The Start of 2010

This year has started off pretty busy for both Josh and I. We're both still working full time at the same jobs and Josh started back to school. He's working towards his Associates Degree and is taking an on-line Math class. He's stayed ahead on his assignments and is doing a really good job. Besides this, Josh is still on the hunt for a police job. He's one of four left from the current application and we're keeping all of our fingers (and toes) crossed that this one works out. He is so excited to be a police officer and it about kills me when he's not given the chance. He has such a big heart and is so smart! He's a very hard worker and a fast learner and has the desire to serve the community. What more could anyone want? I'm sure Heavenly Father is watching out for us and has a plan for Josh's career, but it sure is hard waiting!

Another aspect of this new year is our bathroom becoming a pharmacy. That's what Josh calls it anyway. We both had routine blood work done a few weeks ago and both found to have low levels of something. Josh has low thyroid and Vitamin D and is now on supplements for both. I have low Iron and Vitamin D levels and am also on supplements for both. We've also been trying to find a cause and cure for Josh's headaches. He gets very painful headaches which last for days and so far we haven't been able to find out why. He had a CT scan of his sinuses which showed some minor problems, but nothing the doctor is worried about. He's going to see a specialist in the near future and we're praying to find some answers.

Among all the work and school, we've also found time for some hobbies. I've been working on my scrapbooks and just finished putting together the sweet scrapbook Christy gave me for my bridal shower. It was so fun to put together! We also went shooting last weekend with some of my family and Josh had a great time teaching them how to use handguns. He's also been making leather holsters. Here he is with his mallet.

My husband has such an inventive mind. He can think of a project he wants to do, draw up the plans, and then put it together if he has the right tools. He's already made an over-the-shoulder holster and here is his inside-the-pants holster. It's so amazing for me to watch this process. My mind doesn't work like that at all and it's neat to see him create so many different things.

Right now he's working on another holster. This one is for our new gun. Last week we bought a .22 caliber, single-action Derringer. It's such a small gun! We haven't had a chance to take it shooting yet, but want to soon.

I've also had fun this year being pampered by my sweet husband. For Christmas he bought me nail polish, appliques and all the necessary tools for manicures and pedicures. Then last weekend he painted my toenails and fingernails. My fingernails are a light pink shimmer and my toenails are a darker red. He put flowers on my fingers, which have since fallen off, but the skull and cross bones he put on my toes are still there. He did a great job and I think I'll keep him as my full-time nail specialist.

He also shared his favorite childhood story with me a couple of weeks ago. It's called "The Terrible, Horrible, Awful, Deplorable, Lovable, Little Troll". It's a fun story about being different and how each one of us has something special to give because we are different. I loved listening to Josh's voice as he read the story out loud to me! And I could picture him reading it to our children when we become parents.

We've also have had some very spiritual experiences this year. I had to talk in church two weeks ago and the whole block was about our Heavenly Father's relationship with His children. It stressed how our Father loves each one of us and has a plan for each of our lives. He also knows each of us by name and is watching out for us day and night. He can be a constant companion if we just let Him. It was very powerful! Then that night we went to Josh's aunt and uncle's house to give his uncle a blessing. They're really Josh's great aunt and uncle, but they've adopted us as their grandchildren. Uncle Mike needed a blessing and had asked his son-in-law to give it to him. He also asked that each of his children with their spouses and families come to be with him. The spirit was so strong as each member of the family who held the priesthood stood in the circle when that blessing was given. Each child and grandchild was silently pleading with Heavenly Father to bless this wonderful man who is such an example to all. The faith of everyone in the room seemed to fill the whole house. It was such an incredible experience and I'm so glad we were able to be a part of it!