He's Walking...kind of!

Everyone,

  Just wanted to let everyone one know that Cruz took his first steps last week.  He is hilarious.  He is such a show off that if it is not just Taylor and I, he tries to run between the two of us.  He is getting better everyday though.  Hopefully, I will be able to catch his cute little wobble on camera.  Until then, we love you all!

Merry Christmas!

HapPy ThAnKsGiViNG!!

As you can see Cruz enjoyed himself this Thanksgiving!
His uncle Teigan knows him well. He gave him this adorable couch and Cruz chilled on it like a big boy the entire visit!

One of his favorite things to do is to watch tv on the big screen. He and Papa Mark were watching tv together when we caught this Kodak moment.

We all love Grandma and Grandpa Great! We wish we could all see them more! We love you guys!

What was Chelle thinking when she decided to give the boys super hero underwear? Of course Taylor couldn't just laugh and put them aside...you'll see what I mean.

Boys will be boys, right?

BROTHERS...

The boys got underwear, the girls got pajamas...



SWEET and INNOCENT SISTERS!

Mommy time....Cruz loves to read books. This is one that is Nana Chelle gave him for his birthday.

Laid back and enjoying life!

It doesn't get much better than this.

I love this time of year, because it causes me to sit back and truly be thankful for the many blessings in my life. So, here are just a few of the many blessings I am ever so thankful for!

1. My sweet, sexy, hilarious husband...my life would not be the same without him (and definitely not as funny)!

2. The best little boy anyone could ask for...his smile lights up my life and nothing brings me greater joy than spending time with him.

3. Our jobs! (not many mom's get to take their baby to work with them)

4. The gospel and freedom of religion!

5. Our nice warm home!

6. My mom and dad...not many people would give up their room, we will forever be indebted to them.

7. My wonderful in-laws...I am so thankful for the inspired people they are. My husband would not be the amazing man he is without their influence. Thank you so much!

8. My family...Taylor always says my parents must have been crazy to have so many kids, but I seriously cannot imagine what life would be like without each and every one of them!

9. The opportunity to continue our education. Some day we will finally graduate and move on to the next phase of life, but for now I love the phase we are in.

10. Our grandparents...you guys are all supportive and loving, thank you!

I could go on and on, but I won't. We love you all and hope this holiday season brings you much joy. Remember, nothing brings you more joy than serving others and most importantly the Lord!

The Man is 1!!!

Cruz is 1 year old...already! Time flies!!
It is amazing how much they grow in such a short period of time! He is the sweetest little boy, nothing makes Taylor or myself happier. His smile is contagious. As you can tell from the pictures below, he enjoyed himself...a lot

Cruz had a couple of his buddies over for the big party. His cousin, Tyler, and his friend Aiden (the littly guy I nanny). It was quite the party. Grandma and Grandpa Rasmussen also came over, as well as my mom and dad and Jake and Crystal. But it was fun.

It took Cruz a minute to decide whether or not he wanted some carrot cake, but once he tasted the frosting, there was no option. In fact, for days after the party, he say leftovers and wouldn't stop telling me more. Eat, eat, eat, that is all the boy wants to do.

We had a jungle theme for the party and this is the cake I made for Cruz. A cocnut tree and a banana tree with two monkey's...if you couldn't tell.

I chose a jungle theme, because Cruz is a wild man...and he loves animals.

We are so thankful for our little Cruz and the joy he continues to bring into our lives.

We love you all!

Happy Halloween!!

Nana Chelle and Papa Mark spoiled Cruz the whole time we were in Montana, and he loved every minute of it. He is so close to walking, but is content crawling, because it's easier. He's pretty determined though, so I would be surprised if he walks soon!

We spent our Halloween in Montana. We ofcourse partied the whole weekend. Taylor and I haven't really got to do anything fun for Halloween since we've been married, but Michelle made sure that would change this year. So, we had a pumpkin carving contest! We won't mention who won though.

Before we carved pumpkins, we took Cruz Trick or Treating. I was so excited to take him...and he fell asleep on the way! He wasn't just in a light sleep though, he was in a deep sleep. We trick or treated with him in my arms and he still wouldn't wake up. It wasn't until we put him in the car that he woke up. But he sure looked cute!

He looks so sweet and innocent when he's asleep.

FALL is here!! or is it Winter?

         

Yeah!  Fall is my favorite season, and if is here.  However, after the Century soccer game Saturday, I was a little worried that we have skipped fall all together and gone straight for winter!  

We played Preston for the district championship and beat them 4-1 despite the 4 inches of snow that was on the ground.  

Cruz and Taylor stayed warm at home, and didn't venture out into the cold.  I think Taylor likes having Cruz as an excuse for him to stay home and not FREEZE!  But I can't say that I blame him.

Now, we play Wood River High School (Sun Valley) on Thursday to see if we will be first or second seat at state. Hopefully state will be a little warmer since it is in Boise.  Cruz is going with me, so keep your fingers crossed! 

Even though the weather was bad, we braved the roads and met Jake, Crystal and Tyler in Idaho Falls for dinner.  It is always fun to get together, especially our two little ones.  They always have a blast together.  When they first saw each other, they looked at one another and just started laughing.  I don't know what it was they were laughing at, but they seemed to think it was pretty funny!  We had so much fun!  Hopefully, we can do it more often!!!

Love you all!

P.S.  My frustrations were fixed today, thanks to Crystal's help.  I thought I was going to go crazy!  Thanks for saving me.

I am sooo FrUstrAteD!!!

I am trying to put a cute background on here and it is not working. Sometimes this program or whatever it is is so hard to navigate. Be patient, cute background coming!!

AngeLs...

My General Conference Thoughts....


I am so thankful for the gospel and the opportunity we have twice a year to listen to the prophets and apostles who are speaking directly to us. This conference was a good one as they always are, and again there was one talk in particular that really touched me. I don't know how many of you heard the talk in the Saturday afternoon by Jeffrey R. Holland about ANGELS, but it was amazing. If you didn't you should get online and listen to it, or wait till Thursday to read it, but the way Elder Holland conveys his message is very touching. Toward the end of his talk he mentions a scripture...
D&C 84:88
And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.


Along with sharing this scripture he emphasized the part, "angels round about you" and said we need to remember this, especially in the hard times. He then shared a touching story about a little boy and his father, but I'm gonna make you listen to it, because I know I could not do it justice.
I am so thankful to Elder Holland for giving this talk. The spirit really touched me. I am so thankful for the gospel and all of the joys it brings into my life. I am so thankful for my families, whom I love very much. I am so thankful for the scriptures, and that we have them to read and ponder every day. I am so thankful for General Conference and the opportunity we have to be spiritually uplifted and renewed. I am thankful for the ANGELS that my loving Heavenly Father has placed "round about" me. I couldn't make it through this wonderful life without them.


Thank you ANGELS...

• My Loving, Thoughtful, Kind, FUNNY, smart, honorable, happy, supporting...I could go on forever...HUSBAND!!!
• My sweet angel CRUZ...I never thought you could love something so much so soon!
• My mom and dad...they are the best. We couldn't survive without them. They are always there for us, even when we don't think we need them. I love you guys.
• My brothers and sisters(that includes you in-laws)...you are not only my angels, but also my examples.
• My mother and father in-law...who knew I would be so blessed to have a second pair of parents that I love just as much as my very own!
• My grandparents...thanks for setting the bar so high!
• My aunts and uncles...life just wouldn't be the same without all of the fun memories together.
• My friends...most important decision growing up...good friends!
• My soccer team...those girls know how to brighten my day.
• Jennifer and Aiden and Charles...without them I wouldn't be able to spend every day with my little man.
• My visiting teacher...she never misses a month, even if it's just a phone call. It's nice to know someone else is thinking about you.

I could go on forever! I love you all!

Trip to see Jennie

Our trip to visit Jennie was so much fun! Unfortunately Cruz was teething, but he was a good baby despite his little gums hurting. He is such a character. It seems like he gets cuter every day. It is amazing how much they soak in so quickly. It is so funny, sometimes when he gets frustrated he pulls his hair. Like, when you can't shovel the food in fast enough. He is getting such a personality, and we are loving it!

Cruz was so tired after watching Jennie play soccer on Friday. He finally gave in while we were eating, after he had thrown every piece of food I had given him, on the floor. That's what kids do though. Right?
We had a blast with Grandma and Grandpa Rasmussen with us. Grandpa is always such a hoot. Of course he wouldn't smile for me! And believe it or not Daddy Scotty misses his little girl. I don't think he let her out of his sight, except to sleep. But don't we all miss he bright smiling attitude!

We had a lot of fun watching Jen's team. She is amazing. She is working her way up and played almost all of both of the games we watched. It was fun to watch her and think back to the days when I was in her shoes. Watching her brought back so many memories. She seems to be having a lot of fun with her new roommates. Despite what we thought might happen she still has ATTITUDE! But that's what we all love and miss!

TyLerS tWo!

TyLer'S tWo!

For Tyler's 2nd birthday Crystal and Jake had a little family birthday party for him. It was a blast. Everyone got to go enjoy their new house and wonderful backyard. The weather couldn't have been better, it was beautiful!
The cousin's had a blast together, and I think Tyler got spoiled again. It was so fun watching him open his presents. We got so many cute pictures, I thought we'd better share a few. But I hard a hard time deciding which ones to post, because there were so many cute ones.
We love Jake, Crystal, and Tyler! We miss them dearly, but had a blast spending the weekend with them. Enjoy the pictures!

Love Always,

Josie.Taylor.Cruz


Cruz loves his Papa Scott!
I think you could say he liked the cake!

Cruz makes some faces like his mommy!
Isn't he a cutie?

Cruz was content playing with the leftovers.

Tyler is such a cutie! He was so excited when he saw his new bike!
Vroom...vroom...the only words out of his mouth!
Is he a Rasmussen or what? Chocolate licorice, I wanted to steal it later, when he had forgotten about it, but I refrained!

Grandpa was getting a little worried, when Cruz tried to escape from Tyler's new wagon.

After Tyler put his new wagon together the little ones went to work. Cruz loved it, but kept trying to stand up. With Samara driving, it was pretty entertaining.