Things I Believe

My hubby is a police officer who was injured on the job on February 17, 2011. At this point, he is still home, and he is completely useless, not being able to bear weight on his left leg. The kids, David - 5, and Braden - 2, are doing really well with it, but I know it's hard on them that Jared cannot play and do the things he's used to doing with them. As the mom, and the only capable adult in the household at the moment, lots and lots of responsibilities fall to me, but I think the biggest one is keeping up the spirits of my family. I believe that, at most times, the mood of the entire household is directly related to the attitude and demeanor of the mother. (I believe that applies whether or not dad is fully capable or incapacitated.)

I also believe that, while this isn't easy, it is SO much easier with the help of family, friends, fellow police officers, and my church family. I quickly decided to count my blessings one day, literally, and I wrote down the names of everyone who has helped us in any way since this happened. The number is currently in the 50s. That is nothing short of amazing, and I truly don't know how people who may not have the same support get through tough times. I've certainly learned some things about myself and I wish now to seek out opportunities to help others rather than waiting for them to request it. Currently, I'm babysitting a friend's dog, which isn't all that huge of a favor, I know, but it's a start. And Chloe (the dog) is simply delightful to have around!


... more to come...

Rain Dance

It's been raining here the last couple of days. David believes it's because he's been doing a rain dance. He jumps while moving his hands and arms up and down like rain. We're playing along with it. I told him he was going to get in trouble for doing a rain dance while Daddy's outside at work qualifying with his weapon. He got a kick out of getting his Dad all wet. The more I told him he better stop, the more he giggled and the faster he danced. He's too cute sometimes.

Puke

Little Braden's got the puke-ups. Gotta go clean up.

"I never thought" - Thought #3

I never thought I'd ever say... "Don't put noodles in your brother's ear!"

Quotes by David... Chapter Nine

David put his fork down at the breakfast table, Braden picked it up.

David - "Where'd my fork go?"

Me - "I think Braden took it. Let me get you another one."

David - "But Braden doesn't know how to use a fork!"

Me - "He's trying. He's got to learn."

David - "Look Mom! He's trying to stab that piece of egg! He's trying and being PERSISTENT!"

Can you believe it? Persistent. I don't even know where he heard that word.

Random thoughts

We had soccer practice again yesterday. I still can't really tell if David likes it or not. He seems to, but he also seems more interested in interacting with the other kids than in playing soccer. Still, he's too cute in his little soccer cleats.
Braden is getting bigger by the day! He's got a few words, Mama, Dada, eat, bye bye, shoe, and thank you mostly... but I think he understands a lot more than what he can say.
We finally sold our car, which should take quite a bit of financial pressure off of us, but at this point we're not really feeling the relief yet. Oh well, it'll come.
Aunt Marge passed away the other day. I've only met her once, but I hope to be able to go to her funeral in Utah. I'm not sure if it'll work out or not because I've got National Guard drill this weekend.
Speaking of National Guard, it's so not coming together like I'd like it to. Apparently our range may be cancelled because my sister unit didn't order the ammunition for us like they were supposed to. Half of the soldiers are calling in looking to reschedule, and the rumor is that SSG Peralta is being a prick because I didn't do some things that he didn't ask me to do. There are a lot of things I need to do in order to get the military discipline in my unit the way it is supposed to be, but since I only work there a weekend a month, I can't seem to find the time or the interest to get it all done. Oh well, just a year and a half left and I'm outta there.
Later!

Quotes by David... Chapter Eight

We were in Wal-Mart yesterday, when a little person passed by us. She was obviously my age, but about David's size. David got excited when he saw her and said in his little cooing voice, quite loudly...

"Awww... Mom! Look at that cute little mother! I know she's a mother because she's got a purse."