Check out my POST and head over to Facebook and 'like' us!
Mediterranean Turkey Burgers with Feta Dressing
16 years ago
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogging. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Benefit for the FOP
I'm doing my first fundraiser for our officers! Hooray!
Check out my POST and head over to Facebook and 'like' us!
Check out my POST and head over to Facebook and 'like' us!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
So, here's the thing.
I have this other blog I started a couple years ago - mostly as a creative outlet but also as a place to share what I was thinking about whatever. It was often neglected as I felt crazy busy with our four kids and rarely had time to go to the bathroom, let alone sit down and write an entire blog post.
At the end of October last year when Ofc. Brenton was killed, and then when the four Lakewood officers were gunned down I felt that the police wife part of me needed a place to go and write about what was going on in my head and in my heart. I had a few things I've posted that I feel have been relevant to living with a police officer, but the majority of what I write is about what I know the most about ...
Being a wife. Being a mom. Being a Christian.
And that's it.
I've realized, while reading other police wife blogs, that Officer Hottie has worked exceptionally hard, and done exceedingly well, at protecting me and our children from what living with a police officer could be like. Some of the credit can be given to the department he works for and the people he works with. His department encourages family and because they are a small department don't often encounter the big politics that disrupt other departments. His coworkers, as much as they get along, go home to their families after every shift. There is no "fraternity" or "blue wall" and I know I speak for many spouses at the department when I say that being police officers is what their spouses do - but it does not define who they are.
Most of the credit, however, I give to my husband. Even during our most trying times in law enforcement he has remained open, honest and kind. During academy when he was gone and stressed, he came home, rolled around with the boys and helped me with the dinner dishes. When his friend was killed on duty, he clung to me and our family, talking with his dad and our pastor to find comfort. When his schedule changed every month and he worked the most bizarre hours I'd ever heard of, he went without sleep so his children would know his face and his wife could have his support. When he left his first department and the treatment he received was less than fair, he never complained; he simply carried on with dignity, refusing to stoop to such a low level. He has, by all accounts, done everything within his power to maintain his integrity as a husband, father and Christian. I am proud that my husband prioritizes his family. I am thankful that I don't totally understand what other police wives seem to go through.
With that being said, I have decided that the place I know and fit in best is my old blog. I hope you will come by and visit the old/new blog - maybe even become a follower - but I honestly feel that it's misleading to have a blog titled "Confessions of Police Officer's Wife" when the reality is only 1 in 10 posts actually have anything to do with being married to a police officer. After all, Officer Hottie has always been a hero to me; the badge just made him a hero to everyone else.
I will blog here every once in awhile; when, on those rare occasions, I actually have something to say as a police wife. And I plan on continuing to read your blogs because they are something I truly enjoy reading. For the most part, however, I plan on being over at Being Gently Led. I hope you'll stop by for a visit sometime.
At the end of October last year when Ofc. Brenton was killed, and then when the four Lakewood officers were gunned down I felt that the police wife part of me needed a place to go and write about what was going on in my head and in my heart. I had a few things I've posted that I feel have been relevant to living with a police officer, but the majority of what I write is about what I know the most about ...
Being a wife. Being a mom. Being a Christian.
And that's it.
I've realized, while reading other police wife blogs, that Officer Hottie has worked exceptionally hard, and done exceedingly well, at protecting me and our children from what living with a police officer could be like. Some of the credit can be given to the department he works for and the people he works with. His department encourages family and because they are a small department don't often encounter the big politics that disrupt other departments. His coworkers, as much as they get along, go home to their families after every shift. There is no "fraternity" or "blue wall" and I know I speak for many spouses at the department when I say that being police officers is what their spouses do - but it does not define who they are.
Most of the credit, however, I give to my husband. Even during our most trying times in law enforcement he has remained open, honest and kind. During academy when he was gone and stressed, he came home, rolled around with the boys and helped me with the dinner dishes. When his friend was killed on duty, he clung to me and our family, talking with his dad and our pastor to find comfort. When his schedule changed every month and he worked the most bizarre hours I'd ever heard of, he went without sleep so his children would know his face and his wife could have his support. When he left his first department and the treatment he received was less than fair, he never complained; he simply carried on with dignity, refusing to stoop to such a low level. He has, by all accounts, done everything within his power to maintain his integrity as a husband, father and Christian. I am proud that my husband prioritizes his family. I am thankful that I don't totally understand what other police wives seem to go through.
With that being said, I have decided that the place I know and fit in best is my old blog. I hope you will come by and visit the old/new blog - maybe even become a follower - but I honestly feel that it's misleading to have a blog titled "Confessions of Police Officer's Wife" when the reality is only 1 in 10 posts actually have anything to do with being married to a police officer. After all, Officer Hottie has always been a hero to me; the badge just made him a hero to everyone else.
I will blog here every once in awhile; when, on those rare occasions, I actually have something to say as a police wife. And I plan on continuing to read your blogs because they are something I truly enjoy reading. For the most part, however, I plan on being over at Being Gently Led. I hope you'll stop by for a visit sometime.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
In Honor of National Infertility Awareness Week
Kate over at Busted Plumbing has been talking a lot about National Infertility Awareness Week. It has been a good read for me, with lots of tears. Last night I dreamed about Kate (if you're reading this, you were a cartoon); probably because I have been praying for her a LOT. I don't even know her. In my reality, she's literally a cartoon; a funny, sarcastic, witty cartoon. Yesterday she posted that she's pregnant, but after 5 years trying to conceive and four miscarriages she is naturally apprehensive. I've been praying for her ever since.
Her struggle is personal for me as conceiving of our first two children didn't come easy. All said and done it was only 17 months between the two of them, but those 17 months were filled with a lot of disappointments, questions and tears.
I watched my sister and her husband struggle with infertility for three years - before my sister finally conceived their daughter she was no longer eating wheat, dairy, sugar or red meats; all in an effort to get her body to do what it was supposed to do.
Currently I am watching one of my dearest friends struggle with secondary infertility. Her son just turned two and he is a joy. He was conceived immediately with only the fun kind of effort put into it. For over a year they have been waiting for the magic to happen again, but it has eluded them. Every milestone they celebrate with their son is shadowed with the knowledge that his "firsts" may be their "lasts".
Another dear friend and her husband adopted four children and suffered multiple miscarriages before she conceived and delivered her first biological child.
These stories are not unique. Unfortunately we all know someone who is currently infertile or who has struggled with infertility. Take a moment and head over to Busted Plumbing to see what Kate has to say on the issue. Then stop by resolve.org to see how you can get involved in helping to find a cure for infertility and how you can support those you love who are living through this struggle.
Her struggle is personal for me as conceiving of our first two children didn't come easy. All said and done it was only 17 months between the two of them, but those 17 months were filled with a lot of disappointments, questions and tears.
I watched my sister and her husband struggle with infertility for three years - before my sister finally conceived their daughter she was no longer eating wheat, dairy, sugar or red meats; all in an effort to get her body to do what it was supposed to do.
Currently I am watching one of my dearest friends struggle with secondary infertility. Her son just turned two and he is a joy. He was conceived immediately with only the fun kind of effort put into it. For over a year they have been waiting for the magic to happen again, but it has eluded them. Every milestone they celebrate with their son is shadowed with the knowledge that his "firsts" may be their "lasts".
Another dear friend and her husband adopted four children and suffered multiple miscarriages before she conceived and delivered her first biological child.
These stories are not unique. Unfortunately we all know someone who is currently infertile or who has struggled with infertility. Take a moment and head over to Busted Plumbing to see what Kate has to say on the issue. Then stop by resolve.org to see how you can get involved in helping to find a cure for infertility and how you can support those you love who are living through this struggle.
Monday, April 5, 2010
I can scribble
Momma Fargo gave me this award today. Which made my day. Because honestly, Momma Fargo is awesome. Her blog has made me cry and pee my pants from laughing, all in the same minute. Sometimes it makes me cringe and sometimes I put her posts on my Facebook page. She's a police officer and I guess I just get her humor, you know, seeing how I live with the popo myself and all. If you haven't, or don't on a regular basis, you must, must read what she has to say. You will cry and pee your pants and cringe too.
These awards come with rules; rules that I don't follow very well. But I guess I'll do my version if you don't mind.
A few things about me that you probably don't know yet:
* Peppermint tea is my nightcap of choice. It calms my nerves, helps me to relax, and doesn't leave me with a headache in the morning.
* Officer Hottie and I paid off $27,000 in 14 months following Dave Ramsey's plan for getting out of debt. I am really proud of that; it just seemed that it wouldn't be possible living on one income. Being so in debt seemed more impossible though. We were drowning and barely making ends meet. But it was possible ... we did it. I will blog the details later. I hate debt. I am glad to be rid of it. Also, when we say "Dave Ramsey" people roll their eyes and leave the room. They hate him because of us. Whatever. We're debt freeeeeeee!
* I had an affair with Lindt Dark Chocoloate with Chili. I was never satisfied with Dove Dark Chocolate again. Don't judge me until you've walked in my shoes.
* My house is 1300 square feet. We have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Our family has four boys and two girls. Our house is too small. And much too messy. Instead of making it larger we're going to Hawaii (in awhile). Instead of cleaning it I am blogging. (I said, don't judge me.)
* I have one single (as in, not a twin) brother, two twin brothers and two twin sisters. Yes, I can tell them all apart. No, I don't know how. I just do. I was supposed to be a triplet. My mom had an ultrasound that said there were three babies. When she went in the next time there was only me. My dad told everyone I ate them. He thought he was hilarious. My dad still thinks he's hilarious. So does the rest of my family. I'm feeling the need to call my therapist right about now ... and send the bill to Dad.
I would like to pass the Superior Scribbler Award along to OllieMom at I am Mama; Hear Me Roar. I went to high school with OllieMom so when she started her blog I thought I'd read it to be polite. Except now I check every day to see if there is a new post. If there is a new one, I grab some kleenex because I know I'm in for it. Her writing skills are beyond and her content ... well, you just have to read it to understand.
Thanks for the award Momma Fargo!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Joy ... pure joy
This morning while checking my email I stopped by The Pioneer Woman's page. Then I screamed, wet myself, and did a happy dance while my children sat huddled in the corner terrified of the crazy woman they once called Mother.
This is what I saw ...
SEATTLE!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
5:00 pm
THIRD PLACE BOOKS
17171 Bothell Way N.E.
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Saturday, April 17, 2010
5:00 pm
THIRD PLACE BOOKS
17171 Bothell Way N.E.
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
Alison, please don't go into labor this day. Please don't make me choose. Did you hear me Baby K9? Come before or after. But not during.
I think it's settled. Now I'm off to daydream about my new BFF.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Beautiful Blogger Award
Ok, can I just say that I feel super cool and popular right now? I just got a blogger award from April and I feel a little bit awesome. I've never received one before so now I'm going to spend the day chanting "They like me! They really really like me!". Yes, it's a little pathetic ... Thank you so much!
The rules of this award are:
- Thank the person who nominated you for this award
- Copy the award and place it in your blog
- Link the person who nominated you for this award
- Tell us 7 interesting things about you
- Nominate 7 bloggers and link to their blogs
Seven interesting things about me ... Ready?
1. I am the oldest of six children and my brother's and sisters literally call me Hen. (Hence, the Mama Hen). I always thought it was because my nickname is Gen and when we lived in Mexico when I was younger they realized /G/ is pronounced /H/ in Spanish ... I thought this until finally one year (like last year) my brother, Spud, finally laughed at me at and said, "Yeah, that isn't it at all. We call you Hen because you are constantly trying to mother all of us and boss us around." Oh, oops. Well, whatever. I can't run from who I really am man.
2. I always wanted to be a mom when I grew up. When people ask me what I'm going to do when all my kids are in school full time I say, "Be a mom. And sleep in. And have morning sex again." I have no desire to ever reenter the workforce. Maybe I'll take some college classes ... but only if they sound like fun.
3. Just like April, I'm a list maker. Everything has a list. This morning, Snuggles wasn't eating his unfinished dinner for breakfast (yes, I'm that kind of mom) and I told him he would have to stay home from school until that hamburger was gone. When he seemed to like the idea I began making a list of things he would do as soon as it was actually finished ... folding the laundry, dusting the living room, cleaning the toilets. Needless to say, my list making set him straight and he gobbled that burger up. I make lists for budgets, I make honey-do lists, I make my own chore lists, I make grocery lists, I make vacation lists ... I find a strange comfort in having a list lying around.
4. I love birth. Everything about it. Placentas, contractions, vernix, dilating, effacement, pushing ... and most especially the little squeaky baby at the end of it all. I especially love, and am an advocate for, natural childbirth. I had my fourth baby at home, attended by a midwife, and it was the best birthing experience I ever had. A friend told me the only down side to having a home birth was that I would love it so much I would want to have another baby so I could do it again. I'm done having babies, but she was right. I wish I would have been brave enough to have all my babies that way.
5. I'm addicted to sugar. Seriously. A naturopath once told me that I was addicted to sugar the same way a crack addict is addicted to crack. That's pretty sad. Sugar gives me migraines. Sugar and me ... it's a bad relationship. But I keep going back for more. I just can't say no.
6. I don't want to come across as preachy, but I love Jesus. I love what He did for me. I love who He is to me. I love what He does in me. I love how He speaks to me. I love that I have Hope because of Him.
7. I heart a cop. And a cop hearts me. And I love that people care enough to read about that.
Here are 7 blogs that I frequent and I think you should check out ... oh, and I'm giving them the beautiful blogging award too!
Ok, I couldn't come up with seven. I actually frequent quite a few police wife blogs but most of them have received the blogging award already. The blogs I've mentioned here have some great stuff to say and definitely deserved to be checked out.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
New Blog
I've taken a little bit of inspiration from my dear friend Alison and have decided to start blogging about some of the things I cook for my family. I am not an organic, low fat, low carb, no sugar, healthy and nutritious kind of woman. Although I do try to serve at least once veggie or fruit with dinner. That must count for something. I do love to cook and I really love baking. So I'm going to share my recipes, or at least how I've modified or adapted a recipe, that meet my families needs. Those needs being 1) That children will eat it and 2) That it can be reheated and still taste great so Officer Hottie can, and will, take it to work the next day.
I hope you enjoy it! Check out my first post ... Turkey Meatballs!
I hope you enjoy it! Check out my first post ... Turkey Meatballs!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Blogs and more blogs
I found more police wife blogs. Lots and lots of blogs. And I decided to "follow" a bunch of them, a decision I may regret. I guess we'll see once I sit down and actually read through them. I have to admit I'm feeling pretty technologically challenged while searching for and reading through them. I kept thinking, "Wow! How did she do that?" I mean, over the simple stuff. Like putting a link to a video in. Or a picture. Ech. I'm sure I'll figure it out. If only I didn't have to feed my kids or take a shower. Or clean my house. Or go to the bathroom.
The last time I peeled my eyes away from the computer monitor I noticed the kids had pulled apart the bookshelf. We now have Mt. Library in the middle of our living room. It is surrounded by Sheets-Off-Our-Bed Creek and the raging Turned-Over-Hamper River. I feel a little bit better though, since Fuzzy is trying to sweep it all up with the broom that is four times his size. Such a helper.
The last time I peeled my eyes away from the computer monitor I noticed the kids had pulled apart the bookshelf. We now have Mt. Library in the middle of our living room. It is surrounded by Sheets-Off-Our-Bed Creek and the raging Turned-Over-Hamper River. I feel a little bit better though, since Fuzzy is trying to sweep it all up with the broom that is four times his size. Such a helper.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Feeling the love, and other sorts of things
I have been blogging for all of a month or so and I've found that I love it. I really really love it. I enjoy having something to write about and the feeling (because it is really only a feeling and not a fact) that people actually want to read what I have to write. And I'm having fun. I have also found that other people really like to blog too, and that I enjoy reading what they have to write about. Not everyone. Some people are dumb (sorry...but they are). I have found some really fantastic blogs that have been really super great and have made me even more excited about blogging. I've run into some trouble finding blogs specific to the LE life but I've found a few and I'm thankful for them. They sure make me feel less freakish for wanting to talk about what Mike does and how it affects me and our kids.
One of the most fun blogs I've found, and it has absolutely nothing to do with law enforcement, is The Pioneer Woman. She loves to cook (so do I...when I'm not in weight loss mode), she loves photography (so do I! I just have no clue what I'm doing), she loves her husband (um...me too!) and she loves her four children (wait! So. Do. I.). Oh, and she is hilarious. I want to be her BFF ... and so does the rest of the world. If you haven't seen her site yet, you should check it out.
I've also found that some people I know have something that makes them super passionate...some are into saving money, some are into living green, some are into natural childbirth, some are just passionate about sharing their day. I didn't realize most of these folks had a "cause" or something that got them all fired up. It's cool to see that side of them! I feel like finding blogs is a really cool way to see the world and what is going on through other people eyes and I'm having a lot of fun doing it. I think I mentioned that more than once. Sorry.
On a totally random and separate note, it's been nice that we have had a reprieve from law enforcement deaths for the last few weeks. I know that nationally crimes against officers are still on the rise and just because nothing has happened locally doesn't mean it isn't going on, but it has been a very welcome and needed break for my heart and mind while Officer Hottie goes to work everyday. I feel less anxiety everyday when he kisses me goodbye. He, on the other hand, hasn't let his guard down at all. This morning we were on our way home from Home Depot when we passed a trooper who had pulled someone over. She was standing right in front of the driver's side window. It bothered OH; he told me he usually stands behind the driver's window so the driver has to turn to see him. It's less easy for them to shoot at him is what he told me. I tried to quiet the thought that are still people out there who may want to shoot him and just be thankful that he isn't taking any risks. I'm still proud of him ... even something small like him mentioning how he tries to be safe while issuing a citation makes me proud. I sure do love him.
One of the most fun blogs I've found, and it has absolutely nothing to do with law enforcement, is The Pioneer Woman. She loves to cook (so do I...when I'm not in weight loss mode), she loves photography (so do I! I just have no clue what I'm doing), she loves her husband (um...me too!) and she loves her four children (wait! So. Do. I.). Oh, and she is hilarious. I want to be her BFF ... and so does the rest of the world. If you haven't seen her site yet, you should check it out.
I've also found that some people I know have something that makes them super passionate...some are into saving money, some are into living green, some are into natural childbirth, some are just passionate about sharing their day. I didn't realize most of these folks had a "cause" or something that got them all fired up. It's cool to see that side of them! I feel like finding blogs is a really cool way to see the world and what is going on through other people eyes and I'm having a lot of fun doing it. I think I mentioned that more than once. Sorry.
On a totally random and separate note, it's been nice that we have had a reprieve from law enforcement deaths for the last few weeks. I know that nationally crimes against officers are still on the rise and just because nothing has happened locally doesn't mean it isn't going on, but it has been a very welcome and needed break for my heart and mind while Officer Hottie goes to work everyday. I feel less anxiety everyday when he kisses me goodbye. He, on the other hand, hasn't let his guard down at all. This morning we were on our way home from Home Depot when we passed a trooper who had pulled someone over. She was standing right in front of the driver's side window. It bothered OH; he told me he usually stands behind the driver's window so the driver has to turn to see him. It's less easy for them to shoot at him is what he told me. I tried to quiet the thought that are still people out there who may want to shoot him and just be thankful that he isn't taking any risks. I'm still proud of him ... even something small like him mentioning how he tries to be safe while issuing a citation makes me proud. I sure do love him.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Life Changing Discoveries
I made two discoveries last night...
1) Sweeping and mopping after the kids go to bed is much more productive than sweeping and mopping when the kids awake or only napping. Why I've been a mother for 6 1/2 years and just now figured this out, I'm not sure...but I'm glad it finally clicked.
2) I have things I want to write about that have pretty much nothing to do with my husband's profession. But almost everything in my life revolves around the fact that I "heart" him so I'll still be staying true to what this blog is about...loving the man in blue. But I should probably add, loving his children, taking care of his home, folding his laundry, waiting for the UPS man to deliver his (ok...my) new TV, etc. I realized there is only so much I can write about his work life while protecting his and his colleagues' anonymity. There are also things that happen on the job or with other police officers that would get me into trouble if I chose to write about them. So with those things in mind, there may be a few changes to my future posts. I'm pretty sure you can handle it.
1) Sweeping and mopping after the kids go to bed is much more productive than sweeping and mopping when the kids awake or only napping. Why I've been a mother for 6 1/2 years and just now figured this out, I'm not sure...but I'm glad it finally clicked.
2) I have things I want to write about that have pretty much nothing to do with my husband's profession. But almost everything in my life revolves around the fact that I "heart" him so I'll still be staying true to what this blog is about...loving the man in blue. But I should probably add, loving his children, taking care of his home, folding his laundry, waiting for the UPS man to deliver his (ok...my) new TV, etc. I realized there is only so much I can write about his work life while protecting his and his colleagues' anonymity. There are also things that happen on the job or with other police officers that would get me into trouble if I chose to write about them. So with those things in mind, there may be a few changes to my future posts. I'm pretty sure you can handle it.
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