Halloween!!!

We went to my Grandparents' house for a Halloween party on Monday. We ate chili and scones, and we basically just socialized. After we ate, all of the kids went trick or treating inside the house. They went to all the doors and knocked, and we had the adults standing behind the doors to pass out candy. The kids had a lot of fun (of course, because they got CANDY!)
Can I just say that K-Mart has the best costumes! They were all 50% off, and there was such a variety. We were very happy with the costumes that we got. Braxton is going to be a gorilla, Kyson's a puppy, and Beau's a skeleton. We are so excited for Halloween! I'll post some more pics from tonight. Maybe we can get a better one of Kyson.
This is Brax with his cute cousin, Sydney. Every time I would tell her to smile, her mouth shot open like that. She's so funny!

Kyson wouldn't keep his ears on!

Beau makes being a skeleton ADORABLE!

We hope everyone has a fun Halloween!

The Camera, the Witch and the Phone . . . and the Honest People who ROCK!

Last Saturday the girls in my family went to the Witch Palooza at Gardner Village. We all dressed up in our witch attire and got ready to have a little fun. Right when we got there we decided to take a few pictures, as shown below :)

Anyway, so we went around to a few stores and all of a sudden I realized I didn't have my phone or my camera! Keep in mind, this place was outside, dark, and full of people. . . well, witches. Actually I did see Pikachoo, Gandalf the White, and Jack from the Nightmare Before Christmas, but that's beside the point. . . Haley got out her phone and immediately began dialing my number. Nobody answered. She dialed again. Still no answer. She kept calling for a few minutes and still no answer. Finally someone called from my phone and she hung up on them! I grabbed the phone from her and dialed my number again. There was a man's voice on the other end. I explained to him that I lost my phone and he explained to me that he was by the store where they sell the fudge. He said he would wait there. We scurried to the sweets shop and I got my phone back. He said he kept hearing a phone ringing and he was like "Can someone answer their *@% phone!!!" He said he finally noticed my phone in a pile of leaves. After thanking the man numerous times, we went on a search for my camera. We checked store after store to see if anyone turned in a white digital camera, to no avail. After walking around a while we finally decided to leave. I thought about calling Gardner Village on Monday to see if anyone turned in my camera but I couldn't find the phone number. Then I got lost in the crazy week that this week has been, and I thought my camera was gone forever. Todd decided this morning, Friday, (almost a week later) to call Gardner Village and see if the camera was there, and guess what. . . IT WAS! So THANKS to the honest man who answered my phone and waited for me to get there; and THANKS to the person, whoever you are, who turned my camera into the the office! It's so nice to know that there are actually honest people out there. I am forever grateful to you and your wonderful example! You Rock!

Mini Update

So life with three kids has definitely settled down a lot. In fact, we're loving it. The only hard thing is Todd and my schedules just got a lot more hectic (I know, it's always something isn't it?) Todd is working as a reserve police officer for the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department, along with his 12 hour grave yard schedule at the prison. I picked up a part time job working with people with disabilities. Needless to say, we both are pretty tired. But Todd has more reason to be tired, (my poor husband.) He works so hard and never gets enough sleep. And to make matters worse, when I go to work, he's got kid duty, whether he worked a grave or not. We have to keep reminding ourselves that this is all a means to an end, but we're excited for the time when our busy lives can settle down a bit, if that ever happens! :) I'll write a longer post when I have time, but this will do for now. Peace out!

Anger Management

Someone please help! My 18 month old needs to go to anger management real bad. I'm not even kidding you. That kid has got a temper. Todd called me at work today and said that Kyson just passed out. He told me he heard Kyson scream and then SILENCE. He ran into the boys' room and saw Kyson with his head resting on the toy chest. Kyson looked up at Todd, and he was crying so hard, he wasn't even making any sound. His lips and face began to change color, then all of a sudden Kyson fell back. Todd caught him before he hit the ground but when he picked him up, Ky went limp. A few seconds later, Kyson came back to consciousness, but he looked at Todd like he didn't even know who he was. It took him 5 minutes of laying with his daddy on the couch before he began to be his normal self again. Now I've heard about kids doing things like this but both Todd and I are totally freaked out. If anyone has any advice, please comment. Thanks!

The SECRET to SUCCESS!!!

I bet after reading my last post you all thought "Well she's never going to take her kids anywhere again!" If that's what you thought, you'd be wrong. Call me crazy, but I really wanted to take my kids to the Living Planet Aquarium. I guess whoever came up with the old saying "Practice makes perfect. . ." really knew what they were talking about because this time we did it without a hitch! I'm not kidding! Nobody cried, or screamed, or leaked through their pants, or threw up at all. Now, Kyson still wandered off every once in a while, but that was all. And it really wasn't even that bad.

Okay, so maybe everything went so well because this time Braxton had a longer nap in the car; or Kyson was well fed; or perhaps the fact that Beau was asleep the whole time had something to do with it; or maybe even the fact that the amount of interest and kid friendliness on the Fun-O-Meter was WAY UP! You could say that all those fantastic reasons factor into the equation. But, just for my own personal satisfaction, I'm going to add in practice. Because as we all know, practice makes perfect:) So there you have it: the secret formula to SUCCESS. Go ahead and write it down. (You know you want to.)

SLEEP + FOOD + HIGH % OF FUN + PRACTICE = SUCCESS

We really did have fun. We saw lots of cool fish, and sharks and other creatures of the deep. We even got to pet stingrays! It was pretty cool, even for the mom:)

Barnes and Noble MAYHEM!

A few days ago I was having an "I'm super girl" moment. I took the kids to Barnes and Noble with me. I pulled out the 2 seater stroller and put Kyson and Beau in. Braxton had refused to take a nap earlier so he had fallen asleep in the car. Braxton + Tired = RIDICULOUS. So as you can imagine, when I woke him up to go inside, he started screaming. Just then, Beau joined in. I made him a bottle and propped it up with a blanket so I could carry Braxton with one hand and push the stroller with the other. When I got to the door, an older gentleman held it open for us. I struggled through, thanking him on my way. The old man smiled and said "It looks like you've got your hands full." What I wanted to say: "You should write a book about how to state the obvious." What I actually said: "Sure do." I continued to struggle to the kids section at the back of the store. Meanwhile, Braxton's stilll screaming. I whisper quiet threats in his ear that he better stop it now. He keeps screaming. I set him down and tell him he needs to walk. He screams louder. It went like this the whole time we were in the store. But then, Beau finished his bottle and started screaming. I took him out of the stroller and started to burp him, then I pulled Kyson out of the stroller so he could walk around. Braxton wanted in the stroller so I put him in the stroller, all the while burping Beau, pushing the monsterous 2 seater stroller, chasing and cleaning up after the tornado which was Kyson, and reminding Braxton to stop screaming. I finally decided, after several cruel stares from customers and employees that it was my cue to go.

A scolding from a 2 year old. . .

So I was putting Braxton down for a nap the other day and he said, "Mom, lay down me hight now!" I told him that I was sorry but I needed to get some things done while he napped. Again he said, "Mom, hight now . . ." I told him again that I couldn't. Then he said, "5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . Otay, I spank a bum." He was so serious as he hopped out of bed and swatted my behind. I struggled not to laugh as I put him back into bed. And that was how I was scolded by a 2 year old :)
I love having kids! Everyday they do funny things like this. I find myself laughing a lot. It can be a challenge sometimes and I know the future will probably hold some woosies. But honestly, my kids and my husband are my life. They are my very reason for waking up in the morning. They are my best friends. I just love them to pieces. Just had to get that out there.
Also, Todd is getting sworn in tomorrow to work as a reserve officer for Salt Lake County Sheriffs Department and I'm so proud of him and all he does for our family. Good job babe, and good luck!!!

Today I was feeling very ambitious. I dressed my boys and packed them in the car. We drove to a historical park and took pictures. I probably looked like an idiot toting the three of them around and directing them on how to pose and where to stand etc., but like I said, I was feeling ambitious, and I didn't think anyone else would be there. We ended up being the only ones there for about five minutes, then an old man came out with a weedwacker and started to cut the weeds around the trees. The whole time we were there, he stared at me like I was an insane person.

It was so cute to see my kids personalities shine through. Braxton was very cooperative and posed even when I didn't ask him to. He was also very much the big brother, protecting and bossing around his little bros. Kyson was my little wanderer. He wouldn't sit still to save his life today, but that is SO Kyson. If we want him to walk somewhere, he goes the opposite direction! Beau was a sweetheart. But he wouldn't wake up, even when I handed him to Braxton, and Kyson repeatedly poked him in the head saying "Baby!" Ah well, the joys of motherhood.

Anyway, I wish I could put all of the pictures on here but I really can't so I had to pick just a few of my favorites. ENJOY :)

Our newest addition :)

Our little Beau Mccoy is finally here! So here's the story:

On May 13th we went into the hospital at 9:15am to get induced. They started the medicine and broke my water around 11:00am. The baby's heart beat would drop dramatically every time I had a contraction so he wasn't handling the labor very well at all. A few times the doctor would run in with a few nurses when the heart beat stayed down. We were almost rushed to an operating table to have an emergency c-section, but Todd felt impressed to give me a blessing. After that the heart beat went up immediately, and it stayed strong from then on.

Beau came into this world at 1:09pm and the doctor noticed the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck twice. He expertly removed the cord and everything was great!!! Beau was 6 lbs. 5 oz. and 19 1/2 in. long. I am so grateful for Todd, that he listened to the spirit. I am also grateful for doctors! What a blessing.

So that's pretty much the story. There are a few pictures above, of our precious Beau Mccoy. Enjoy :)

Tomorrow's the BIG One!!!

So I just thought I should let everyone know that I am going to the hospital tomorrow to be induced. I am sooo nervous I can barely breath. This is a conversation I had with my darling little sis Haley today:

Me: "I think Braxton is picking up on my nerves because he has been absolutely ridiculous today. He must know something is about to change."

Haley: "You're probably right. But you don't need to be nervous, you know what to expect."

Me: "That's what makes me nervous!!!"

I really do feel like it would be easier if I didn't know what was coming and when! This whole day I have been shaking, knowing that I will be having this baby tomorrow. I know it will all be okay, but I still can't shake this feeling. And to make matters worse, Todd is at work tonight. He won't get home until 6am so I have to go this night alone. The hospital called and said they would call me tomorrow morning and give me the exact time to come in, which could be anywhere from 6am-9am, depending on how busy their night was. So wish me luck, and I will let you know how it goes.

Much Needed Update

So, there has been a lot going on with the Rasmussen family over the past month that I need to update you on.

#1. We pulled out the swimming pool Kyson got for his birthday for the first time and, after slathering the kids up with sunscreen, we had ourselves a little fun in the sun. The water was a little cold so most of the time was spent outside of the pool :)

#2. Easter was so much fun. We had and Easter egg hunt for the kids at my parents' house on Saturday, then another one on Sunday at Todd's parents' house. And (of course) the Easter bunny came on Easter morning. It was funny to watch the kids get there little treasures. Kyson wasn't too interested so I had to help him along. Braxton on the other hand (once he discovered the candy inside each egg) was all business! :)

#3. I am almost 37 weeks pregnant and am now going to the doctor once a week. I went today, and we were shocked to find out that I'm already 2 cm dialated and 80% effaced. My official due date is May 20th, but since this is my third baby I can get induced a week before. So today I scheduled an induction date for May 13. Which means that, at most, I only have a little over two weeks left before baby day!!! AAAAHHHH! Sorry, please excuse that little outburst. I'm just a little excited, and I'm freaking out.

#4. I am going on a tour of the prison on May 5th and Todd said that I should be prepared to have the inmates shout things at me! :)

I'm so excited and nervous for this tour as well as everything else that's going on in our lives right now that all I can do is leave you with a goofy smile :) Oh, and wish me luck please! (with the inmates and the labor :). . .)

Braxton. . .potty trained? No way!!!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah, hallelujah, hal - le - lu - jah. . . !!! I'm not kidding you, this kid is a miracle child . . . He's barely two years old and he is no longer in diapers :) I'm so proud. (sob), I would just like to thank (tears), (sniffle) my mom, for helping me, (more tears) take that first huge leap of even attempting to try and potty train him. (sniffle), (sob), (snort). I love you mom! Love you Braxton! Love you Todd! Love you Kyson! Heck, right now I love EVERYONE :)

Going private

Todd was thinking about going private so if you would like to still read our blog please give me your e-mail address so I can add you to our list of readers. Thanks everyone!!!

Kyson is ONE YEAR OLD . . . Holy cow, time flies when you're having fun!

Do you think Kyson was a little overwhelmed with all of his gifts :)

It was so adorable the way he dug into his birthday cake.

We had Kyson's 1st birthday party at a park yesterday. We were lucky because it was such a beautiful day. We ate pizza and I made two cakes (both Todd and my family came.) I also made Ky a birthday sign. . . and I did it all on the morning of his birthday. Talk about procrastination! :) But we had sooooo much fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYSON! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Hair Cuts!!!

So let me just brag about my husband for a minute. He is so helpful and wonderful. He works so much but he always finds time to be with me and the kids. For example, Todd is the one who cuts our boys' hair! And he does an awesome job, even though the boys absolutely hate getting their hair cut. They cry and scream the whole time. So Todd, thanks for all you do for us. We love you so much!!!

I know this is a little late but I finally have access to a computer, so here are just a few pictures of Braxton's 2nd birthday party. He had so much fun and couldn't believe that there was a day just for him. He loved it, and we had just as much fun watching him. I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for making this day special for our handsome, loving 2 year old.

Why are we moving on the unluckiest day of the year?

Well, we are finally leaving Alpine Storage. I didn't realize it until this morning when I was watching the news that today is friday the 13th; the unluckiest day of the year!!! I hope we don't drop our tv or watch helplessly as our brand new bed goes flying out of the trailer on the freeway!!! :) I only smile because that actually happened to my parents. It was really sad, actually. Sorry mom and dad.

Anyway, may I just point out that every time Todd and I have moved (aside from our very first apartment) I have been pregnant. I can't tell you how helpless I feel at moments like this because I can't help move anything. And trust me, if I try I get an ear-full from everyone.

Well, Todd and I just wanted to say something to those of you who helped: Mom, Dad, Josh, Jen, Trent, Robby, and anyone I may have forgotten "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Where would we be without you?"

The Honest Award

Thanks Tami for tagging me with the Honest Award! So, here are the rules for the Honest Scrap award -The honorees are to:


A) First list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!
B) Pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

So here I go:
1. I love old movies . . . I truly do. My mom always told me she thinks I was born in the wrong time period because even when I was younger I would always watch "I Love Lucy" re-runs. Some of my all-time favorite old movies are "Good Neighbor Sam", "Yours, Mine, and Ours", "The Pink Panther", "Move Over Darling", "Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein", "White Christmas", "Pillow Talk", "Breakfast at Tiffany's", "The Long, Long Trailer", and "Send Me No Flowers". Really, if you haven't seen any of these movies, look 'em up. They're really great:)

2. I am a car singer. Yep, it's true. When I am alone in the car I turn up the music and sing like I'm on American Idol. Phew, it feels good to get that out in the open:) I also sing at home all the time! My poor kids have to listen to me. And I even feel worse for Ashley and Joe (the couple who live beneath us). Sorry guys!

3. I want to be an artist. I love painting, drawing, and even writing. I've got pictures that I've painted hanging in Braxton's room, and I'm currently working on one for Kyson and the new baby as well. It is such a wonderful feeling to create something and know that part of you resides in each and every piece of art you create. Since I was little I was always writing kids books and illustrating them. I've got about ten stories that are completed but I keep on writing more. Will they ever be published? Realistically . . . Probably not, but oh well. The stories keep piling up anyway.

4. I've got some SERIOUS road rage issues. I'm afraid my kids are going to start saying things like "Come on . . . moron.", "Idiot!", "Why are you going the speed limit! I'm in a hurry." and my personal favorite, "Where'd you learn to drive? Boat school?!" You can thank Spongebob for that last one:) My sister Haley can attest to my road rage problem. I love you Haley!

5. I LOVE dogs. If I could get any kind of dog right now it would be a boxer. Todd got me one before he went on his mission and I absolutely adored him. I think about him all the time. His name was Koda and he was the best. We had to get rid of him though, because when we got married we moved into an apartment. But we will definitely be getting a dog when we get our own house! Yay:)

6. I am CRAZY about my kids and my husband. They are so amazing and I can't believe how lucky I am. Seriously, today I was sitting at home thinking about how I ever got along without them. I feel like they have always been in my life and I can't even imagine myself before my handsome hubby and our two little kiddos. So, to Todd, Braxton, and Kyson -- I LOVE YOU!

7. I pretty much make a list for everything. I'm not kidding you. I make lists about what I need to get done that day, what groceries I need to get, what my goals are, what chores need to get done, what bills need to get paid, what stories I could write about, what decorating ideas I could re-create for my house, what movies I want to see, what books I want to read, etc. . .etc. . .etc. . . It's kind of funny, but there it is.

8. I am really scared of drowning. I don't know why. I just think it would be terrifying to get your foot stuck on something when you were under the water and you couldn't get out again. Or if you were on a cruise and the ship sunk and you were locked in room or something, like on Titanic. I don't know, I just think that would be awful. But I LOVE the water, and water itself doesn't scare me at all. Go figure. In fact, I practically grew up on a boat. In the summer we always went to the lake, and we made trips to Lake Powell every year, most of the time twice a year! Lake Powell is amazing. If you haven't been, my advice to you would be to get up and GO! Just don't get your foot caught on a weed or something at the bottom!!!

9. My all time favorite tv show would have to be American Idol. I also like House, The Bachelor, and Deal or No Deal. Ha ha ha, that's kind of funny because on most of those shows, someone wins something. American Idol you can become a rock star, The Bachelor - TRUE love, and Deal or No Deal - $$$. I guess that's just the dreamer in me. I love the idea of some average joe acheiving something that would normally be absolutely impossible:)

10. Bagels and Hot Chocolate!!! Need I say more?

I'm only tagging 6, (Sorry) :
Jen
Haley
Ashley
Hollie
Lisa
Ambyr

We know what we're having . . . now we need a name!

Okay, okay, okay. I know it's been forever since our last post but it kind of makes it difficult when you don't have a computer! Anyway, once we do get our computer fixed I would love to post a picture of the ultrasound from January 12th. But until then, I will just have to say that (according to the recent poll) the majority of our friends and family thought we were having a girl. Well, all I have to say to you is how terribly WRONG you are!!! Yep, that's right. It's another boy:) After the initial shock wore off, we realized just how excited we are. So to our new little one I just wanted to say we love you, and we can't wait to get to know you.

P.S. Thank you all for sharing in our excitement and utter shock!

P.P.S. We NEED boy names. Please leave your comments if you have any cute, unique, and cool boy names. We could really use the help:)