Sunday, December 27, 2009

Oh Christmas Tree

I made Shad promise me we would always get a real Christmas tree since that was my family's tradition. Of course we have had some very scary Christmas trees but that is all part of the experience...the tree's "character". Here are a few pictures of the adventure.

Before we could go and cut one down up Ephraim canyon, Kyson had to go on his motorcycle ride with Pa Pa (He really was excited to go but wasn't excited for the picture...can you tell?).

Christmas tree hunting... (notice Shad & Brox's matching overalls, Shad thinks he's funny)



The final product...we think it's our best Christmas tree ever!!

MEMORIES:

Our first Christmas tree... see what I mean about "character".

XOXO Melanie

Sunday, December 20, 2009

The cutest letter ever!


This is a letter that Kyson got from my babysitter's daughter, Brooke. Kyson and Brooke have a very special relationship because he has been watched by Lindsay since he was around 7 months old. They are like brother and sister. I had to share her cute letter she wrote for him during a primary activity. I wish I had a color scanner so you could see the cute crayons she used. Thanks Brooke for always loving Ky!!

XOXO Melanie

My Thoughts

I know it has been awhile since I've updated my blog but I wanted to share some thoughts with you all. As most of you know Shad is a police officer in Las Vegas. Of course after people find that out the first question follows..."does that make you nervous"...which I always respond "not really". I saw the training Shad received and I know all of the safety precautions the police officers take to protect the community and each other. I also truly believe that yes everyone has their free agency and terrible things happen in this world but I also believe that there is a reason for everything in this life and if it is your time to go then the one's left behind can rely on Heavenly Father's love to keep us going through the hard times. This belief has helped me not worry and agonize over Shad's profession.

The day before Thanksgiving I sat at my office after we had closed at noon and watched a police officer's funeral live on the Internet. I started to understand what the scriptures mean when it says we need to "mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort". I have never been affected by what Shad does for a living as much as I did that day. The officer who died graduated with Shad in his academy, he is Shad's age, and his two children are almost the exact ages as our two. Although I was completely devastated by watching the funeral and trying to understand what that wife and mother was going through I was also amazed at the honor, respect, and love that poured out to this family. Our prayers are continually with this family.

If you want to read more about this police officer click on these two links.

http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11536030

http://photos.lasvegasnow.com/thumbnails.php?album=266&page=1

A quick thank you to my very close friend who has a husband that works for the FBI (you know who you are) who let me cry my eyes out to her and walked me through the emotions of that day. I LOVE YOU!!

XOXO Melanie