Congratulations Private Rasmussen!

Yep, you read right! I indeed said "Private Rasmussen!" On Friday, May 8th, 2009, Andy raised his right hand and took a solemn oath to the United States Army. He has made a commitmet to them for at least the next four years, and he will leave for Basic Training on Sep 28th, 2009. They are going to train him to be a medic! He came to the decision to join through many, many hours of thoughtful consideration and prayer. This has been the biggest decision of his life and I am proud to say that as his wife I stand by him 100% and I look forward to seeing what the future will bring! This is a very anxious and exciting time in our lives, for sure! I am so excited to share it with all of you! For any of you who are wondering, he will be doing Basic at Fort Sill, OK, and Advanced Training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio TX. So while I'm in Utah freezing to death next winter, he will be enjoying beautiful weather! While he is in Advanced Training he will learn where his duty station will be and that is where the kids and I will join him! So, more about that later!

Random facts about me

So we all know I'm random! But how many of you know just how random? perhaps I can shed some light!

1. I hibernate in the winter. This is no joke. I literally hole up inside my house. I like to look at how pretty the snow looks from the windows, and I might play in it for like, a day, but then I'm done and I hide inside until it goes away. This is something I have just come to terms with. No it's not normal, it's just what I do! Of course I venture out to take the kids to school, but I am not exaggerating when I say all other things are only done on an "as absolutely necessary" basis. Including the grocery store!

2. Scary movies mess with my head. Seriously we are talking even the freaking previews give me nightmares. The most ridiculous part is that for some reason I am attracted to them. Like a masochist or something. I must really like the punishment! I have placed serious restrictions on myself to keep this problem at bay. I cut myself off, literally from all things scary! Even my husband knows to change the channel when the previews come on commercial to curb my "oh, I want to see that" freakishness. It is a problem I feel I have handled well, however! I haven't seen one in probably two years at least.

3. Due to aftermath of random #2, I have serious issues with Sharks, Bees, Spiders and anything else that might be "lurking". It is a miracle that I am not afraid of dogs as well. I guess Cujo didn't really impress me! I don't let these crazy fears keep me from doing what I want to do, but believe me I keep a keen eye out for these man eaters!!!

4. As a child, I was absolutely obsessed with Little House on the Prairie. I have read the series at least 100 times all the way through! I will still watch the tv show if it's on. Andy laughs at me every time too, but who cares! Secretly I always wanted to live on the Prairie! I have even read many biographies on Laura and was quite interested to learn many "facts" that never made it to the books. I encourage all Laura fans to research her life, it was even more interesting than most people realize!

5. I am a researcher. I research absolutely EVERYTHING! In fact, I have to keep a notepad and pencil next to my computer because I am always thinking of new things to research while I'm researching other things! It's an obsession! It's a family joke that if you ever want to know something you don't really need to know, ask me! Chances are, I know! Most interesting to me are Medical Encyclopedias and anything of historical value. This is totally geeky, but totally true!

6. I have a very keen interest in Theology. Andy just suggested to me yesterday I should just turn it into a degree since I spend so much time on it anyway! Not a bad idea!

7. I thoroughly enjoy being pregnant. I know, I'm crazy! I love every single minute of the process! There is something so miraculous about bringing a life into the world. Right up to labor and delivery. I cherish every single moment from start to finish! No wonder I've done it so many times, right?

8. I really want to move. SHOCKER, right? I want my kids to experience so much of the world! I feel people who have a wider variety of experiences as children grow to become more empathetic as adults. They learn to get along with so many different types of personalities. I really want that for my kids!

9. I have committment issues. It's totally true! At the age of 28 I still have at least three things I "want to be when I grow up". It is getting to be a bit ridiculous. Any advice on how you choose would be greatly appreciated. It is a wonder I have been with Andy so long. I had no trouble at all committing to him. For some reason choosing just one thing to do forever really freaks me out! Help!

10. a long-term side-effect of #9 is that I spent 5 years in college and have nothing to show for it. I switched direction and jumped track so many times I have a bunch of little credits that add up to nothing! SO SAD and such a waste! I feel guilty about that every single day!

11. I have at least three books written. inside my head. that's the perfect place for them, right? someday I hope to get them on paper. Then maybe Andy can hijack them from me and do something with them since I can't seem to get the courage. What a wuss!

12. I come up with at least one new way to improve my life every single day. It's true! I think there's always room for improvement. In case you are wondering my idea today is this: let the people you care about know just how much you appreciate them. Sound simple? Try it out! I wrote my husband a thank-you and put it on the bathroom mirror!

13. I love all things "girlie". I know, right? Don't get me wrong, I am not afraid to get dirty! But I like looking good while I do it! I love make-up, dress-up and and trying out new hairstyles. Unfortunately with this mommy gig I don't get much time for it anymore so I live vicariously through fashion magazines! Love them!

14. I truly believe in the miracle known as "retail therapy". However, again, not much time or money for that these days so I pretend to shop online but never check out. I'm sure Old Navy just loves me for that, LOL!

15. I am a huge sports nut! I love the thrill of competition! I follow the Yankees and the Broncos the way some people follow religion. It is a very serious matter, in other words! It's not only Football and Baseball, though. I have never found a sport I can't get into. Wait. That's a lie! That curling thing in the Winter Olympics is totally lost on me!

16. I have ALWAYS wanted to attend the Kentucky Derby. I love everything about it! I even pretend shop for a cool hat every single year! Someday I really will own a few!

17. I love to read! I get so into books that everything else becomes background noise. Because of this I have to set strict limits on myself! I am only allowed to read after everyone is in bed and/or after all the chores are done! If not strictly adhered too, I get a little nutty! Case in point: I read the entire Twilight series in four days! Luckily Andy was home to attend to the kids but he was feeling severely neglected, LOL!

18. There is a slight possibility I could be a little OCD! Apparently it's not "normal" to organize your shirts according to style and color. And your shoes....and also alphabetize all your movies and cd's according to genre. Who knew?

19. I love love love to be outdoors. (except for most of the winter!) If I'm having a stressful day or things just don't seem to be going right, all I have to do is get outside and get some fresh air! Changes my whole outlook!

20. 4th of July is my absolute favorite holiday. I've never met anyone else who says that! I am so proud to be an American! Andy and I pretty much celebrate the entire month of July! My fav holiday, my birthday, and our anniversary all in one month! So much fun!

Ok, well I think that's enough random info for now! I know it drug on and on so if you couldn't finish it I don't blame ya! And if you did, I'm impressed! ;)

Yes, I'm behind!

Who knew that writing a blog would be so difficult? I used to consider myself a writer, but not these days! I sit down here and try to think of things to say, but nothing ever escapes so I leave it for another day! So yes, I am behind! Maybe I'll start with a bit of an update!

Van is almost 7 months now! I know, can you believe it? He is such a little charmer! And when I say little, I mean it! He is only in the 10th percentile for height and weight! Such a sweet little bug! He eats like a champion, loves his bath time, is a breeze to put to bed at night... what more could a mommy ask for? Other than his absolute refusal for anything that even resembles a bottle, we're good, LOL! needless to say, it's a bit difficult to leave him for any substantial amount of time, but that is really not a "real" problem, you know?

Drew continues to grow and chage at a remarkable rate. For being the most stubborn child in the family, he is also quite brilliant! He will suddenly pop off letter identities out of nowhere. For instance, when I was reading to the kids the other day he suddenly got really excited and said "A, A, A, A" while pointing to all the A's on the page! Remarkable! Yes, he's 3! But if you ask him to do it, no way! Such a stubborn little rascal! He has recently recovered from what we can only assume was Influenza. Despite getting his flu shot every year he came down with a mysterious illness that lasted a little over a week with fever, malaise, and stomach pain. The poor kid didn't want to do anything or even move. It got to be quite scary but the doctors still don't really know what it was! It's gone now, thank goodness and he has made a full recovery with no one else in the family catching whatever it was!

Owen is thriving in Kindergarten. He loves going to school, and it has been reported by his teacher that when he finishes his work he helps the other children complete theirs! He has always been so good about helping! He brought home his second term report card yesterday and recieved all 4's and 3's. (this new elementary school grading system goes from 1 - 4, basically equivelent to 1=D and 4=A on our old system). I couldn't be prouder! He is on a first grade reading level and is just an all-around great kid! I even overheard him telling Drew the other day that if Drew gets all potty-trained (yes, we are STILL dealing with that issue!) Owen would give him his Stingray! Wow, amazing!!! (the Stingray is Owen's bike that Santa brought him when he was 3 1/2 - it looks like a chopper and is seriously super cool!)

Shelbie is becoming quite the young lady! We celebrated her seventh birthday last Saturday. Holy cow I have a seven year old! Instead of having a birthday party she decided she wanted to have a "girl's night out"! Wow, so grown up! So Shelbie, her friend Amanda, her Aunt Jen, her Grandma and I went to see Coraline in 3D. It was awesome!!! A little dark, so I don't recommend it for all kids. If they like movies like The Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas, you are probably fine! If not, don't take them because I can see the possibility of major nightmares in that case! The next day we all went out to lunch at Iggy's (again, her request!) and celebrated with her! She had a great day! Full of major surprises, too! The American Girl doll Samantha, which has been retired and is hard to find, was sent to her by Her Grandpa and Deana in Texas. She was astounded to see that! Her Grandma bought her a horse and cowgirl outfit for the Samantha doll! So exciting! And her dad bought her a real BMX freestyle bike and customized it just for her! A true one of a kind! I can't believe how fast my babies are growing up!!!

OH, and on another note, my microwave was installed by my dear husband and good friend Tyson while we were out on Friday!!!!! For those of you who do not know the history behind this, let me catch you up! We have literally been remodeling our kitchen for two years now!! So we've been using the microwave in the GARAGE, of all places! The painting is done, the microwave installed, and the last thing to do is the wood work! (cabinets are done, we are replacing all the baseboards and door frames and such) I can not tell you how nice it is to have my kitchen back!!!! Will post pics soon!

Food for Thought...

I have been truly inspired recently..... with the inauguration of our 44th president I am buoyed with hope for our Great Nation! I watched diligently with my children as President Obama took the oath of office, and they listened to his speech as I did. I don't doubt that many of the words went over their heads, but one day I do believe they will remember yesterday and I am committed to helping them understand it's deep meaning. I love that my children do not see race when they see an individual, but I believe it is my duty to teach them just how far we have come to get that way. I do not want to forget the struggles and sacrifices so many bore to give their children and grandchildren a better life. I think it would be a travesty to take for granted this; as so many of our freedoms are taken for granted. I believe each of us has a responsibility to ourselves and our Nation to stand as protectors of what is right.... On that note, I have also been greatly dissapointed lately by some of the terrible comments about our President that I hear from so many.... To this I just want to say that whether you voted for him or not, or whether you even voted or not (which, in my opinion, should exclude you from opinion altogether) he is our President and he deserves our respect and support. It is certainly a seat I do not envy! He has a huge mess to clean up and I hope to do my part as an individual! Each of us has a role to play and I am certain that if we can come together we will rise up and overcome the current cisis that is looming over all of us!!!

in closing, I would like to share with you my favorite scripture which has come to mind many times over the last two days! Matthew 7: 1-14

Book Tag!

Thought this one was fun! I played this on Facebook the other day, then saw it again today on my cousin's blog! Always one to play along!

Rules:1. Grab the book closest to you. (don't go looking for your favorite! grab the closest one!)
2. Go to page 56.
3. Find the 5th sentence.
4. Post the title of the book along with the sentence.

Here's mine: "I can think, I can wait, I can fast."
Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse

Who do I tag? Anyone who wants to play along!!!

Halloween Fun!

This year the kids had the day of Halloween off from school, so we spent some time watching "Goosebumps" movies during the day to get into the spooky spirit! They are pretty cheesy movies, but pretty age appropriate and the kids loved them and did not have nightmares, so I consider that a success!!! For dinner I made "mummy hotdogs" (complete with eyes, even!) and "jack-o-lantern pizzas". They honestly couldn't have cared less! At that point they just wanted to go out, lol! So into their costumes they went and we were off! This year we went out with two other families in our neighborhood, and even though it started raining the minute we got out, fun was had by all! One house in our neighborhood had an awesome "haunted house" you had to walk through to get to the door! Gotta admit, one of the "props" jumped at me at the last second and I totally screamed like a girl!!! Sadly, the awesome pirates from last year were nowhere to be found and by the time we got the kids home they were dragging!!! They even skipped a few houses on the way! So we got home and into jammies and capped the night off with more cheesy Goosebumps! Here are some pics of my darling witch, my dapper Vampire, my camera-shy Batman, and of course "SuperVan"! Sorry about the quality of the pics, this new camera phone is not so great in that area!!

Where did Vance Miller get his name?

ok, so I've had a bunch of people ask about Van's name! "Where did you get that?" and that sort of thing! So I thought I'd share! Back in April we got an email from Andy's cousin Brock and this picture and poem were included. I will let it speak for itself! Andy and I like to name our children after family. Our oldest son is Owen Walker after Andy's great grandfather (Owen) on his Mom's side, and my great grandfather (Walker was his last name) on my mom's side. So Vance came from Andy's great grandfather (Warren Vance) on his Dad's side, and I knew I wasn't going to have enough boys to name them after all I wanted to on my dad's side so I gave him my maiden name (Miller) because that was the common denominator!!! So now you know!!! hope that's not too confusing! =)