Where to start....

I'm just gonna go ahead and say this is probably going to be a lengthy post because it's the first opportunity I've had to get on and a lot is going on right now! So, either click that little x now or sit back and enjoy (maybe :))

I've posted some pictures in not really any particular order and I'm just gonna start with the fact that Gene and I bought a home gym last weekend that is now set up in the upstairs living room for us to work out any time we want. And yes, before you ask, we've both used it. More than once! I think I've said before that I've started working out after work on Tues, Wed, and Thurs with Crystal and Teresa at the pd and this was our third week! I've also worked out at home in the mornings doing weight lifting and strength training and mostly cardio and abs at night at the pd. I'm proud of myself for having drive and discipline. I'm hoping to stick with it for at least another 3 weeks then I'm going to start doing P90X. If you've never heard of it, it's a very intense 90 day home workout training system. I've read ALOT about it and watched a million and a half infommercials on it and Gene and I are both excited about doing it! However, since it is so intense I'm going to continue with my current workout routine for about the next 3 or 4 weeks to build up my strength and endurance so I don't get discouraged right off the bat with P90X when it kicks my butt! Ha!

We have just the right amount of room upstairs for the gym and the bench folds up and the sides fold in to where it's only about a foot wide when it's all folded up. Very handy. It does pretty much anything and everything. It's got several different attachments to do legs, arms, shoulders, back, abs, you name it and you can probably do it on this thing. I love it and the best part is that Grace can sit in the bean bag in the corner and watch her cartoons while I work out. There's a tv right beside where I was standing to take the picture. Oh, and by the way....we lost Biggest Loser! No big surprise there, but 4 other officers who were on a team together lost a combined weight of like 118 lbs. It was crazy and they blew everyone else out of the water! Oh well, I'm still trying to eat better. Especially now that I'm working out so much!

Ok, moving on from all of that. Two weekends ago, during one of those sparse nice days we've had this spring, Gene and I went to Lowe's and bought 12 Rhododendron shrubs and 2 hanging plants for the porch!! I was so excited! We have covered porches on the front and both sides of our house and the ground slants down fom the back to the front of the house so in the front there is about 3 ft space between the ground the the porch. I was not happy with the way it looks because it's so hard to get under there and flatten the ground and make it look nice. So, I told Gene that I wanted to get some kind of flowery shrub to plant along the front to hide all of that! Good idea huh?! Haha! Ahem. Gene agreed with me. Yay! So, we bought 6 bright red Rhododendrons and 6 purpley colored ones. Yes, I know purpley is not actually a word, but we'll just pretend it is!

Gene and Colt planted the little plants and they look kinda puney right now because obviously it will take a while for them to grow and expand but they already have blooms that are about to blossom! I can't wait to see how it looks!

Gene also built a garden in front of the house out of railroad ties and he's going to plant vegetables in it and he sectioned off a row in the very front of it for me to put flowers in that can be seen from the road. I've been a little aggravated though because this stinking weather can't make up it's mind. I guess that's Arkansas though! Hopefully someday soon it will get warm and STAY warm so we do all of our planting. Who knows.

So, I'm working on a landscape and body makeover and I'm keeping the faith that both go well.

Seriously, is my daughter not cute or what?! I just love that kid! I made cupcakes last weekend and she (of course) started asking for one the minute I started making them! She kind of likes to eat. No clue where THAT came from. Ha! We've, or she's, been doing better on the whole "I'm 2 years old and I like to throw tantrums and not do what I'm told and scream and yell when I don't get my way and potty in my panties and then look at mommy and smile!" issue. Most days anyways. It's a work in progress right? Or so I'm told. We'll see! I still love her. Even in her 2 year old moments.

Colt had solo and ensemble yesterday at school and they got a one and two twos which is really good and he was super excited!! He plays the saxophone in the band. That boy loves music like no other! I'm gonna have to record him playing the piano this weekend so I can post it on here. Corey stays busy going to the movies or the mall or here or there and is absolutely crazy about his sister! Well they both are! I love that Grace has 2 big brothers that love her so much!

Gene has been working interdiction full time out on the bypass and has some crazy hours right now but they're hoping to get all the sheduling issues ironed out soon and get on somewhat of a regular routine. Right now it's been good because he's off on the weekends and he loves that so he's home with us. He's been really wanting some warm weather to get out and ride the bike. Truth be told so have I!!

I've also been keeping up with sweet Stellan and praying for his little heart to be healed. I've come across so many new blogs recently where people have suffered such loss and are hurting and it just breaks my heart. However, everyone of them I've read is such an inspiration too because they are so strong in their faith and trust in God and it's amazing to me. I'm a Christian woman and have been lacking majorly in my walk with Christ and have prayed so much lately that God would help me get back on track and back into church and to be a light to my family and reading these blogs help me with that because I see what amazing things He does for so many and if you have a spare moment and happen to be thinking about me would you just pray for me? I would so much appreciate it and I'm hoping that Gene will go to church me and Grace this Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior!

I hope that everyone is doing well and if you've hung in there with me for this then you rock!!!

Happy Birthday Gene & Steph!!

This post is actually a day late but I didn't have time yesterday to get on! Two very special people in my life share a birthday....my husband and my best friend! Oh yes, double whammy for me! Haha, only kidding!

When Gene and I first got together and we were sharing about ourselves and I found out that his birthday was March 31st, the very same day as Steph's I couldn't hardly believe it! What a coincidence! So, yesterday was the day and I had bought Gene a coffee grinder and some new Gucci cologne! I know, coffee grinder seems kind of weird but he/we have become quite the coffee drinkers and the other day we were talking about a grinder and how good fresh coffee would be so....I went to Target and bought him one! He also doesn't like to be without cologne and he'd been out for a couple of months so the boys and I went to Dillard's and I picked out Gucci by Gucci! Oh yum, it smells sooooo good! He likes to keep it in his patrol car so he doesn't smell like dog! I had them all wrapped and sitting on our dresser when he woke up yesterday.

Grace kept telling him over and over "HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!" It was too cute!

I didn't get to see Steph yesterday because she had to work then I had to work and I can't tell you yet what I'm getting her because obviously that would give it away cause she reads my blog! I talked to her last night though and I'm pretty sure Grace and I are going to try and make it to Springdale Friday to take her to lunch and give her her present! Steph and I have been best friends since 8th grade and that lady seriously knows more about me than I probably do!!!! We've been through it ALL together and I could not have been blessed with a better best friend. She's the best person I've ever met!!!!

I love you guys!!!!!

CTO Class in Conway

I have got so much to catch up on, but just haven't had the time or desire really to sit down and blog!! I promise I'll get it all on here eventually though.

I'll start off with my CTO (Communications Training Officer) class that Teresa and I went to last Wednesday-Friday in Conway AR. I ended up having to work until 2 am again last Monday night and then Tuesday I spent doing laundry and packing both myself and Grace up for our week. I didn't work at all Tuesday because I had so much to get done. I met Teresa at the pd at 6 Tuesday night after dropping Grace off with Mom. Teresa and I set out for Conway and Mom and Graced headed for Granny's house.

We made it to our hotel without any problems and were able to get settled in and into bed, however, neither one of us slept at all that night. Needless to say we were exhausted when we got up at 6 IN THE MORNING to get ready for class. Let me just remind you that T and I both work evening shift and although I'm usually up with Grace around 7:30 or 8 my mind doesn't usually have to be working until later. We drug all day long! The class was absolutely wonderful though! We had an amazing amazing teacher, Tracy Ertl, who is from Green Bay, WI. She even came complete with the northern accent! She was hilarious and made the class so much fun. She's the one in the picture above with me and T.

This picture was taken in the car Tuesday night on our way to Conway. I will admit that I was a little apprehensive of the class because you just don't ever know how it's going to go for 3 whole days. I'll say that I'm re-energized and enthused about training again at work. I was starting to get a little rigid about it and losing the desire, but now having taken this class I've learned some great new techniques and approaches to training that will make it better for both myself and my trainee!

Tracy, being from way up north, had never had REAL BBQ until her first visit to Arkansas last September and she instantly fell in love! The class we took, along with several others, are put on through the APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials), and they are a mostly non-profit organization so Trace actually has to pay for all of her expenses any time she travels somewhere to teach a class. She is truly passionate about teaching and what she does and she told us that's the reason she does it! She is also holds a full time position at her agency in Green Bay as a dispatcher so she also practices what she preaches! I could go on and on and on about her, but I'll stop! Anyways, back to the BBQ! She told us Thursday about an hour before lunch that she had to have some BBQ and that a bunch of them were going to eat at Whole Hog Cafe if anyone else wanted to join. Oh yum! They have some of the best BBQ ever and there's one here in Fayetteville in Fiesta Square and another one in Bentonville, but I'm not sure exactly where. So, out of the 29 people in class, I'm pretty sure that 22 of us all ate together and it was really neat. Tracy got her BBQ ribs and she happened to be wearing a white shirt that day so she fixed herself up a make shift bib out of paper towels and dug in! She was hilarious! She also told us that she absolutely loves Arkansas and ever since her first visit in September she's signed up for every class here!

Ok, moving on. If I counted correctly there were 14 different agencies represented at the class and Bentonville PD and Tallahassee FL PD were 2 of them. Teresa and I made great friends with those girls! Thursday night we went out to eat at Outback with Chelsea, Ronya, Maria (all from Bentonville) Connie, and Casey (from Tallahassee) and we laughed so hard and had such a great time! After dinner we all headed back to Chelsea's room at the hotel to study for our test Friday.

Teresa, myself, and Ronya studying hard! Ha! Ok, in all reality, we really did study and all passed our test with flying colors!! We are all now certified communications training officers! Yay for us!!!

As much as I truly enjoyed the class and new experience, I was ready to be back home in my own bed and more than ready to see my hubby and kiddos!

Like I said, I've got so much more to share with you guys...just not now! I've gotta go take a shower to get ready for work!!

Officer Daddy

I just had to share a few sweet pictures of two of my favorite people in the world!

Gene was getting ready to leave a few minutes ago for work and every time Grace sees him with his gun belt on she goes straight for the flashlight! She knows exactly where it is, and the button to turn it on is on the bottom of it so she pushes it on and off shining it in her Daddy's eyes!

Grace's Officer Daddy!

Sweet sweet sight!

Happy Monday everyone!

Silly Saturday

I started this post last night, but I was too tired to type once the pictures finished uploading so I'll just finish it now! We've had a busy and great weekend! Friday Grace and I both got haircuts and she has bangs again now. She's had her hair cut several times, and I always kept bangs on her but decided last time I was going to grow them out. Well, she won't keep her hair up for very long and she hates it when her hair is in her eyes so I decided to go back to bangs until she gets older. After haircuts we did some shopping and it was a long day! Steph came out to the house when she got off work and hung out and Gene had to work till 10 so we were just hanging out talking and playing with the kids.

Yesterday Stephanie and I went to a bridal shower for my good friend Crystal that I work with that is getting married in April. After that we went to lunch and I came home to get the kiddos and some of the Old Navy stuff I had to take back because it didn't fit. I then spent a Wal-Mart gift card I was given on my birthday. After that we headed home and Gene fixed dinner. Grace was being pretty crabby because she hadn't had a nap and after screaming and gnashing of teeth (ok, not really that but..) while laying on the couch Colt went over to play with her and she got into a better mood. She was sticking her fingers in his mouth and spreading it apart and she would just laugh and laugh. It was too cute!

Once again, spreading the cheeks!

This picture I actually took one day last week while she was watching a movie and it was too cute not to post, although I meant to put it first and it got out of order. Oh well!

We played in our bedroom for a long time and she was acting goofy. Her new thing is licking. I'm not real sure where it came from, but she loves to lick everyone! Last night, she was going back and forth between Corey, Colt, and myself. She was faking us out by saying "kiss me!" and she'd give you a kiss and hug and then she'd lick you! Corey's kind of a goose too sticking his tongue out at me!

"KISS ME COTE!!!"

Ok, so now she's kissed him and she's now trying to lick him and he's trying to hold her off!!

"KISS ME MOMMA!!"

And again with the licking....who knows?!

Awww...sweet sibling love!

So, that's about it. I just did a lot of shopping and me and the kids are about ready for spring/summer! It's back to work for me again today and I've gotta work until 2 am. I'm working regular shift on Monday then Tuesday I'm just working 2-6 and then Teresa and I are driving to Conway for a trainers' course in Conway for 3 days. I'm excited about the class and am hoping to learn some good stuff.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!!

Sleep Update

Grace has slept beautifully the last two nights. PTL!! I'm still not sure what her deal was, and honestly I don't really care as long as she's not sick and that she's sleeping fine now!!

I've had a good week so far at work. Sunday was pretty uneventful, other than working a 12 and Grace not sleeping! Monday was ok too, other than a few patrol supervisors who don't feel that we as dispatchers are competent enough to do our jobs. Oh, we had issues but they were worked out and when it came right down to it it was a problem with the radio systems and not the radio operator (me!). I stress out when people start to think poorly of me as a dispatcher and feel like I'm screwing up, especially when I'm really not! We worked it out though and the patrol supervisors were nice again!!

Last night was good, busy, but good. We had disturbance after disturbance after disturbance!! People were just not getting along! We had a call of a 15 yoa kid that ran away from home so an officer went out and took the report. Well, about 20 minutes later the kid had shown back up at home and was trying to pick a fight with not only his family but also the neighbor kids. Oh boy. So, they went back out there. The problem was resolved and the kid went to his room, or so we thought. No kidding, about 10 minutes later the 13 yoa sister calls and says he's now slitting his wrists trying to kill himself. Oh boy. So....they went BACK out there yet again. This time though they hooked the kid up and took him to the ER. They ended up admitting him and we cited him out on our charges. What a mess. I will never understand some people. I'm pretty sure there's something else going on in that house for this kid to not want to be at home around his dad. Who knows. I would like to say it's not my problem, but really it is. Or it at least becomes our problem to solve! Anyway, Hank Brockmeyer, who has become the boyfriend of the girls in dispatch, was one of the officers that had to deal with this kid last night. We were so stinking busy last night that only a few of the guys got to eat dinner and Hank was one that didn't get to. He was in the drive thru line at Sonic and had just paid for his food when I dispatched him back over to the kid, so he didn't get his food..or his money back. I was able to leave work though and run over and get it for him! Now, when I say the boyfriend of the girls in dispatch, I mean that he looks out for Crystal, Teresa, and myself all the time! We text back and forth with him all the time and he comes up and visits us and brings us anything we need! He also went out with all of us the weekend of my birthday and was our dancing partner because my husband and Crystal's fiance are not exactly the dancing type!! We had a blast and he's just our favorite little man!! Plus he has a little beagle named Tater that he brings up to visit us every Thursday on his day off! We just love our little Tater!

Ok, back to the work week. They have put in a workout room at the pd that is open 24/7 and is free of charge for any employee to use. It's got several weight machines, a cardio glide, a bike, and a couple of treadmills! Last night Teresa, Crystal, and myself went and worked out after work for about 45 minutes. It was great! I felt so good afterwards and I'm not too incredibly sore today! So, we've decided we're going to work out every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night. We only have 2 and a half weeks left in Biggest Loser and I'll just say that we will not be winning. Oh well, I've still only lost about 9 lbs. Better than nothing, but I'm hoping now that we're working out I can start taking it off better!

I started tanning yesterday too and I'm going to leave early for work today and tan again so I can start getting ready for summer!!!

Have a great rest of the week!!!

What the hay?

I'm not sure what's going on with my 2 year old. We're having a little issue at work with an employee and this person didn't work Saturday night and nobody knew if they would be in last night so I had already said since it was going to be late notice probably that I could stay till 2 am. Well, this person didn't come in and we didn't know for sure until 9:30 last night. It's awesome. Not.

Anyways, so I stayed and worked until 2 am this morning. I actually didn't leave until almost 2:30 because one of our officer buddies came up to hang out for a bit and the midnight shift patrol lt. had come up to visit so I hung out for a few minutes.

When I got home the living room curtains were open and as I was walking across the porch I could see through the window that Gene.....and Grace were both sitting there.....awake. It was 2:40 am. Great. When I walked in Gene said she'd been up for about an hour and a half and that she'd had a nightmare. This never never happens. To add on to the fact that I'd just worked about 12 and a half hour shift and I was dog tired, she didn't want anything to do with me. She wouldn't come give me a hug and didn't want me to take her back up to her room to bed. I was sad.

She just kept saying "Daddy take me upstairs." So, off they went. I went to bed, however, I tossed and turned and couldn't go to sleep until about 3:40. I then woke up to them coming back downstairs and back to the recliner. They stayed there for about an hour then ended up in our bed around 5 am. Gene and I were both so incredibly exhausted and she was wide awake. We both fell asleep before her and then when I woke up around 8 she was finally asleep. We slept till about 9:30. That's it. I'm still really tired.

So...she's already been a wee bit cranky as have I! I'm hoping that today ends up being a good day. I'm going to stay positive. In all reality, I've been a lot more tired than this and done just fine so it's all good. I'm just completely puzzled as to why she was so wide awake for a good portion of the night. Who knows.