True or False?

What do you think about the maroon sign?

Herman and Parmesan

A couple of years ago, while exploring shops along Highway 101, Mom and I happened upon a book about creating sock dolls. It was created by a graphic designer in Taiwan. I decided to try my hand at making sock dolls since my goal this Christmas was to have every gift be homemade. Herman (left) and Parmesan (right) are the result. I kind of love them.

Christmas 2010

There are few pictures to document this out of the ordinary Christmas. It was great to be able to spend so much time with my immediate family (Mike, Natalie, Avery, Aidan, and Lucy were missed). My Grandpa Rasmussen passed away on December 29, 2010 which brought a whole new dynamic to the season. It has given me time to reflect on my testimony of the Plan of Salvation. All in all, it was a pretty fantastic Christmas.

Bah Humbug

I'm willing to admit that I've become a bit of a Scrooge when it comes to decorating for Christmas. I don't particularly enjoy putting the tree up or rummaging through boxes for Christmas decorations. But, I decided to do it anyway this year because Grandma Rasmussen gave me her old Christmas tree and I'm glad I did. It was nice to come home to Christmas lights and cinnamon scented pine cones. I even had a party for my nieces and nephews complete with a totally cheesy craft. Maybe I'll branch out and decorate my classroom next year.

wordle.net

I learned about this website at a class I am taking with the district. It is easy to use though saving your work and printing seem to be a bit of a challenge. Here are a few sample wordles I did with my students. Check the website out.

Thanksgiving 2010

Food, ambulance, board games, football (2 very depressing losses), sleeping, family, walks, catching up.

Grandpa Rasmussen's Obituary

Calvin Rasmussen

Calvin H Rasmussen, 85, of Boise, died on December 29, 2010 at home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel located at 11918 W. Ustick Rd. in Boise, Idaho. Friends may call to visit with the family on Sunday, January 2nd from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Relyea Funeral Chapel located at 318 N. Latah in Boise, Idaho, and from 10:00 until 10:45 a.m. before the service. Bishop Bryant L. Bench of the Meridian 10th Ward will be conducting the services under the direction of the Relyea Funeral Chapel. Calvin was born July 20, 1925 at Mink Creek, Idaho to Orlando Rasmussen and Sarah Lizzie Rasmussen. He was the seventh child in a family of 15 children. He was born in a log house on Capital Hill. His family moved when he was two to the family farm. After high school, he served in the Army during and after World War II. He served an LDS mission to the Western Canadian Mission from 1949 to 1951. He married Dessie Elizabeth Hunt on July 20, 1954 in the LDS Logan Temple. From this union, they have three children, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. He retired after 25 years from the Ada County Assessor's office as a field appraiser. Cal served in many positions in the LDS Church. He was a Scoutmaster, a Councilor in a bishopric, a High Priest Group Leader, a Finance Clerk, a Home Teacher, and served three stake missions. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dessie of Boise; his children, Mrs. Terry A. (Rebecca) Smith of Boise, Calvin Todd Rasmussen and his wife Dree of Boise, and Ryan Hunt Rasmussen and his wife Wesley of Springville, Utah. He is survived by seven siblings, Arden, Carma, Kendall, Wanda, Garland, Lois, and Lila Rae. He was preceded in death by his parents, and seven siblings, Lima, Verla, Dorward, Lizzie, DeMar, Darma, and Orlando Jr. The family asks that any donations be made to: Alzheimer's Idaho, Inc. at 5922 N. Brooklet Ave., Boise, Idaho 83713. Any tributes and condolences can be left at www.relyeafuneralchapel.com.