(1 zucchini and 1 cucumber plant took over half the garden). I was able to go to J's school for a Mother's tea.
The boys started sitting up on their own
(C is in blue and W in Orange) 
J took advantage of the newly shaded patio and enjoyed painting outside. 
We pulled out the "super yard" for the boys and realized that it wasn't so "super" after all. 
It was so tiny there was barely room for the two of them to sit in it with a few toys. We took a break from all the craziness at home and took J and her friend S to see the police horses and K9s.
Even W got to meet 'Gunnar' (the dog - one of our good friends is his Cop). 
C slept through the whole thing. To top the month off, Erik built J a HUGE sandbox 
(this thing is 6' x 8')
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
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.
