It's Beginning......

To look a lot like Christmas at the Atkinson home! I am so in love with today and with this moment!

Our Christmas Tree is up and decorated

We have Christmas music playing

There is a white blanket of snow outside and our apartment is warm and cozy

And our home is filled with the aroma of my new holiday spice wallflower from the bath and body works sale and also with the sweet smell of Justin's freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. 

I just ate a cookie while blogging, and let me tell you, they are one of his best batches yet!

Today is a GREAT day!

Black Friday

My husband is awesome! I just had to start with that since he spent the entire day with me shopping in crowded stores. 

-We awoke at the ripe hour of 3:30 in the a.m. and sleepily got dressed and headed out the door to Kohls. 

- Kohls was insane. Found some boots, a vacuum, and clothes.  Looked at line that went to the back corner of store and decided no savings were worth that much of our time.

- Went to old navy and got there right as they were opening. Walked right in, found our purchases, waited in no line and got freebies!

- Went to mall. Wandered through Herbergers (like dillards) for about an hour looking for something to get with our free 10 dollar gift cards, but everything we found was an "exclusion". Decided we hate Herbergers.

- Walked around mall but realized we are too cheap for nice mall stuff.

- Went to best buy and bought some movies that were 3.98. We used our 10 dollars in reward points that we got from buying our tv. Free stuff! Nice!

- Came home and I got ready for work.  Justin took me to work.

- I worked from 10-5

- During that time Justin did MORE shopping (for me!) and did the laundry. Could I get any luckier?! Oh and he took a nap. Lucky dog.

- Justin picked me up at work at 5 and we went to the outlet stores.

- Basically finished our christmas shopping for ourselves.  Lets just say Banana Republic entire store an extra 50% and some other stores everything 70% off. Awesome!

- Went to Wal-Mart and bought a Christmas tree and shampoo for Justin (he earned it)

- Came home and ate Thanksgiving leftovers

- I went into our room and thats the last thing I remember

- Justin informed me this morning that when he came into our room I was asleep on the bed still fully dress in my clothes.

Black Friday was amazing!

Thanksgiving 2008

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We had a fabulous Thanksgiving. We went over to Brian and Joni Lees's house along with Dave and Natalie Henriksen and Ben and Melissa Smalley, all from our ward and the MHA program.  We had a delicious meal with TONS of food. I think there was more food leftover, then was actually eaten.  My favorite part of Thanksgiving is the yams (I know I am weird) and Joni made some killer yams. We chatted and ate Brian's awesome appetizers, then we ate our meal, then we watched some football, the fight scene from Rocky IV, and some of home alone.  Joni and Brian have THE cutest little boys and they kept us very entertained.  We had a great day being with friends and getting comfy on their couch after way too much food. Thanks Lee family for having us over! We missed being with our families today but we are thankful today to have such great friends and to be able to have good food and good company here in Minnesota. 

The boys diggin in

All the Deliciousness 

Melissa, Ben, the little guys, Nat, Dave, Joni and Brian.

Marcus watching Ice Age while the big people watched football. So cute!

Tyson smiling for the camera. He is in my nursery class and we love him!

Us Atkinson's

Me with the tower o' leftovers. We are set for at least a week!!!

Hope you all had a great day with the ones you love and ate lots of turkey (and yams)!

Week of Thanks- Day 3 AND Wednesday's Read

I know it is late in the evening, but I worked this morning and we just got back from a basketball game.  Yesterday the theme of thanks was "all things temporal" and so today the theme is...

All Things Spiritual:

- I am thankful to be sealed to my husband for time and all eternity (thats right babe FOR-EV-ER!)

- I am thankful for forever families

- I am thankful for the Book of Mormon

- I am thankful to belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

- I am thankful for my calling in the church as a nursery worker, and to learn from the sweet little souls that I teach

- I am thankful to be called as a Temple worker and to have this special experience at this point in my life.

- I am thankful for the Priesthood and my Husband who is worthy to hold it

- I am thankful for the ability to pray to my Heavenly Father whenever, wherever

- I am thankful that my prayers are always answered, sometimes in unexpected, but perfect ways

- I am thankful for the still small voice that keeps me on the right path

- I am thankful that I am never alone, and that there is someone who knows all my pains and sufferings and loves me unconditionally

- I am thankful for my firm testimony and faith

- I am thankful to have a modern day Prophet who lead and guides me

- I am thankful for repentance, I need it often and am grateful that I can be forgiven

- I am thankful for my heavenly father, who loves me and truly wants what is best for me

- And ultimately I am grateful for my Savior, who gave his life for me, who sacrificed for my sins, and who is my brother and loves me.

I know this list is not as long or detailed as my others, but I think spirituality is a more personal subject.

On to Wednesday's Read!

Keeping on the Spiritual line I want to share with you one of my favorite Church Books.

It is called The Peace Giver: How Christ Offers to Heal Our Hearts and Homes, by James Ferrell. This book really showed me a different side and point of view of some very well known church stories and examples.  It helps us to see that every story has two sides and to be compassionate towards others.  This book really touched my heart and helped me through a difficult time in my life. I love this book and am thankful for it in my life.

Week of Thanks- Day 2

Continuing on with my week of thanks, the theme for today is

All things Temporal-

- I am thankful that heat is included in our rent here in Minnesota.

- I am thankful that I landed a job in scrapbook heaven a.k.a. "Jessica's Heaven"

- I am thankful for a great car that is completely paid off.

- I am thankful for a library card that grants access to a world of fabulous literature just waiting for me to find and devour it

- I am thankful for banana cream pie blizzards from DQ.

- I am thankful for excedrin migraine. I get headaches that debilitate me and this miracle pill is - the only thing that can save me!

- I am thankful for bottled water, as the water in Minnesota seems to have a strange taste.

- I am thankful for mapquest since Minneapolis lacks the amazing Utah grid system

- I am thankful for microwaves, toilets, showers, blow dryers, washing machines, my fridge vacuums, irons, telephones, stoves, and all other modern day conveniences that make my life   so much easier!

- I am thankful (finally after 20 years) for my naturally curly hair that I can do in about 10 minutes, and on that note,

- I am thankful for my CHI hair straightener. I love you will all of my heart. I don't know what I ever did without you!

- I am thankful for Skype, which allows me to see my beloved family and adorable niece and nephew.

- I am thankful for contact lenses

- I am thankful for all the strangers who tell me what pretty eyes and eyelashes I have

- I am currently thankful for student loans (ask me again in 5 years)

- I am thankful for sports. The thrill and excitement and how sports unite people from all walks of life because of the mutual love of "your team" p.s " Go Twins, Jazz, Gophers, Dodgers, Real etc...."

- I am thankful for tv and for my favorite shows

- I am thankful for getting into housing here, and loving our little apartment

- I am thankful for music, and songs that change my life and inspire me

- I am thankful for my scrap-booking tools. My revolution, my xyron, my paper trimmer, my quickstick, I love you!

- I am thankful for 1$ chicken nuggets at Mcdonalds (don't judge me)

- I am thankful for my bookshelf with all of my favorite reads

- I am thankful for my cell phone 

- I am thankful for smart wool socks

- I am thankful for ramen noodles and mac and cheese that comfort me on cold days

- I am thankful that my husband got me hooked on my latex foam pillow

- I am thankful for my memory foam bed topper

- I am thankful for blogs that allow me to catch up with old friends and get to know people better then I ever did when I was face to face with them

- I am thankful for all the freeways here that get us where need to be in no time at all( except from 4-6 rush hour)

- I am thankful that my husband landed a job as  research assistant

- I am thankful that we can afford to eat, pay rent, buy gas and all the other necessities of life (thanks again uncle sam, we sure appreciate your love and support)

- I am thankful for bare minerals make up

- I am thankful for airplanes and thankful that in less then one month I will be on one going to Utah to see my family!!!!

And once again there are a million more temporal things that I am thankful for in my life. This is just a few of them that I thought of for today. Hope you are all having a happy tuesday!!!

Week of Thanks- Day 1

Thanksgiving is on Thursday (just thought I would let you all know) and in honor of Thanksgiving I wanted to do a post about things that I am thankful for.  As I started thinking about all the many wonderful things in my life, I realized this was going to be one LONG post so instead I am breaking it up and I am going to write a post every day about things that I am thankful for.  The theme for today is:

People I am thankful for-

(p.s. click on the links to see all these people that I love so much!)

-I am thankful for my husband, to be married to my best friend for eternity.  For his awesome sense of humor that keeps me laughing every day, and for his support and love that he shows me daily.

- I am thankful for A-Mazing parents whose love and support amaze me daily.

- I am thankful for a mother who I have so much in common with, and as I get older has become my best girlfriend, and I am thankful for our endless phone calls

- I am thankful for a father who has sacrificed more then anyone should for his family and his country.  Who loves his family unconditionally and is my hero as Colonel in the US Army.

- I am thankful to have the most adorable niece and nephew in all the land

- I am thankful for siblings who I can laugh with for hours and who have all turned out to be wonderful people. We have grown to have so much in common and I am glad we are a forever family.

- I am thankful for my brother Jordan who is the kindest person and who finds joy in everything. Julie who is my dear and only sister who I love to laugh with, share secrets with, and love deeply. Jake who is funny, SMART, talented at everything, and has a great and compassionate heart. 

-- I am thankful for wonderful in-laws whom I love dearly and who are not only family, but my friends. Who have been there for me and truly made me their daughter. Who have shown me support and love in all things.

- I am thankful for all my sibling in laws. I have so much fun laughing with them and love them all dearly. I have truly been blessed to have the greatest in laws that are such dear friends.

- I am thankful for Shawn and Krystal and their friendship, support and camaraderie , Aubrey for being such a GREAT and strong person and for loving my brother dearly. Justin and Melissa for being such kind souls and Melissa for giving such great haircuts. Casey for that sense of humor who never ceases to shock/ crack us up, and Brittany for letting us tease her but knowing that we love her and her humor, excitement, and friendship so much. And soon to be Caleb, thank you for loving my sister, and making her happier then I have ever seen or imagined she could be!

- I am thankful for all the friendships I have had in my life and for girlfriends that I can go months or even years without seeing, but when we get together, it's as if no time has passed. I love all my friends, but here is a little shout out to a couple that I want to thank. Emily, Emma, Ashley, Bittani, and Amanda.

- I am thankful for the wonderful pets I have had in my life and the comfort they bring and unconditional love they show. Thanks especially to Sam, I miss you with all my heart buddy.  And to Abby Justin's dog. We miss you! Thank you for being such a great friend to the love of my life.  And I am also thankful for my family dog Molly and for Justins family dog Dakota! You make life so much better!

- I am thankful for President Monson and for all the Prophets who have lived before him

- I am thankful for Joseph Smith and for his faith and courage, for bringing the gospel that I love so dearly to this country.

- I am thankful for the leaders of our country, for the founding father and for all who fight for our freedom every day. Thank you troops.

- I am thankful for all of the dear friends that we have made out here, who are in our same boat and who are our family away from family!

- I am thankful for a wonderful extended family, for many aunts uncles and cousins that have been a big support to me my whole life.

- I am thankful for my Grandma Rasmussen who keeps our family getting together and has given me priceless books of family history.

- I am grateful for my Grandpa Rasmussen who every time he sees me, pulls me aside and takes me in his arms and tells me how proud of me he is and how much he loves me.  He will never know how much that has meant to me in my life!

- I am grateful for my Grandma Unity, for her strength and courage and for her love. For her e-mails she sends all the time that tell me she loves me and is thinking about me.

- I am grateful for my Grandpa Walter. He passed away before I was born, but I feel connected to him and I know that he loves me. I think about him often.

- I am thankful to all my blog friends who visit here often and leave me comments that make my day!

-I am thankful for soooo many more people, but this post is getting way too long.

Cards, Twilight, Shower, Cards, Shower, Cards, Shower, Crash.....

What is this mysterious pattern that is my post title you ask? Why it just happens to be my last few days.  I was asked to make some cards for our ward craft day and by the end of sign ups I had people signed up for about 180 cards. It the past month I had gotten quite a bit done for them but thursday night began that panic mode where you realize how much you have left to do.  Here are my last couple days....

Thursday Night work on cards all night until the wee hours. Wake up Friday meander around home, laundry, eat and then go out with the gang and catch the 1 o'clock showing of Twilight(loved Edward, liked movie, Rosalie is gross). Then go with Melissa to pick up lots of baby things for baby shower. Friday p.m attend the ward baby shower for Angie Tingey a fellow MHA mormon wife. Leave shower and work, work, work on cards until the very very wee hours. In a.m. take a real shower. Go to ward craft day at 8 o'clock until 2 and teach all the ladies how to make their cards, then feel the sweet relief of not having to work on cards anymore. Hurry home and head to 2nd baby shower for Angie, this one was the MHA shower and it was gorgeous. I won a pretty vase of fresh flowers. Come home, eat chocolate chip cookie that husband made (so good!) and call mother to tell her about craft day and tell her oh how much blood sweat and tears I put into it because I know she will tell me she is proud and make me feel very good (success)! Then sit at computer and blog about the past three days of cut, cut, cutting things for cards, baby showers, and a vampire movie squeezed right in the middle.  Husband is gone making apple pies with the boy scouts (he is quite the little baker) so I should probably crash and lie down to watch pride and prejudice. I earned it!

Wednesday's Read

Thats right folks, it's the third installment of Wednesday's Read. I almost didn't want to post this because it replaces the last post about my insanely adorable new baby nephew Kaden. You must scroll down and check him out!

Okay on the the book...

This weeks read is in honor of a certain movie hitting theaters this friday. It's called twilight, have you heard of it? But no, the book this week is NOT twilight.  The book this week is The Host, which is also by the author of Twilight, Stephenie Meyer.  I recommend this book because I have heard from some people that they stopped reading it because they could not get into it, or it sounded too sci fi or so on.  I will admit that it took me a couple tries to start this book and really get hooked, but let me tell you, I really got hooked.  The beginning was a little sci fi and it took me a few chapters to catch on and get into it but once I did, I finished it in one sitting.  I really enjoyed this book and I honestly liked it more then the last three books from the twilight series (gasp)! I think I liked it more because the characters are adults and I liked the more mature emotions and reactions and such. So check out The Host, by Stephenie Meyer for an intense, interesting, romantic, and suspenseful read.

Alright alright.... I guess I can throw in my opinion of Twilight too, only because I am excited to see the movie with the gang on Friday.

Twilight- absolutely loved it! Read it in a day and went out and bought the 2nd and 3rd book the next morning.

New Moon- I really liked New Moon, but I did think it was a little over dramatic.

Eclipse- Liked it, but it started getting a little out there, but I still liked it and was WAY excited for the 4th book.

Breaking Dawn- Hmmm. Loved a few parts, Liked a lot of it, Hated some of it.  I got done reading it and wasn't quite sure what I thought. 

All in all I think it is a great series and I was happy with how it ended.  But does everyone really think Edward is the perfect guy? If he was my boyfriend I might think he was a little controlling, not to mention creepy for sitting in my room and watching me sleep.  Just a thought.

***Blog Update****

I had some comments left (mom) of people saying that I should never EVER talk smack about their perfect guy Edward.  And let me just say this. I loved Twilight and Edward took my breath away as much as the next gal, but when it comes down to the reality of it (and he is NOT real, lets keep that in mind people) my perfect man does not sit and watch me sleep every night, once in a while would be kinda sweet, but every night...no thanks. My perfect guy doesn't listen to my conversations with others and doesn't have his sister track my every move. My perfect man doesn't lurk in the shadows or follow me when I go out or ban me from having certain friends. And most of all, my perfect man doesn't want to kill me every time we kiss. So sorry Edward, you are not the guy for me. His name is Justin and he is hot (literally, he is warm blooded and has a pulse)!

On a lighter note, I really do LOVE twilight and I really do think that Edward is beyond romantic.  Have any of you read the portion of"Midnight Sun" that is on Stephenie Meyers website? It is SO amazing and I liked it just as much as twilight. Edward's character really is amazing and dreamy. I just have to mix things up a little bit by not admitting that he is 100% perfect. 98% maybe, but definitely not 100.

p.s. I can't believe more people commented about Edward then about my new nephew in the post below. He is the perfect man! Kaden I am sorry that I posted about Edward Cullen and stole your thunder. I love you and you are way cuter then any vampire boy will ever be!

Kaden Jay Rasmussen

Tonight at 7:02 (Utah time) Kaden Jay Rasmussen was born.  He is our very first nephew and the first grandchild on the Rasmussen side. He belongs to my brother Jordan and his wife Aubrey. My dads name is Jay and my brothers name is Jordan Jay and now we have Kaden Jay. We are so excited to have this little boy in our family and now we REALLY can't wait for Christmas.  It is pretty crazy when one of your siblings becomes a parent, and I am so excited for Jord and Aubrey.  When my brother called me tonight I said " So how are you doing," and he said " Great. I am just sitting here holding my boy and watching the Jazz game."  Sounds perfect to me!

          We Love You baby Kaden!

I just had to post this cute picture of Kaden. It's my favorite

p.s. Justin and I were married on Feb 17th, our niece Tori was born on Sept 17th and now Kaden arrived on Nov 17th! I am really starting to like the 17th!!!

Tis' the Season

No this post is not about the upcoming holiday season, it is about basketball season.  I have really been lazy about posting this! A couple weeks ago us and 3 other couples decided to go in together and buy 4 season tickets for U of M mens basketball. The 4 boys Scott, Dave, Brian and Justin all met up at our place and did a lottery to draft which games they got to pick. It was pretty funny. They had their laptops out to check rankings and dave printed off this official team schedule for them to use. Each couple gets to go to half of the games, and we get to go with one of the other couples since there are 4 tickets. 

Here are the boys during the draft.

This is from the first game of the season with Kara Scott and Will Mortensen (who was in love with the mascot "Goldie the golden gopher"

The arena is called "the barn" and it is awesome! The court is raised off the ground and if you look really close, you can see that the players sitting on the bench, are down below the court.

Me and the Hubby! Sportin the Maroon and Gold!

This is the second game we went to with Dave and Natalie.

I will most likely not be posting many more basketball posts for a while. Justin has banned me from taking anymore pictures at the games. Since we have season tickets he said if I brought my camera to every game he would go crazy. I know I am a little picture happy. But thats the first step right, admitting you have a problem?

Wednesday's Read

The book for this week is  Marley and Me by John Grogan.  I was inspired to share this book with you because of these little guys.  Back in Logan, Ut there is a beautiful golden retriever named Dakota who has 8 adorable puppies.  It is REALLY hard for us to not be able to play and snuggle them. 

  Justin and I both have a very deep love for pets, especially dogs.  Seeing the way Justin is when he is with his dogs is something that I deeply love about him. To give you an idea, I met his two dogs before I met his parents. Early on in our relationship we spent a lot of time bonding on walks in the canyon or the neighborhood and the dogs always went along with us. When we were dating Justin's beloved dog Abby( Dakotas mom) passed away very suddenly.  It was a very emotional time and a night that I will always remember. Seeing Dakota have her first litter of puppies brought such happiness and so much fun.  It is amazing how these dogs have impacted our life and our relationship. Literally at least every week we mention how excited we are to have a house someday for one reason, so we can finally get our first dog. 

Now on to the book.....

When I read Marley and Me I laughed, I cried(wept), and most of all I related.  This is such a wonderful book about a family and their dog.  I love the message it conveys, that animals really impact our lives and they really do become our family.  If you are looking for an easy read with a lot of heart and a LOT of humor, read this. I LOVED this book and highly recommend this one to all of you!

p.s. How can you not read this book? Just look at the cover! SOOOO cute!

p.p.s. I had a couple of people tell me that they liked last weeks pick, "The Hunger Games". Told ya!

Propositions and Proclamations

I don't want to be too political on our blog and I am not going to comment on the new President or anything along those lines, but I do want to comment on an issue that is involving my personal and religious beliefs. I am sure most of you have heard of proposition 8 and how it has passed, banning gay marriage in California.  I am not sure if you are aware, but there have been protests at LDS churches and now at the Los AngelesTemple. I want to share a quote I found in an article.

Jeff Flint, strategist for Yes on 8, said, "I am appalled at the level of Mormon-bashing that went on during the Proposition 8 campaign and continues to this day," he said. "If this activity were directed against any other church, if someone put up a website that targeted Jews or Catholics in a similar fashion for the mere act of participating in a political campaign, it would be widely and rightfully condemned."

It makes me sad that people are so quick to bash the LDS church for something that was voted on and passed by the citizens in California but I want to note that I am grateful that the church I belong to has a modern day Prophet. In 1995, 13 years ago, the LDS Church presented "Family: A proclamation to the World". I am so grateful that the Church made its status on Marriage known to the world, and I know that it was divine that what we define as marriage was made known long before all the gay marriage debates of today. 

The proclamation says, "The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity."

I am glad that many citizens in California agree and that Prop 8 passed!

Wednesday's Read

Thanks for tuning in for the very first "Wednesday's Read" ever! This weeks read is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  One of my favorite things in the whole world is finding a book that I just can't put down and that I devour in a day or two. This book was just that for me.  I found this book fascinating and I was hooked from the very beginning.  This book was not only entertaining and gripping but it also made me think of some issues that are prevalent throughout this novel.  I don't want to set this book up too much or give away any details, but if you are looking for a quick and easy yet fascinating read, check out The Hunger Games. 

 

Disclaimer: You may or may not like the books that I happen to enjoy, but I do have a broad taste in literature, so hopefully you will find something that suits you. And if you do end up loving this book too, leave me a comment and let me know!

I Voted!

That's right Justin and I went to the polls bright and early to cast our vote for the next President of the United States of America.  I feel it is such a privilege to cast my vote in such a diverse state where the outcome could go either way.  Whatever happens tonight, I am grateful to live in this country and to have the right to cast my vote.  It's still early in the morning so if you read this, I encourage you to get out and VOTE!

p.s. McCain-Palin 2008!

Coming Soon....

There are many blogs that I read that seem to have some post that they do on the same day every week.  I have seen "flashback fridays", "wordless wednesdays", and so forth.  I have decided to make one up of my own.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE to read and I love to get good recommendations on books. Having read some great books myself I have decided that I am going to start "Wednesdays Read". Every Wednesday I am going to post about a book I have just finished or read in the past that I enjoyed. So if you love to read and are looking for something new, stop by every wednesday to see what the book of the week is!

p.s. I just finished a GREAT book last night, so come back on Wednesday to find out what it is.

Rasmussen Sibling Gift Exchange!

This post is for my siblings, to keep track of who has who this year for the annual Rasmussen Sibling Gift Exchange!  The times sure have changed, there are a lot more of us in the drawing this year!

As usual everyone gives to Mom and Dad

This year everyone gives to baby Rasmussen!!! (I am not naming him since he is not officially born and named yet) and one gift per couple is fine.

And here are the results of the drawing as conducted by myself and Julie via telephone.

 

Jordan- Jacob

Aubrey- Justin

Jessica- Caleb

Justin- Julie

Julie- Jessica

Caleb- Aubrey

Jacob- Jordan

This picture is from the last year that it was just us 4 kids. My how our family has grown but we love you Justin, Aubrey, Caleb, and baby Rass (that will be here any day now!!! and will most likely be called Kaden!)

I love you all and I CAN'T wait until Christmas!

MHA Halloween Party!

We spent Halloween night at a party with Justin's classmates from the MHA program.  We had a really fun time socializing and eating tons of food.  The night before Halloween Justin and I went to 2 goodwills, wal-mart, and target in search of something for costumes and left empty handed. We really didn't want to spend a lot of money so we decided to go with things we had, and I must admit we had some very put together costumes. We went as boy scouts! We each had hiking boots, long socks, shorts, and Justin is over the scouts in the ward so scout shirts too. Justin even wore a camel-back and had his leatherman on his belt and I wore a hiking pack full of all the essentials: tylenol, bobby pins, chapstick, the camera, etc... Everyone really loved Justins slick hairdo too. I think he got called an 11 year old boy 50 times! It was a very fun night.  As the night went on and the families with kiddies left to tuck them in their beds, we observed some beer-pong in the garage and I learned what a jello- shot looks like.  Not only is Halloween fun, but educational too!

(click on collage for full sized fun!)

And for a really scary picture of me and my siblings, go here