this was on our door

Jay had called ahead and told them it would be my birthday, so they decorated the room!

Beautiful bird in beautiful Cozumel

Our relaxing beach that we found

Another friend waiting for us

Heaven part 3

2008-10-24T06:27:00.009-04:00

Our day on Grand Cayman Island was lots of fun. The island is the total opposite of Jamaica. Grand Cayman is clean, everything looks nice, and the people are really friendly. The highlight of our day was going out to Stingray City. We went on a boat for about 1/2 an hour straight out into the ocean. Then we came to a natural sand barge where fisherman have been cleaning their fish for many years. The place is full of stingrays who are used to being fed by the fishermen, so they just swim all around people. Our guide described them like pet cats who just go all over you, and they did! Up our backs, through our legs, around our waist, and up over our shoulders. Julie and I just screamed and screamed at first. I held on to her and she held on to Jake. Jay was off the minute he hit the water with his snorkel gear looking at them. We had a bucket of chopped up squid and you would put a piece in your hand and make a fist and they would come up and suck it out of your hand. Definitely the most amazing experience I've had in a long time!

Our guide giving us instructions on the way out on how to act in the water, like Don't Panic! (we panicked)

You want me to get out of the boat with those in the water?

Brave family

Then, just to add more torture, I mean fun, our guide said if you kiss a stingray you get good luck. So we did. Still waiting for the luck.

Can you believe Julie did this??

Or me????

Jay, of course, didn't want to leave the water

At the end of the day, a stingray waiting for us in our room

Heaven part 4 (or the end of heaven)

2008-10-22T22:17:00.017-04:00

Things we LOVED on our cruise...

Breakfast on our balcony - beautiful!

The ice skating show, they were fantastic!

Carved fruit! Fruit and ice sculptures! It was crazy!

Shuffleboard. We usually played after dinner. It's quite fun.

The belly flop contest. Large people + alcohol = FUN

Jose (from Columbia) our waiter. WE LOVED HIM

Sorrentos. Pizza 24/7

Looking down in the elevator to see what day it was

Ping pong. Jay and Jake had a rousing game every night

Our cruise director, Richard, a hilarious Brit

Mini golf at night

THE END (please can I go back?)

Congratulations Colonel Rasmussen

2008-10-22T13:52:00.011-04:00

Jay spent the last year attending the National War College in Washington D.C. It was a great experience for him and we are so glad that he was given that opportunity. About a week before graduation he was promoted to Colonel. We had a really nice ceremony at the War College. We were excited to have General Carpenter come to promote Jay. He and Jay have worked together many times, and Jay greatly admires and respects him.

I guess since this is my personal blog I can take a minute to express my love and appreciation for Jay. He is everything to me. He loves his family, he is a worthy priesthood holder, and he loves his country. I don't think the kids or I will ever know all the sacrifices he has made for us. He truly puts us first in every career decision he has to make. I am grateful every day that of all those girls on campus in 1981 he chose me.

General Carpenter saying a few words about Jay

Promotion orders are read to the audience

Changing his rank

Julie and Jake changing his rank on his shirt

Oath of office

Jay giving a few remarks

Receiving line (Julie's comment "I am not doing this at my wedding!")

My guys outside the War College back when Jordan was here

Kronik Robot

2008-10-22T13:31:00.007-04:00

We are sad to say you missed a great performance by Kronik Robot at the ward talent show. Jake plays guitar in this band, and I must say I don't think the old meetinghouse has ever shook like that!! It was a memorable performance- little children covering their ears, devout christians fleeing the building, and lots of heads shaking (probably thinking "those Rasmussens..."). It didn't help that they were followed by a little girl singing "Families Can Be Together Forever" (her dad is deployed to Iraq). But in our opinion they were the highlight of the night and it was crazy fun with our friends holding up their cell phones and swaying back and forth.

Rock Star

Out with the old, in with the new

2008-10-12T18:04:00.018-04:00

One thing our family loves to do is go to sporting events. While most families may seek out interesting historical sites while traveling cross country, we have always mapped out stadiums that we might pass, and we have always managed to take a tour (or at least sneak in). We had the opportunity this summer to enjoy two great baseball games and be part of history also. We attended a Yankees game in the last year for its stadium, and we attended a Nationals game in the first year of their new stadium.

These were both fun, but really different experiences. When we were in New York we took a long subway ride out to the Bronx to get to Yankee Stadium. It is surrounded by tons of bars and taverns and sports shops. Very noisy and crowded, but lots of excitement everywhere! Another thing we do (well, not WE, just JAY and the BOYS) is buy cheap seats and then move around during the game to better seats. So there we sat in our cheap bleacher seats and when it came time for the boys to want to move we discovered that if you have bleacher seats it is a separate entrance and you cannot leave that section in less you are leaving the stadium. And you cannot get in at another entrance with a bleacher seat ticket. No seat hopping for the boys! Sadly, they had to stay put, but they still had a great time, especially seeing the famous Yankee players.

A couple of days later the boys went to a Nationals game. The stadium is not a far drive for us. We park at Ft. McNair (since we have military stickers on our car) and then we have about a 5 minute walk to the stadium. There isn't really anything by the stadium, it is on the Potomac and has a beautiful view of the Capitol through center field. You can walk around the whole stadium and there are lots of fun games and restaurants everywhere. You don't even have to watch the game to have a fun time, there's so much to do. Of course my boys watched the game, although they did have some fun in the batting cages. It is a beautiful stadium and we are looking forward to many more fun evenings there.

Outside Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium

Our great bleacher seats... and it was raining!

Inside Yankee Stadium

All the famous guys!

Nationals Stadium

Jay and Jake at the stadium

It's beautiful inside - all red, white, and blue

The night we were there they had a tribute to Tim Russert who had just passed away. He was involved with getting the stadium built for the Nationals

There is always the race of the Presidents at every game

The boys with the Presidents

My boys at the game

Julie's Graduation

2008-08-11T22:58:00.011-04:00

Julie graduated from North Stafford High School on June 14, 2008. I still can't believe she is finished with high school! Jake and Julie have always been the "little ones" in our family, so I have had a hard time adjusting to them growing up. The ceremony was really nice. For the first time in the school's history, the graduation was held outside on the football field. I was worried that it was going to be miserably hot, but it was not too bad. All in all a great day. We are really proud of Julie and her accomplishments during her high school years. She is a beautiful young lady inside and out. Love you Julie!

Waiting for the grads to come out

Julie receiving her diploma

The class of '08 is excited to graduate!

The graduate

Julie is so glad her brother could be here to celebrate with her!

Jake, Julie, and Aubrey

Here we are with our graduate

Congrats Julie!

Fun in New York

2008-08-11T22:19:00.013-04:00

We took a quick side trip to NYC for a couple of days. It's always fun to take people there who have never been. We hit all the spots you have to see- Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, top of the Empire State Building, Times Square, too many stores to count, and we even caught a Broadway show (Phantom, Aubrey's favorite). One of our biggest thrills was shopping on Canal Street in Chinatown and getting our Coach purses and Rolex watches! I have to say, I LOVE New York.

The gang and Lady Liberty

Aubrey at Ellis Island

Jake and Julie have been to Ellis Island too many times. The thrill is gone for them!

Jordan had to have a hot dog from a street vendor

Central Park

So many subway rides.....

We're excited for the show!

The theater was beautiful

Times Square at night

Jordan and Aubrey visit

2008-07-24T21:26:00.008-04:00

We love to have company, but we don't get many visitors. So here is an open invitation to all of you- come visit any time! Jordan and Aubrey came to visit in June and we had a great time with them. Aubrey had never been to this part of the country, so it was lots of fun showing her around.

With Mr. Lincoln

With Mr. Jefferson

Here's Jordan giving a briefing in the Pentagon. He looks pretty happy. Maybe he's announcing Soccer as the new official American pastime.

Aubrey's announcing $2.00/gallon gas so she's happy too!

2008-07-14T16:14:00.002-04:00

Well, I have entered the world of blogging. Many thanks to my niece Julie for helping me get my blog up and running. I hope this will be a good way to keep in touch with my family and friends who are so far away. So, welcome to my blog, come back often, I hope that sometimes I'll have something interesting to write about. We have had quite a fun, busy summer so far, so my next couple of entries will be about what's been going on around here.