To Protect and Serve

I had the honor yesterday of attending my son's police academy graduation and see him officially become a law enforcement officer.  My emotions have been on high alert for the past several days, a mix between pride, excitement and worry. I am proud of him for his perseverance, dedication, hard work, sweat and tears (try getting sprayed with pepper spray), OUCH!  From here on out he will be on the streets in field training, and I have to just keep a prayer in my heart so I don't worry myself sick.

I was married to his father who is also a police officer for 11 years, I am now married to a former member of the National Guard who retired with 20 years of duty, and now I am seeing my son enter the policing profession.  I am in awe at the courage and discipline, the willingness to serve and protect, to help and to put their own lives in danger, and to sacrifice. Words can't really express how grateful I am for their service, for ALL law enforcement officers and for all members of the military, for the feeling of patriotism when saying the pledge of allegiance and just seeing these men and women in uniform, there is such a feel that is almost spiritual and sacred in nature.

I was so impressed with the graduation ceremony, with the way these brand new officers stood at attention, without moving a muscle during the presentation of the badges, they moved only to accept their badges and move forward for the next person.  It was very professional and I was truly overwhelmed with a sense of pride for my son, for all law enforcement, for this amazing country and for a great and wonderful  God.

I made this card for my son, it is a KennyK image and is absolutely perfect!  I had to quickly put it together because I've been so busy lately, so it's very simple in design, but I think it turned out great!

I would like to enter the following challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge-ATG
+Brown Sugar-Get Krafty
4 Crafty Chicks-masculine-Golden Egg Award
Perfectly Rustic-masculine -runner up

#100happydays week 8

                                   Here is my week 8 recap for my #100happydays experiment:

                                                                         Day 50
This was a Thursday night, my son and I met about halfway between here and Vegas to drop Ash off so she could spend time with her family in Vegas.  Ash isn't comfortable yet (and neither am I) with her driving on the highway for almost two hours, especially at dusk/night.  So, this gives me the perfect chance to spend a few minutes with my son, it's always a happy moment to see his handsome face!!  He is currently in the Police Academy and all the work and training is paying off, he's getting some pretty big biceps!!   He had to get pepper sprayed a few weeks ago, which made this mom really sad, he said it was the worst thing he's experienced so far.  I BET!!!

                                                                              Day 51
I love my town!! Every year at Easter weekend, we have an Art's Festival, you can see all the white tent tops.......there were 4 rows and it went two lawns deep with vendors selling photography, paintings, ceramics, wood work, jewelry, and all kinds of unique handmade items.  There are some seriously amazing and talented people out there!

           

                                                                         
                                                                                 Day 52
 This was Saturday April 19th and our work has been putting on a 5k race for the past 3 years, when we got done and were heading home we saw this hot air balloon starting to come down and I had to snap a pic....a hot air balloon ride is on my bucket list!! LOVE it! :)

          

Day 53

Sometimes, ya just need a good reminder that no matter how bad the day or how much procrastination happens during the day, you can always start over at anytime!

      

                                                                                Day 54
       It was late, I didn't have my pic for the day yet, but this girl had just gotten home from Vegas and I was more than happy to have her home.  I can understand not wanting to have the pic taken, but had to do it anyway!!  I can be mean like that!! ;)
         

                                                                              Day 55
Ok...so I don't really like pics of myself or selfies at all, but I had to put this as proof and a reminder that working out is rewarding and that I'm always happy when I'm DONE with the workout.  I will grumble and complain before and during, but then I'm happy when it's done.  Trying to get back in the workout habit...since getting married 3 years ago, I've let myself pack on about 30lbs and am going through some seriously not good conversation with myself.  I'm not too nice to myself sometimes and especially when it comes to weight. So not only am I battling with myself verbally, but also physically.  I have to realize that I just need to work hard, take baby steps and make this a life long commitment and not a sprint to lose weight as fast as possible.  Cuz I've done that before and it never sticks................

                                                                                Day 56
A crockpot full of dinner!! That always makes me happy because I actually HATE to cook, I have 20k other things I would rather do than make dinner, I'd rather NOT eat than have to cook.  I'd rather sit on the couch and stare at the wall than cook.....you get the idea.....SOOOOO when I actually have something prepared and cooking and can come home and dinner is done....that makes for one happy me!!  Plus, this is a really good dinner.  It's something that I kinda came up with after eating something similar at a restaurant.  It's a white bean chicken chowder that you eat in a bread bowl!! YUMMY!

 So there we have week 8...it's got my kids, some outside activity, some workin out, and some yummy food.  All of which makes me happy!!

Now, if anyone happens to read this, I challenge you to go and do your own 100happydays and document. If you instagram or blog it, let me know, I'd love to check it out!!   Now .....Go and Be Happy!!! :D

#100happydays week 7

Time....it flies by, whether we are having fun or not!! ;)   This little experiment in finding the smaller- day to day moments, things, experiences, exchanges....whatever it is that has brought a smile to my face, a lift to my heart, comfort to my soul or a laugh out loud gut busting funny....has been a happy journey all on it's own.

I sometimes find myself at the end of the day with no pic of my happy moment and it makes me stop and think back upon my day.  Sometimes, the day was just pure crap and then I have my "go-to" things that without fail at least bring me a smile.

Here are my week 7 Happy Moments

                                                                           Day 43
This has become one of my new fav shows.  I am fascinated with anything medevil, Renaissance, Kings-Queens, court intrigue,  I love anything King Arthur, Merlin, Lord of the Rings...anything that comes close to that genre..I love!! I totally look forward to Thursday nights on the CW!!

                   
                                                                             Day 44
Do I really need to say anything else??????  This is the yummiest french toast EVER, if you have a KNEADERS near you....drop everything and go get some french toast.  You will thank me, I promise!!!  :D  It is big, thick, huge slices of cinnamon swirl bread all french toasted up and with strawberries and cream and then this delicious caramel type sauce...  absolutely divine!!

Day 45

Have I mentioned that I love to color, and that copics make me happy?  Well, they do! Copics make me happy and coloring is my therapy.  Plus it doesn't hurt when you have adorable little images to work on!  Mermaid is from A Random Fan!

Day 46

Such a powerful image, this just stirs my heart and soul.  I don't even really have the words to describe the emotions that this brings other than deep gratitude for my Savior Jesus Christ. I know He loves me, He died for me, and He atoned for my sins.  (and for all mankind)   I am grateful and full of love for Him, and hope that I can try to be more like Him each day.

                   
                                                                                 Day 47
Must have been a Monday!!  HA!!  Minions happen to be one of my "go to" things for a quick smile or laugh...I mean, they are just too stinkin funny!

Day 48

Comfort...that is what this blanket represents.  It is my husbands, I pretty much took it over  3 years ago soon after we got married.  It's the perfect size, kind of a lap blanket, but I use it to tuck myself in at night...I know that sounds weird...but I have to have blankets tucked up right under my chin and I don't really want the sheets, blanket and comforter, so this one little blanket works perfectly!

Day 49

This is another happy moment, when a cute image comes together to make a cute card!  It's just something that I have to do...create, it's like breathing or reading a book....can't live without it!!  

Well, week 7 done.....I'm interested to see what week 8 brings!!   If you want to start your own 100happydays challenge, start now and GO...Be Happy!! :)

#100happydays week 6

I can't believe it's already been six weeks since I started with this little challenge of #100happydays.  I found the challenge on FB and it's to document 1 moment each day that makes you happy.  It's been fun and has made me more aware of the happy moments throughout the day.

                                                       Here are my moments for week 6
                                   
                                                                            Day 36
My niece and my daughter, this was a really mellow picture of the two of them....they had been completely goofy all day and I've got the selfies on my phone to prove it!!  I thought I'd stick with a more flattering picture of them!

Day 37

Me and my seester...that's what I call her ..seester.  We live about 6 hours away from each other and don't get to spend near enough time together.  It's always a treasure when I can grab her and spend some one on one time.  

Day 38

Tai Pan........I love pretty things!! Enough said! 

                                                                              Day 39

Twice a year The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has General Conference where we listen to uplifting and inspirational messages from our Prophet and other leaders of our church.  I love conference, not only for the spiritual uplift, but also because I can stay in my pj's and not put on makeup!!!
                                             

                                                                   
                                                                            Day 40

I've just decided that Mondays are for Minions.....they make me smile..and honestly.....this is how I feel on Mondays, so I thought it was appropriate!

                                                                               Day 41
If I could eat these all day, every day.....I would!  I've been known to buy several bags at once, but I tell ya...my butt sure isn't happy with my chocolate addiction...  UGH

                                                                           Day 42

Awwwww, bittersweet.  Made up my daughters grad announcements, am so proud, but she is my baby and she will be graduating, which is just a reminder that she is no longer a little girl.  At least she is staying local for college, I'll keep her as long as I can!!   :)

So there is week 6 done!  Now go......be happy!! 

#100happydays Week 5 recap

This week was a little weird...a couple days I put something on as my happy moment which normally really never makes me happy, but they made it anyway.  I will explain with the pics.

                                                                            Day 29
Don't ask!!!  I'm a total dork...I own it and wear it without shame!  ;)   I actually was very happy and pleasantly surprised when my bestie from AZ called me up at work to chat for a few.  We chat on a regular basis, but it's usually through text or FB, so thanks Steph, for a happy moment and it was great to hear your voice!! :D

                                                                       Day 30
The quote pretty much says it all. Coloring and creating are therapy for me, there is just something about making things pretty or creating something out of almost anything.  Granted, I can't draw worth beans, but I sure do love coloring.   These images are from a color along I was doing with Alyce from Kit and Clowder (her button is on my sidebar if you want to check out her site), she is an amazing colorist and I've been taking a class from her. These images are all my attempts to get a coloring done that I am actually happy with.  Alyce says "practice, practice, practice" so that's what I've been doing!!

                                                                         Day 31
This is one of the weird ones I was talking about. People that know me, know that I am not an up close and personal animal lover. I love them from a distance, I find them so cute and enjoy watching them, looking at fun pics and other things and there are a very few dogs that I actually will let up on my lap and snuggle with, but for the most part........NO!  I don't like to be jumped on, licked and drooled on, I don't like animal hair, or having to clean up after them.   These two..........Harley and Gunner are my sisters dogs, she is in town with her family, her two dogs and her three cats.  Gunner, honestly looks like ALF and when I was taking pics, it just looks like he's smiling for the camera....made me laugh and definitely put a smile on my face.

Day 32

Went on a Sunday drive on a new road that connects our town to Sand Hollow Lake and Rec area, the drive was really pretty and seriously the new road cuts off about 20 minutes of drive time to reach the lake.  It was a gorgeous day, some darker clouds and I LOVE cloudy days, we saw this little historic house and enjoyed visiting and enjoyed the view.  I decided we need to take more Sunday drives and enjoy our area a little more!

Day 33

Ok...this day really was a weird one.  I ended up taking the day off work to spend with my sister, but then her husband wanted her to go to the lake with him and the kids...blah, blah, so she was going to try to hurry, put an appearance in, ride on the 4 wheeler and then get back to town so we could  hang, relax and visit....didn't happen and I didn't want to waste my day, nor did I want to go into work when I had already taken the day....so for the first time....I went to the movie BY MYSELF!  I've almost decided that is the BEST way to go to the movie.....on a Monday, in the middle of the afternoon, only 3 people in the theatre....YES PLEASE!  I really enjoyed myself.  And for any Veronica Mars fans.....the movie was a long time coming!  :D

                                                           
                                                                              Day 34
Didn't have any thing that day that really popped as a happy moment, until I saw that Ash had taken a bunch of selfies on my phone!  Well, dear sweet girl, this is what happens when you do that.....you get put on my blog with your bugged out eyes and your open-mouthed sneer!  Love this funny, goofty, sweet girl.  She makes me happy and makes me laugh.

Day 35

Another unusual one for me.  I was trying to get my sisters cats to play.  This sweetie is Peekaboo, she wasn't in a very playful mood, but she did get friendlier and let me pet her before she got spooked and hid under the bed.   I always figured if I were an animal I would be a cat.  They come to you when THEY want attention and otherwise, they want to be left alone.......I'm kinda like that!  And they nap...alot, I don't nap alot, but I'd like to be able to nap whenever I felt like it, I'd find a nice sunny spot on the floor, stretch out and sleep, and if someone tried to wake me up, I'd scratch the crap out of em!

 Well, another week down.  I'm finding it fun to find the little happy moments throughout the day.  Some days it's more of a challenge, but most days I can find something pretty easy, and I'm finding that I'm a little happier by looking for things to be happy about!

Hope you all have a happy week!! :)

#100happydays-Week 4 recap

Man, the weeks are just flying by, I can't believe we are almost at the end of March!  Time needs to slow down just a little...especially because I've got less than 2 months before my Ash graduates...I'm really not ready for that!

Here is a recap of my happy moments caught and recorded for the past week.

                                                                              Day 22:

This day, I was SO grateful for.  I got a phone call last Tuesday from a guy that is part of The Exchange Club and said that Ashlie was nominated as an Outstanding Student of the Month for March, and to please come to our award breakfast where she will get the award and a scholarship.  Amazing!!  We had no idea what kind of scholarship and was completely shocked when Dixie State awarded each of the kids selected to receive a One Year Paid Tutition!!!!  AWESOME!!  I felt a huge weight just lift  from my shoulders that I didn't know I was carrying...but trying to figure out how to pay for college is pretty dang stressful.  SO grateful!

                                             

                                                                                 Day 23:

I finally worked out.  I have been so lazy lately....it's terrible, but this day, I worked out hard, felt muscles that I didn't know existed and felt like I had accomplished something major for the day!  Now, I just need to do it more than once every 3 months!! ;)

          

                                                                         
                                                                             Day 24:
We had a BBQ at my parents house on this day, Ash and her friend and their dates were there for Preference and we planned to feed them, grilled up some burgers and hot dogs, made some salads, chips and drinks.  I took this pic of my parents backyard.  I pretty much grew up here and have a lot of great memories, my dad had just trimmed up the tree, but usually it is full and gives some awesome shade.  LOVE it!!

                                         

                                                                            Day 25:
My parents!  This day was their 46th wedding anniversary....HOLY COW, that's like ......FOREVER!  They are too cute and have been such a great example of what love and commitment looks like.  They are the most helpful and service minded people I know, they serve with love and compassion and they put each other first.  They are patient with each other and they say they are sorry if need be. They don't keep score or hold grudges, they just love and forgive and love some more.  Love you both! :)

     

                                                                              Day 26:
This day ended up being a Monday, I think Mondays will be Minion Day....they make me smile, pretty much no matter what, and that's a lot to be said of Mondays!!

 

                                                                           Day 27:
See above......these are a couple of my crazy friends.  I love them! They help keep sanity when it seems like insanity is going to win!  We laugh, we vent, we cry..(well, not really, but we do have some very serious conversations ...so we almost cry), we go to lunch, we go on drink runs, we sometimes get together and make crafty things.  They definitely help my work days go by much faster, and are much more enjoyable!  Thanks girls! :D

                                                                           
                                                                             Day 28:
Going into Michael's for 1 copic marker with a coupon and finding some yummy goodies on a super good clearance deal!! Glitter and cheveron and gold....OH MY!!!   :)

 Well, there is this weeks recap...

I actually just sent all my days up until now to Walgreens for printing!  Now I get to put them in my PL or maybe I will get a smash book just for my #100happydays!! 


 Any suggestions?  Should I do PL, Smash them or                          do a mini album????   

                                                                  Thanks for any input!!

#100happydays-week 3

                       Another week has flown by and I'm here with a recap of my happy moments.  :D

                                                                            Day 15
Steve and I at dinner with my parents at Texas Roadhouse.....can't beat a great dinner and  not cooking!

                                                                                Day 16            
       Winning a new adorable stamp set from an awesome company (SugarPea Designs) at their release party!!

Day 17

Books.......LOVE to read, have been spending alot of time lately in books and kindle, can't live without books!

Day 18

A gorgeous Sunday afternoon walk.  LOVE where I live! 

                                                                             Day 19
                                      This is me EVERY MONDAY!  Minions make me smile! ;)

Day 20

Ash's messy bed, I'm actually happy to see this mess, it means that she is home! She was gone for 10 days over spring break when her step-mom had a baby.

                                                                            Day 21
                                                    Guilty pleasure! Arrow...YES PLEASE!

There is week 3 down and done, it's been fun capturing little moments throughout the week that bring a smile to my face and a lift to my heart!  

Go and be HAPPY!! :D

#100HappyDays-Week 2 recap

                                            

So, if you caught my first post regarding the 100 Happy Days challenge, you'll know that I'm mainly doing the challenge on instagram, but am also doing a weekly recap here on my blog.   So for week 2, here are my happy moments.

                                                                              Day 8:
Fresh flowers in the house for the past couple weeks with Ashlie's senior night for basketball and her 18th birthday.  Gorgeous!!
                                         

                                                                                 Day 9:
A phone call from this kid! This pic is really old, he was still in high school and is now almost 23....I SO need a new and better pic!  I love phone calls from my son, when he calls, I know that he wants to talk and check in.  He has been in the Police Academy for the past 3+ weeks, so hearing from him and hearing how things are going made my happy moment for this day!   Love you J!
                                         

 
                                                                                  Day 10:
Woke up to see that my card featuring Some Odd Girl-Rainy Day Mae had been featured on the Some Odd Girl FB page as their first Super Star Saturday! Holy Moly....that put a huge smile on my face!

                                           

                                                                             Day 11:
                           Pancakes for dinner....YES please, and with fresh blueberries....YUMMY!!

Day 12:

Grumpy Cat! Is there anything else to say?   Grumpy keeps me company all day while sitting for hours on end at my desk.  I can relate to the grumpiness at times, I think that is why my friend gave Grumpy to me for my birthday.....hmmmmmm.   ;)

Day 13:

Lotion!!!  I can NEVER have TOO much lotion.  I am kind of a freak, and can't stand to have dry hands and especially after washing my hands....I have to put lotion on.  Touching paper without putting lotion on after washing my hands almost makes me cringe and shudder.....I know, weird..right??  

Day 14:

Ok...yesterday, I was strugglin.  I mean I was grumpier that Grumpy Cat up there and I was in a foul mood, my husband called me and said that our computer wasn't running, the internet at home was down, NOTHING was working.  Well, I need my computer. I mean, it's certainly not life or death, put damnit, it's pretty close.  I've got blogs to hop, FB to check, digi's to print out, a class  and assignments to work on....it's kind of important, and I don't have the $$$$ right now for a new PC.  So, thankfully, my patient hubster sat and fiddled with it (neither one of us know a lot about computer maintenance) but he plugged along, did some defragging, rebooting and whatever else he did, while I stayed in the living room reading a book and staying to myself.  Believe me, when I'm in that foul of a mood, I'm better of in solitary confinement.  I'm not proud ....just keepin it real!   Eventually, whatever he did worked and we now are still up and running...and now have to start saving up for a new one, cuz I'm not sure how much longer this one will last...and I do not want CRASHING going on and losing stuff.  So backing up all my info today and then the saving will begin. 

And that my bloggy friends, ends week 2.  If you want to join in the challenge, I found the info HERE