Out With the Old & In With the New

Sooo, one happy a day a few weeks ago I tossed my uniform in the washer a few hours before I had to leave. I was talking to Richelle on the phone when we both heard the washing maching making an awful noise. I opened the lid to see what the all the rucus....and found that the washer was trying to go through the spin cycle, but it wasn't actualy spinning. I stuck my pinky finger in the hole that makes the washer work & it started to spin. However, the spin cycle didn't actually spin any water out of my clothes.

I can't complain, even though I want to. My parents bought me my first washer and dryer 9 years ago & if I remember correctly, it was 2-3 years old already.

(On a side note: I can't believe it's been exactly 9 years since Kyle & I bought our condo!! AND it's been almost 9 years since we got married!! Holy crap that seems like a life time ago. He would have turned 30 on December 22nd...sucks that he never had to get old like the rest of us.)


Anywho...I had to make another appliance purchase. My fridge died a year & a half ago...and now the washer and dryer were half broken and on their way out. I was excited to get to pick out my own washer & dryer for the first time...but so not excited about spending Visa's money on a washer & dryer. I decided to suck it up & purchased the Whirlpool Duets...top of the line front loaders. After the initial shock of the $$, I got very excited. They are awesome & enviormentally friendly.

After waiting a couple days for the delivery...the truck showed up & then drove away. The delivery guy said they wouldn't fit in my laundry room & never even unloaded them.

So after a second trip to Spencer's, I decided just to buy a regular top loading washer with it's matching dryer. Turns out, it's almost identical to my old set...except it's white and it works.

Head Butt

I received an injury last night!!


After we wrestled (& I won of course), we were pooped & both crashed out on Mike's bed...in the dark. We didn't intend on falling asleep & were both laying crooked...however we landed. After a few minutes, for whatever reason, Mike decided he wanted to lay on his pillow...so he sat up, repositioned himself and layed back down. Unfortunately for me, I was already laying on his pillow.


The next thing I know, WHAM!!!! The back of Mike's head slammed into my forehead!! OUCH!! I was in the fetal position until the stars stopped spinning around my head. Let's just say that it was a long, sleepless night with ice attached to me forehead!!

Opposable Thumbs

My car needs t go to the shop, so I have been carpooling with Mike to work this week...it's been great on my gas bill!! It's been a little strange heading to the west valley after work instead of the east, but with Christmas...it was just easier!!

Like I mentioned...Richelle brought my squad yummy food on Christmas night. She brought a tub of meatballs with red sauce for meatball subs. They were YUMMY!! Anywho...there was 1 lousy meatball left when everyone was finished stuffing themselves...but there was a lot of sauce left.

When we got home after work Christmas night, we tossed the dishes that Richelle brought into the sink and went to sleep. We were exhausted from several days of little sleep and lots of work, both at home & at work.

So...I guess Remington got super hungry while we were at work the next day...because when we go home from work....this is what we found:

He is famous for getting food (mostly cookies) off the counter, out of the pantry, etc, so that part wasn't a surprise. The sink is the easiest place we could have been dumb enough to leave food...especially meat.

Our only real question was...did he use the spoon?

Where's the Beef?

When Mike & I left my parents house on Christmas day, we had made a "to-go" plate that consisted of a cinamon roll each, a piece of coffee cake, and 1/2 a muffin. We obviously weren't thinking past the frosting on the stinkin' cinamon rolls...

As my entire squad drove around our squad area...willing someone to commit a crime...our stomachs began to growl...I drove to just about every food establishment in the precinct & came to the realization that there would not be any kind of good Christmas dinner on Christmas.

(on a side note: I think most of us thought that our commander would take a few bucks out of the precinct budget & have some sort of food brought in for ALL the officers that had to leave their families & to do their jobs...I guess that would have been too much ask)

Anywho...I called Richelle to whine about my starving circumstances & she did the best thing ever!! She threw together enough food and treats for my entire squad!! She brought soup with bread bowls, meatball subs, hot chocolate, whip cream, cheese, etc. Mmm...it was SO good!!

The radio call I took just prior to Richelle bringing food was a mother running down the street with her baby, screaming that people were chasing her. It turns out that the mother was high on crack and very intoxicated as well. She was barefoot and her 2 year old wasn't dressed warm enough for a spring day, let alone a freezing winter night...he wasn't even wearing socks.

I asked her who was chasing her and she pointed to people that weren't there. She told me these "people" were chasing her because her son is a "demon." Well...that kind of crazy talk makes Randi become a demon...

I promptly took the "Demon" from her hands and placed her in the back seat of a patrol car. I called CPS and took Douglas (the demon) to the precinct. I called Richelle and asked her if she could please at least bring me some diapers and a pair of socks...Douglas seemed to be just about Jake's size.

Of course Richelle being Richelle...she showed up with some diapers, socks, wipes, sleepers and even a blanket. She changed him for me when she got there and chased him around while we ate. Unfortunately for me, she left without putting him to sleep, so I had to do that part myself. A screaming child at a police precinct, even if for only 10-15 minutes, is very odd.

CPS arrived after 3-4 hours and I carried the sleeping Demon to car and kissed him goodbye. He was so sweet and I was so sad...we charged his mother with child abuse, which is a class 4 felony, but we weren't able to book her into jail becuase of her level of intoxication and her delusional state...the jail enjoys not accepting people & forcing the city of Phoenix to pay for an unecessary hospital visit. The CPS custody notice we served was only temporary, so the Demon will be or is probably already back with her.

Oh wel...at least Richelle brought us food!! We were all so happy to have a home cooked meal...instead of the pop tarts from the vending maching.

So THANKS Richelle...I always knew that you were the BEST sister in entire world...but thanks for proving it over & over!! I love you...& would never make it in life without you!! (& now my squad feels the same way!!)

Christmas Eve's Eve

We celebrated the holiday with Mike's family on Sunday night. It was a first for me & I really enjoyed myself. His family isn't as large as mine, but they are just as loud and have the same sense of humor.

Here are some pictures from Christmas Eve's Eve with the Buvala's and some with the Rodgers on Christmas morning.

T'was the Night Before Christmas

Christmas Eve was very busy for us this year. I had to buy a new washer & dryer (not for a Christmas present) and we had to pick up some last minute stocking stuffers. We woke up early, after very little sleep, and Mike looked as if he might die from lack of sleep. Even Remi looked tired!!

So I sent them back to bed & headed out to Costco & to Famous Footwear. I made a pit stop at Mimi's Cafe on my way back to Mike's house. I picked up breakfast & the muffins for Brunch at Dad's house on Christmas morning.

After we ate, we headed to the east valley. First stop was Spencer's. That was easy & less painful than the first time I went there for this appliance purchase. Next, we hit up Starbucks, the post office, and then Super Target.

We roamed the aisles for much too long and then headed to my house. We loaded about 40 presents into my little car, I did a few things around the house and then we headed back to the west valley.

We were starving by this time in our day of travels spending money, we were LATE for any Christmas Eve dinner we even thought about going to .

We thought it would be awesome to grab some pizza & wings for dinner. Sooo...we sat on the couch for about 30 minutes & then we were off again. We delivered presents to 3 families & then drove North to help Santa.

Richelle & I giggled for as long as Mike & Anthony would allow and then we headed back to Mike's house. We opened our presents from each other and finally got some sleep at about 4am.

Christmas Present

The Rodgers family decided to pretend we all enjoy change & do something different for our sibling gift exchange this year. Robyn, Richelle & I were discussing our traditional gift exchange earlier this year, and decided that it was LAME!!

Richelle did an incredible thing...she sent a group e-mail out and asked for suggestions. I have no idea how this year's gift exchange was brought to life, but even though it involved change...I actually had fun!! It was a good change and definitely more fun than the standard: 1. know who is buying your gift. 2. call and ask them for exactly what you want/need...include size, color, coupon, etc. 3. waste time wrapping the gift that the person asked for & knows exactly what they are gonna get.

The kids were cute as can be...but that's no change. The kids all play SO well together...& they always have the best time. I hope they always remain buddy's...because I know how much I still have with Pretty Carol!! I used to look forward to holidays just so I could hang out with her. Those were the BEST times!!

The biggest change was made so that Mike & I could be included this year. We had to work on Christmas day...and had to leave about 2pm. So...although I'm sure it was hard on EVERYONE...we had (the best) brunch at 11am. Exhausted or not, the food was awesome and it was SO great to laugh with everyone & watch all the little ones enjoy Christmas.

Another change...having Mike around at Christmas. This is the 3rd Christmas that Mike & I have been friends & "hanging out." But...this is the first Christmas that we are WE...and can I just say that WE is possibly the greatest thing EVER?? I am having SO much fun with him!! I must have forgotten how great it feels to wake up every morning & be loved!! For the first time in memory, I feel so content...stressed out beyond any sane persons capability, but quite at peace & very much in love.

1/2 Full

This year has absolutely flown by!! I can't believe Christmas was 2 days ago already!! Well I must say, this year the holiday has been fantastic!! I must admit that life as I live it these days is superb...phenomenal...unbelievably incredible...etc...

I got some good stuff for Christmas, but I mostly enjoyed giving this year. Mike & I "adopted" a family this year (my first time) and it was very fun...and gratifying too.

Plus, I work on the greatest squad ever...my family is healthy (for the most part)...I have my Nick...I have my awesome & lovable Mike!!

Hmm...life is good.

T'was the night before Christmas Eve...

Tonight the boys asked if they could sleep under the Christmas tree. We, being the superb parents that we are, said yes. The boys unloaded their sleeping bags and brought forth their pillows, draped in homemade Christmas pillow cases from their talented mother. They read stories and drank warm milk and then fell right to sleep.

Oh wait... that was my dream.

The boys unloaded their sleeping bags and brought forth their pillows, draped in homemade Christmas pillow cases from their talented mother. They played pillow boarding, gymnastics and fighting until they were threatened with their lives and given a small dose of melatonin. Soon after they fell right to sleep. What angels.

The end.

Carsen's Christmas Program

Carsen had a program at his preschool this week. His class sang several songs and he sang his little heart out.

After they sang to the parents, they had a visit from Santa. Carsen loved to sit on his lap and tell him all the things he wanted for Christmas. He was so cute. He just loves everything about Christmas.

3 Extra

I decided to take a few days off from work this week. I was beginning to feel more than overwhelmed with my 3 page to-do list & no time to-do any of it!! Plus...my 2 finals are/were this week; it gave me a little extra time to study.

I won't lie...I have NO problem taking a day off from work!! I never use my vacation bank & my comp bank balance is nearly maxed out...so if I need a day to say...paint Richelle's house, I can usually take it without feeling too guilty.

Having said that...I don't think I have ever taken time off to just be by myself & get things accomplished!! I have had the best week!! Other than a few phone calls with Richelle (& that's because if I don't talk to her...I might just go nutso), my phone has been in the other room. I get SO sick of that thing!! It rings off the hook ALL the time!! AGH!!

I took some pictures along my path of "to-do" list completion. I am not done just yet, but I am down to 1/2 a page!!

So far this week…I have bought a new washer & dryer…and then returned the new washer & dryer (long drama story…which I will get into next time). I have finished Christmas shopping & I finally (after 2 nights) have finished wrapping Christmas presents. I went quazi-grocery shopping at Trader Joes & bought some chocolate covered macaroons (YUM…they are SO good) & some of their fun sparking lemonade!! I have also started to clean the house, but will finish that tonight.

I got my tires rotated, got my contacts ordered, & got the dry cleaning dropped off & picked up!! I went to the post office (our home mail box hadn’t been checked in SO long that all the mail was sent to the post office…then the mail lady came & yelled at me…AT MY HOUSE…to PLEASE go get my mail!!...I begged her not to hate us & she laughed & said “Merry Christmas!”)

I got the air filters changed at the house…I got Nick’s Direct TV box working (after only ONE year after handing it to him & telling him he could have Satellite in his room if he just called the number!!) Anywho…that’s all done…hooked up and working!! I have a feeling that may be more of a gift to me…not as much Court TV downstairs!!

Mike & I adopted a family for Christmas. I had NO idea how much work it would be!! It’s very stressful!! But now that everything is wrapped…I am very pleased :)

I also started running again. Of course…just like clock work, 2 days later I can barely walk. Oh well…I will jump on the elliptical tonight to stretch out. Plus, 2 nights of being on the floor wrapping presents was NOT good for my lower back or either of my knees!! Talk about feeling OLD…kill me now if that’s what I am supposed to start feeling like as I get older each year!!

Christmas Party

This past weekend my squad had our annual Christmas party. For the second year in a row, we reserved the "pool table room" at a restaurant/bar in Phoenix called Half Moon.

I personally love my squad & like to hang out with them outside of work. We always have a good time, but usually life is too busy for us all to get together on a regular basis. As you can see, Mike & Mike really love each other too!!

Before the party, we attended the Catholic Baptism of the baby daughter of Mike's best friend Brian. It was...different. I have never been to a Catholic anything (other than Rebecca's wedding & it was only quazi-Catholic), so I mostly enjoyed the company we were in. Mike's brother Patrick was asked to be the Godfather of Lizzie...Mike is already her older brother Tyler's Godfather.

Anywho...We had our gift exchange...& wow!! Some strange gifts were brought this year. The problem with a "white elephant" gift exchange, is that some people think it's the perfect opportunity to bring garbage from home that they don't want anymore. Or the crappiest gift ever!!

However, that is SO not the point of the "white elephant" gift exchange. For us, the max we could spend was $20. So the Goal was supposed to be...who can find the coolest gift for $20. So cool that everyone wants to steal it!! Unfortunately, the person that brought the lamest gift...stole other peoples good gifts...& then that person ended up with the lame gift!! Kinda funny...kinda not.

The gift Mike got will soon be used again...not in a gift exchange though. We are trying to come up with something clever to actually be able to prank my Lt. He ALWAYS get us!! So now it's our turn!!

The Polar Express

We took our annual trip to the Polar Express this weekend. It was freezing, literally, with a temperature of about 14 degrees when we exited the train. We went up with Mom and Raelynn and the Richards family. So there was a happy little group of us.

On the train we enjoyed the polar express book, hot chocolate, cookies and Christmas carols. The boys all loved the train ride and the visit from Santa.

We had a nice suite at the Williams Holiday Inn and enjoyed the buffet and heated pool the next morning.

Before we headed down to the valley we went sledding and played in the snow. The kids had fun for about 60 minutes, then the cold got to everyone.

So we loaded up, which made Raelynn very happy, and returned home.

The Meaning of Christmas

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out next to the fireplace.

"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement . . .

"TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children!

Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten. "Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."
He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."

He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself. "Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men." Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL,. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."

Richards' Rocketts

The boys love to dance to any Christmas music they hear!

Richelle's Latest Project

I'm not sure why when there is a painting project that needs to be done...I somehow become VERY involved!? Richelle's last house redo was about 7 years ago...we painted nearly everything on the inside.

Although it seems like yesterday that we painted Richelle's house...oh wait...it was yesterday...

Here are some pictures from our fun filled project!! These are before and mid-project pictures. As we progress & when we finish, we'll post more. No worries!!

Boys vs. Girls

Family Fun Week

Here's the first of the video's that I will be posting from Thanksgiving Week!!

Just an Hour or Two

The days seem to be flying by lately. I can't believe it's almost December already! Where did this year go? It seems like we skipped some portion of the year...it's been hot long enough to be two summers, but the old saying "there isn't enough time in the day" is gonna have to be changed to "there isn't enough time in the month"...or even the year!


This year hasn't been long enough...I've done a ton of cool stuff, but where did the time go?





Just after midnight....Jan 1st, 2007















In February Mike's brother got married...













In March I was in the windy city for a traffic safety conference...














& I turned 27!!

















In April I was awarded the Medal of Life Saving...
















In May I was in Cancun with Mike...













June was Chicago & Wrigley field with Rob...














& the family reunion...

July we did the usual beach house trip...

& Sea World too....










In August I was FORCED to fly to San Diego to be tortured...there were NO pictures allowed..since torture is illegal









In September Mike left for his long awaited Alaska trip










& I got to bond with Remington...













In October it was the Coach Outlet...I mean Denver with Chelle...














In November 1 of my oldest friend's had her first baby...








This whole year has FLOWN by!! This past week flew by...It was just Saturday & now it's already the weekend again...I worked all week, but the time just flew by!

I need another day or two in my week...even better...how bout a couple more hours in the day? Just a couple...just to get stuff accomplished? How about an hour to exercise, an hour for homework, an hour to veg out out in front of the TV, an hour to make the phone calls to friends that there is never time to make, an extra hour to sleep, etc...