Officer

I just have to take a minute to tell you about My Officer.  He has had some pretty rough experiences in the few short years he's been with the department;  of course that is a given in his profession.  I'm glad that I don't always hear all the details, but although I don't hear every detail I know there are things that have truly changed him, good and bad.  One such experience was last summer and although it was difficult, it was amazing and truly touched his heart.  Through his training and his faith and with the help of several other officers, they were able to save the life of a young mother.  He was later nominated along with these other officers for a life saving award.  He found out today that in a few months they will be recognized for their service and he personally will receive a Silver Star and a Life Saving Award.  A silver star is in my understanding one of the highest honors that you can receive as an officer.  I just want to take this minute to thank him for being such a remarkable man, leader, husband, father, as well as Officer.  I know that he has received many positive commendations over the last few years for his abilities in his profession as well as his ability to sincerely help people whether it be as simple as changing a tire for someone, or talking someone through very critical moments and decisions they are facing.  I am grateful for his service to our community and for all that he does for our little family.  Thank you!

Some days I need another set of arms

I turned my back just long enough to help Miss Peanut on the potty before getting in the bath.  Apparently it was too long; I turned around to get this little guy undressed and he'd already found his way in.  Have I said that I have my hands full with this one!  Love him to pieces, anyway!

Kid Comedy

(Kid comedy is inspired by my Sister-in-law.  Kids seriously say the darnedest things.)

Dinner Tonight:

Me: Handsome, you are not eating anything today and its driving me nuts.

Miss Peanut:  He's not driving you nuts.  We mash nuts in the backyard.  (recalling one of her favorite past times of "smashing" walnuts with a hammer.)
Me:  You're right.

To Do list...Fold Laundry.

It was so fun to hear the giggles from my kids playing so nicely together this morning, until I came around the corner to find this...

They had emptied all their drawers onto the floor and were playing in a "puddle."  At least they're creative right?  Guess I'll be folding way more laundry than I had planned for today.  They really are so cute and hilarious.

What's for dinner?

For some reason my children decided that sleeping was way overrated last night.  After getting up 3 times with miss peanut, and 3 diaper changes from handsome (he's had some serious diarrhea for almost 2 weeks - poor guy)  I crawled into bed around 2 am.  Officer came home around 3 and Church was at 9:00am...I'm tired today.  How tired you ask?  I just checked on my dinner that has been cooking in the oven for the last hour....and I forgot to turn the oven on.  Guess it'll be a little later than usual.  Miss peanut did give her first talk in Primary today,  I can't believe how all grown up she is.  I'm counting down the hours til bedtime...but not holding my breath for a good night sleep.

and a Happy New Year!

It's already the new year and we're just getting back home from our California Christmas; it's taking us a few days to get things together.  We really had a great trip and and a wonderful Christmas, despite the fact that all of us had a head cold and all of us caught a really awful stomach bug.  I intend to write more about the whole trip, but if I don't get there...bear with me.  Here are a few of the highlights.

• I ran into an old high school friend at a McDonald's in Nevada, totally random, but so fun to catch up for a quick minute
• The Sierra's were just beautiful to drive through!
• Officer got to meet his baby nephew for the first time.
• Miss Peanut and Handsome loved hanging out with all the cousins.
• Handsome couldn't get enough of Grandpa and his tractor.
• In &Out Burger
• Christmas eve... Christmas story with the grandkids, videography thanks to Jed - hillarious!
• Snuggling up by a cozy woodstove with Officer
• Christmas morning we didn't get up until almost 9 - mostly cause we were up with barfing kids all night, but still sleeping in until 9.
• It was the first year Miss Peanut really got the idea about Santa,  so fun.
• Handsome learned how to say "Cheese" for the camera.
• Officer surprised me with an overnight  trip to Monterey, CA - where we went on our honeymoon. Officer really spoiled me this year and it was a really great to get away for a day.   
• Officer's parents bought all the Daughters/Daughter-in-laws a really real pearl necklace. They're beautiful.
• Finding out Christmas day that we are having a BABY GIRL.
• Putting together a puzzle with Officer and his Mom.
• Listening to constant rain on the rooftop one day while it rained all day.
• CA thrift store shopping.
• Officer got to play basketball with the "A" team.
• Officer getting pulled over in Oregon.

Boy, it really was a packed trip, I'm sure I've left out things too, but here are just a few pictures to get you started.