Thank you Randy, and all those that serve or have served, for protecting our rights and our freedoms. You are in our thoughts always. Love you!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
American Soldier
Avery's brother Randy deployed to the Middle East this week. We miss him lots and are sending him lots of good thoughts! I hope he remembers to look at the blog :)
Thank you Randy, and all those that serve or have served, for protecting our rights and our freedoms. You are in our thoughts always. Love you!
Thank you Randy, and all those that serve or have served, for protecting our rights and our freedoms. You are in our thoughts always. Love you!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Thin Blue Line
"Do you worry about Avery when he's at work?"
It's a simple question with a complicated answer. How do you really explain what it's like to be the wife of a police officer? How do you make someone understand that flexible dinner plans, solo weekends with the kids, and falling asleep alone are all commonplace events?
I take an incredible amount of pride in being the wife of a peace officer. It makes me proud to know that my husband is out there upholding the law and helping those in need. I also know that all too often his job is a thankless one, usually from the very people that need his help. So I try not to add to the thanklessness and be understanding when our plans get cancelled or our phone rings in the middle of the night. I can't lie and say it's not difficult. But it comes with the territory.
I guess that's how I view the worry that is also commonplace in my life. It's not the kind of worry that makes my mind race with anxiety or my pulse quicken when he's late. It's a kind of worry that simmers below the surface. It is always present. But I don't realize how present until I hear the front door open and close at the end of his shift. When I finally feel my shoulders relax. When my heart slows down just a little bit.
Yes, I worry about him. But I also have incredible faith in his ability, his training, and his coworkers. I am also wholeheartedly aware that my husband chose this profession because he is good, and kind, and has an amazing urge to do the right thing. All things that I love him for. So I take the worry. And I treasure the moments when I don't have to worry because he is laying right next to me.
It's a simple question with a complicated answer. How do you really explain what it's like to be the wife of a police officer? How do you make someone understand that flexible dinner plans, solo weekends with the kids, and falling asleep alone are all commonplace events?
I take an incredible amount of pride in being the wife of a peace officer. It makes me proud to know that my husband is out there upholding the law and helping those in need. I also know that all too often his job is a thankless one, usually from the very people that need his help. So I try not to add to the thanklessness and be understanding when our plans get cancelled or our phone rings in the middle of the night. I can't lie and say it's not difficult. But it comes with the territory.
I guess that's how I view the worry that is also commonplace in my life. It's not the kind of worry that makes my mind race with anxiety or my pulse quicken when he's late. It's a kind of worry that simmers below the surface. It is always present. But I don't realize how present until I hear the front door open and close at the end of his shift. When I finally feel my shoulders relax. When my heart slows down just a little bit.
Yes, I worry about him. But I also have incredible faith in his ability, his training, and his coworkers. I am also wholeheartedly aware that my husband chose this profession because he is good, and kind, and has an amazing urge to do the right thing. All things that I love him for. So I take the worry. And I treasure the moments when I don't have to worry because he is laying right next to me.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Fall is in the Air
And just like that October is upon us. Where has this year gone? While I am not at all prepared for the coming winter, I do love seeing the beautiful fall colors in the quickly-changing leaves. With hunting season now open we have had many opportunities to get out and enjoy the warm weather and beautiful scenery.
Allen and Thomas were very excited to go hunting with us last weekend. I think they were even more excited because Avery had the whole weekend off which meant lots of Daddy time! In preparation for our hunting trip, the boys (with some help from Daddy) made their very own rubber band guns, complete with a rope sling. They turned out so cute!
The boys were so excited to take their guns hunting with us. I know they will be treasured keepsakes for years to come, but more importantly they have a special memory of time spent with their Dad, which is worth much more.
While we didn't manage to get an elk (.yet.), the time spent as a family was wonderful. It was amazing to see the boy's expressions when they heard an elk bugle for the first time. I am proud of the traditions we are passing on the Allen and Thomas, but more importantly, I feel like we are teaching them how to be self-reliant. I like the idea of knowing where my food comes from and being involved in every step of the preparation. I want them to learn to appreciate nature, and also to be thankful for all we have been blessed with.
In other news, we were very excited (and slightly apprehensive) to add another member to our family. We are now officially a family of two grown ups, two kiddos, and three dogs (.yikes.).
Harley is an eight-week old chocolate lab mix and was in need of a good home. While this was not exactly what we had planned, she has been a wonderful addition to our family. Chazz loves playing with her and follows her everywhere. Sadie is a bit more standoffish but seems to appreciate having another distraction for Chazz.
Our family is definitely complete...for now :)
Allen and Thomas were very excited to go hunting with us last weekend. I think they were even more excited because Avery had the whole weekend off which meant lots of Daddy time! In preparation for our hunting trip, the boys (with some help from Daddy) made their very own rubber band guns, complete with a rope sling. They turned out so cute!
The boys were so excited to take their guns hunting with us. I know they will be treasured keepsakes for years to come, but more importantly they have a special memory of time spent with their Dad, which is worth much more.
While we didn't manage to get an elk (.yet.), the time spent as a family was wonderful. It was amazing to see the boy's expressions when they heard an elk bugle for the first time. I am proud of the traditions we are passing on the Allen and Thomas, but more importantly, I feel like we are teaching them how to be self-reliant. I like the idea of knowing where my food comes from and being involved in every step of the preparation. I want them to learn to appreciate nature, and also to be thankful for all we have been blessed with.
In other news, we were very excited (and slightly apprehensive) to add another member to our family. We are now officially a family of two grown ups, two kiddos, and three dogs (.yikes.).
Harley is an eight-week old chocolate lab mix and was in need of a good home. While this was not exactly what we had planned, she has been a wonderful addition to our family. Chazz loves playing with her and follows her everywhere. Sadie is a bit more standoffish but seems to appreciate having another distraction for Chazz.
Our family is definitely complete...for now :)
Friday, September 3, 2010
Bad Blogger....
Holy moly! I am only two weeks into school and I already feel behind! I apologize for not keeping up on postings. Such is life!
Since I'm about a week behind, I guess I am okay to wish my wonderful husband a very happy birthday!! His birthday was last week but I am just now getting this video put together. It's a list of a few of the reasons why he is the man I chose to spend my life with! I love you baby with all my heart and I'm thankful everyday for you!
Since Avery's and Thomas's birthdays are a week apart, we usually have one party for the both of them. I imagine we will only be allowed to get away with this for a few more years :) We celebrated with presents, barbequed shrimp, and two different cakes! I only got pictures of Thomas opening his presents and then my camera "mysteriously" disappeared only to be later discovered under the couch...very suspicious:)
Thomas was quite impressed with his Slinky....
...and he really liked his Cow card from Uncle Randy...
...and his tackle box was awesome...
...but the best present ever and the one I know he will cherish is his Cars quilt that his Grandma Cowardin made him. How special!
All in all it was a wonderful day spent with family!
I should also mention that the boys both started preschool this week! Allen is in his second year of preschool and returned to the same teacher. Thomas started his first year and is in the same class with Allen. Their teacher is Mrs. Hall and she is amazing! I was a little worried about them being in the same class but I think they are both independent enough to do their own thing. My little boys are growing up!
Since I'm about a week behind, I guess I am okay to wish my wonderful husband a very happy birthday!! His birthday was last week but I am just now getting this video put together. It's a list of a few of the reasons why he is the man I chose to spend my life with! I love you baby with all my heart and I'm thankful everyday for you!
Since Avery's and Thomas's birthdays are a week apart, we usually have one party for the both of them. I imagine we will only be allowed to get away with this for a few more years :) We celebrated with presents, barbequed shrimp, and two different cakes! I only got pictures of Thomas opening his presents and then my camera "mysteriously" disappeared only to be later discovered under the couch...very suspicious:)
Thomas was quite impressed with his Slinky....
...and he really liked his Cow card from Uncle Randy...
...and his tackle box was awesome...
...but the best present ever and the one I know he will cherish is his Cars quilt that his Grandma Cowardin made him. How special!
All in all it was a wonderful day spent with family!
I should also mention that the boys both started preschool this week! Allen is in his second year of preschool and returned to the same teacher. Thomas started his first year and is in the same class with Allen. Their teacher is Mrs. Hall and she is amazing! I was a little worried about them being in the same class but I think they are both independent enough to do their own thing. My little boys are growing up!
Friday, August 20, 2010
To my Little Man
Happy birthday to my little man. I can't even believe that three years ago I was looking through the glass, staring at you in your bassinet. I knew I loved you right away, and I knew you were special. At first it was scary, since you were covered in tubes and wires.
But then when I got to pick you up and hold you in my arms everything seemed right in the world.
As I watched you grow day by day I marveled at the faces you made, and the things that you learned, and the way your face would light up.
I love you little man with all my heart. I was there the day you were born, and I will be there all the rest of my days.
But then when I got to pick you up and hold you in my arms everything seemed right in the world.
As I watched you grow day by day I marveled at the faces you made, and the things that you learned, and the way your face would light up.
I love you little man with all my heart. I was there the day you were born, and I will be there all the rest of my days.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Boys will be boys....
A conversation while playing with Playdoh:
Allen: I made you this sandwich!
Me: What kind of sandwich is it?
Allen: Woodpecker.
Me:...woodpecker?
Allen: Yep. And I took the eyeballs out because I know you don't like eyeballs in your sandwiches.
Me:...thanks. That was nice of you Bubba.
Allen: I know.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Movie Date....and a Rant.
I can't believe it is already August! School starts in two-ish weeks and I'm definitely not ready for my class to start. I went to the Bookstore to buy my book and wanted to throw up when I saw how thick it was :( Oh well. Such is life...
First off, I got a haircut! I haven't changed my hairstyle in years so I was excited for a new 'do. I even have bangs now! I haven't had bangs since middle school so it's kind of interesting getting used to always having something in my face. But so far, I like it!
Avery has been so busy with work and teaching classes that we haven't been able to spend much time together, so I was way excited when he surprised me today with a movie date!
We went and saw "The Other Guys." It was great! I love Will Ferrell and it had been so long since we went to a movie without the kids. It was so nice to spend the day with my husband and to remember why he is the man that I love. Thank you baby for an amazing day and for being wonderful :)
Ok...on to the rant. I am usually one to keep my mouth shut, especially when it comes to topics that don't directly affect me. But I have been thinking about this particular situation for about two weeks and I believe its time to voice my opinion. Sorry guys...you're my unlucky ears :)
To begin, I have no problem with most forms of government assistance. I believe that such programs should be in place to help those that truly need it. I am proud to contribute to programs such as welfare and unemployment and am happy to help someone who is struggling, because it could all too quickly be my family in that situation. But when I see people, let alone a member of my own family, abuse such assistance, it infuriates me.
This particular person and her family have been collecting unemployment benefits for the past two years. That's correct. In TWO YEARS neither her nor her husband have been able to find employment. Now had this been a situation where they were looking for work and simply not able to find any, that's different. Hard to believe, but different. That is not the case here. Both this person and her husband are capable people and more that able to work. Yet for two years, they have been supported by unemployment and welfare.
Well that's all fine and dandy. Until I hear this person proclaim her excitement for the extension of unemployment benefits that Congress recently passed, and in the next breath explain to me that they are in the process of purchasing a $400,000 house, buying a new car, and purchasing a brand new moped. Ummmmm....this is where I have a problem.
This is the kind of story that ruins the idea of government assitance for everyone else. I believe in the need for such programs, because I know there are hundreds of thousands of people out there that really and truly need help. And I have no problem contributing to programs that go to help in those situations. But it is a hard pill to swallow to look at a person that is collecting MY TAX DOLLARS and bragging about how much money they have at their disposal.
Phewwww. I feel better. All I can say is that there is such a thing as Karma, and everyone has to face the consequences of their actions at some point.
First off, I got a haircut! I haven't changed my hairstyle in years so I was excited for a new 'do. I even have bangs now! I haven't had bangs since middle school so it's kind of interesting getting used to always having something in my face. But so far, I like it!
Avery has been so busy with work and teaching classes that we haven't been able to spend much time together, so I was way excited when he surprised me today with a movie date!
We went and saw "The Other Guys." It was great! I love Will Ferrell and it had been so long since we went to a movie without the kids. It was so nice to spend the day with my husband and to remember why he is the man that I love. Thank you baby for an amazing day and for being wonderful :)
Ok...on to the rant. I am usually one to keep my mouth shut, especially when it comes to topics that don't directly affect me. But I have been thinking about this particular situation for about two weeks and I believe its time to voice my opinion. Sorry guys...you're my unlucky ears :)
To begin, I have no problem with most forms of government assistance. I believe that such programs should be in place to help those that truly need it. I am proud to contribute to programs such as welfare and unemployment and am happy to help someone who is struggling, because it could all too quickly be my family in that situation. But when I see people, let alone a member of my own family, abuse such assistance, it infuriates me.
This particular person and her family have been collecting unemployment benefits for the past two years. That's correct. In TWO YEARS neither her nor her husband have been able to find employment. Now had this been a situation where they were looking for work and simply not able to find any, that's different. Hard to believe, but different. That is not the case here. Both this person and her husband are capable people and more that able to work. Yet for two years, they have been supported by unemployment and welfare.
Well that's all fine and dandy. Until I hear this person proclaim her excitement for the extension of unemployment benefits that Congress recently passed, and in the next breath explain to me that they are in the process of purchasing a $400,000 house, buying a new car, and purchasing a brand new moped. Ummmmm....this is where I have a problem.
This is the kind of story that ruins the idea of government assitance for everyone else. I believe in the need for such programs, because I know there are hundreds of thousands of people out there that really and truly need help. And I have no problem contributing to programs that go to help in those situations. But it is a hard pill to swallow to look at a person that is collecting MY TAX DOLLARS and bragging about how much money they have at their disposal.
Phewwww. I feel better. All I can say is that there is such a thing as Karma, and everyone has to face the consequences of their actions at some point.
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