Inspirational quotes Thursday

I've been saving quotes that mean something to me as I come across them. I wanted to share some today that have meaning in my life. Hopefully they make an impact in yours too. I love following various channels on facebook and instagram!

Weekend Wrap Up (4.22.16-4.24.16)

Wow, what a beautiful weekend. We enjoyed a lot of time outdoors, which helped when the kids went to bed each night.

Friday night, C and I enjoyed some snuggle time, but we had to be sure to catch a selfie! She loves to have her photo taken, but getting her to smile normal is difficult at times.

Weekend Wrap Up (4.22.16-4.24.16)

This past weekend was a blast because we got to enjoy the beautiful weather. I wish Iowas was mid-70's everyday throughout the entire year! With no humidity of course.

Saturday morning, I taught cycling at the Ankeny Y. Now that the weather is beginning to get warm, the 9:00 am classes are slim. This past weekend, I had one person in the 9 am class so they did their own thing. Some of you that have never taken a cycling class may wonder what the class looks like and where the instructor sits. I took some snapchat photos this past weekend to show all of you.

View from the instructors bike

To the Men and Women in Blue

This past week has been an emotional one for me. You see, a year ago I began a new job with the City of Pleasant Hill. When I accepted the job, I didn't know those that I work with everyday would grow to be family during the first year.

My husband has worked in city government for the past 13 years so I figured if I had questions, I could ask him - he'd know the answer. This past weekend showed me, even he doesn't have all the answers.

On Saturday morning, I heard about a horrific car accident that took the lives of four people, two of them were Police Officers. I looked at Dave and asked, "Why?" He didn't know the answer.

Susan Farrell was a reserve officer with the Pleasant Hill Police Department (PHPD) from 2008-2015. Her husband is a full time officer with PHPD. Hearing about these officers fall while on duty hits home. I work with guys like this everyday, including Susan's husband, Jesse.

During this past year,  the officers I work with have grown into family. Seeing them in uniform everyday, protecting us and making this world a better place is gratifying. Everyday they leave the house, kiss their families goodbye not knowing if they will return. Police Officers sign up for a dangerous job to protect citizens and take the so called "bad guys" off the streets. Those men and women in 'blue' are people just like you and me. They like to joke around and have fun with their jobs, just like you and I.

Baby Chick Update (March 2016)

The baby chicks are now almost a week old. The kids are loving them, but we've realized they really do grow quickly. They've at least doubled in size. They are beginning to outgrow their tote so it's good that we only have them a few more days. By mid next week, I think they'd be flying out of the tote.

Prepping for baby chicks - Feb. 22, 2016

This week we are getting baby chicks, so we are getting their home ready. Don't worry, we won't be putting them in our backyard or anything. We are getting them so the kids can get their Easter photos taken by Kari Bruck Photography on March 5. We plan on getting six of them. A nice sized plastic tote will work perfect for a week.

The kids are super excited to get them, but we keep telling R-man that he needs to be gentle when picking them up and putting them down. After the photos, we will be taking them back to my sister's farm so she can raise them.

Weekend Wrap up (2.13.16 - 2.15.16)

This past weekend was awesome! Saturday morning I had to teach two cycling classes at the Ankeny Y (one at 8 am and another at 9 am). The kids both wanted donuts so Dave ventured out to Hy-Vee to pick up some groceries and treat the kids to breakfast while I was teaching.

R-man had a complete meltdown during grocery shopping so Dave was happy when I got home. We always tell our kids that we don't act like that in this household. I've learned that good disicpline at home goes a long way!  Later that day, I had to run a few errands in Ankeny so I took R-man with me. He was happy to be spending quality time with Mom and he was in an excellent mood the entire time.