Today I had the opportunity to attend the funeral services and burial of Phoenix police officer Travis Murphy. He was shot and killed last week and leaves behind a wife and two small children, ages 2 yrs and 2 weeks. He was 29 and his life was cut short in such a dramatic fashion. At the funeral I got to hear his mother and wife speak along with a friend and religious leaders. I was touched by the power and strength of their testimony in God and in our savior Jesus Christ.
Going to these events and watching these family members bear their feelings to us really has a way of peeling so many layers of crap I have built up and it penetrates my heart. I leave these funerals with more conviction to be a better man and to have a better focus on eternal things and to let go of all the superficial garbage I normally cling to.
Sitting there hearing about a young man with a young family who died doing things I do so often really gets me thinking about my own mortality. It doesn’t scare me in the sense that I don’t want to die but it makes me want to live in such a way that if I do die it can be said of me that I really did live! Funerals remind me that I too will one day face death and that I will never really be ready for it when it comes. The only thing I can do to prepare is to live each day to the fullest, to show greater love, to serve a little more, to listen a little longer. If I am stopped in my prime years and taken back to dwell in the eternities then I want it to be said that I lived well.
These are the feelings that help me get back into an eternal perspective and to strive to live better. I know and have felt today that God does live and that he loves me and that he weeps when we feel so much pain. I also felt that there is hope beyond sorrow and glory beyond pain. Mortality is such a small portion of who we are and who we will become when we consider ourselves to be immortal. I know that because God gave his only begotten Son, I will live forever! That life does not end in death it only marks the end of our mortality but it also is the beginning of our immortal experience. No matter how sharp the pain or how unjust it might feel that ones life is snubbed out to soon, it doesn’t compare to the great satisfaction we will feel when we have all passed through deaths doors and once again congregate together in an eternal place.
I pray that when I die all of you may feel that I have simply moved on before you and that as surely as the sun will rise tomorrow, we will be together again. The pain is surely to be felt but it must be accompanied by the hope and reassurance that our lives are already eternal, that God has given us immortality and that eternity is our true home and resting place… we are just visitors here in mortality and we must all return home. What difference does it make in the eternal picture to have left mortality 1, 2, 10, or 20 years before another? What is 100 years when compared to eternity?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Culture, Habits, and Tradition
For the past few weeks I have started a very enjoyable tradition here at work. On Tuesdays I have my bagpipe lessons at 7 pm so I always try to go under the radar so I won’t get dispatched to a lengthy call right before I go out of service for the bagpipe lessons and my solution has been to go out of service for dinner at 6 pm and after I eat I stay out of service. The past few weeks I have gone to the “Gallo de Lagos” restaurant where I have become good friends with the owner Alfredo. I have learned all about his youth playing professional soccer on different Mexican club teams including Chivas. How he was injured, how he came to the US and how he ended up being a restaurant owner. The good thing is that his food is really good (I always get the tacos al pastor) and the company is enjoyable. It’s great to just sit there and chat with someone whom I feel close to now and to reminisce of a culture I am a part of and that is part of me.
When other patrons enter the store it is fun too… This last week I sat next to a Hispanic family with a 2-3 year old boy and a 5-6 year old girl. It was so cute how the little boy was asking me if I was a good police or a bad one. I asked him what a bad police was like and he told me the bad police gave his dad a ticket when he ran the light. Haha. Dad was so embarrassed as I sat there and his kid spilled the beans. In those moments where I am back to Spanish speaking and in the culture, it is so enjoyable so have opportunities like that one to educate the people I am around and to show them to not be scared of us police officers. I know they have rough encounters at times but it’s good to go out to their world and to reach to them in a way they have never experienced before. Here is a white looking officer all alone having great interaction and communication with their whole family in their language eating their food talking about things relevant to their culture (world cup, etc…)
Anyway I have decided to make it a tradition and to keep up this habit of eating at “Gallo de Lagos” on Tuesday before my piping lesson. I also eat out at other Hispanic establishments such as hot dog stands along Broadway where the same opportunities exist to mingle and share and live!
Alfredo asked me if I would allow him to take a picture with me and put it up on his wall. He told me that he wants pictures of his clients who have become friends so that when he looks back one day he will remember the great friendships he made in the restaurant industry.
When other patrons enter the store it is fun too… This last week I sat next to a Hispanic family with a 2-3 year old boy and a 5-6 year old girl. It was so cute how the little boy was asking me if I was a good police or a bad one. I asked him what a bad police was like and he told me the bad police gave his dad a ticket when he ran the light. Haha. Dad was so embarrassed as I sat there and his kid spilled the beans. In those moments where I am back to Spanish speaking and in the culture, it is so enjoyable so have opportunities like that one to educate the people I am around and to show them to not be scared of us police officers. I know they have rough encounters at times but it’s good to go out to their world and to reach to them in a way they have never experienced before. Here is a white looking officer all alone having great interaction and communication with their whole family in their language eating their food talking about things relevant to their culture (world cup, etc…)
Anyway I have decided to make it a tradition and to keep up this habit of eating at “Gallo de Lagos” on Tuesday before my piping lesson. I also eat out at other Hispanic establishments such as hot dog stands along Broadway where the same opportunities exist to mingle and share and live!
Alfredo asked me if I would allow him to take a picture with me and put it up on his wall. He told me that he wants pictures of his clients who have become friends so that when he looks back one day he will remember the great friendships he made in the restaurant industry.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Exemplary Driving!
So this last week at work I was dispatched to a family fight. The dispatcher made notes that a 15 year old was being verbally abusive with his mother and that the fight was escalating. I knew that another officer was about to go on scene so I hastened my driving a bit and arrived with a sense of urgency. As I arrived and got out of the car I saw a pickup truck pull up close to my car and it appeared the driver was a bit worked up so I immediately thought this was maybe Dad from the family fight or something... I stopped walking to wait and see what this guy was going to do or say and he ended up rolling down his window and yelling at me "Dont cops have to obey all traffic rules or are you above the law?" I said "excuse me" as I tried to process what he said because I was totally expecting him to be talking about this event I was heading to. He then said something to the effect that I think I am above the law because I dont follow all the traffic laws and that I made a lane change without using my turn signal.
I said to him "did you seriously follow me to tell me I didnt use a turn signal?" He said went on with some drama about police thinking we are above the law and I interrupted him saying I had to respond to this family fight and to wait if he thinks its important enough to discuss with me. I entered the house and we dealt with the call and about 10 minutes later I came out of the house and sure enough he was there still on his phone reporting me to the dispatcher for not using my turn signal.
Now that the urgency of the call was gone and I had more time I approached him and asked him how I could help him.... he went on about me thinking I'm above the law and so forth and so on.... I told him that in normal circumstances I am an exemplary driver and that when responding to an call with more urgency I forget the details of using my blinker. I told him I was sorry for being human and making mistakes while driving. He wanted to continue to talk to me but it truly was at the wrong time as many more calls for service were coming out and there were no units available to take them. I told him I no longer had time to talk and continued my duties....
Once I was away and had time to actually think through his complaint I got more and more frustrated and mad. I can see if a citizen follows a police officer and observes civil violations that it would be frustrating if that officer was only going to the coffee shop, or doughnut shop, or just to eat, or socialize with another officer, etc... I was actually heading to a call for service where another citizen felt unsafe enough to call us in the firs place. I responded in a sense of urgency and when responding to certain calls I am justified in violating certain traffic laws... Some calls even warrant speeding, running red lights, driving in oncoming traffic, etc... So why did I apologize to this citizen for failing to use my blinker when I dod nothing wrong! Ahhh! I didn't have the time to sit and explain all of this to him so it left me frustrated and thus I am venting.
I wish I could have told him that one day it will be him or a family member with an emergency and that he will wish to God that day the officers responding are not following every single traffic law but are driving with a sense of urgency to his emergency! I can see his point of view if I were driving to something that does not require urgency but this was not the case and the fact that he followed me and stopped me from responding one minute earlier just gets to my nerves. I hope he understands one day that there is a difference in complaining about what I did and what other officers have done and do when driving indifferent to the law simply out of convenience with no actual urgency or service at the time.
Anyway that is enough about that!
I said to him "did you seriously follow me to tell me I didnt use a turn signal?" He said went on with some drama about police thinking we are above the law and I interrupted him saying I had to respond to this family fight and to wait if he thinks its important enough to discuss with me. I entered the house and we dealt with the call and about 10 minutes later I came out of the house and sure enough he was there still on his phone reporting me to the dispatcher for not using my turn signal.
Now that the urgency of the call was gone and I had more time I approached him and asked him how I could help him.... he went on about me thinking I'm above the law and so forth and so on.... I told him that in normal circumstances I am an exemplary driver and that when responding to an call with more urgency I forget the details of using my blinker. I told him I was sorry for being human and making mistakes while driving. He wanted to continue to talk to me but it truly was at the wrong time as many more calls for service were coming out and there were no units available to take them. I told him I no longer had time to talk and continued my duties....
Once I was away and had time to actually think through his complaint I got more and more frustrated and mad. I can see if a citizen follows a police officer and observes civil violations that it would be frustrating if that officer was only going to the coffee shop, or doughnut shop, or just to eat, or socialize with another officer, etc... I was actually heading to a call for service where another citizen felt unsafe enough to call us in the firs place. I responded in a sense of urgency and when responding to certain calls I am justified in violating certain traffic laws... Some calls even warrant speeding, running red lights, driving in oncoming traffic, etc... So why did I apologize to this citizen for failing to use my blinker when I dod nothing wrong! Ahhh! I didn't have the time to sit and explain all of this to him so it left me frustrated and thus I am venting.
I wish I could have told him that one day it will be him or a family member with an emergency and that he will wish to God that day the officers responding are not following every single traffic law but are driving with a sense of urgency to his emergency! I can see his point of view if I were driving to something that does not require urgency but this was not the case and the fact that he followed me and stopped me from responding one minute earlier just gets to my nerves. I hope he understands one day that there is a difference in complaining about what I did and what other officers have done and do when driving indifferent to the law simply out of convenience with no actual urgency or service at the time.
Anyway that is enough about that!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Writen just before my 31st birthday
Well, I am only a few days away from my 31st Birthday! I am currently working on an off duty job and decided to spend my downtime catching up a bit on my journal. I cant believe that I am almost 31! It seems like a few days ago that I was in my early twenties….
I am very satisfied for where I am at this ripe age of mine. I am happily married to the love of my life and I have three beautiful children. Robyn is 10 years old and seems so old these days. She is very helpful and is blossoming into a beautiful young woman. She is so kind and sweet and I hope that she stays far away from the terrible teen stages some youth go through. I’m sure she will be fine as her natural disposition seems so unlike those traits I fear.
Olivia is almost 5 and is such a fun little person to be around. She is full of character and always cracks me up with the things she says and does. She loves to talk and is very social when we are in public. She loves going up to random people with dogs and asking them if she can pet their dog. She is currently into the Nickelodeon cartoon “Avatar, the Last Air Bender” and she always pretends to water bend when we are playing around. She also loves kung fu style fighting from “Kung Fu Panda” and she is also a musketeer just as “Barbie the Musketeer” is… haha. She loves to paint and she is showing some talent with it too. I love taking her to school and playing dora the explorer in the car. She is learning so much and growing so fast! I wish she could stay this cute and little for a bit longer.
Landon is almost 3 and is barely showing signs of improvement from his terrible twos… haha. He is a handful right now and is always busy looking for stuff to play with (destroy). He is such a little boy and so darn cute! Even though its tough some days, I know I will miss this stage one day. He is so innocent and inquisitive and I wish I could keep him this pure forever. He is learning the art of air and water bending from Olivia and he is learning about Musketeers as well. He is truly a Mamma’s boy as he seems to be glued to Anissa’s side and would be totally content if he could be surgically attached to her.
Anissa is such a great Mother to the kids and an amazing wife to me. We celebrated Mothers day yesterday and I helped the kids make some cards for her and then we cleaned up a bit and I made breakfast (actually lunch) for everyone before I left for work. It felt good to cook and clean and try to take up more of the responsibility that she usually holds. It amazes me how much Anissa does and how selflessly she does it. Mothers in general do so much, but some mothers have more selflessness than others and Anissa is among the greats in my mind! She is patient and loving and never ceases to amaze me with how much she does and how much she gives up for all of us.
Recently we have befriended a few couples in the ward and Anissa and I have hung out a few times with Cambi and Joey and their Kids. Olivia and Landon love hanging out with their kids who are similar ages and Anissa and Cambi are becoming more and more close. I am so glad for her to befriend someone like this and for us to have friends who have kids for our kids to play with too. Anissa just recently started going to a work out group with girls from the ward 3 times a week and she is teaching pilates to them on Fridays. Its great to see her excited to do this and to see how convenient it is. For a mothers day present Anissa and Cambi are going to go stay at a hotel in Scottsdale and get a 24+ break from their motherly duties.
I currently own a Suzuki DL-1000 V-Strom and am loving every chance I get to ride it while it is for sale. I have ridden 2000+ miles and gone on two 300 mile long trips on it. I am currently working Swing shift with W,T,F off from 1400-2400 hours. Our yearly bid is coming up and I am thinking of switching over to Dayshift. I think it will be best for the family life if I work days and even though I would prefer the type of work and calls of swing shift, I am willing to do days because ultimately family is number one to me! I am currently learning to play the bagpipes for the police honor guard. I am loving the experience that the honor guard gives me and cant wait to play the pipes one day!
Mom and Dad are currently in Dallas, TX because Uncle Joe had another heart attack and underwent an Angioplasty procedure. The surgery was not successful and the doctors said that it’s a matter of time before Joe has another heart attack and may die. Its crazy how many times we have heard this from doctors and how many times he has pulled out of the situation. He is a fighter and has a strong will but at the same time, he is mortal and we all know that one day the encounter with death will come. Its sad to think that one day he will be gone and it reminds me that mortality is temporary and that one day everyone I know including myself will personally experience the touch of deaths hand. I pray that I can be strong when it comes and takes those I love and I pray that those I love will be strong when it comes for me. If one we were allowed one farewell call back home once we die! That would make the experience so much easier, but I guess its all about faith in things un seen, huh.
Well, this is a long journal entry so I will wrap it up. Noah and I will be 31 years old in 4 days and we are both loving every minute of our lives. I am glad to have him close by so we can do stuff and his new schedule as a business owner allows us to do more things together. Life is great and hopefully will continue going well for a while at least. Until the next time!
I am very satisfied for where I am at this ripe age of mine. I am happily married to the love of my life and I have three beautiful children. Robyn is 10 years old and seems so old these days. She is very helpful and is blossoming into a beautiful young woman. She is so kind and sweet and I hope that she stays far away from the terrible teen stages some youth go through. I’m sure she will be fine as her natural disposition seems so unlike those traits I fear.
Olivia is almost 5 and is such a fun little person to be around. She is full of character and always cracks me up with the things she says and does. She loves to talk and is very social when we are in public. She loves going up to random people with dogs and asking them if she can pet their dog. She is currently into the Nickelodeon cartoon “Avatar, the Last Air Bender” and she always pretends to water bend when we are playing around. She also loves kung fu style fighting from “Kung Fu Panda” and she is also a musketeer just as “Barbie the Musketeer” is… haha. She loves to paint and she is showing some talent with it too. I love taking her to school and playing dora the explorer in the car. She is learning so much and growing so fast! I wish she could stay this cute and little for a bit longer.
Landon is almost 3 and is barely showing signs of improvement from his terrible twos… haha. He is a handful right now and is always busy looking for stuff to play with (destroy). He is such a little boy and so darn cute! Even though its tough some days, I know I will miss this stage one day. He is so innocent and inquisitive and I wish I could keep him this pure forever. He is learning the art of air and water bending from Olivia and he is learning about Musketeers as well. He is truly a Mamma’s boy as he seems to be glued to Anissa’s side and would be totally content if he could be surgically attached to her.
Anissa is such a great Mother to the kids and an amazing wife to me. We celebrated Mothers day yesterday and I helped the kids make some cards for her and then we cleaned up a bit and I made breakfast (actually lunch) for everyone before I left for work. It felt good to cook and clean and try to take up more of the responsibility that she usually holds. It amazes me how much Anissa does and how selflessly she does it. Mothers in general do so much, but some mothers have more selflessness than others and Anissa is among the greats in my mind! She is patient and loving and never ceases to amaze me with how much she does and how much she gives up for all of us.
Recently we have befriended a few couples in the ward and Anissa and I have hung out a few times with Cambi and Joey and their Kids. Olivia and Landon love hanging out with their kids who are similar ages and Anissa and Cambi are becoming more and more close. I am so glad for her to befriend someone like this and for us to have friends who have kids for our kids to play with too. Anissa just recently started going to a work out group with girls from the ward 3 times a week and she is teaching pilates to them on Fridays. Its great to see her excited to do this and to see how convenient it is. For a mothers day present Anissa and Cambi are going to go stay at a hotel in Scottsdale and get a 24+ break from their motherly duties.
I currently own a Suzuki DL-1000 V-Strom and am loving every chance I get to ride it while it is for sale. I have ridden 2000+ miles and gone on two 300 mile long trips on it. I am currently working Swing shift with W,T,F off from 1400-2400 hours. Our yearly bid is coming up and I am thinking of switching over to Dayshift. I think it will be best for the family life if I work days and even though I would prefer the type of work and calls of swing shift, I am willing to do days because ultimately family is number one to me! I am currently learning to play the bagpipes for the police honor guard. I am loving the experience that the honor guard gives me and cant wait to play the pipes one day!
Mom and Dad are currently in Dallas, TX because Uncle Joe had another heart attack and underwent an Angioplasty procedure. The surgery was not successful and the doctors said that it’s a matter of time before Joe has another heart attack and may die. Its crazy how many times we have heard this from doctors and how many times he has pulled out of the situation. He is a fighter and has a strong will but at the same time, he is mortal and we all know that one day the encounter with death will come. Its sad to think that one day he will be gone and it reminds me that mortality is temporary and that one day everyone I know including myself will personally experience the touch of deaths hand. I pray that I can be strong when it comes and takes those I love and I pray that those I love will be strong when it comes for me. If one we were allowed one farewell call back home once we die! That would make the experience so much easier, but I guess its all about faith in things un seen, huh.
Well, this is a long journal entry so I will wrap it up. Noah and I will be 31 years old in 4 days and we are both loving every minute of our lives. I am glad to have him close by so we can do stuff and his new schedule as a business owner allows us to do more things together. Life is great and hopefully will continue going well for a while at least. Until the next time!
Monday, February 8, 2010
My sweet Landon
I have had a few thoughts I want to share about my two and a half year old Landon. Landon is full of energy and at times he can be difficult to find peace around. He has a good nature about him but he has a knack for destructive encounters with things. I have had a hard time the past several weeks when I think of how to govern his behavior and make him more disciplined. Anissa shared a great video with me that helped me realize that this is only a phase and that one day I will look back and treasure this time and wish with all my heart for the painfully ordinary things I now complain about. I have had that thought in my heart these past few days and at work this past week I took a report involving physical abuse to a 2 year old boy. I met the child and his mother (Mother was not involved) at the hospital and the little boy was broken down. He had bruising all over his face and head and he had a fractured arm. It was heart wrenching to think that someone out there could do this to such a sweet innocent child. (These are the calls I dont talk about much and shield my emotions from my family, they hear all the fun stuff but these sad one happen every day too....) It made me think of my own angry reactions to things my 2 year old boy does and it humbled me to even think that the emotion of anger is ever directed toward him.
I feel like a change has occurred within me and I will never feel that anger toward him for his mischievous behavior again. When he pushes his sister or spits in my sister in laws hair or breaks the nintendo wii, I will remind myself that he is a treasure to me and that nothing he does should ever rob me of even a second of my life feeling anger toward him. Maybe disappointment at times but never anger. What a humiliating insight it was to realize that the emotion that caused that little boy to be beaten was the same emotion I have felt toward my son but without the restraint and the limits that I have. The realization that being angry and being angry and beating someone is only a difference of action made me feel horrible for ever being angry at Landon.
I love Landon and see him in a different light now. He is sweet and he is learning and he needs me to stand before him and teach him through my example. I am excited to continue growing by his side and will treasure the daily routine of cleaning up and following his every step while he walks through his terrible two's....
I feel like a change has occurred within me and I will never feel that anger toward him for his mischievous behavior again. When he pushes his sister or spits in my sister in laws hair or breaks the nintendo wii, I will remind myself that he is a treasure to me and that nothing he does should ever rob me of even a second of my life feeling anger toward him. Maybe disappointment at times but never anger. What a humiliating insight it was to realize that the emotion that caused that little boy to be beaten was the same emotion I have felt toward my son but without the restraint and the limits that I have. The realization that being angry and being angry and beating someone is only a difference of action made me feel horrible for ever being angry at Landon.
I love Landon and see him in a different light now. He is sweet and he is learning and he needs me to stand before him and teach him through my example. I am excited to continue growing by his side and will treasure the daily routine of cleaning up and following his every step while he walks through his terrible two's....
2010 begins
Well this is my first entry for 2010 and so much has happened already. We spent Christmas in Utah and New Years here in AZ at the Rojas house. It was great fun and I was able to take off all the time I needed since I was still a Spanish Rover at work. On Jan 4th however they got rid of the Spanish rover program and I am now back to normal patrol work working in Central in beat 34. I have enjoyed getting back into the swing of things and if feels good to participate more frequently in normal day to day calls with patrol. At the end of January early February I tested for a position as a Spanish speaking hostage negotiator but was unsuccessful in getting the job. I went up against some really qualified people but i am glad to have gotten the testing experience and may try again in the future if a position opens up.
This year has also started a new chapter of my career being a member of the honor guard. I have enjoyed getting all dressed up and representing law enforcement officers everywhere. I have had the opportunity to participate in a parade, a car show and a funeral already this year. I am tempted to try to learn how to play the bagpipes because they are so awesome and have a sound that really touches my spirit. We'll see if anything comes of that idea or not....
On Jan 28th at 10:45 pm while I was at home, not even a block away a Gilbert police Lieutenant made a traffic stop on a truck with two people in it. The passenger ended up shooting and killing the lieutenant and it ended with a fifty mile chase that resulted in the arrest of both people after they were shot in the legs during a gun battle. I have friends who were involved in the pursuit and it has caused a wide rang of emotions for me. First the fact that it happened to close to my house and on the border with Mesa makes me think how easily it could have been a mesa officer to be killed. Second, the killer and his accomplice didnt get killed in the ensuing gun fight... When all is said and done and I think this through I can only conclude that when its our time to go, we will go and God will administer perfect justice to all of us at the conclusion of our probation. I am glad that no other officers or civilians were hurt and I hope that we dont have to pass another experience like this for a long time!
This year has also started a new chapter of my career being a member of the honor guard. I have enjoyed getting all dressed up and representing law enforcement officers everywhere. I have had the opportunity to participate in a parade, a car show and a funeral already this year. I am tempted to try to learn how to play the bagpipes because they are so awesome and have a sound that really touches my spirit. We'll see if anything comes of that idea or not....
On Jan 28th at 10:45 pm while I was at home, not even a block away a Gilbert police Lieutenant made a traffic stop on a truck with two people in it. The passenger ended up shooting and killing the lieutenant and it ended with a fifty mile chase that resulted in the arrest of both people after they were shot in the legs during a gun battle. I have friends who were involved in the pursuit and it has caused a wide rang of emotions for me. First the fact that it happened to close to my house and on the border with Mesa makes me think how easily it could have been a mesa officer to be killed. Second, the killer and his accomplice didnt get killed in the ensuing gun fight... When all is said and done and I think this through I can only conclude that when its our time to go, we will go and God will administer perfect justice to all of us at the conclusion of our probation. I am glad that no other officers or civilians were hurt and I hope that we dont have to pass another experience like this for a long time!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Mark Kelly's Christmas surprise
Here is a video of my friend Mark Kelly and his family getting a BIG surprise from the Mesa Police Association. I am in the video talking to Mark and his wife while the kids are opening their surprises from the Blue Santa. I walked in and went to say hi and while talking to them realized what was going on and saw that there were news agencies and video cameras recording us. Haha it was fun.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Sunday Morning
Today is Sunday and we have spent our morning choosing songs from the ipod and playing them over the speakers in the living room to dance to. Olivia and Landon loved it and Landon was so funny to watch, like a little drunk 2 year old as he spun and spun in circles and then tried to recover from the spinning. Olivia loved dancing the princess songs (classical) and imagining she was dancing on a cloud.
We only have this Sunday and next one here at this house before we move. We are moving to baseline and valvista roads near my parents and closer to Noah and I am so excited to have a change again. This coming week I will be attending an Interview and Interrogation training all week so again I am happy for a little change. These past few weeks I have focused again on filling out the journal/fathers legacy and writting a few things I would want my family to know if I were to die unexpectedly. If feels good to have that in place even though its not fun to ponder the sad state we would all find ourselves in if that were to happen.
Its crazy how we come to this earth so full of hope and joy and we experience this amazing thing called mortality. Its such an important aspect of our eternal existence yet it is such a small amount of time when compared to eternity. Some poeple come to this world for days or hours and others for a whole century and more. Seems like we feel so obligated to try to make a strong footprint in the history of humanity that when we consider death we never feel ready, we havent left that footprint, we havent invented something amazing, or conquered foreign lands, or made millions, or been famous. What footprints will I have left if I were to die today? What is the single most important unit of society in which we will ever find ourselves? I contend that it is family and that if our footprints are not left within the family, then all the inventions, conquerings, money and fame amount to nothing. Footprints are made every time we spend quality time with our family. Bedtime stories, games, vacation, dancing, talking during breakfast, lunch or dinner. Conversations with your spouse as you lay in bed falling asleep, every laugh you share, every smile that is passed on. When we serve each other and put ourselves second we leave a footprint in time that will be remembered and talked about and brought up when we are gone.
These footprints help us feel like we have purpose and that no matter how short our mortality is we have made a difference, we have shared a part of ourselves with someone else who will take that memory and pass it on. Death will come to all of us one day and when it does it is so hard to not feel like we have been robbed of something we will never have again... But death is just a step, a movement in our forward progression and it is necessary to our eternal wellbeing and everlasting joy. I wish we created a culture where death was celebrated and we wore white instead of black. I wish we would play the songs that made that person jump for joy and would show pictures in a slideshow that celebrate the joy of mortality. Yes its sad to know we will not see the person again during mortality but its also that persons step into the eternal. Its a party on the other side with a reception of family and friends that have gone before and if we could get a glimpse of that scene, then our funerals would be much more happy than they are somber and sad. Death is not forever! The sorrow and pain and hopelessness are all symptoms of short sightedness. We must look up past the few short years and look to the horizon where years are not even measurable and an eternity awaits, of life much better than this, with joy that is so great, our sorrows and trials will be covered and forgotten.
We only have this Sunday and next one here at this house before we move. We are moving to baseline and valvista roads near my parents and closer to Noah and I am so excited to have a change again. This coming week I will be attending an Interview and Interrogation training all week so again I am happy for a little change. These past few weeks I have focused again on filling out the journal/fathers legacy and writting a few things I would want my family to know if I were to die unexpectedly. If feels good to have that in place even though its not fun to ponder the sad state we would all find ourselves in if that were to happen.
Its crazy how we come to this earth so full of hope and joy and we experience this amazing thing called mortality. Its such an important aspect of our eternal existence yet it is such a small amount of time when compared to eternity. Some poeple come to this world for days or hours and others for a whole century and more. Seems like we feel so obligated to try to make a strong footprint in the history of humanity that when we consider death we never feel ready, we havent left that footprint, we havent invented something amazing, or conquered foreign lands, or made millions, or been famous. What footprints will I have left if I were to die today? What is the single most important unit of society in which we will ever find ourselves? I contend that it is family and that if our footprints are not left within the family, then all the inventions, conquerings, money and fame amount to nothing. Footprints are made every time we spend quality time with our family. Bedtime stories, games, vacation, dancing, talking during breakfast, lunch or dinner. Conversations with your spouse as you lay in bed falling asleep, every laugh you share, every smile that is passed on. When we serve each other and put ourselves second we leave a footprint in time that will be remembered and talked about and brought up when we are gone.
These footprints help us feel like we have purpose and that no matter how short our mortality is we have made a difference, we have shared a part of ourselves with someone else who will take that memory and pass it on. Death will come to all of us one day and when it does it is so hard to not feel like we have been robbed of something we will never have again... But death is just a step, a movement in our forward progression and it is necessary to our eternal wellbeing and everlasting joy. I wish we created a culture where death was celebrated and we wore white instead of black. I wish we would play the songs that made that person jump for joy and would show pictures in a slideshow that celebrate the joy of mortality. Yes its sad to know we will not see the person again during mortality but its also that persons step into the eternal. Its a party on the other side with a reception of family and friends that have gone before and if we could get a glimpse of that scene, then our funerals would be much more happy than they are somber and sad. Death is not forever! The sorrow and pain and hopelessness are all symptoms of short sightedness. We must look up past the few short years and look to the horizon where years are not even measurable and an eternity awaits, of life much better than this, with joy that is so great, our sorrows and trials will be covered and forgotten.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Mark Fundraiser
Just got back from my squad camping trip yesterday and I had so much fun. Its great to spend time with my squad mates outside of work and get to know them on a more personal level. I have come to realize that almost without exception, people are amazing and you can grow to love them as you get to know them, regardless of first impressions. Not that any of them left bad first impressions its just a realization I solidified while camping among so many different types of characters. The first day I arrived it was just Kevin Gillis, Sergio Nieto and myself, we went on a fun quad ride at 9:00 pm through the mountain trails till about 11:00 pm. We saw a satellite in the air and enjoyed just being in the mountains on a quiet dark night. The next day we rode quads again for about 40 miles by the black river and the whole area. In the evening everyone else arrived: Troy Clevenger and his girlfriend Diana Vaughn and their two dogs, Doug Hurley and his brother Dustin Hurley and Jake Kempe and Todd Zoglman arrived together in two cars with two more dogs. Chris Colburn and his wife also arrived and Clint Atwood showed up with his camper trailer. I ended up sleeping in the camper trailer and showered every night.
We went fishing on Big Lake in a rented boat and shot guns and made a huge fire at night. The food was great, the company was great, and the surroundings were amazing. it rained on our last night but not enough to keep us from standing outside next to the huge fire and share a good conversation with all.
I left Saturday early without breakfast becuase I wanted to get home in time to go to Mark Kelly's fundraiser BBQ. I arrived at 11:30 and the whole family went to the fundraiser, Noah and Giselle and Rajko, my Mom and Dad and all of us where there and we were able to show support to the Kelly family. Mark Kelly is a great friend of mine whom I attribute to my becoming a police officer. We worked together at the University of Phoenix and now work together at the police department. Mark has been diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease and he is starting to deteriorate quickly. It started with his left hand and arm and now it it affecting his left foot and ankle. He has 4 cute little boys and an amazing wife who is being so supportive through out his trial. I have been able to go out to lunch with Mark and spend some time talking to him and I feel so blessed to have the privilege to be his friend and to know him. He is an amazing man who is dealing with this awful situation as nobly as one can. He always has a big smile and a hug for all. He has prompted me to re-assess my commitments in life and to prioritize things better. He tells me of the things he wishes to do and knows he will not be able to do and my heart just goes out for him.
Seems like we always look at death as this far away even that will not touch us until we have accomplished so many things or until we are ready for it somehow. I live my life just putting the thought of death at the very back of my mind because if I never give it the time of day as a thought, maybe it will never happen? Mark's situation has me thinking about death often now. I know that one day the inevitable encounter will occur and I wonder what will be said of me and what will be remembered? Some people have the privilege of living lives that influence our whole world such as George Washington, and others just get forgotten as if they never lived.... Who is more important in the eternal perspective however, Washington or the man that served in his army and gave his life so that the cause would not die? Today we are surrounded by countless people who live day in and day out serving their children, teaching them, instructing them and leading themselves and their families in honorable ways. Are they not greater than the entertainers we hear about so often? The new dress or the new scandal or the new breakup seems to get so much attention but in the eternal realm are not the silent servants the true heroes among us? They don't walk around with crowns and scepters, they walk around with diaper bags, books, and dreams. They wear shields on uniforms, scrubs, ties, and they are known to a few as daddy, mommy, brother, friend. These are the heroes my mind rests upon right now.
Do I want to accomplish great things in my professional life, yes I would love to however I will never feel I have failed if I am "only" a daddy or "only" a husband, brother or friend when all is said and done. Today I re-commit to the important and eternal lasting responsibilities and endeavors of my life. Today I tell my family that I love them and that I serve them, today I help a friend, I smile at a stranger and I contribute to the improvement of the society I live in. Today I join the millions of un-seen heroes who never aspire to the attention they deserve.
We went fishing on Big Lake in a rented boat and shot guns and made a huge fire at night. The food was great, the company was great, and the surroundings were amazing. it rained on our last night but not enough to keep us from standing outside next to the huge fire and share a good conversation with all.
I left Saturday early without breakfast becuase I wanted to get home in time to go to Mark Kelly's fundraiser BBQ. I arrived at 11:30 and the whole family went to the fundraiser, Noah and Giselle and Rajko, my Mom and Dad and all of us where there and we were able to show support to the Kelly family. Mark Kelly is a great friend of mine whom I attribute to my becoming a police officer. We worked together at the University of Phoenix and now work together at the police department. Mark has been diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease and he is starting to deteriorate quickly. It started with his left hand and arm and now it it affecting his left foot and ankle. He has 4 cute little boys and an amazing wife who is being so supportive through out his trial. I have been able to go out to lunch with Mark and spend some time talking to him and I feel so blessed to have the privilege to be his friend and to know him. He is an amazing man who is dealing with this awful situation as nobly as one can. He always has a big smile and a hug for all. He has prompted me to re-assess my commitments in life and to prioritize things better. He tells me of the things he wishes to do and knows he will not be able to do and my heart just goes out for him.
Seems like we always look at death as this far away even that will not touch us until we have accomplished so many things or until we are ready for it somehow. I live my life just putting the thought of death at the very back of my mind because if I never give it the time of day as a thought, maybe it will never happen? Mark's situation has me thinking about death often now. I know that one day the inevitable encounter will occur and I wonder what will be said of me and what will be remembered? Some people have the privilege of living lives that influence our whole world such as George Washington, and others just get forgotten as if they never lived.... Who is more important in the eternal perspective however, Washington or the man that served in his army and gave his life so that the cause would not die? Today we are surrounded by countless people who live day in and day out serving their children, teaching them, instructing them and leading themselves and their families in honorable ways. Are they not greater than the entertainers we hear about so often? The new dress or the new scandal or the new breakup seems to get so much attention but in the eternal realm are not the silent servants the true heroes among us? They don't walk around with crowns and scepters, they walk around with diaper bags, books, and dreams. They wear shields on uniforms, scrubs, ties, and they are known to a few as daddy, mommy, brother, friend. These are the heroes my mind rests upon right now.
Do I want to accomplish great things in my professional life, yes I would love to however I will never feel I have failed if I am "only" a daddy or "only" a husband, brother or friend when all is said and done. Today I re-commit to the important and eternal lasting responsibilities and endeavors of my life. Today I tell my family that I love them and that I serve them, today I help a friend, I smile at a stranger and I contribute to the improvement of the society I live in. Today I join the millions of un-seen heroes who never aspire to the attention they deserve.
Monday, July 20, 2009
July 2009
Wow, Ive let too much time pass between posts again. I will cover some of the significant events that have happened but will probably miss a few in my attempt to not make each post so long. In Feb we went on a family vacation to California's Disney land with the kids. They loved it and it was Olivia's first exposure to the real princesses that live there. We met up with Clyda and Kylee there and got to see them for a little bit but mostly it was just the family having our vacation. While there we hooked up for one day with Tara and also with an old mission buddy of mine (Ben Katz).
In May Anissa and I went on an amazing vacation to London, Paris and Istanbul. We took over 900 pictures and absolutely loved it! We posted info about it on the family blog so I wont say much more than it was amazing. Also in May I turned 30 years old! Its crazy to imagine that I am finally 30 years old. I always thought 30 was getting a bit old but now that I'm there if feels so young still. I often think about all the things Jesus accomplished and everything we read about pretty much from his life comes from when he turned 30 to when he died at 33 years old. Thats makes me wonder what will be said of me when I die and what will I have accomplished that really matters? Now that I am thirty I want to prioritize my life a little better so that when I die, I have no regrets as to what I spent my time on....
In June we went on another family vacation to Texas: Matador, and Dallas. The first part of our trip was to attend the burial services of Anissa's great grandmother Elsie Thacker (Nanny). After spending 2 fun days with all the Hendrix clan we went to Dallas and got to spend a few more days with most of the hendrix clan as well as my family. I got to spend time with Uncle Joe and visit his resting home room. I pretty much got time to visit all my cousins and I really enjoyed seeing them all again. Truly there is nothing more important that the minutes and hours and days we can spend with family, strengthening each other and serving each other.
Now its July and at work we already had our yearly bid and I am going to stay working at Central as a Spanish rover one more year. Still enjoying it and looking forward to the unique opportunities I get to do more in depth investigations on. In the next couple of days I will be going on a squad campout with my current squad before we all disband from the bid. I am looking forward to some fun old camping and relaxation from the valley heat. We are going to the white mountains near big lake from Wednesday to Saturday.
Noah is currently waiting to hear on possible employment with Mesa PD also! He is just waiting to see how many they will hire once the federal stimulus money comes through... should know in September. Yesterday was Sunday and I left church early to go to work but instead of going to work I called in sick (I am sick with cold and cough symptoms) and used the 2 hours that she was still at church thinking I was at work, to clean the whole house. I organized things swept, mopped, and made the house feel clean as can be. She got home and was so surprised. It was worth watching her face. I guess these are the types of activities that will be remembered when I die. Must keep focusing on my priorities and what really matters when all is said and done.
In May Anissa and I went on an amazing vacation to London, Paris and Istanbul. We took over 900 pictures and absolutely loved it! We posted info about it on the family blog so I wont say much more than it was amazing. Also in May I turned 30 years old! Its crazy to imagine that I am finally 30 years old. I always thought 30 was getting a bit old but now that I'm there if feels so young still. I often think about all the things Jesus accomplished and everything we read about pretty much from his life comes from when he turned 30 to when he died at 33 years old. Thats makes me wonder what will be said of me when I die and what will I have accomplished that really matters? Now that I am thirty I want to prioritize my life a little better so that when I die, I have no regrets as to what I spent my time on....
In June we went on another family vacation to Texas: Matador, and Dallas. The first part of our trip was to attend the burial services of Anissa's great grandmother Elsie Thacker (Nanny). After spending 2 fun days with all the Hendrix clan we went to Dallas and got to spend a few more days with most of the hendrix clan as well as my family. I got to spend time with Uncle Joe and visit his resting home room. I pretty much got time to visit all my cousins and I really enjoyed seeing them all again. Truly there is nothing more important that the minutes and hours and days we can spend with family, strengthening each other and serving each other.
Now its July and at work we already had our yearly bid and I am going to stay working at Central as a Spanish rover one more year. Still enjoying it and looking forward to the unique opportunities I get to do more in depth investigations on. In the next couple of days I will be going on a squad campout with my current squad before we all disband from the bid. I am looking forward to some fun old camping and relaxation from the valley heat. We are going to the white mountains near big lake from Wednesday to Saturday.
Noah is currently waiting to hear on possible employment with Mesa PD also! He is just waiting to see how many they will hire once the federal stimulus money comes through... should know in September. Yesterday was Sunday and I left church early to go to work but instead of going to work I called in sick (I am sick with cold and cough symptoms) and used the 2 hours that she was still at church thinking I was at work, to clean the whole house. I organized things swept, mopped, and made the house feel clean as can be. She got home and was so surprised. It was worth watching her face. I guess these are the types of activities that will be remembered when I die. Must keep focusing on my priorities and what really matters when all is said and done.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Florence Prison run and more...
These past 2 weeks have been full of events. First of all I decided to quit my Master's degree program with American Military University. I was working toward a Masters in Intelligence Studies and have completed 12 credits when I all of a sudden felt like I didn't know why I was even working toward this degree. The more I pondered it the more it felt like it was pointless for now to be working on that degree just to do it. I determined to drop the courses and just wait an undetermined amount of time to continue with a Master's degree. A few days after dropping I learned that I can promote up to the level of Commander in the police department with the amount of schooling I already have and after that I need a Graduate degree with an emphasis in criminal justice. So if I ever decide to continue I will switch programs and make it worth it. I am really enjoying the freedom I feel from that decision, no stress and less grumpy Daddy!
We have solidified some major family trips in the past 2 weeks. we will be going to disneyland for 3 days 4 nights this month... This is our first family trip there with all the kids. I am so excited and the trip is practically already paid for. I cant wait to see the kids faces as we do all the fun things available at Disneyland. We are also going to spend some time at the beach making sand castles and flying kites. It will be great!
The other huge vacation we solidified is a trip to Europe. Anissa and I will be staying in London for a few days and then Istanbul and finally Paris. We are so excited and already have our flights and hotels all purchased and booked. We will be gone for 11 days with a one night stay in Toronto , Canada as well. I am soooo glad I dont have to be worrying about my school work during this trip any more!
Yesterday I got to do a ride along with the gang squad for an event called the Florence Prison Run. It was a great experience and I took a few pictures and video. There were hundreds of bikers and I'm sure it made the day for the people in prison to have a break from the monotony. I always feel bad to see how many people out there make choices that limit their freemdom. If only they had relationships with God that would steer them toward a better understanding of governance and self control.
Olivia is sitting here next to me eating spinach leaves and she has had 3 servings saying how much she loves "these leaves". So cute. This week I spoke to Uncle Frank, Dak and sent texts to my cousin Denise. I want to do better at staying in touch with long distance family for now on. Life is just to short to miss out on the benefit of family. Well I better start getting ready for the day. I am going to work and have spanish training for the next 2 days.
Here are some pictures of the Florence Prison Run and a picture than Noah took while I was returning from a SWAT call. I was driving the large armor vehicle back to its home station. When I drove past the prisoners lined up I got a pretty enthusiastic "Boooo" so I rolled my window down and stuck my hand out and did the "raise the roof" sign to them and the boooos became laughter.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Weekly Update
Today is Sunday Jan 18th and Olivia and Landon just went up stairs to visit Mommy because she sent me a text that she is awake and to send the kids up. Every once in a while I wake up and deal with the kids and let her sleep in (not even close to how many times she does that for me). I came down stairs and fed Landon oatmeal and honeycomb cereal while Olivia (or should I say Ariel from "little mermaid") had cocoa krispies cereal. Robyn woke up soon after and came down and has been reading her book "A Cinderella Story" non-stop and has not had breakfast yet. Today we are planning on meeting up with Dak and Tara as they drive through Phoenix on their way to Los Angeles. We are excited about their move as it will allow us to visit them more often.
This last week I got to attend the Mesa Police AR-15 school and I was issued an AR-15 rifle. It was so fun to get paid to go to the range all week and shoot about 700-possibly 1,000 rounds during those 4 days. Now I have the rifle issued to me and can use it on calls during patrol when a rifle is needed and of course on all SWAT calls. I had a SWAT call yesterday where I stood on perimeter for about 2 hours and was sure glad I already ordered a tactical sling so that rifle doesn't get to heavy. While I was leaving that call I saw a guy standing by his front door that looked very familiar. As I walked closer I recognized him as a guy I arrested about 2 weeks ago for DUI. We talked for a bit and I continued giving him counsel to make sure he gets that charge taken care of so that the judge doesn't have to order an arrest warrant in the future.
Noah came over yesterday and we went to the park with the kids to fly our kites. It was fun but the wind was a bit to choppy to really enjoy. Noah bought a GPS unit yesterday and started a new hobby of geocaching. He was really excited and has already stopped by a few locations. Giselle is out of town this weekend (Utah for a baby shower) so we have spent time with Noah and played with him.
This morning when Anissa woke up we all went up stairs and jumped on the bed and had a fun family snuggle time. I even threw Trixie on the bed and it was fun to see her and all the kids so excited! Trixie couldnt stop licking everyone she was so excited to be allowed to hang with the family like that. Yesterday Anissa and I went to see the movie "Marley and Me" and I couldnt help but think that I get to uptight at times over the smallest things. I am determined to enjoy life a bit more and let the little things roll off my back. One day when I look back at my life I want to think I enjoyed these stages and didnt wast my life always anticipating the next stage. The kids are all so cute and fun right now. They are easy to please and they get so much joy out of simple things like playing I'm a bull for bull rides or playing imagination games (Disney movies like Little Mermaid and Alladin and Sleeping Beauty are a great hit these last few days with Olivia).
Because of my AR-15 school I get to be off this weekend. I enjoyed Saturday even though I had a 2 hour SWAT call in the afternoon and I look forward to Sunday off as well. I love my family and am very grateful for what I have and who I am. We are all healthy and currently happy and satisfied in our lives.
This last week I got to attend the Mesa Police AR-15 school and I was issued an AR-15 rifle. It was so fun to get paid to go to the range all week and shoot about 700-possibly 1,000 rounds during those 4 days. Now I have the rifle issued to me and can use it on calls during patrol when a rifle is needed and of course on all SWAT calls. I had a SWAT call yesterday where I stood on perimeter for about 2 hours and was sure glad I already ordered a tactical sling so that rifle doesn't get to heavy. While I was leaving that call I saw a guy standing by his front door that looked very familiar. As I walked closer I recognized him as a guy I arrested about 2 weeks ago for DUI. We talked for a bit and I continued giving him counsel to make sure he gets that charge taken care of so that the judge doesn't have to order an arrest warrant in the future.
Noah came over yesterday and we went to the park with the kids to fly our kites. It was fun but the wind was a bit to choppy to really enjoy. Noah bought a GPS unit yesterday and started a new hobby of geocaching. He was really excited and has already stopped by a few locations. Giselle is out of town this weekend (Utah for a baby shower) so we have spent time with Noah and played with him.
This morning when Anissa woke up we all went up stairs and jumped on the bed and had a fun family snuggle time. I even threw Trixie on the bed and it was fun to see her and all the kids so excited! Trixie couldnt stop licking everyone she was so excited to be allowed to hang with the family like that. Yesterday Anissa and I went to see the movie "Marley and Me" and I couldnt help but think that I get to uptight at times over the smallest things. I am determined to enjoy life a bit more and let the little things roll off my back. One day when I look back at my life I want to think I enjoyed these stages and didnt wast my life always anticipating the next stage. The kids are all so cute and fun right now. They are easy to please and they get so much joy out of simple things like playing I'm a bull for bull rides or playing imagination games (Disney movies like Little Mermaid and Alladin and Sleeping Beauty are a great hit these last few days with Olivia).
Because of my AR-15 school I get to be off this weekend. I enjoyed Saturday even though I had a 2 hour SWAT call in the afternoon and I look forward to Sunday off as well. I love my family and am very grateful for what I have and who I am. We are all healthy and currently happy and satisfied in our lives.
Friday, January 9, 2009
A New Year
So 2009 is finally upon me and I have made a new year resolution to make a new journal entry once a week. On Wednesday Dec 31 we decided to drive up to Utah (My Family and Sage) to spend New Years with our family. On the way up our tire went flat on the mini van just before getting to Page and I got to bust out the spare tire (this woke Landon up from his nap and made him cry a bit more than he would have). Once we were on the road again Olivia decided she couldn't wait any longer to go poop so we pulled off the side of the road and Anissa held her over the side while she did her business into the snow.
We arrived and went skiing the next day at Sundance (Anissa, Robyn, Sage and I) and had a great time. While we were there Anissa got a call that her Nanny was very ill and in her last few hours of life. Anissa bought a ticket to fly to Indiana and flew out the next day Friday in the evening with Patrick. Nanny died while they were on their way and the funeral was held on Monday Jan 5, 2009. I stayed with the kids and we moved our stuff over to my parents house. On Friday we went sledding on a hill by the house. The day before I made a snowman with Olivia, Robyn, and Sage and their cousins Tucker and Hannah. Olivia and Landon loved playing in the snow and Olivia loved making a real snowman since I have made so many with her when we use our imagination back at home.
On Sunday we played cards at my parents house and Robyn and Sage got so silly and funny playing cards that my mom and dad and I couldnt stop laughing with and at them. I let them stay up late (about midnight) and I think that may have had an effect on their silly mood. On Monday I went skiing again with my dad and Robyn and Sage. It had been snowing non stop for 2 days and the snow was increadable! At one point Robyn my dad and I went to the top of the mountain and found ourselves in a near blizzard. Luckily I remembered the way down since we couldnt see and we faced away from the wind and slid down the mountain sideways. I had Robyn by the side so she could withstand the wind and stay sideways on the mountain next to me. Once we got below the ridge line and the wind subsided it was just amazing! The whole way down the mountain we could not see our skiis because of the powder snow that was so soft it was like skiing on a cloud. We had the best time skiing the rest of the day because of the amount of powder soft snow everywhere.
That same day my mom rolled down the window of our mini van and it got stuck in the down position. I had to drive it to a mechanic and get it fixed (the whole drive it was snowing still and I held a pillow to keep snow from hitting me in the face while driving). The last day we were there (Tuesday 01/06/09) mom injured her left knee playing tennis (later found it was dislocated and went back into place stretching the tendons). I picked up Anissa from the airport that night and early the next day (Wednesday 01/07/09) we headed out. Early being 11:00 in the morning after shoveling the mini van out of snow for about an hour because it was completely stuck.
Overall we had a great time and I enjoyed all the free time I got with the kids. Robyn and Sage were great both together as well as with the smaller kids. I had a blast sledding with them playing cards and watching movies and skiing. Olivia and Landon were spolied to death just as expected and we had a rewarding time with my mom and dad. Now we are back and I am ready to start work again tomorrow. On my way home I got a call telling me Noah had appendicitis and was going into surgery. I got to the hospital soon after he came out of surgery and spend some time with him both that night and the next day. He has recovered amazingly well and will be coming over tonight with Giselle for dinner and a movie with us.
I will be emailing my new years resolutions to see how I do through out the year.
We arrived and went skiing the next day at Sundance (Anissa, Robyn, Sage and I) and had a great time. While we were there Anissa got a call that her Nanny was very ill and in her last few hours of life. Anissa bought a ticket to fly to Indiana and flew out the next day Friday in the evening with Patrick. Nanny died while they were on their way and the funeral was held on Monday Jan 5, 2009. I stayed with the kids and we moved our stuff over to my parents house. On Friday we went sledding on a hill by the house. The day before I made a snowman with Olivia, Robyn, and Sage and their cousins Tucker and Hannah. Olivia and Landon loved playing in the snow and Olivia loved making a real snowman since I have made so many with her when we use our imagination back at home.
On Sunday we played cards at my parents house and Robyn and Sage got so silly and funny playing cards that my mom and dad and I couldnt stop laughing with and at them. I let them stay up late (about midnight) and I think that may have had an effect on their silly mood. On Monday I went skiing again with my dad and Robyn and Sage. It had been snowing non stop for 2 days and the snow was increadable! At one point Robyn my dad and I went to the top of the mountain and found ourselves in a near blizzard. Luckily I remembered the way down since we couldnt see and we faced away from the wind and slid down the mountain sideways. I had Robyn by the side so she could withstand the wind and stay sideways on the mountain next to me. Once we got below the ridge line and the wind subsided it was just amazing! The whole way down the mountain we could not see our skiis because of the powder snow that was so soft it was like skiing on a cloud. We had the best time skiing the rest of the day because of the amount of powder soft snow everywhere.
That same day my mom rolled down the window of our mini van and it got stuck in the down position. I had to drive it to a mechanic and get it fixed (the whole drive it was snowing still and I held a pillow to keep snow from hitting me in the face while driving). The last day we were there (Tuesday 01/06/09) mom injured her left knee playing tennis (later found it was dislocated and went back into place stretching the tendons). I picked up Anissa from the airport that night and early the next day (Wednesday 01/07/09) we headed out. Early being 11:00 in the morning after shoveling the mini van out of snow for about an hour because it was completely stuck.
Overall we had a great time and I enjoyed all the free time I got with the kids. Robyn and Sage were great both together as well as with the smaller kids. I had a blast sledding with them playing cards and watching movies and skiing. Olivia and Landon were spolied to death just as expected and we had a rewarding time with my mom and dad. Now we are back and I am ready to start work again tomorrow. On my way home I got a call telling me Noah had appendicitis and was going into surgery. I got to the hospital soon after he came out of surgery and spend some time with him both that night and the next day. He has recovered amazingly well and will be coming over tonight with Giselle for dinner and a movie with us.
I will be emailing my new years resolutions to see how I do through out the year.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
One Warrior's Creed - A philosophy to live by
by Steven R. Watt
If today is to be THE DAY, so be it. If you seek to do battle with me this day you will receive the best that I am capable of giving. It may not be enough, but it will be everything that I have to give and it will be impressive, for I have constantly prepared myself for this day. I have trained, drilled and rehearsed my actions so that I might have the best chance of defeating you. I have kept myself in peak physical condition, schooled myself in the martial skills and have become proficient in the application of combat tactics. You may defeat me, but you will pay a severe price and will be lucky to escape with your life. You may kill me, but I am willing to die if necessary. I do not fear Death, for I have been close enough to it on enough occasions that it no longer concerns me. But I do fear the loss of my Honor and would rather die fighting than to have it said that I was without Courage. So I will fight you, no matter how insurmountable it may seem, and to the death if need be, in order that it may never be said of me that I was not a Warrior.
Warriors are natural leaders. When times of crisis appear, they are naturally sought out and looked to by those for whom the situation is overwhelming. As a wise leader once told me, “We dont pay you for the day-to-day; we pay you for that occasional time of crisis when preparation and action are combined to form a resolution.” To be constantly prepared, warrior leaders must be committed to something far beyond themselves, something that clearly both separates and defines them, something on an order of magnitude well beyond normal lifestyles.
I penned the creed that introduced this article during the closing days of my military tour in Iraq as a counterterrorism advisor to Iraqi security forces. I was reflecting on those I had known during my time in Special Forces and SWAT, the truly dangerous and deadly men with whom I had shared fear, sweat and blood, men committed to the cause of liberty, who believed that it was worth everything they had to give, even their lives. Men who exported their capability to faraway places in the world where terror and tyranny reigned, and who, within the confines of cities and jurisdictions within the greatest nation on earth, the United States of America, utilized their dedication and skill to protect the rights of those unable or unwilling to protect them for themselves. These men and women (for I personally know that courage is not limited to one gender) truly represented the commitment to selfless service and willing sacrifice honed by previous generations of warriors.
I was reflecting on a recent operation in which a good friend perished. He left behind a young family and numerous tears were shed in the days following his death. At a memorial ceremony, words had been spoken, words that indicted the special nature of his service, and it later caused me to wonder, “Why do we do this?” Why do we, the “rough men” of whom Orwell speaks, voluntarily subject ourselves to the life-long efforts required to be the warriors, to be one of Dave Grossman’s “sheepdogs”? As I reflected, I began to recognize some underlying values that were consistent among those police and military special operations colleagues with whom I served. The recognition of the constancy of those values resulted in the writing of “One Warrior's Creed,” in an attempt to verbalize the values of the warriors of our great democracy.
If today is to be THE DAY, so be it. We do not know the day or the time when we will be called on and we do not care. By living, not just practicing, the creed, we will be ready no matter when or where. The day, time or place does not matter. Stephanie Shugart, wife of MSG Randall Shugart, recipient of the Medal of Honor, said that “it takes a real man to live a creed, not just say it.”
If you seek to do battle with me... We of the creed do not go looking for the fight; those purveying evil must bring it to us. We, the “quite professionals,” have nothing to demonstrate, nothing to show, no need to brag. We quietly go about our lives. We represent, as stated by the wife of one who lives the creed, “the most dangerous nice guys you’ll ever meet.” But if you bring the battle to us, you will receive the best that I am capable of giving. We are committed to fighting you, to defending ourselves and those for whom we feel responsible, and we will give it our best effort no matter what.
It may not be enough, as we recognize that we do not control tactical environment enough to ensure the outcome...but it will be everything that I have to give and it will be impressive, for I have constantly prepared myself for this day. We recognize that the commitment and responsibility we took upon ourselves by oath requires that we put forth daily effort to ensure our skills are at their utmost when called for. I have trained, drilled and rehearsed my actions so that I might have the best chance of defeating you. Never knowing when, where or how, we accept the standard of being constantly ready. Daily, we sweat, strain and push ourselves far beyond the boundaries of mere mortals, then smile and prepare to do it again tomorrow. If the call to action never comes, we are okay with that, but we are not okay with the potential for failure due to a lack of preparation.
I have kept myself in peak physical condition, for a warrior not highly fit is less than half a warrior. I have schooled myself in the martial skills, for we recognize that to be truly ready means that we must be capable of the use of the complete range of weapons, including firearms, blunt and edged weapons, personal weapons such as hands, elbows, knees and feet, and the mind, and have become proficient in the application of combat tactics. We understand that since we dont know where or when, we must understand the range of variables existing on any terrain and we must have prepared our strategies for fighting there.
You may defeat me - we know that we are mortal, and we have no false illusions or ideas of being invulnerable - but you will pay a severe price. We will inflict upon you whatever pain and injury is necessary to assure your defeat, and you will be lucky to escape with your life. We will take your life, without remorse, if you force us to do so. We do not enjoy killing, but we recognize that the taking of the life of an evil predator may be necessary in order to ensure the safety of ourselves, our loved ones, our cherished way of life and our nation.
You may kill me, but I am willing to die if necessary. We recognize that great sacrifices have been necessary in the past in order to maintain the cause of freedom and to ensure a free society, and we honor those who have died in the cause of liberty. We also recognize that warriors must be willing to do so today and in the future, or the sacrifices of those who have paid the ultimate price in the past will become nothing more that a historical anecdote. I do not fear death, for I have been close enough to it on enough occasions that it no longer concerns me. We recognize that all who have received the God-given gift of mortality die, that it is nothing to be feared for it will come to us all. We have known warriors among us who have perished. We have honored them, paid tribute to the families who raised and supported them, and thanked God for the privilege of knowing them.
But I do fear the loss of my Honor. To live honorably is the root of our zeal, and it provides the fuel for our efforts, which is why the word is capitalized. We, like the great warrior classes of old, recognize that a life without honor is wasted. We are committed to greater things than ourselves, and would rather die fighting than to have it said that I was without Courage. Courage is the exemplification of all that we hold in great value, of all that we feel is worth the ultimate price. To ever be without Courage is to truly be unarmed, unprepared and easily overcome. We can never overstate its importance, which is why it is capitalized.
So I will fight you - we strongly commit to that and exemplify it with how we live the creed - no matter how insurmountable it may seem and to the death if need be. We care not what the odds are or what the probable outcome may be. What is important is that we are there and ready in order that it may never be said of me that I was not a Warrior. To live in the shame of knowing that we capitulated, that we surrendered to fear, that we failed to exemplify the creed, that we have dishonored those before us, is a shame and humiliation beyond comprehension. That is the only thing a Warrior truly fears.
If today is to be THE DAY, so be it. If you seek to do battle with me this day you will receive the best that I am capable of giving. It may not be enough, but it will be everything that I have to give and it will be impressive, for I have constantly prepared myself for this day. I have trained, drilled and rehearsed my actions so that I might have the best chance of defeating you. I have kept myself in peak physical condition, schooled myself in the martial skills and have become proficient in the application of combat tactics. You may defeat me, but you will pay a severe price and will be lucky to escape with your life. You may kill me, but I am willing to die if necessary. I do not fear Death, for I have been close enough to it on enough occasions that it no longer concerns me. But I do fear the loss of my Honor and would rather die fighting than to have it said that I was without Courage. So I will fight you, no matter how insurmountable it may seem, and to the death if need be, in order that it may never be said of me that I was not a Warrior.
Warriors are natural leaders. When times of crisis appear, they are naturally sought out and looked to by those for whom the situation is overwhelming. As a wise leader once told me, “We dont pay you for the day-to-day; we pay you for that occasional time of crisis when preparation and action are combined to form a resolution.” To be constantly prepared, warrior leaders must be committed to something far beyond themselves, something that clearly both separates and defines them, something on an order of magnitude well beyond normal lifestyles.
I penned the creed that introduced this article during the closing days of my military tour in Iraq as a counterterrorism advisor to Iraqi security forces. I was reflecting on those I had known during my time in Special Forces and SWAT, the truly dangerous and deadly men with whom I had shared fear, sweat and blood, men committed to the cause of liberty, who believed that it was worth everything they had to give, even their lives. Men who exported their capability to faraway places in the world where terror and tyranny reigned, and who, within the confines of cities and jurisdictions within the greatest nation on earth, the United States of America, utilized their dedication and skill to protect the rights of those unable or unwilling to protect them for themselves. These men and women (for I personally know that courage is not limited to one gender) truly represented the commitment to selfless service and willing sacrifice honed by previous generations of warriors.
I was reflecting on a recent operation in which a good friend perished. He left behind a young family and numerous tears were shed in the days following his death. At a memorial ceremony, words had been spoken, words that indicted the special nature of his service, and it later caused me to wonder, “Why do we do this?” Why do we, the “rough men” of whom Orwell speaks, voluntarily subject ourselves to the life-long efforts required to be the warriors, to be one of Dave Grossman’s “sheepdogs”? As I reflected, I began to recognize some underlying values that were consistent among those police and military special operations colleagues with whom I served. The recognition of the constancy of those values resulted in the writing of “One Warrior's Creed,” in an attempt to verbalize the values of the warriors of our great democracy.
If today is to be THE DAY, so be it. We do not know the day or the time when we will be called on and we do not care. By living, not just practicing, the creed, we will be ready no matter when or where. The day, time or place does not matter. Stephanie Shugart, wife of MSG Randall Shugart, recipient of the Medal of Honor, said that “it takes a real man to live a creed, not just say it.”
If you seek to do battle with me... We of the creed do not go looking for the fight; those purveying evil must bring it to us. We, the “quite professionals,” have nothing to demonstrate, nothing to show, no need to brag. We quietly go about our lives. We represent, as stated by the wife of one who lives the creed, “the most dangerous nice guys you’ll ever meet.” But if you bring the battle to us, you will receive the best that I am capable of giving. We are committed to fighting you, to defending ourselves and those for whom we feel responsible, and we will give it our best effort no matter what.
It may not be enough, as we recognize that we do not control tactical environment enough to ensure the outcome...but it will be everything that I have to give and it will be impressive, for I have constantly prepared myself for this day. We recognize that the commitment and responsibility we took upon ourselves by oath requires that we put forth daily effort to ensure our skills are at their utmost when called for. I have trained, drilled and rehearsed my actions so that I might have the best chance of defeating you. Never knowing when, where or how, we accept the standard of being constantly ready. Daily, we sweat, strain and push ourselves far beyond the boundaries of mere mortals, then smile and prepare to do it again tomorrow. If the call to action never comes, we are okay with that, but we are not okay with the potential for failure due to a lack of preparation.
I have kept myself in peak physical condition, for a warrior not highly fit is less than half a warrior. I have schooled myself in the martial skills, for we recognize that to be truly ready means that we must be capable of the use of the complete range of weapons, including firearms, blunt and edged weapons, personal weapons such as hands, elbows, knees and feet, and the mind, and have become proficient in the application of combat tactics. We understand that since we dont know where or when, we must understand the range of variables existing on any terrain and we must have prepared our strategies for fighting there.
You may defeat me - we know that we are mortal, and we have no false illusions or ideas of being invulnerable - but you will pay a severe price. We will inflict upon you whatever pain and injury is necessary to assure your defeat, and you will be lucky to escape with your life. We will take your life, without remorse, if you force us to do so. We do not enjoy killing, but we recognize that the taking of the life of an evil predator may be necessary in order to ensure the safety of ourselves, our loved ones, our cherished way of life and our nation.
You may kill me, but I am willing to die if necessary. We recognize that great sacrifices have been necessary in the past in order to maintain the cause of freedom and to ensure a free society, and we honor those who have died in the cause of liberty. We also recognize that warriors must be willing to do so today and in the future, or the sacrifices of those who have paid the ultimate price in the past will become nothing more that a historical anecdote. I do not fear death, for I have been close enough to it on enough occasions that it no longer concerns me. We recognize that all who have received the God-given gift of mortality die, that it is nothing to be feared for it will come to us all. We have known warriors among us who have perished. We have honored them, paid tribute to the families who raised and supported them, and thanked God for the privilege of knowing them.
But I do fear the loss of my Honor. To live honorably is the root of our zeal, and it provides the fuel for our efforts, which is why the word is capitalized. We, like the great warrior classes of old, recognize that a life without honor is wasted. We are committed to greater things than ourselves, and would rather die fighting than to have it said that I was without Courage. Courage is the exemplification of all that we hold in great value, of all that we feel is worth the ultimate price. To ever be without Courage is to truly be unarmed, unprepared and easily overcome. We can never overstate its importance, which is why it is capitalized.
So I will fight you - we strongly commit to that and exemplify it with how we live the creed - no matter how insurmountable it may seem and to the death if need be. We care not what the odds are or what the probable outcome may be. What is important is that we are there and ready in order that it may never be said of me that I was not a Warrior. To live in the shame of knowing that we capitulated, that we surrendered to fear, that we failed to exemplify the creed, that we have dishonored those before us, is a shame and humiliation beyond comprehension. That is the only thing a Warrior truly fears.
Monday, November 17, 2008
November Update
Again I have let to much time go by in my journal posting. I wanted to share something personal to me that I got to experience in the past few weeks/months. In September I decided to try out for the SWAT team thinking I would most likely not make it but would set myself up to be better prepared when I try again a second time in 2009. I did really well in the testing process (Scenario based oral board, shooting, physical challenge) and was invited to attend SWAT school with 7 other candidates. I went through SWAT school October 9 through the 16th and after successfully completing the school 6 of us were invited to join the team on a 1 year probation. So here I am officially on the SWAT team going through a 1 year probation that started on November 1st.
Of course being on the team is so much fun and the training is amazing but what really made me feel honored was realizing who I get to work with. During the SWAT school I was given a home work assignment to analyze a poem called "The Warriors Creed", written by a special forces commander named Steven Watt. Reading the creed helped me see the character type and attributes that I wish to aspire to having in this life and common denominator in many of the team members around me. Obviously no one is perfect and there are character flaws in all of us but finding these common themes and being invited to join the group was a huge honor and a humbling experience.
The creed states that if today is to be THE DAY, then so be it. It reflects an individual who has spent their time preparing, training, drilling and rehearsing for THE DAY and an attitude that suggests that I will give everything I have in the final fight and if its not enough then it will still certainly impress the enemy and cost a severe price if not their very life in the fight. It goes on speaking on honor and courage yet it describes a humble attitude.
It talks about "the most dangerous nice guys you'll ever meet" and almost every trait can be viewed from a mortal and physical understanding to an eternal and spiritual one too. Anyway I will post the whole creed in a further post. I am honored and excited to be part of the SWAT team and I hope I can make a positive contribution to the team. I have been asked to show them my diligence in improvement of three areas of my life on a weekly basis. The three areas are: shooting, tactical knowledge, and physical preparation or exercise.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Faith of a Drunkard
So last night 08/11/08 I got to experience something interesting. My squad car at some point early on in the shift started to show signs of a bad battery. On one call I was not able to turn the car back on and I had to request a Sergeant with jumper cables to come save me.
Once the car was back on I decided to not turn it off again to avoid future problems for the rest of the shift. Soon after I was dispatched to a call involving a chronically alcoholic little Mexican man. As soon as I arrived I turned the car off and started dealing with the call. After a brief investigation I realized this man was going to have to be transported to assist me with identifying two criminals. (Little Mexican drunkard was the victim). (Keep in mind the whole conversation was in Spanish and only the two of us were fully understanding all that was going on as others around did not speak Spanish).
As I was going to get him in the car I realized the car was turned off and realized I shouldn't have turned it off (just habit I guess). I tried to turn the car on and it didnt turn one bit. I got on the radio and requested my Sergeant again and once he was on his way I went to tell the victim that we would have to wait because my car wouldnt start. The little Mexican drunkard said to me.... "I see in your eyes you are a man of God and your soul is at peace, I will call upon God to start your car so we can proceed with justice in our cause", the man stood up and looked up and yelled in a loud voice in front of many other homeless individuals in the area "JESUS, START THE CAR".
At this moment I decided to continue playing the game and I told him let me try your faith and lets see if the car starts... I got in turned the key and guess what! The car started up like nothing! I got on the radio and canceled the Sergeant and continued with my investigation.
I ended up transporting this guy to the Center Against Family Violence where I did it again! I turned the car off without thinking and immediately tried to start it again but was unsuccessful. After about 3 attempts I just got out and got the little Mexican drunkard out of my car and told him I needed his faith again. He looked up and yelled "JESUS, LET THE CAR START" and again I entertained this little drama playing out and again the car started on the first attempt.
I didn't turn the car off for the rest of my shift until I was done for the night... This was an experience I will like to remember as the faith of drunkard proved to me that God listens to all his children and even the little Mexican drunkard is heard from above and granted little moments of faith building experiences for those who are ready to observe and be strengthened.
Once the car was back on I decided to not turn it off again to avoid future problems for the rest of the shift. Soon after I was dispatched to a call involving a chronically alcoholic little Mexican man. As soon as I arrived I turned the car off and started dealing with the call. After a brief investigation I realized this man was going to have to be transported to assist me with identifying two criminals. (Little Mexican drunkard was the victim). (Keep in mind the whole conversation was in Spanish and only the two of us were fully understanding all that was going on as others around did not speak Spanish).
As I was going to get him in the car I realized the car was turned off and realized I shouldn't have turned it off (just habit I guess). I tried to turn the car on and it didnt turn one bit. I got on the radio and requested my Sergeant again and once he was on his way I went to tell the victim that we would have to wait because my car wouldnt start. The little Mexican drunkard said to me.... "I see in your eyes you are a man of God and your soul is at peace, I will call upon God to start your car so we can proceed with justice in our cause", the man stood up and looked up and yelled in a loud voice in front of many other homeless individuals in the area "JESUS, START THE CAR".
At this moment I decided to continue playing the game and I told him let me try your faith and lets see if the car starts... I got in turned the key and guess what! The car started up like nothing! I got on the radio and canceled the Sergeant and continued with my investigation.
I ended up transporting this guy to the Center Against Family Violence where I did it again! I turned the car off without thinking and immediately tried to start it again but was unsuccessful. After about 3 attempts I just got out and got the little Mexican drunkard out of my car and told him I needed his faith again. He looked up and yelled "JESUS, LET THE CAR START" and again I entertained this little drama playing out and again the car started on the first attempt.
I didn't turn the car off for the rest of my shift until I was done for the night... This was an experience I will like to remember as the faith of drunkard proved to me that God listens to all his children and even the little Mexican drunkard is heard from above and granted little moments of faith building experiences for those who are ready to observe and be strengthened.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
End of May
I have to fit in one entry before May ends. This month I got to do several fun things that I will always remember. First I discovered an indoor skydiving place a few months ago and got Anissa and Mom a gift to go and try it out for mothers day (mom) and birthday (Anissa). They both loved it and you can see the video on the family blog. A few weeks later for my birthday they returned the gift to Noah and I so we got to go do it too. It was so fun I cant wait to do it again! I placed a small video clip of my experience on the family blog as well.
The next big thing I got to do this month was go to my 10 year high school reunion in Guadalajara! I loved it. It was amazing to go back with Noah and spend time with out friends and eat at the places we loved when we were living there. I will try to hunt down pictures and place them here later.
In my professional life I got accepted as the Central district Spanish rover. That means instead of having a beat and patrolling, I will be only responding to Spanish calls and assisting officers that are already on Spanish calls. I get a pay increase and will enjoy great benefits such as taking vacation days without being subject to normal minimum staffing requirements and such.
Toward the end of the month I decided to clean up the garage and make a shade for some of the pool equipment outside. I also cleaned up the back yard and got it prepared for the summer. As I cleaned I discovered a wet suit that I bought a long time ago. Since our pool has been a bit to cold for my liking I decided to put it on and jump in that very night. I was so fun and I have gone swimming with the girls every day since the discoverey (Ok only two days since I discovered it but it sounds better this way).
Today is Saturday May 31st and we are all going to a Police Family appreciation day. This will be at the training center and we are going in a few hours. The kids are excited and the Wettsteins are coming too. There will be some awesome things for Kalvin to brag about there! (SWAT training, Helicopter, etc...)
Noah and my parents are in London and I have spoken to them a few times. They are loving it and I cant wait for them to get back so we can see pictures and hear all about it. I am currently in week 4 of my roots of terrorism class and so far its going well. Its been a challenge dedicating the amount of time I need to but I guess I just have to do what it takes! Well this is my entry. I will try to do better next month.
The next big thing I got to do this month was go to my 10 year high school reunion in Guadalajara! I loved it. It was amazing to go back with Noah and spend time with out friends and eat at the places we loved when we were living there. I will try to hunt down pictures and place them here later.
In my professional life I got accepted as the Central district Spanish rover. That means instead of having a beat and patrolling, I will be only responding to Spanish calls and assisting officers that are already on Spanish calls. I get a pay increase and will enjoy great benefits such as taking vacation days without being subject to normal minimum staffing requirements and such.
Toward the end of the month I decided to clean up the garage and make a shade for some of the pool equipment outside. I also cleaned up the back yard and got it prepared for the summer. As I cleaned I discovered a wet suit that I bought a long time ago. Since our pool has been a bit to cold for my liking I decided to put it on and jump in that very night. I was so fun and I have gone swimming with the girls every day since the discoverey (Ok only two days since I discovered it but it sounds better this way).
Today is Saturday May 31st and we are all going to a Police Family appreciation day. This will be at the training center and we are going in a few hours. The kids are excited and the Wettsteins are coming too. There will be some awesome things for Kalvin to brag about there! (SWAT training, Helicopter, etc...)
Noah and my parents are in London and I have spoken to them a few times. They are loving it and I cant wait for them to get back so we can see pictures and hear all about it. I am currently in week 4 of my roots of terrorism class and so far its going well. Its been a challenge dedicating the amount of time I need to but I guess I just have to do what it takes! Well this is my entry. I will try to do better next month.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Mum..
Landon just started saying "mum" the other day and Anissa is so happy he is finally saying mum... He started saying "dada" a few weeks ago so I guess I am just his favorite person since I pretty much do everything for him anyway!! (thats sarcasm for you who dont know me). We recently got Landon's 7 month pictures and he is so cute. He can sit up on his own now and is getting bigger every day.
Olivia is addicted to Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella right now and is watching Sleeping Beauty as I type this. She watched Cinderella just before it... ha. She's so cute and fun as always.
Noah got back from a trip to Utah today and is still staying with us. He is doing well with his helicopter training and cant wait for the day his little wifey Giselle catches up to him. It must be so hard for them to be living separated these few months.
Anissa and I are excited for our triathlon coming up in 4 weeks. We already paid for the hotel where we will be staying and its all falling in together just fine. Its exciting that we are going to get to participate in the triathlon as well as have a family vacation!
Robyn is doing well in school and is growing up so fast. One day I'm sure we will look back and wish we could keep all the kids as small as they are today! She is becoming more athletic and recently won 6 first place ribbons in her school track and field day.
Work is going well for me. Yesterday I responded to an overdose victim who passed away naked on her bed. She seemed to have lived a hard life toward the end so maybe it was good that she just moved on? Its interesting to see and have witnessed now how primal and brutal both birth and death can be. It helps me see the sanctity of the spirit over the physical body. Once the spirit leaves the body it really is just flesh and bones... meat like any other... crazy!
I am in week 6 of my research methods class and its a bit more difficult than I expected. I guess that helps me feel challenged and rewarded by successfully completing each week. As of right now I am a week behind and hope to catch up this week by visiting the library for a few hours! Thats all for now folks...
Olivia is addicted to Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella right now and is watching Sleeping Beauty as I type this. She watched Cinderella just before it... ha. She's so cute and fun as always.
Noah got back from a trip to Utah today and is still staying with us. He is doing well with his helicopter training and cant wait for the day his little wifey Giselle catches up to him. It must be so hard for them to be living separated these few months.
Anissa and I are excited for our triathlon coming up in 4 weeks. We already paid for the hotel where we will be staying and its all falling in together just fine. Its exciting that we are going to get to participate in the triathlon as well as have a family vacation!
Robyn is doing well in school and is growing up so fast. One day I'm sure we will look back and wish we could keep all the kids as small as they are today! She is becoming more athletic and recently won 6 first place ribbons in her school track and field day.
Work is going well for me. Yesterday I responded to an overdose victim who passed away naked on her bed. She seemed to have lived a hard life toward the end so maybe it was good that she just moved on? Its interesting to see and have witnessed now how primal and brutal both birth and death can be. It helps me see the sanctity of the spirit over the physical body. Once the spirit leaves the body it really is just flesh and bones... meat like any other... crazy!
I am in week 6 of my research methods class and its a bit more difficult than I expected. I guess that helps me feel challenged and rewarded by successfully completing each week. As of right now I am a week behind and hope to catch up this week by visiting the library for a few hours! Thats all for now folks...
Saturday, March 22, 2008
03/22/08
March is almost over and time is flying!!! Today is Saturday and Noah has been living with us for 2 weeks now. Its so fun to have him here and to be able to go places with him or just hang out at home. Yesterday we both rode our bikes for 10 miles and then ran for 3 miles in 1 hour and 4 minutes. We are still training for the Rocky Point triathlon in Mexico in May and so far I think we are doing pretty good. Papi, Dak and Anissa are training as well and we all keep tabs of our progress in the training.
I am in week 3 of my Research Methods class and it as been stressful at times. Yesterday I had to go to the library for 2 hours and get away from all distractions to get my work done for the week. At this time I am also listening to "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett on audio book when I run and exercise. I am so glad to live in this day and in this land! The book is about life in England during the 1500's... and wow it was harsh for most.
Olivia is getting over a fever yesterday and now has a cough. Landon is being loud and cute and now uses the high chair for eating. Noah placed a cute picture of Landon on his Blog so check it out.... the post title is "My New Camera!" posted March 20.
I am in week 3 of my Research Methods class and it as been stressful at times. Yesterday I had to go to the library for 2 hours and get away from all distractions to get my work done for the week. At this time I am also listening to "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett on audio book when I run and exercise. I am so glad to live in this day and in this land! The book is about life in England during the 1500's... and wow it was harsh for most.
Olivia is getting over a fever yesterday and now has a cough. Landon is being loud and cute and now uses the high chair for eating. Noah placed a cute picture of Landon on his Blog so check it out.... the post title is "My New Camera!" posted March 20.
Monday, March 3, 2008
School is in Session!
Today is my first day of school and I'm pretty excited to be starting again. I am currently enrolled in the American Military University for a graduate degree in Strategic Intelligence Studies. I hope to be able to complete my masters within the next two years. I dont quite know where this will take me but I know it will be useful for what I currently do and what I think I want to do.... (Foreign Affairs with the State Department)
I didnt go to work today as I feel sick and had a fever and flu like symptoms so I had the chance to read a lot of information about my program and how things work within the program. I am excited and a bit scared to be back into the academic world and have to write papers and research and cite and document things etc... I think this will be good for me though as I tend to become idol when I have extra time.
Today Olivia had her first play date with a neighbor friend named Eli West. Eli is 4 yrs old and Olivia is almost 3. It was so cute to see her all proud following him around and copying what he did etc... She loves to copy Robyn too and it makes her feel so big and important. I am very happy with my kids and feel blessed for each one of them in my life. All three of them are so cute in their own ways and I love being home and spending time with them. Recently I have enjoyed taking Robyn and Olivia to the park and climbing trees with them. Olivia and I ride Robyn's green scooter and sometimes I ride the scooter and pull Robyn and Olivia on a radioflyer wagon. I love it! Nothing compares to just playing and spending time with them. I cant wait for Landon to grow up a bit more and stop slobbering everywhere and be able to join us.
Anissa is sleeping next to me on the couch as I sit here on my beloved Mac typing away and doing school work. Anissa truly is the glue that holds this house together and I love her so much for that. She looks so cute and beautiful to me and the last few days I have noticed more than ever that she really is just perfect in every way for me. As she sleeps next to me while I type I cant help but think that I am the luckiest man in the world to even dream of living my life with her forever. Here is a picture of what I am looking at right now... she fell asleep reading scriptures....
I didnt go to work today as I feel sick and had a fever and flu like symptoms so I had the chance to read a lot of information about my program and how things work within the program. I am excited and a bit scared to be back into the academic world and have to write papers and research and cite and document things etc... I think this will be good for me though as I tend to become idol when I have extra time.
Today Olivia had her first play date with a neighbor friend named Eli West. Eli is 4 yrs old and Olivia is almost 3. It was so cute to see her all proud following him around and copying what he did etc... She loves to copy Robyn too and it makes her feel so big and important. I am very happy with my kids and feel blessed for each one of them in my life. All three of them are so cute in their own ways and I love being home and spending time with them. Recently I have enjoyed taking Robyn and Olivia to the park and climbing trees with them. Olivia and I ride Robyn's green scooter and sometimes I ride the scooter and pull Robyn and Olivia on a radioflyer wagon. I love it! Nothing compares to just playing and spending time with them. I cant wait for Landon to grow up a bit more and stop slobbering everywhere and be able to join us.
Anissa is sleeping next to me on the couch as I sit here on my beloved Mac typing away and doing school work. Anissa truly is the glue that holds this house together and I love her so much for that. She looks so cute and beautiful to me and the last few days I have noticed more than ever that she really is just perfect in every way for me. As she sleeps next to me while I type I cant help but think that I am the luckiest man in the world to even dream of living my life with her forever. Here is a picture of what I am looking at right now... she fell asleep reading scriptures....
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