GRADUATION!

Jason graduated from P.O.S.T. Academy on March 13th. It was a wonderful, exciting, and relieving day to finally have him graduated with schooling for the potential to earn a livelihood, and also to have him HOME for good. What was even more exciting was that he received a pestigeous award, called the Tactile Edge Award. This award is given to one person in the Academy who is in the upper-half of his class in regards to academics, shooting, physical fitness, and other categories that they are tested on. Then the students that are eligible are voted upon by their peers and the staff to pick the person who they would want to be their partner on the job. Which is pretty complimentary given they are voting for the person who they want to back them up in any event, especially one in which involves a life or death situation. We are so excited for him and proud of him!

Since returning home he has been finishing up his F.T.O. training (field officer training) in order to be released out on his own to fight crime and keep the peace! Officially, last Wednesday (May 13th) was his last day of training, and as of yesterday, he was totally on his own! He is ABSOLUTELY LOVING IT! His super told him to slow down on all of his ticket-writing and traffic stops because he is gonna wear himself out, and use up all of his ink in one day! But, he was enjoying his job!!!

Already a favored tradition is when Daddy goes to and from work. His signature departure and arrival is a quick flick of his lights and the sound of his siren. Both result in giggles and smiles from ALL of the kids! They love that Daddy is a police officer, and everyday as Jason is getting dressed for work, Tyler asks him, "You going to catch the bad guys, Dad?" He always reminds him that he is out to serve and protect everybody, and that all people have choices they make, some just choose to make bad choices, and Dad has to give those people a bad reward!

Right now we couldn't feel more blessed to have a job. Although the pay is not great, the benefits, the hours, and the stability of it are worth its weight in gold - as we live in a world that has been rocked with uncertainty and financial crisis! And he wakes up everyday with excitement for diversity with his work, the opportunity to serve and interact with the public, and a means to provide AND protect his family.

I was a little hesitant to post these pictures because I look like a TANK, but I guess that is what is to be expected when one is pregnant with her 6th baby. Not a great angle, but oh well! My two biggest pregnancies thus far have been my first and last now, BOTH BOYS!