Monday, April 13, 2009

Patricks Graduation Party






Saturday night, we had a party for Patrick. It was so great to see all of our families and friends together! Both Patrick's sisters and families were there, both of our parents, my sister, aunt and uncle and Georgie and Scott made the trip. His closest high school friends were there as well. Jason, Andi and their darling little baby girl Taylor, Eddie and Letty, Aarron and Melina and their three kiddos, and Jeff, Carla and Jody. It is always so much fun to see the guys together. You couldn't wipe the smile off of Patrick's face! I am getting a little smarter in my old age and we had most of the food catered. it was delicious and allowed me to spend more time with our guests. It was a very fun evening!

Patrick's Graduation





Well, after 6 very long months...26 weeks to be exact Patrick has done it! I cannot put into words how proud I am of his accomplishments. Going through the academy is tough enough as a young single recruit, but to go through it with a wife and family at home is another. I will not lie...it was the toughest 6 months of my life and I am completely spent, but the end result is worth all of the blood, sweat and tears. The graduation was very exciting and emotional. Listening to the bag pipes and drums bringing them into the ceremony gave me goose bumps. I cannot thank all of our family and friends enough for making the drive to Riverside to support Patrick.

He has been assigned to the Indio Jail...which we are finding the more we learn about it, the more perks there are. First and foremost, he won't be on the streets just yet( he may not love this part, but I am not going to complain), his on job training is eight weeks versus 6 months, which will definitely help with the stress factor, he won't be spending the entire summer outdoors.....115 degrees....need I say more, and the hours are pretty great...three days on four days off, then four days on three days off. Being a teacher and having the entire summer off, I am excited that we will still be able to go on some trips together! Needless to say, I know that this is where he is supposed to be and I am so very proud. Thank you to all who have been there with words of encouragement and shoulders to cry on...we are so very blessed!