Will the Real Officer Case Please Stand Up?

The day finally came! Michael graduated from the Police Academy, M.L.E.O.T.A., on Thursday, March 25th. I was on cloud nine all day and the evening before to be perfectly truthful. Of course, I took the day off work to make sure I was there for every minute of all the events. The evening before graduation they had a cookout for the recruits (that's what they call all the men and women in training) and their spouses. After work I rushed to get there, and you know I am going to get behind a truck going 30mph in a 55mph zone. The road was too curvy to pass, so I had to practice some patience. I did get there in time. Michael showed me around the place. I got to see where he slept, the gym, the shooting range, the driving range, and the auditorium. We ate in the mess hall, so I saw that too. It was a lot of fun. Then their instructors spoke for a little bit and some of the recruits put on funny skits. It was a good relaxing time.

When I told people Michael was graduating, they would say, "That ten weeks went by fast. Didn't it?" Normally, you should respond by agreeing. Well, I did not. I felt every day of that ten weeks he was gone. It did not go by quick for me. I am sure being pregnant has something to do with that. He was gone from January 18th to March 25th. That is a long time my friend.

Okay back to graduation...

We (me and Michael's parents) got there an hour and 10 minutes before the graduation even started, and we had to sit towards the back. The place was already packing out with family and officers. Karon, my mother-in-law, made the comment that we were probably in the safest place in Jackson right now. I agreed. I don't even know how many guns were in this place. We had a great view of the door where they were walking in, until a couple of very rude teenagers decided to stand right in front of our view. Well, when I saw Michael about to walk in, I made sure I got my pic, and I will leave it at that. So, the first pic is of him marching in. I have to admit, I teared up a little bit. (and maybe a couple of other times during the ceremony)

This is Michael standing up (his is the one standing closest to the window) for being one of the top five shooters at M.L.E.O.T.A.. So don't mess with him when he has a gun!!! Hahaha! Once again, I am soooo proud of my hubby!
Michael shaking hands to receive his certificate. Yes, I had to bust a move to get this shot too. I was not rude about it though. I promise. I have been waiting a long time to be able to get this photos :)

I just thought this was a great photo. Michael is just standing in line after getting his certificate. My favorite part of the graduation was at the end when they did all their chants together. It was amazing. You just had to be there.

Michael with the Chief and Captain.

Some of the Brandon Police crew that came to watch Michael.

Michael with his parents.

Me with Michael. Yes, I am officially a police wife. Is there a group of police wives life army wives?

It was an absolutely wonderful day! I love you, Michael! I am so happy to have you back home :) We went to Michael's parent's house afterwards for more celebrating and eating. Karon fixed an amazing lunch. Karon, the bread tasted wonderful!

We feel so blessed!

Kate Turns One!!!!

We can't believe our niece, Kate, turned one year old on March 18th! She has grown so fast. She is so close to walking too! Saturday was the PARTAY to CELEBRATE! Lots of family and friends were there. I posted some pics of the events.

The beautiful birthday girl smiling and showing off her teeth!

Us with the birthday girl

Dad, Nina, and Kate

Momma and Kate

Luke with his mini-me

opening presents

Amanda had this down to an art. She would take out all the tissue paper and let Kate pull out the present. Eventually, Kate started getting confused when a present would be taken for a new one to be opened. It was so cute to watch!

Yummy cupcakes!

Luke and Amanda making their big announcement: Amanda is pregnant. The outfit says: BIG SISTER!!! Congratulations!!! We love you!

A Little Baby Update

Wednesday, I went for my second prenatal visit. Michael didn't get to go to this one, because he was at police school. So, I get there and do my labs. I was so glad I didn't have to give blood this time. I have a terrible fear of needles. Don't ask me why. I guess my family never has to worry about me being a druggie. Well, while I am sit in the waiting area the ladies around me are talking, so naturally, I listen and pretend to be reading a magazine. One older lady goes into how she doesn't like little babies. I am thinking, "Do you realize where you are, lady?" She went on for about ten minutes. Luckily, the nurse called me to the back. So, I said bye to the psycho baby hater. I have only gained two pounds. I was pretty shocked due to how I have been eating. But, I guess, since I have not been able to eat that much it balanced out. I told Michael the child is taking after him. I am craving Sonic cheese sticks. I am a health nut, so these fast food cravings are driving me bonkers. I just feel the pounds being put on as I put the food in my mouth, but apparently not, thankfully! Dr. Kellum comes in and answers my few questions I had. He is absolutely amazing!!! He is so calm and relaxed all the time. Anytime I am worrying about something, he just says, "that's nothing to worry about." I figure, if he is not worried, I shouldn't be either. He listened to the baby's heart, and I got to hear it too! Dr. K said that every time the heartbeat changed a bit, that meant the baby was moving around. He said the baby is moving around a lot now, but I just can't feel it yet and won't until I am about 16 weeks. I am always amazed by the heartbeat. It is just soooo fast. I made my next appointment for April 14th. We will get to find out what we are having in the middle of May. I can't wait! OH, I got a haircut this week. I told Michael it makes me feel more like a mommy. So, does that make it a mommy-do? Sorry, no pics of it yet.

Well, as you might have gathered from previous blog posts, my life is a little stressful as every one's life can be. I usually use exercise to de-stress, but I am just sooo tired these days (thanks to being in my first trimester) that I have not being working out. I also love to read, but I have to read so much for grad school that reading has lost some of it draw and luster too. So, I decided that I needed something, Then it came to me: CROSS STITCHING!!!! Yes, I know how to cross-stitch, and no, I am not a granny! I love to cross stitch. My mom taught me how to do it when I was younger, and just enjoy doing it. I think it has something to do with my perfectionism/being a little up-tight...okay just plain being up-tight kind of person. I know I have to hold a needle, and I just mentioned my fear of needles. Let me specify-needles that are being stuck in me are the ones that scare me. Either way, cross stitching clams me down, and I can drown out everything else going on. I will post my project whenever I complete it, but I am NOT setting a time limit. Remember-stress free project ;)

Hubby Update: ONE MORE WEEK LEFT!!!! You read right! Michael only has one more week of the police academy. He graduates this coming up Thursday. No worries, I will have the camera full charged and ready to take pics! I am so proud of him. He is just a fabulous husband!

This weekend: We are headed to Byhalia, MS for Kate's first birthday party! We can't wait! Hard to believe she is one year old! We love you sweet Kate! MUWAH!

Happy 89th Birthday Granny!!!

My Granny turned 89 years old on February 27th. We went to her birthday party at Asbury Church to celebrate with family and the town of Tremont, MS. We also got to surprise her with our news. This is how the conversation went...

Me: Happy Birthday Granny, I have you a present, but I can't give it to you right now.

Granny: (sadly) Oh okay.

Me: Do you want me to tell you what it is?

Granny: (shocked) Well, no!

Everyone laughed, because she was the only one who still didn't know.

Me: Granny, I am pregnant.

Granny: (stands up and claps) Yeah!

We had a great time that day! Here are some snapshots:

The birthday girl

The family

Granny, Dad, and Aunt Jan

The spread

Kate showing off her party attire and teeth!! You know I could not resist posting a pic of our sweet little niece!

How Did I Get Here?

Working full time as a middle school teacher-yes, that means I attempt to make teenagers learn math from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Taking six hours of graduate school completely online

Being a full time momma to my sweet Colby

Keeping all up with all the house work (which I am doing a terrible job at)

Having a husband in the police academy, which means, he is gone from Sunday evening to Thursday evening

And of course the icing on the cake-I am pregnant.

I am finding myself completely overwhelmed. First of all, before I say anything else, I want to make clear that I LOVE BEING PREGNANT. But, I am completely exhausted. I know that is usual for the first trimester, but I am falling further and further behind on everything else. I can not figure out why I can't get caught up. Probably because I sleep all the time, but my body is not giving me any other option. I guess I shouldn't be taking the time to blog about it, because it could be considered wasted time. All of this has being weighing on my heart, and I wanted to share. Michael is a huge help when he is home, but he can only do so much in the short amount of time he is here. Plus, he has to get all of his stuff ready for the next week of the academy. I try not to unload on him about everything, because I want him to be able to focus on what he needs to do. He tells me that he wants to know everything. Yes, I know...he is a sweetie and an amazing listener. I will admit, that I am pretty good about putting myself in a position to be overwhelmed. I guess you could say that is my "normal." Even though I do not believe there is such a thing as normal. As a friend of mine would say, "It's all relative."- Brandon Marker. But this time, I can honestly say I did not do all of this on purpose. Now that I am here, I am going to have to deal with it somehow. I know this only for a temporary amount of time. Michael only has 3 weeks left. Thank you Jesus! My classes will end in May. Speaking of....I having always been on top of my school work. I NEVER get behind.....that is until now. I am so far behind. It is driving my crazy. I honestly do not know how I am going to get it all done. I am hoping when I start my second trimester, I will get some energy back and catch up. I know we all have a ton going on in our lives, and I am not claiming that my load is any more or worse than anyone else. What I am asking for is prayer. We all can use some of that! I know that God will not give us any more than what we can handle, but I am definitely being tested to the limit.