Cruel, Cruel Target!

This is...

just

NOT right!!!

What's the temp in YOUR neighborhood today???

Five Question Friday

Ha! Two posts in ONE DAY! I almost never do that, but why not! I have time to kill on my lunch break, so here goes my answers to Mama M's Five Question Friday:

1. Would you ever vacation alone? I tell ya, I'm tempted some days, but no, I would not. I'd miss my kiddos and DH too much. Plus, I would want them to have fun too!

2. Do you go the speed limit? I plead the fifth!

3. Why did you start blogging/following blogs? I started out by reading other blogs first and thought it looked like fun. I was right! I really enjoy blogging and meeting other bloggers.

4. Where do you shop for yourself? I buy my Jeans at Express because they come in Petite sizes so I don't have to hem them up. Otherwise, tops at Target or Kohls.

5. What was the song that you danced your first dance with your spouse to at your wedding...or...what song would you like your first dance to be to?
Glory of Love by Peter Cetera. It's the song from Karate Kid II. I love it!

What a Week!

Hosted by Mrs. 4444

Normally, I try to be upbeat and positive. But I tell ya, it's been a bit of a week!

Monday: My DH sent me this EMAIL while I was at work:
_____________________________________________________
Subject: Hit Head
Mon, January 25, 2010 11:16:37 AM
From: "DH"
To: "Cop Mama"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Babes,
I had an accident on some ice getting out of my truck...I might take the afternoon off to get an MRI...I will keep you posted.

Love Ya
Sent from my BlackBerry
_____________________________________________________

Um.....WHAT???

I called him immediately and, after freaking out about him telling me this in an EMAIL, I asked him what happened. He said as he was getting out of his truck, he slipped on some ice in the parking ramp at his clinic, flew up in the air, and smacked the back of his head on the running board. Long story short, he had a CT scan/x-rays and everything came back fine, thank goodness!

Monday Night: I got attacked by a nasty cold virus, up all night coughing. On top of Sprout's trips to the potty and poor Cubbie's teething.

Tuesday: When I woke up, I swear someone had climbed into my throat and scraped the insides with sand paper! I was miserable. So I stayed home sick.

Tuesday Night: Up most of the night coughing, sleeping sitting up on the couch. Sprout's trips to the bathroom, Cubbie's fussy because of teething.

Wednesday: Brought laptop in for a diagnostic. (Sidenote, I felt so proud when I told them I'm a "Mom Blogger." :-)

Wednesday Night: Third verse, same as the first!

Thursday: The computer repair shop said my laptop main board is "failing," it may last 2 weeks, it may last 2 months. My DH was ticked! He bought both mine and his at the same time, one year and three weeks ago. Guess what? They came with a ONE YEAR warranty! Thanks alot HP! DH wrote the CEO an email. Don't hold your breath, honey!

Friday: Here's hoping for a better weekend!

What plans do YOU have for the weekend? Us, other than a $10 off coupon for Children's Place that expires on Saturday, nothing much!

(Ha, that reminds me of Will Farrell in Old School where he's telling the frat partiers that he and his wife have a trip planned to Home Depot the next day, remember??? Um, no? Ok...nevermind! "We're going streaking in the quad, come on!!! Ok, I'll quit now... ;-)

Simple Things

I have found a wonderful blog called, "Soul Aperture." The author, Christina, is making a $1 donation to Doctors Without Borders' mission in Haiti for every blogger who does a "Simple Things" list and links back in her comments.

My Simple Things

small fingers holding tightly

soft skin of a baby cheek

peace and quiet

the scruff on my DH's face

a winter sunset

comfort food

warm, sunny days

the cabin

making french press while camping

going for a nice, long run

holding my boys tightly in my arms

a kind word spoken unexpectedly

knowing all is well

And knowing God is in control

What are YOUR simple things?

(Don't forget, "Mama Guilt Mondays" meme every Monday. Stop back here and link up!)

Black and White Wednesday

"Teething"

Link up at "The Long Road to China."

(Don't forget, "Mama Guilt Mondays" meme every Monday. Stop back here and link up!)

Bring on the Agility Course...or Not!

Ever climb a twenty foot rope ladder, then walk across a six inch wide beam, climb another five foot rope ladder, just to throw yourself over the top and climb back down?

Ever get shot with a simulated bullet, feel the sting, and still want to go back for more?

Stick with me, I'll explain how this is connected to:

I'm joining in on "Truthful Tuesdays" over at Confessions from a Working Mom. This week, the question is:

What's the best excuse you ever used to get out of an obligation like work, school, or chores... And did you get away with it?

Three years ago, I was assigned to the Training Unit in the police department. I was so excited to work with my FIRST academy class. For one week during the academy, we bring the recruits to a military base for intensive practical training, agility/confidence course and firearms qualifications. In the cop world, it ROCKS!

That's why when it came time for the SECOND academy class to head to the base, I was totally bummed I couldn't go! My excuse? I was pregnant with Cubbie!

Obviously, my midwife would not be too happy seeing me walking across that beam twenty feet in the air.

But the main reason I couldn't even step foot on the base? The lead. It's just not safe for pregnant women to be around any type of ammunition or firing range due to the exposure to lead.

So, that's my excuse. And yes, I got away with it because, well, the proof was in my big ol' baby belly!

So what's the best excuse YOU have ever used to get out of an obligation? Blog about it and head over to Elizabeth's blog to link up, or just leave a comment here!

"Mama Guilt Mondays" Meme

I feel like I have a newborn again.

Sometime around Midnight, 2 AM, 4 AM, I hear a small voice...

"Mama, I gotta go potty."

Sprout's little eyes shine through the darkness next to our bed.

I stumble from under the covers and help him to the bathroom.

Once he's done his business, I tuck him back in.

I try to get back to sleep, but I'm frustrated, thinking,

"Why can't he hold it longer?" "Does he really have to get up every two hours?"

I feel guilty because I know I should be thankful he's doing so good not having any accidents at night.

But man, this is kicking my butt!


Do YOU have any Mama Guilt on your mind today? All you have to do is blog about whatever it is, funny or serious, post a link back to me, then come back here and enter your post link into the MckLinky.

Or feel free to write about your Mama Guilt in the comments.

Either way, I think it's good to share our "Mama Guilt" so we know we are not alone, we all struggle in this wonderful, chaotic, ever challenging thing called motherhood!

Winter

Friday Follow!

Looking to meet more bloggers???

Join in on the Friday Follow Blog Hop hosted by

One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades!

Please visit the above sites for all the rules and to link up!

To any new readers/followers/commenters,
please leave me a comment so I can follow you back!

WELCOME to my little blog! :-)

On My Drive to Work

There is a homeless shelter two blocks away from Police Headquarters.

Tuesday morning, as I turned the corner towards HQ, something caught my eye. When I looked closer, I realized it was reflection strips. Two fire fighters were standing over someone who was on the ground, and their coats, with the reflections strips, were covering the person. My first thought was it was a homeless person who had passed away. I called dispatch to see what the fire department was out on. It turned out it was a homeless man who had fallen, broke his leg, and the fire fighters happened upon him. They were waiting for the medics to arrive.

Imagine being in his shoes. He was walking along, slipped on the ice, broke his leg, and had to lay there until someone happen to see him. It was dark out still, so who knows how long he was there. How sad is that? He's all alone in the world, laying on the ground, wondering if anyone will find him before he freezes to death. How does someone get to that point? Why does God allow such things?

I wish there was more I could do. I see them walk past HQ everyday, eyes glazed over, their world in a backpack on their back. I know that some refuse help for different reasons, whether it be mental illness, chemical dependency, or something else. I guess all I can really do is say a little prayer that God will take care of them. I don't think we'll really ever know the answer this side of Heaven.

Black and White Wednesday

"Watching over Baby Brother"

This picture was taken almost a year ago, but it is one of my favorites and I just had to share it.

Join in and link up over at "The Long Road to China."

"Mama Guilt Mondays" Meme

I had good intentions, honest!


This is a picture from the pumpkin patch this fall. See Sprout's hair sticking up?







This is from Christmas. It's pretty obvious here.






Sprout has a stubborn colic and normally, we just have it buzzed short. However, this past fall, I wanted to try and let it grow a little longer. Problem is, when I went to catch up on scrapbooking recently, I realized his hair was sticking up in EVERY picture!!! Ugh, talk about Mama Guilt!

So, this weekend, we paid a visit to the hair stylist.

There, much better!

Now it's YOUR turn! Do you have any Mama Guilt on your mind today? All you have to do is blog about whatever it is, funny or serious, post a link back to me, then come back here and enter your post link into the MckLinky.

Or feel free to write about your Mama Guilt in the comments.

Either way, I think it's good to share our "Mama Guilt" so we know we are not alone, we all struggle in this wonderful, chaotic, ever challenging thing they call motherhood!

Really? For Me?

Thanks to Becky over at "In the Trenches" for this wonderful award! Please go visit her blog as she writes about her beautiful family and has a good sense of humor.

What a nice compliment. This award really does mean a lot to me. I may not always be "beautiful", but I truly do blog from my heart. I love reading everyone's comments and it still amazes me that anyone even reads my little blog. I've enjoyed meeting so many wonderful women and a few men. I love reading other people's blogs too.

Ok, enough getting all emotional, I have business to take care of! I'm suppose to list 7 interesting things about myself and then list 7 more blogs.

Seven Interesting Things about Myself:

1. I'm trying to grow my hair out and it's taking FOREVER!

2. My favorite movie is a tie between "Good Will Hunting" and "Silence of the Lambs."

3. I love all kinds of music; hip hop, country, alternative, 80s, rock, ect.

4. DH and I were engaged within 3 months of dating, married within 7 months.

5. I have seven siblings, all step and half.

6. Even though I hate the bitter cold, I really do love our four seasons.

7. My DH and I have the same birthday, but he's two years older than me.

Now, as far as naming 7 other blogs....well, I'm gonna cheat. There's just so many enjoyable blogs out there, and so many of you that are so deserving, I simply can't narrow it down! So, if you're a follower, a regular reader, or a regular commenter, this award goes to YOU too!

Now, it's YOUR turn! What is one interesting/obscure fact about yourself ??? Please do tell in the comments!

(Don't forget, "Mama Guilt Mondays" meme every Monday! Stop back here and link up!)

Out of the Corner of My Eye

I stumbled out of bed this morning and headed towards the kitchen to start the coffee.

As I made my way through the living room I saw something out of the corner of my eye:

Look closer...

Hi Buzz, whatcha doin'?


Doesn't it look like he's climbing over the chair, going to stand up and "Glide with Style!"


The weird thing is, I thought all the toys were put away when we went to bed last night. Huh???


(I had to turn on several lights to take these pictures. When I get up for work, there is NO natural light to be found!)


(Don't forget, "Mama Guilt Mondays" meme every Monday! Stop back here and link up!)

A Blessing of a Book

Are you struggling right now? Does life feel overwhelming or have you lost hope? I want to share with you a book that was truly a blessing to me at one time and I am so thankful I found it.

It's called "Hinds' Feet on High Places" by Hannah Hurnard. I know I can't do this lovely book justice, so here's the editor's description:

"Hannah Hurnard created the story of Much Afraid, a young girl hoping to travel from the Valley of Humiliation to the High Places. Along the way, she meets a number of memorable characters - including the Family of Fearings, Cousin Pride, Mrs. Valiant, Mercy, and Peace. Much Afraid also meets the ever-caring Shepherd, who helps her on her journey, at the end of which she receives a new name: Grace and Glory. This long-time best-seller is an intriguing perspective on the Christian life."

Back in my late 20's (before DH or kids), I had to fight through some really tough times. This book was a gift from God. I would long to read it each day. Always in small doses just so I didn't get through it too fast. I imagined myself as "Much Afraid" and Jesus, of course, was "The Shepherd." He was my helper, my Savior, and at times, he kept me accountable, reminding me of who I really was. Even when I felt the most alone in my journey, this book was always there to comfort me.

I just felt it on my heart to share this wonderful book with you. If God uses this post to touch even one person, then my job is done.

Do YOU have a certain book that carried you through tough times?

Join in on "Thankful Thursdays" over at Welcome to the Nut House.

Black and White Wednesday

Guess who???

Join in at "The Long Road to China"

(Don't forget, "Mama Guilt Mondays" meme every Monday! Stop back here and link up!)

My Future in the WNBA and SWAT

Thanks to everyone who linked up, commented, or stopped by to read "Mama Guilt Mondays" yesterday. I'm going to make it a regular meme with the MckLinky, so stop by next Monday and join in!

Now, can YOU handle the truth???

I've joined in on the Truthful Tuesday fun at Elizabeth's blog, "Confessions From a Working Mom."

Her question this week is: What talent do you wish you had...but don't?

1. I would love to be able to play basketball. At 5'0, I can't really dunk. I can dribble and move, but dunking just ain't my thing. So there's no WNBA in my future.

2. Total cop answer here: I would love to be on SWAT. Those guys are TOUGH! And yes, it's a dangerous job, and I'm totally not making light of what they do. But I'd love to be in on the entry team bustin' down the doors and yelling, "Get down, get down." I wish I could have the high tech raid gear, be part of the team atmosphere and the camaraderie. Talk about adrenaline rush! (Yes, us cops are adrenaline junkies.)

However, here again, my height is quite the detriment. And the fact that those guys have more muscle in one bicep than I have in my entire body. I guess they could always throw me up through a window but, well maybe I shouldn't even suggest that. You never know what crazy thing they're going to ask me to do next. Once I had to pose as a school girl and....never mind!

So what talent do YOU wish you had...but don't? Blog about it and head over to Elizabeth's blog to link up, or just leave a comment here!

Mama Guilt Mondays Meme

Ten Minutes.

That is all the time I got to spend with Cubbie last Wednesday.

He was asleep when I left for work, and when I returned home late that evening, he only stayed awake in my arms for ten minutes.

I could tell he was getting tired when he said, "Beh, beh," (bed, bed) and pointed to his room. I didn't want to let go. I tried to rock him in his room, but still, he pointed to his crib and said, "Beh, beh." I knew he was a sleepy little pumpkin, so I cuddled him one last time, and put him down.

Heart wrenching. I felt to guilty.

The next night, I was still feeling guilty and sent out a tweet to my fellow moms on Twitter. I received the best reply ever from The Crayon Wrangler over at "Coloring Outside the Lines." She said, "Remember, it's quality, not quantity that counts." So simple, but yet I found those words comforting and a good reminder. Thanks Crayon Wrangler!

Now it's YOUR turn! Do you have any Mama Guilt on your mind today? All you have to do is blog about whatever is on your mind, funny or serious, post a link back to me, then come back here and enter your post into the MckLinky.

Or, if you don't have a blog, feel free to write about your Mama Guilt in the comments.

Tator Tot Hotdish

Oh, I love my Midwestern roots! This is my aunt's recipe. It's a family favorite!

This is a smaller version, so you only need a 8X8 or 9X9 baking dish. It serves 4-6.

Ingredients:

• Tator Tots (still frozen)
  
• 1/2 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
  
• 1 Can of Cream of Celery (I use the low fat version)


• 1/2 Cup milk


• 1/2 Cup whole kernel corn

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Brown the ground beef/turkey. Place in a 8X8 or 9X9 baking dish. Mix in Cream of Celery, milk, and corn. Smooth out the top. Cover with the Tator Tots. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven. Enjoy!

What's YOUR favorite family recipe? Please do tell in the comments and if you have a link, even better!

This Is How WE Fight

Six months ago, my DH and I started following Dave Ramsey's Envelope system and bought his "The Total Money Makeover" book. We love it! He talks about being "gazelle intense" in getting rid of your debt.

Fast forward to this past Wednesday morning. As I was about to go to work, my DH decided to give me a hard time about taking $20 electronically out of our Household envelope. I reminded him it was for natural teething ointment for Cubbie's SORE GUMS! Needless to say, I left the house a little miffed.

THEN, he had the nerve to send me this email:
______________________________________________________
From: (DH)
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 08:02:50
To: (Cop Mama)
Subject: Gazelle Intense

I'm obsessive about gazelles...get on board with me!

Hope your day is going well.

Love Ya!!!

(DH)
______________________________________________________

Ok, I know he was just trying to egg me on, but I was so NOT in the mood. So I sent him the following email. Keep in mind, I had no idea at the time that I was going to post this on my blog.

______________________________________________________
From: (Cop Mama)
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 08:08:37
To: (DH)
Subject: Re: Gazelle Intense

I am on board...remember I was the one who bought the book! And I was the one who suggested the envelope system! Geez, quit obsessing! Oh and I'm workin a 12 hour day today! I don't think I could get anymore "On Board" if I tried!

Oh and I cut our grocery bill in half, and I nursed for over a year, saving us tons of money there too!
Sent from my BlackBerry
_______________________________________________________

Now, please don't think I'm being self righteous or anything. I was just annoyed and felt like DH needed a little reminder that I AM on board.

Here's his reply:
_______________________________________________________
From: (DH)
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 2010 08:10:50
To: (Cop Mama)
Subject: Gazelle Intense

LaLaLaLaLaLaLaLa...less than 5 years!
Sent from my BlackBerry
_______________________________________________________

Ha ha ha! Isn't that the best response! Here I was ticked at him and instead of ignoring me (which is sometimes how we fight) or getting mad at me (which is another way we fight), he sent this!

When I got home that night, I told him that his email made me think about how we should use humor more often. He agreed :-)

Ok, now it's YOUR turn. If you don't mind sharing, what tools have YOU and your spouse found to defuse an argument?

Baby Belly

No, don't get the wrong idea. I mean this baby belly...

Don't you just love that little tummy stickin' out. And onesies, aren't they just the cutest little things. If I had my way, they'd be wearing em til they were ten. Ok, maybe not.

Moving on...

Baby ears and that fine baby hair. So whispy and soft. I love kissing his little head.

Baby bottom and baby toes. Kiss em, kiss em, kiss em (the toes I mean, not the bottom :-)

Hope you enjoyed the pics of my little Cubbie (he's 19 months now!)

Check out more "Wordful Wednesdays" at Seven Clown Circus