6.02.2011

Policemen

It's been a sad week for HPD, Early Sunday morning we had an officer ran over by a drunk driver. Here's some poems that have come to light following this incidence.





The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."



Blue Light

Place a light in your window, make sure it is blue
Reminding friends, an officer gave a life for you
Give light to their remembrance, the color is sad
To family left by officers who knew them as Dad
It isn’t the money, most definitely not the hours
They aren’t comic book hero’s with unnatural powers
They’re simply human beings who place life on the line
Place a blue light in your window, let their memory shine!
by Gene Rooney




A Letter from Heaven




To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
"It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly, you are part of my plan.
There is so much that we can do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you.... in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who is in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...."My day was not in vain.
And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile."
So if you meet somebody who is sad and low;
Just lend a hand to pick them up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.... you're coming here with me.
--Author Unknown

7 Months

I realize it's been awhile since I've done a post about the boys, I really should do them more often because they are growing and changing so fast. Just last month I would have written about how C is content lying on the floor playing with his feet or a toy if one happened to be close by, and that he was a good sleeper falling asleep no matter what was going on around him. W on the other hand would have been called a high maintenance baby needing to be upright (sitting or more preferable standing) so he could see what was going on. The whole house would have to be dark and quiet before he would even think of going to bed. As the month progressed they both became difficult at night as they started rolling over in their beds and waking themselves up. After a few nights of crying, they finally figured out that they could roll over and just go back to bed and now they actually roll onto their tummies as soon as I lay them in their cribs. Now at 7 months, they're personalities are really showing and it's drastically different than was previously expected. C, my calm, quiet baby with a soft voice is a mischievous little fellow that is always causing trouble. When ever the boys are on the floor, he wants to play with whatever toy his brother has and just . leans over and takes it from him. He has also been known to steal pacifiers and has knocked over a few glasses at feeding time. He can roll in both directions, sit up on his own, and is trying to figure out this crawling thing (he gets up on all fours and rocks back and forth for a while before pushing off backwards). W on the other hand is content sitting on his bottom playing with his toys and has sat and played quietly for up to 30min before. At feeding time he's too concerned about getting feed to worry about what's on the table around him. He too can roll over both ways, sit up on his own and is trying to figure out how to crawl - just not as often as C. W is now the good sleeper and as soon as we put him in the crib he rolls over and goes to sleep, even if he's wide awake before hand. C needs to be rocked until he's almost asleep and even then he still usually ends up crying himself to sleep. They are both sleeping in their own room now and occasionally sleep through the night. They love eating solids and get really excited when it's feeding time. I am still nursing them and only give formula in the evenings (or when we're out - I don't have time to pump). The older they get the more they start to look alike. Fortunately, W is still a lot bigger so we use his chunkiness to help tell them apart. On that note, here are their 6 month stats (almost 7 months actually since we didn't get them in until last week).

On 5/25. . .

W was 17lbs 14.5oz (43.84%) and 26" (19.19%)




C was 16lbs 15.5oz (26.77%) and 26.25" (27.84%)




*sorry the photos aren't the greatest quality, they were took with my phone, I'll upload better ones once I dump my camera (hopefully this afternoon)

5.31.2011

30 day challenge

I have a few friends that want to do this challenge too so I decided to post a list of the challenges so they can go ahead and don't have to wait for me to get around to doing my posts. Like I said previously, I had a couple of friends do this, and each of their challenges was a little different so I've combined them here. One challenge was mainly pictures the other was more of a get to know you type thing, so here is the list that I will be following. Can't wait to see what everyone has to say.


Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

Day 02- A picture of something you cannot live without and a picture of who you've been the closest to longest

Day 03- A habit that you wish you did not have and a picture of the cast from your favorite TV show

Day 04- List 15 songs that represent your life’s soundtrack and a picture of something you'd like to do again

Day 05- A picture of somewhere you have been to and A picture of something you love

Day 06- A hobby you have and A picture that makes you laugh

Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you.

Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why and a picture of your knight

Day 09- Something/someone you’re proud of and a picture of the person who's gotten you through the most.

Day 10- A story about a past relationship and a picture of your most treasured item

Day 11- A picture of something you dislike and A picture of your room & don’t cheat by cleaning it.


Day 12 - Share a secret and a picture of your favorite memory

Day 13- Write a letter telling someone something you could never tell them and a picture of your favorite band/artist

Day 14- A picture of something you hate and 10 confessions.

Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle & share the first 10 songs that play and a picture of someone that inspires you

Day 16- Something you could live without and a picture of something that has had a HUGE impact on your life lately

Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why and a picture of your biggest insecurity

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have and a picture of yourself when you were little

Day 19- Nicknames you have & how or why you have them and a picture of somewhere you'd like to travel

Day 20- If you had 3 wishes, what would they be and a picture of something you wish you could forget

Day 21- Share a picture from your day and a picture of something you wish you were better at

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else and a picture of your favorite book

Day 23- What is something you crave and a picture of something you wish you could change

Day 24- Share a story about your past that you are ashamed of.

Day 25- What I would find in your bag and a picture of your favorite day

Day 26- Places you want to visit before you die and a picture of something that means a lot to you.

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge? and a picture of yourself and a family member

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then? and a picture of something you're afraid of

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned and a picture that can always make you smile

Day 30- A picture of you today and 20 goals you want to accomplish and a picture of someone you miss

5.27.2011

30 post Challenge Post 2

This post has 2 parts.

Part 1 - A picture of something you cannot live without.

While my friends put pictures of their families here, I'm going to take this literally and show you a picture of a THING that I can't live without. It took me a while to really think about it. So, I know that I would survive if I didn't have this item, but right my "cannot live without" item would have to be my phone.


I have this phone. It's a blackberry flip phone (I have the purple one). It's my phone, calendar, grocery list, email, etc. I probably check email/facebook/blogs on it way too much but I'm working on cutting that down. The reason I can't live without it is that it's my only line of communication to my hubby and in his line of work I need to be able to have that instant line of communication. It's also nice to be able to put my grocery list on here and all of our appointments on the calendar.




Part 2 - A picture of who you've been the closest to longest



This is my friend Katrina (and her handsome hubby), we've been friends since preschool. We stayed friends all through out school, I was a bridesmaid at her wedding, and she came to mine. We played volleyball together, worked as lifeguards/swim instructors together, and went on group dates to school dances. I try to see her every time I go to Utah and we're able to talk like we saw each other just yesterday. I remember running to her house after school in Elem. when Desert Storm first started and watching the lists of all the units being called up scroll across the TV so we could see if her Dad had to go. We've been through thick and thin together. I probably should be better at keeping in touch with her while, but she understands as do I.

5.26.2011

30 Post Challege Post 1

A few of my friends have done a 30 day challenge on their blog, posting something different each day for a month. These posts are meant to help your readers get to know you better. I'm not going to lie, I'm not going to post everyday, so I'm just going to do the 30 posts as I can. So here goes with the first one. . .


Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.



1. I love to cook/bake but don't do it very often because it's usually only me and the kiddos at home to eat it.


2. When I was younger I was so shy that I would get nervous talking to my own grandparents (who were my neighbors, so it's not like I hardly saw them).


3. I got my B.S. in Biology from BYU-Hawaii


4. I got a M. S. in Human Genetics and a M.S. in Neuroscience from Tulane University


5. I LOVE to read, but don't do it very often because once I start a good book I have a hard time putting it down and EVERYTHING else tends to get neglected.


6. I enjoy designing furniture and have designed 2 pieces that I currently have in my house (a console table that my FIL built for me and the built-ins Erik built for our playroom) and am in the process of coming up with a design for a new coffee table.


7. I find sharks fascinating and would love to be able to go in a shark cage (where I'm in the cage and the sharks are outside)


8. Summer is my favorite season (even here in Houston) I love the heat, and all the fun summer brings (the sand, sun, and surf).


9. I hate driving and let others drive whenever I can.


10. Emptying the dishwasher and mopping the kitchen floor are my least favorite chores.


11. I actually enjoy doing laundry.


12. I enjoy throwing dinner parties and wish that I could do it more often - I think I enjoy it so much because not only does it give me the opportunity to cook, but it gives me a chance to interact with people in an environment that I'm comfortable in.


13. It was very hard for me to leave the workforce and become a SAHM and once the kiddos are all in school full time I plan on going back to school to get my Ph.D


14. I lived in Hawaii for 3.5 yrs but have never surfed (just wasn't interested)


15. I love peant butter and can (and frequently do) eat it straight out of the jar.

5.19.2011

Random Thoughts

It amazes me how often we (myself included) say something without thinking of how it may affect those around us. I'm sure that I've said things on this blog or in person that may have hurt or offended someone and for that I am sorry. Unfortunately (for me) this was all brought to my attention due to multiple comments that were made that deeply hurt. Most of the comments were not made to criticize or hurt, but yet they did. I know that I'm not the only one this has happened to. I've had a couple of dear friends express their hurt in posts on facebook, and all I can say is I feel your pain. We never know what someone else is going through so we should not judge, nor should we talk bad about people in front of others.

When I first found out I was pregnant with twins I went through a whole spectrum of emotions and eventually got a priesthood blessing from Erik. In this blessing I was told that this would be one of the hardest things I would ever do. At that time I thought it meant the pregnancy, but now I realize it meant the pregnancy, birth and taking care of my boys. The past year has been filled with tears and prayers as I have gone through what seems like trial after trial. It has brought me to a point where I haven't wanted to go on anymore, it has caused stress and tension in our little family. It has also brought joy, love and a need to lean on each other like never before. It's true past month has been pure joy as the boys are finally out of the colicky stage (thanks to figuring out their tummy issues) and are starting to sleep a little longer at night, but to be told "This is easy" hurt my very soul, it made me question myself as a mother as I remember all the sleepless nights with screaming babies because I didn't know what else to do. It made me want to give my boys regular formula to make them colicky again and then have this person watch them out of vengeance (but I wouldn't do that to my babies). It hurt that the past year of my life was compared to this short interaction and that all the "behind the scenes" stuff was brushed aside as it if were nothing. Granted, I wear my heart on my sleeve and my feelings are hurt very easily. But, to be honest, the only thing that keeps me going most the time is my LOVE for my little family and my knowledge that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love me and are always there for me. It took me a long time to gain this knowledge, but ever since I got that confirmation, I can't deny it. Sadly, there have been times that this knowledge is the only thing that has kept me active in the church. I can't count the number of times, I've had my feelings hurt, or felt left out at church or by people from church, it's never intentional, but it hurts just the same (and these days I sometimes wonder why I even go because I spend 1/2 of church in the mother's lounge). Don't get me wrong, I don't have bad feelings towards these people or hold any grudges, I don't even remember the specifics about most of the incidences, just that they happened, and I don't want to forget that this happened, not so I can have a pity party, but so I can remember the hurt and strive harder to do better so that I'm not the cause of that hurt for someone else. If I have been the cause of hurt or heartache to you in the past I'm sorry, I never meant it and I would hate to think that I've made someone feel like I'm feeling right now. This life is tough enough we don't need to put each other down, so lets all try a little harder to speak positively about each other and try to lift each other up.

5.01.2011

Random April

Here are a few random pictures from April.

The boys holding their own bottles (C is the one on the left, W on the right). The boys taking a Sunday afternoon nap (W is on the left, C on the right)


J enjoying her pool.


The boys enjoying their first "swim" (C in the blue and W in the green)