A Few Stories to Share...

I thought maybe you would all be interested in hearing how well Dustin is doing in his new career. To use his words, " [He] loves it more everyday!"

To my surprise, it hasn't been as bad as I thought. He is home more, that could be a blessing or annoying. When I want to run to the gym or an errand, BLESSING. If my routine gets interrupted, ANNOYING. I'll "take the good with the bad."

He has had, to my knowledge, only a few scary instances. He has had to tackle a guy for fear of a weapon. Criminals, they're idiots. Not long ago he was involved in a foot pursuit with a burglar. It ended with him helping to take the guy to the ground. Come to find out, last week the guy was arrested for the same thing. Criminals, they're idiots! He came home last night telling me they arrested a few teenagers for marijuana possession. Criminals, they're idiots! My kids got the lecture this morning about taking only good things into their bodies. They were reminded why we should always make good decisions or they could end up in jail.

The incident last night was pretty scary to me. To have to approach a bunch of kids while they were high, you never know what they had, or what they were thinking. I'm grateful we have been blessed that he has come home safely every night.

A final note. My friend Shauna found this picture on one of her friend's blog, we don't know her. Dustin arrested Flat Stanley (I tried to find the post about it, but I think she deleted it, lucky for me I copied the picture). He has now inherited the nickname, "Stanley."



I love my cop!

PS He is doing really well in training. All his co-workers have been impressed with him. He has received praise from the chief as well.

Another Preisthood Holder in our House!!

Ryan turned twelve on the 5th. Yes. I am quite behind in posting. We haven't even had a b-day party yet, but we will. I want Dustin to be able to be there.

Yesterday our bishop called him to the stand to announce his graduation from Primary and sustain him as a Deacon. A Deacon!! I felt quite old yesterday. But I held it together and to my surprise I did not cry. I'm sure come next Sunday as he passes the Sacrament for the first time, those tears will flow. Happy tears.

He has already had 2 mutual activities, one on the ward level, one an the Stake level. Our ward activity was a Bishop's fireside on dating. He seemed a little confused to all the information he was to soak up. He learned the appropriate age and way to date (the age he already was aware of). He learned about MORALITY. Wow, that was weird.

Dustin gave the morality lesson. He had put on the board: Holdy, Holdy. Huggy, Huggy. Kissy, Kissy. Heavy, Heavy. Naughty, Naughty. Once his father got to the Heavy, Heavy part, the questions started coming.

"Mom, what necking and petting?" Uhhh... I had to think quick and let go of how uncomfortable I was answering that question. But I did it and he got the idea. It was funny though because after I told him, he said, " I don't think I want to know what Naughty, Naughty is."

I said, "I think it's what you think it is." We were embarrassed together.

I can't believe how time flies! Before I know it he will be a missionary. But I'm excited for him. It is an exciting time of life!

Our New Year's Included Black Lip Stick...

how about yours?!




We rang the new year in with some good friends. We first went to dinner. Then we went to Wise Guys comedy club. That was real fun! And surprisingly clean except for one guy, luckily he was all of 5 minutes! After that we came back to our house and hung out till midnight. We played Quelf. A very fun game if you don't mind making a fool of yourself, hence the black lipstick! I loved it.

2009 was a great year for us, many changes, but still a good year. Hope you all had a great start to 2010!

Long, Overdue Catch up!

Life has been quite busy lately. I feel like I have been just trying to survive. Everything has been placed on the back burner!

Our Christmas was nice. This year I will say was especially humbling. With the pay cut we have gone "back to the basics." Some may say, "not so fun," but I will tend to argue. Because of this we focused a little more on what the holiday is all about, Our Savior. While it took a little encouragement on our part, I think our kids realize that Christmas is not about getting. It is about what we can give and what we are doing to become more like Him.However, we didn't get "nothin'". the kids all got the top 3 things on their lists. That's always a plus!

My boys are into football right now. Kind of weird, makes me feel old. They each got jerseys of their favorite teams. They also got new sports gear to replace the old, gross ones. Nobody wants to play with a basketball the dog has peed on! Ryan got an air pistol and Aaron wanted an acoustic guitar. They got new BYU hats and sweatshirts too! And we can't leave out the Star Wars Command blasters.

Grace wanted a scooter, jewelry box, new baby, and her own stuffed dog. She got it all. Come to find out I misunderstood they type of doll she wanted, but she likes the new one anyway. She's so easy to please, well sometimes. I'm glad this was one of those times. She got tons of needed outfits too.

Kate also wanted a scooter. She wanted Barbies this year, so she had a barbie Christmas, even the scooter was Barbie! She also wanted a stuffed dog and received the needed clothes.

Becca got the "funnest toys" as Kate informed us. She didn't ask for anything specific, so I just picked. She loves her new grocery cart, remote control Pluto, and My Little Pony. The one thing she did ask for was a Baby Alive and Grandma got that for her!

I got some long over due silverware! I think Dustin was surprised when i hosted our progressive dinner for the Relief Society. There were four of us at my home and I couldn't match that many pieces! A spoon and fork can only go through the disposal so many times!!!

Dustin bought himself a new garage door opener. Our last one had seen better days, though the beating it received from him before the ward Christmas fireside didn't help! He was just trying to get it to work!! He came away with a cut hand. No good comes from beating things, I promise!

I hope all enjoyed the holiday season!! I took pictures, but I'm trying to get all this done as fast as I can. Maybe next time.