Roller Skating

Gracie was invited to her first birthday party and it was at the roller skating rink! Mark had work off and so we were all able to go as a family. Gracie was a pro at skating - the wheels were super tight so she was essentially walking with skates on, but she was very courageous in them - every time we tried to hold her hand she got upset - she is a very independant little girl and this is just one example of many. I got my skates on after I put on Gracie's and I noticed that Mark didn't have size 13 skates in his hand so I asked him where his skates were - he said he forgot to wear socks so he couldn't skate with us and I replied, "Oh, you're skating with us big boy! Go buy some socks up at the front counter." He thought he was off the hook but I bursted his bubble real quick! He was absolutely hilarious in skates - he looked much taller in them (his legs seemed to go on for miles!) and not very graceful, although I have to admitt, he did get much better towards the end - except for when he started to fall and he used Gracie to brace himself!! Even though Gracie seemed to really enjoy herself on the skates we spent the majority of our time at the arcade - Mark had a good time racing his buddy Keith and Gracie loved eating candy she won. We had a blast and I can't wait to take her again!

Tragedy in our hometown

As you all know, we had a major tradegy hit our community a week ago. A crazed gunman went on a shooting spree, killing 6 people and wounding 4. I haven't written about this until now because I've needed time to collect my thoughts and process them. When Mark and I married I knew he wanted to go into Law Enforcement - and I was 100% okay with his choice - never, for one second, have I been worried about him - I've just always known that the Lord would protect him - some may call it being faithful and others may call it being naive - I call it being supportive. Even after this recent tragedy that shook our entire community I am still 100% supportive of my husband. I was shocked to see him on the cover of every newspaper and on every news channel, but more importantly I was grateful and PROUD - my husband was blessed with the protection needed in order to capture that man without accident or injury AND he was given the opportunity to serve his fellow men - in a way that some of us will never fully comprehend. This job takes him places he would rather not go and he sees things he would much rather not see, but in the end, when the day is through he has had the privaledge of making our community, and this world, a little safer and for that I am extremely proud of him. The other trooper who assisted Mark in arresting this man is also Mormon and there's a little joke going around the station that they are the "Stormin Mormons" and no one stands a chance with them! It's funny and perhaps a little true. I am grateful that I have a husband who trusts the Lord and was able to call upon Him just seconds before he encountered this man, and ask for protection, so that he could see Grace and I again, and strength to shoot this man if need be. This past week I have been a little emotional at times as I've reflected on the craziness of this world and the heartache the poor families who lost their loved ones must feel - my heart goes out to them. May they find comfort and peace in the Lord.