Rasmussen Family Pics

When I married into the Rasmussen family I could not believe how many pictures they took. For a girl with picture anxiety who comes from a family that hardly ever brings out the camera it took some major getting used to. Over the years I have come to really appreciate it and am almost completely converted to their picture loving ways. So when we sort of last minute decided to take family pictures after Paul's mission homecoming I had minimal picture anxiety. What can I say, I try to grow a little each day.;) It was so hot in Vegas we opted to take them in the house - it was still pretty darn hot with that many people squished together. It added a nice "glow" to my face. :) But I really must brag, we Rasmussens make up one good looking family.

And here you have it, the Garth Rasmussen Family!
I seriously won the jackpot inheriting this wonderful family. I adore them!

The original Rasmussens
The posterity
Our version of the RasmussensAfter our picture taking Paul surprised all the nieces and nephews with matching Brazilian soccer uniforms. How cute is that!??!?!?! What a fun uncle!

They love him.

imagine

Imagine we lived in a world where everyone wore a giant sticker on their clothes stating what their occupation was and that it was common for the strangers they came in contact with to make a comment about their choice of profession. Wouldn't that feel odd. Wouldn't it make everyone feel a little bit more self-conscious as they cant ignore how noticed and judged they are for their choice of lifestyles. Whether the comments were mostly positive or not it would be uncomfortable if we all lost our anonymous status going about every activity we happened to be doing.Wouldn't those same jokes and comments sort of get on your nerves day after day?

That is how it feels for a mother with a lot of children (that are not in school). Everywhere she goes she gets comments. Mostly ones meant to be encouraging but often it just gets old. Sometimes you wish you didn't even have to think about what other people are thinking about you. Sure, we all like a good compliment and heaven knows a stay at home mom could use more then she gets but if I got a dollar every time someone said to me,"Wow, you sure have your hands full." we would not be in financial crisis right now. Then there are the even ruder compliments like, "Wow, you are such a patient mother. wow. I admire you." That may seem nice except that it insinuates that my children are so awful that my ability to not be screaming at them invokes awe.

I know there are worse things in life but just a little FYI to the rest of the world, if it isn't a full on compliment that doesn't insinuate that my kids seem like terrors and you are surprised I am not committing suicide right now, keep it to yourself. Its generally not helping anything by being said.

And there you have my venting about my Walmart experience today! ;O)

Welcome Home Elder!

In July we excitedly welcomed Stewart's little brother Paul home from his mission to Brazil. Serving a mission is a major accomplishment. It is 2 years of relentless work, service, testing of faith, and tons of personal growth. Paul was an exceptional missionary who gave his whole heart to the work and the people of Brazil. I am so grateful for his righteous example he has set for my kids who really look up to him as their uncle. Being all together with Paul felt so wonderful. We love Paul to death and are glad we have him home again. Paul, good job and Welcome home!

The welcoming party!

After being late and missing Liz last summer we made sure to get there early. We were waiting around for like thirty minuets making all the other arriving flights have to walk around us and our giant sign. Fun memories. :)

How cute are these cousins?!?!?!?!
Its the rule, Mom gets the first hug. :O)

Of course followed by Dad. Such a sweet picture.

Its odd to think this might be our last missionary homecoming. I sort of hope we get to do one more for little Miss Whitney. ;)

Dine at the Dump

We live by the Lockwood Landfill. Every year they host a community event of dinning at the dump. What can I say? We live in a very classy area. This year we took part in this fabulous event. Stewart did not want to go but I heard they usually have great food so I dragged him to it. Stewart was glad that the smell of the awesome BBQ overpowered the mild but ever so lovely dump smells.We all had a great time and I could see it was where all the neighborhood hot shots were at. We even got to rub shoulders with the HOA presidents and everything. We're officially moving our way up the Lockwood social ladder. Anyways, we came home feeling rather fancy in the most hickish way. I am proud to say we've dined at the dump. We're so cool.