Week 15 & 16

Well week 15 was just crazy! So like I stated last time, John had started his 2nd driving test. It was a close one. He did his 2nd attempt for it on Tuesday which went okay but he still needed more practice. So he was going to be doing his 2nd attempt of the arresting (5am) and his 3rd attempt of the driving test (1pm)  the same day, Thursday. So I figured if he was still at the academy when I woke up he had passed his arresting. And he was so he did. But I didn't hear from him till late Thursday night and he told me how bad his 3rd attempt of driving was. So Friday (before Christmas) he was taking his last attempt on this driving test. He was a huge ball of nerves because of the bad experience his 3rd attempt was. But we were both staying strong for one another, or at least trying to. I just started texting everyone I knew to start praying! And then Friday came along. It was the longest day of my life! Luckily a few of my girls went out o lunch with me to distract me a bit. So I figured if he passed he would call me after 5p since that's when they get out for the weekend. My phone rang at 3:11p. I dropped to the floor I was so scared to answer but I did. All he said was "I passed, I have to change but I wanted you to know". I just started yelling at him for scaring me like that lol. But when we hung up I just started crying! It was just a huge accomplishment for him! I just know whole-hearted that this is what he is suppose to do but getting that close to it being over is just crazy. They actually lost like 8 people to that test that week. 

But now it's week 16 and it's been a great one. He only had to be there on Monday till 5p and the whole family came up for Christmas. It was so night to just spend time relaxing with him! And we had a Christmas at my Aunt and Uncles home not too far from Sacramento and it was just perfect! Be I with our family, especially part that we don't get to be with often because of the distance. We couldn't be more grateful, thankful and blessed to have the Swanson family so close to here and so supportive through this crazy part of our lives :)

Then he went back Christmas night and he will be out for the weekend tomorrow at 5p. But today I got to meet up with 2 other cadet's wives which was so nice! The only people who understands this are people how have gone or are going through this. We chatted for 3 hours!  And we could have kept talking! It was just so great to make a connection and have so much relatedness. It's going to be great to see them again at Graduation :)

So another week almost done again! And the junior class is almost here too! That's the next big step for him because they get to breathe just a little bit when more cadets come. But I can't wait till tomorrow night at 5p so I get to kiss my husband again! 

Until next time! Thanks for all the love and support and keep the prayers coming because we have 10 more weeks!!!

On to week 15 we go!

Wrote this on Sunday and forgot to upload... Enjoy :)

Week 14 was a long one but pretty good. Passed the written tests. This week he had some questions about handing Deaf people in certain situations. and of course thanks to his knowledge of the Deaf community he passed that part with flying colors. Cant say the same about one of his roommates. He was rushing through a questions and answered a Deaf questions in a awful way but I am going to spare hima bit. Lol I'll have to teach him when I get to meet him at graduation. But he did start the next step of driving finally! He had his first attempt at it the same day they teach it to him. He said no one passes the first time but he feels pretty good about doing it again. They get 4 chances at it but I have some confidence that he can get it done tomorrow :) and he is pretty surprised he has his 2nd attempt so fast. No one else from his group is taking their 2nd attempt tomorrow. I think it's jsut because they know he won't have a problem with it so they want to get him out of the way. ;) He also has his second attempt, Thursday, at the arresting techniques that he messed up on lt time. He is only given 2 chances for this but he practiced on me a few times and knows what he did wrong last time so again we are feeling pretty good about it. 

But Sundays are always hard when I come to visit. At least this time I got to fly in and out so we got to spend pretty much the whole day together. Normally when I take the train I have to be there at like 2 so we don't get much time to just enjoy each other. But we had a great weekend of resting, Christmas shopping for our families and studying for this next week. I love feeling like I get to really help through things being here. We got through a good group of Spanish and I am awful at it! But at least my white girl self makes it fun. lol and it's fun to listen to him because he has been practicing so much it just flows now. He actually sounds like he speaks Spanish! And then we get to practice getting arrested. That's always fun. Makes me really know I never want to go through that. It can hurt! But I do what I have to do to help him. But again as Sunday rolls around, it just gets hard knowing we don't get to see each other for only a week this time. But we got over the mindset of he has to go back to the acadmy and are really focusing on he gets to go back. Many people don't get to say that but he does. And every week that he does is a huge blessing! So even though it's so hard to say goodbye it's only a short time and we are more than halfway there!

So lots and lots of prayers are greatly appreciated this week! Like always, thanks for all the love and support during this crazy, exciting, stressful yet amazing time!!!

Week 14 and a mindset change

Last week was a hard week he said. He is on the bubble for missing 2 of the 6 arresting techniques they were tested on. But he has been practicing and knows what he did wrong so I'm not worried about it. Besides, he has had a huge mindset change which should make these last 13 weeks a bit easier. With last week being so hard, he was just felling like he couldn't keep up. It was just so much information to remember and he is such a perfectionist. But one day while he was practicing something in one of the patrol cars it really hit him that so many people dream of being able to do what he is doing and something just switched. When I got to talk to him yesterday he sounded so confident about the day! His voice wasn't stressed at all like it normally is. Yes, he was busy doing other things  while trying to talk to me but he's voice was so much more like the confident man I know! I am so happy that he is feeling better and feeling like he is finding a groove again. :) 

I am flying up to see him this weekend so I will share more after then! Thanks for all the one and support! Keep prayer were more than halfway there!

WE'RE MARRIED!!!

Coming to you as a new Mrs. :) Last Friday we finally said "I do"! It's a bit crazy, weird, fabulous. But anyway let's start before that.

So last week he had a crazy 3 days before coming home. He passed his first test on Monday and then he took a midterm and wrote a report so were not sure about those yet but he said that he felt pretty good about them. I know he did just fine. And his company is now on to another stage of driving. They had already lost I believe 3 from the first group that got to go. I know he is a bit nervous because this is what his roommate went home on last time he was there but cars are something he really understand so I think he will be just fine again. He is doing pretty well just listening and trying to learn as much as possible. He said it is overwhelming at times taking it all in and keeping to all straight but he's got a groove and just has to sticks with it.

Then he came on on Wednesday and it was a great weekend! We stayed at the Disneyland resort for the weekend, watched the fireworks on our balcony, shopped  and played all day Sunday... All in all it was an absolutely perfect weekend. And even when he had to leave on Sunday, as weird as it seems, it felt normal to say goodbye for now and get back to work on Monday. It's a good thing that this feels normal because we have 15 more weeks of it but I never thought it would feel okay to say goodbye to him. We also have planned seeing each other every 2 weeks for the next 2 months so maybe that makes it a bit easier too.

Didn't get to talk to him much last night but he did tell me he took his PT mid-test yesterday and his run was a minute faster! So proud of that because he alway felt his run was his weak point. He also said overall he did better on everything. His score when he came in was a 68 and he got an 80 yesterday :) He did say that he felt like he hurt his ankle during the test so pray for his healing, quickly!

Guess that is it for now! Very excited to get through this week and next to get back to Sacramento and see my husband :) keep him I your prayers :) 

Week 10 & 11

With all that is going on, it's hard to remember to share with everyone else. But I miss him today so I thought it would be nice to share all his success. :)

So last week was a good week for him. During week 1 they take away their CHP shirts and they have to wear just plain white shirts with their names on the back. Well after 9 long weeks he earned his back! So proud of him. You can see him stand a little taller because of it now. Lol since I wear one of his CHP short to bed every night when he called me we were matching. I loved it! And then the part I was a little bit nervous about started, he got his gun and vest. I thought it was going to be after the wedding he started that but guess they are moving things. He's doing pretty good. They were giving him tips and it was making his shot better so my nervousness is now gone and I know just like everything else he will be just fine. Lastly, he got certified in Spanish for a basic stop. The sooner he gets through that the better. I am not much help in that area at all! So to say the lest it was a busy andsuccessful week for him.

I haven't had a chance to really talk to him about all that he has been doing this week. It's been a long week for myself too. With the wedding just about a week away I'm just trying to get everything together. And I am pretty sure everything for the wedding is done. But now I am moving on to things that need to change once we're married, like what in the world do I have to do to get health care together? And how do I start changing everything? And when am I going up to Sacramento before Christmas? But I'll get to that all soon enough I guess. It just feels hard without him here. Like at least getting a hug after a bad day would get be back at it. But it's just for a short time and we are almost half way through it. I just can't wait to fall asleep next to him in person and not on FaceTime. 

Well here is to finishing week 11 and the 1/2 week 12 so we can finally get married!!! :)

It's been awhile... On week 9

All this wedding stuff must be getting to me. It's been awhile since I have had time to share all that has been going on. But John has been doing great! He is passing his tests, many of which he said was review from his classes back in college so I'm glad he was a Criminal Justice minor. He also started some of the driving which he has been getting excellent feedback from. He has learned so much he is even criticizing me on my driving! Lol he came home this past weekend and was actually complaining about my driving. This is just crazy because it has always been the other way around so I just alighted at him. I told him before he got into the academy that when he graduates I will never say anything about his driving again, and if I do all he has to say is "badge". So he tried to use it this weekends and I just told him not yet! You must graduate first! :) He also started to learn Spanish, that should be good for him. I feel bad because I can't help him with that at all but I think between the cadets they can work on that together. But he's doing pretty good! He thinks things may get harder now that the senior class graduated. It's just them till the next class comes in some time in January they think. That's a long 2 months but with the wedding and Chrsitmas to look forward to I think it will be here before he knows it. 

So just 24 days till "I do". It absolutely crazy to think it is almost here. We had our rehearsal this weekend and it just felt so surreal. Then yesterday when I was driving home the song that we want playing when I walk in came on my iTunes and I just started crying! I cannot wait! But it's crazy to think the next time I see him we will be getting married the next day. Wow! Keeping praying for us! This month is a crazy one!

1/2 through week 6... Hope for the future!

With all that is going on in life everyone keeps asking me how I am handling it. And I thought my devotional today explained it perfectly!

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

Are You Hopeful? 
When you think about the future, are you hopeful? Or do you struggle with a sense of dread? 
People who have seen God's faithfulness in the past tend to be very hopeful about the future. They know a bad situation can turn into a wonderful testimony in a matter of minutes. 
On the other hand, people who have lost all hope view life from the perspective of dread. A close cousin to fear, dread steals the ability to enjoy ordinary life and makes people anxious about the future. 
Hope is the opposite of dread, and a close relative of faith. When we have faith in God, it leads to hope, and our outlook on life and the future is positive. 
Hope allows us to leave our unanswered questions in God's hands; it empowers us to remain at peace, and it enables us to believe the best about the days to come. 
You can have hope when you trust in God's love. He has the power to provide for you and lead you through every situation. 
Prayer Starter: God, I choose to put my faith in You, knowing that it will turn into hope. I don't have to dread, because You have the ability to care for me, so I put my hope in You.

I know John and I can handle anything because God is our foundation! I have great hope for our future. When I hear that 2 seniors were sent home just 4 weeks before graduation it does freak me out. But I also know that god has a great plan for us. CHP was on johns heart before he could ever apply. And it just so happened that when they did home it was the right time? Not a chance. I know God had his hand in all of it! To get an ASL teaching job the week before he leave for Sacramento? So God! My amazing unit still doing amazing things while their director is learning to balance it all? So God! I mean I don't know how else to explain my peace through one of the craziest times of our lives as we are preparing to come together but that I have so much hope that God can and will get us through any and every situation that comes our way so we can keep doing what we do and give it to God to get us through. If John and get through the academy, I can handle things at home.

Anyway! Speaking of John, he is doing pretty good through week 6. They lost 2 cadets on Monday so him and his roommate had to switch rooms and of course the locker in the new room is smaller. But he was feeling fine about it. He likes the new guy they are rooming with so it works. Other then passing all his tests like he always does, they have started to learn fighting moves. So the other day they did like a senario with them and he was completely caught off gaurd when he got hit in that face. He said it was hard for him to think about what he had learned so he didn't win the senario. He ended up on his back on the floor. But he is learning. He had never been in a situation like that before so he is having to really train his brain on what to do so he'll get it soon. Hopefully before he get punched again lol

So we are almost 6 weeks done which mean 6 weeks to go till the weeding! Good way to countdown I think! 

Week 5 done!

Well this has been such a crazy week, more for me not for John. Between teaching and Mary Kay, Tuesday was such a hard day because our lab got sick and we had to put him down. And when we were getting ready to take him to he vet my dad got bit in the face. So Tuesday was long and it really hit me how much I am having to get stronger on my own without John here. When everything started on Tuesday all I wanted was him but I knew that last thing he needed was this. I wasn't even going to tell him much that night but he read Facebook before talking to me.

Anyway, John had a pretty good week. When we talked last night he had passed two test so far and was pretty such he had passed the third that day. He is getting hard on himself for not getting 100% like he was in the beginning. Looks like we really really be studying this weekend. Today he was getting to jump in the pool. I don't understand why they have to do this but I guess they must be prepared for everything right. Can't wait to hear about that later. But we have made it through another week! And right now I am on the train to Sacramento to spend the weekend with him. We have some wedding shower planning to finish up and I just need a hug! :) only 48 more days till Mr & Mrs! So here is to another great week!

1 month down, 5 to go!

It has been a very long yet short weekend at the same time. John got to come home for the weekend which was great. Got to spend an entire 48 hours with him! He had a great week 4. Passed both of his LD tests, one 100%. He passed his first driving tests too. He was so excited to tell me all about it and I had absolutely no understanding to what he was talking about. I know nothing about cars except putting gas in it to go and how to break lol. But it all made sense to him and that is what matters. 

On Saturday we made a new memo board for him so he can write his memos and homework without having to think to hard about it. We also studied for the next 2 LD test. There is just so much information to know! It kind of fun to help him study because I get to learn so much about the law and everything, get interesting at times. But sometimes it's just not exciting to think that these laws are in place because someone has actually committed them before. Sad... But anyway we got through those and I think his test this week are going to be just fine. We also tested him physically on a few things. He knows he needs to step up a bit physically so he can be higher in the class which gets him higher pick of location when it comes to graduation. I think he did great but he wanted to do better. Then he worked on his autobiography that is needed for graduation. I think it's crazy they have him write it now but it's good to get them thinking about it and feeling confident about graduating. 

On Sunday we wanted to make sure he got enough sleep so we didn't go to church. We just took our time getting ready, having breakfast. We also got our wedding night all figured out and booked which make s me very happy. We are going to stay at the Grand Californian Hotel for 2 nights which will be so perfect! A great place for us to study for the next week lol our passes are not good for Saturday so we will go to the park a little on Sunday before he goes back that evening. So if anyone wants to help us enjoy it a little easier your more than welcome to check out our Disney Honeymoon registry to help off-set the cost of it and purchase some of the meals or a message for us ;) www.disney.honeymoonwishes.com 

Anyway, we got a lot done and it was really great to just hang out with him and the family. He is going to fly back home again the first weekend in November so I think I will go back to Sacramento either this next weekend or the last weekend of Oct. We figured we would make the decision tomorrow. Either way I'll go up one more time before the wedding. I am just so excited to be on this journey with him and so proud of him for taking it one day at a time. This is something so out of him comfort zone and he is doing so well I couldn't be more excited to only have 53 days till I am his Mrs! Like always, keep praying! :)

Half way through week 4!

Another 100% on a test! Woohoo! I really think we have a great study strategy together. But I won't know how he did on his test today till tomorrow. He got his Wednesday taken away so he told me he doesn't think he will have time to talk to me like he usually does. That's okay because I have been crazy busy making sure everything is done before he comes home this weekend. I just want to be able to focus on him. But he said they lost 2 more cadets just these past 2 days. I think that means they have lost a total of 6 now. I'll have to ask again to figure that out. He doesn't really know why these two left but they did. He seemed a little more stressed than he has been lately but they are really learning a lot right now and he is just trying to get a hold of the balance of it all still. But he has some great quad mates and they seem to be a tight group so they enouage and help each other which is fun to hear about and see when I do get to talk to him. So not just change... We just keep going! Can't wait to have him home for a little bit this weekend. Keep those prayers coming! 

Week 3 done! Bring on week 4!

I love that every weekend he sounds better and better. Like he is figuring things out more. This weekend I was a bit more distracted. I helped his family move his stuff to the guest room and get it ready for him to come home to next weekend and help his sister get all moved into her new room. But in between the packing we got to FaceTime (seriously best technology every invented!) and I helped to quiz him on some of his work, as best as I could of course. And he does great every time! Hopefully it will be another week of 100% on all tests :) more than anything I just want to stay busy this week so that Friday night comes fast because he will be flying home for the weekend! Oh how I can't wait for next weekend! But until then I will keep encouraging and praying for John to get through another week. 3 down, 24 to go! :) and an even better count to look forward to is in exactly 2 month I get to marry my best friend! So let's count down to that first, so 8 weeks to go! Can't wait to hear what's in store for week 4. 

1/2 way done w/ week 3

So haven't been able to talk to John much these past 2 days. They got in trouble last week so they have PT every morning @ 4 because of it. So he needs to get some rest before each day so he goes to bed around 9:30-10 if he can. But Monday started the EVOC (driving) training In the classrooms. He is really excited about that. They told him that the reason most people fail out of EVOC is because they psych themselves out. They will teach his everything he needs to know about driving if he just listens and focuses. So I feel so much better about it too. When he gets relief, I get relief. So he got to be in the car when one of the trainers did a 360 on the skid pan. He said it was awesome! Spoken like a true boy. Lol but I love hearing his excitement. They have been running for obstacles in their Cadet uniforms which have been hard but good. 

He passed his first LD test this week w/ 100%. (With me to help him study of course lol) and he said he felt really good about the 2nd one too. So when he gets 100% he doesn't have homework which is awesome and makes things a bit easier. He can let go and move on to the next thing. They have definition for EVOC that they will be tested on tomorrow so he has been able to just focus on that, the penal codes and vehicles codes. He sounds tired but he also sounds like he found his grove, getting things down. I love getting to hear his joke with his roommates and laugh a little. 

He will be coming home for the weekend next week which I cannot wait for! It lets me take a deep breath when I know I will see him soon. I have something to work towards and look forward too.  And we did decide to change the wedding date back a week to November 29th, the Friday after Thanksgiving. We then don't have to stress about him coming home then going back and then coming home again for thanksgiving. I know it will throw off a few people but that's okay. What's important is that he will have less stress about it and we actually will get to enjoying being married for at least a day! So I am just waiting for the confirmation with the venue to make sure the time is good so I can send out the invites and get this ball rolling once again. So look for that! Until next time :)

2 down... On to week 3!

So this has been such a great weekend. I did end up taking the train up to Sacramento and got to spend the whole weekend helping John get things ready for week 3! What a blessing! We got to have such a nice, relaxing dinner together Friday night. Saturday we were up and working. After I made waffles for breakfast, we finished homework and t-shirt by noon. Then shopping for things he needed for the next week by 2. Then we studied like crazy for his 2 LD tests and spelling for next week while enjoying coffee at Starbucks. Btw it was raining like crazy, even got some thunder on Saturday. But anything to help my love follow his dream! Once he felt good about all the information we called it a night and just got to enjoy spending time together. We watched a movie (thanks to Netflix that my aunt has), enjoyed in n out, FaceTime with Johns family, then another movie. It has really been a huge blessing to be at my aunt and uncles house instead of hotel! So grateful for family! This morning we decided McDs breakfast would be good. Then it was laundry, packing everything up (while calling out penal codes and spelling words of course), buzzing his head and once he is done with his shower we will have about 3 hours left to spend this weekend. Sad but so glad I got to come up and spend time with him, helping him study and get things ready for the next week. Even though we both have a bit anxiety about the next week, he is in much better spirits to keep on going! But since he is here I thought it would be nice for him to get to say something here too! So here he is...

Having jenn here with me has has helped me to unwind and helped me to relax. Last weekend I had to take care of so many chores and tasks it made my head spin! This weekend Jenn was here to help me get everything squared away and ready for the next week, god has blessed me so much to have such a supportive woman in my life! There is no way I could do this without her! I may be the one physically bearing the workload of the academy, but Jenn is there by my side supporting me spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Without her I would not have the strength to continue to push for success. She is my why and the reason I continue on this journey. Everyday when I wake up I remember to remain humble, thanking God for his many blessings in my life. The academy may be difficult, but it is a privilege and an honor to even wear cadet Blues. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers, you keep me uplifted and motivated! 

Week 2 cont.- faith is getting stronger!

One thing that I have been doing is when I have a good verse or hear a good Christian song I am texting them to John. I know he is not getting much time to read them but at least it is something. And Tuesday night I got this in reply...

Babe i have to be up at 330 tomorrow so i cant call but i love you! Thank you so much for your texts, they give me strength. I am  reaching new levels in my faith because of the challenges i face, your texts are so precious to me . Thank you I LOVE YOU!

Best words ever!!!

Anyway, last night they had the night off so him and a few guys went to dinner just to get off campus. When we got to talk he sounded so much better! He was John again! He told me he had passed his 2 test he had taken so far and was about to study for the next. He had been "gigged" twice meaning he did something wrong. When you are gigged 3 times you get your Wednesday off campus privileges taken away. But he is not too worried about it. He knows that everyone is going through it so he is hanging in there. He was actually laughing about it with his roommates. So I know he is in a much better spot than Monday. He was even joking about the things they were yelling at them and how he knows it's just to see how much they can break them down to build them up. Looks like John has been broken down enough and the building process is beginning!

But it looks like we can only take so much being a part. Today I will be working hard to get some orders so that I can take the train up there on Friday and stay till Sunday. At least on the train I can get some things done. I just miss him! And I know I can help him get something's done and lift his spirits more. So if anyone needs Mascara & makeup remover I only need 9 more people to order those so I can go up tomorrow! Or 6 microdermabrasion sets, or 3 miracle set, you get the picture. Lol it can really be anything but that made it easier for my brain! Just text me or Order online here :) it's greatly appreciated!

So I can't wait to see him! Hear all about his stories and help him get all his stuff together. I know we're stronger together! So off to work I go to so I can see the love of my life! 

Week 2 day 1- no fat table!

So today they measured the body fat percentage of the cadets. John thought for sure he was going to be on the fat table. When they are on the fat table they have to keep track of everything they eat. So basically it's just more work. But thank God he is not!!! Anyway, he had a really hard day today. He said it was his hardest so far. Even made him really have to think why he is doing this... Gosh that is so hard for me. I just want him home. I just want him happy. I hate having to hear him so stresses out and with so much anxiety. And I cant do anything about it! Well I can do one thing, pray, and I know that's a lot but i just want to do so much more!!! 

He was worried about the wedding today. He is worried that he won't get the weekend off. So I may be changing the date here. I am going to give the venue a call to see if there is anything we can do. who knows. I just want to do anything and everything I can do to make sure he does not have any added stress on him. So keep an ear open for that...

They had 2 more people quit today. Down from 143 to 140. But we can get through this. He said he's not leaving till he graduates or they kick him out. What's funny is we thought that PT would be the one thing that really kicked his butt and he said that is just fine. He had a test today. He's pretty sure he passed. But he has another one tomorrow he was going to study for before he went to bed. So I guess once again all I can say is PRAY. Pray for his peace! Pray that his spirit is lifted and he is encouraged everyday. Just pray!

Week 1 done! On to week 2!

If you want to see some photos of John follow CHP recruiting on FB and they have a photo album of his class CTC II-13. See if you can find him in the pictures. :)

So Friday was the end of week 1! They did lose someone. Someone quit they think because of an injury prior to coming that was hurting too much for PT. But we will see how many they really lose when everyone comes back tonight. It's harder to quit and leave than it is to just not go back. But anyway, John said it took like 2 hours to leave the academy grounds on Friday night. They were testing the cadets leaving, asking about certain codes. If they didn't know the answer they would send them to the back of the line. But by the time John got close they decided it was taking too long and just let them go. So he stayed the weekend at my aunt and uncles house, who were out of town so he got some quiet time althought I think he would have liked to have some social interaction with people. He spent most of Saturday shopping for all the stuff he needed for the next week and making his stenciled and shirts for PT. Sunday was pretty much the same too. We got to FaceTime!

It was good to see him. I felt bad though because he said he called his bunk mates and they were hangout with their girlfriends and all he got to do was FaceTime hangout with me. I really wish I could have been there to help him get all the things he needed and help him make his shirts so he didn't struggle so much but I know all of this will make him stronger. But it was a lot of work he had to get done and didn't have anyone to work with him like most of the other cadets did. He is also someone who over analyzes and over thinks things so he messed up on like 4 shirts (letters weren't big enough, worth what he wasn't suppose to, ect.), and his homework assignment (last time I checked) he had to redo 4 times. (Wasn't straight, missed spelled words, etc.) So here goes to week 2!!! PRAY, PRAY PRAY!!! Pray he just focuses, listens and gets things done with ease!

As for me, I enjoyed my cousins wedding on Friday, which was so much fun! Loved it! Athough before i left for San Diego, my car freaked out after my Mary Kay deliveries. At least I have an awesome future father in law that has a tire shop and could get DeDe all up and going again! Got all my teachings things ready for next week on Saturday, while FaceTiming John all day and then on Sunday I got to see a vision I had when I first starting learning ASL come to life with our first Deaf Awareness Day. Here's to another great week of teaching and a thriving Mary Kay business week!

Day 4... My breakdown

So it's official, I had my breakdown. So I thought that keeping busy was a good thing. Monday when I got home from Sacramento I went straight to my Mary Kay meeting, back to work! All day Tuesday I had training for my new ASL teaching job, 3 ASL tutoring session and a MK delivery. Gone from 9a till about 7p. Wednesday went to the gym, made a MK delivery, finished training and started teaching my 3 students, soroptimist meeting then home. Gone from 10a till 8:30p. Today I went to Zumba, came home did Mk work (booking, selling, coaching, ya know) networking lunch in Santa Fe springs, grand opening chamber event in Bellflower, then went to a LA MK meeting with a new consultant. Worked from 8:30-10:30p. And the breakdown happens when I was trying to leave the LA MK meeting. During the meeting I realized I had missed Johns call tonight but I knew it would be okay and I was doing what I needed to do. But at the meeting they forgot to tell the new people how to get our parking validated and how to leave the parking structure. So first I can't find my way out. I'm tired. I'm confused and I just want to get home. Finally find my way out but it won't let me because its not validated. While trying to figure out what in the world I needed to do John called me again. So I'm trying to not be frazzled because he doesn't need to hear that. But I can't help it, I just started crying. The guy I asked for help from first was rude and wasn't willing to even try to help me out. Then the next woman was rude and all of this is going on with John on speaker phone. I finally decided to just go back up to the meeting room but first I have to go back down to park and one guy who worked their and saw me leave stopped me and asked what I was doing, nicely. Now I lose John on the phone  and just start crying again. But this guy was amazing he ran through the parking structure so he could guide me out. Absolutely above and beyond what he needed to do but he could see I was going through something. When I finally got out all I was thinking was how much I wish I could just run home to John, cuddle and cry because I knew he could take care of everything. He's my rock! But right now he can't be, that's not an option. I must be the rock. Tonight, I truly missed him. If this is just week 1, I cannot even imagine how I am going to handle another 10 weeks before the wedding and then 15 weeks after that. God must think I'm one strong woman... I could really use some Ben & Jerry's right now.

Anyway, let talk about John. He had his first PT today. He didn't say much about it so he must have been able to handle it. He says he is going to get yelled at tomorrow because he messed up his shirt he had to make tonight. I didn't understand why he just didn't make a new one. You can tell he is feeling a bit overwhelmed. He is a perfectionist, an over analyzer. So he said he is getting tripped up on the little things. He said he wanted to go take a driving school thing one weekend, I told him it could have been a good idea before he left but for now just knew that they are going to teach him all he needs to know. But you can tell the retreads are scaring him a bit, not on purpose, but because most of them fell out during driving. But most make it through! I honestly and truly believe that God has prepared him for this a long time ago. This dream was put on his heart for a reason. I don't know how else to change his head that he is going to fail out of this. They had to pick their insurance today and he said he opted out to just stay on his parents till we get married. That way if he doesn't make to through... Seriously! If he keeps having this mindset he won't make it just because he think he wont. But I can only tell him so many times that he has this, he will make it and he just needs to focus one day at a time.  So I keep trying to and keep reminding him that I love him.

So we need prayer and lots of it right now. This is much harder than I thought it was going to be. But I know we can do it!

And if you can/want to send John letters of encouragement please do! Just no packages, nothing that stands out. We don't want attention drawn to him but encouraging letters would be great! Feel free to send them to

Cadet Kimble

CTC III-12

California Highway Patrol Academy

3500 Reed Ave.

West Sacramento, CA 95605

Day 3

It just makes me feel so happy to hear his ringtone go off on my phone! Tonight he sounded so much better. Not as tired. But he said he needed to get off the academy grounds over the weekend. Many of the other cadets leave every weekend, even the ones who are more southern. Great thing is my aunt is only 20 mins from him so he will have a great place to run away and just study. He says there are so many rules he feels like he is always breaking one and doesn't want to worry about it over the weekend. He has a retread (someone who has been in the academy before) as a roommate and he is really helping him out and giving him great advice. That makes me feel so much better that he has someone to help guide him a little bit more. They haven't started PT (physical training) yet. That makes him a bit nervous but I know he can handle it. It will be hard but he's got it. :) 

I got a second phone call tonight too! He was shining his boots so he thought we could talk. You could hear all the others in the background as they were all getting things ready for tomorrow. He said he doesn't have enough time in the day to learn everything, such as making his bed right. That is going to bite him in the butt next week of he doesn't get that together. He just has sooooo much to learn and remember but he will get the hang of it. Just may take some time, hopefully not too much. Oh! He told me how one guy tripped and completely face planted it. So EMS got him all fixed up and then asked him if he had a good sense of humor. The rest of the day he wore a big red construction hat! Lol at least they were having fun among all the craziness. 

This morning I sent him the verse from one of my devotionals

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. (Matthew 21:21 NIV)

This will be the verse of the next 6 months. All we have to have is the faith of a mustard seed to tell that mountain to move! I know I have way more faith than the size of a mustard seed so this can and will be done! 

Thanks for all the love and support! Keep the prayers coming! :) 

Day 2! He's alive!

He called! Only got to talk for about 3 minutes. He sounded exhausted. He said "I love you" like 5 times. I asked him how he was doing and he said "if I said good I would be lying". Awww! I wish there was something more I can do. He said that he thinks the officers are mad at them so tomorrow will not be good. :/  But the one thing he did say was to pray for him. So EVERYONE PRAY FOR HIM!!! This is the hardest thing he will ever have to do but it's for his dream! 

So while I keep praying, I am just trying to keep as busy as possible. Today was a full day for training for my ASL teaching job, then my 3 ASL tutoring sessions, a MK delivery and then home. Then even at home I wanted a distraction so I went next door to play kinect to get moving. Tomorrow will be Zumba on the morning, MK delivery, teaching 3 ASL students and soroptimist. I want to do as much as I can while he is gone so that when he comes back in March I get to spend as much time with him as I want! 

So please keep the prayer coming! One day at a time :)

One of my devotionals was perfect for today...

MARKED MOMENTS 

Before the foundation of the world, God laid out a plan for your life. He created you with a purpose, for a purpose, and He created you to be successful! He has marked moments already laid out that are going to come across your path. These moments are not ordinary. They are destiny-altering moments. They are designed to thrust you years ahead. 

Ecclesiastes tells us that time and chance come together for every person. That means you will have opportunities to meet the right people, opportunities to advance in your career, and opportunities to fulfill your dreams. God has already prearranged for you times of increase, promotion and blessing. 

Today, open your eyes of faith and see the good things God has in store for your future. Thank Him for what He’s doing and what He’s about to do. Thank Him for divine connections and marked moments because He is ready and willing to fulfill every dream and desire He’s placed within your heart! 

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank You for marked moments and divine opportunities in my life. I trust that You are working behind the scenes no matter what the circumstances look like. I choose today to keep my heart and mind focused on Your goodness, knowing that You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek after You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Day 1... Let it begin!

I have to admit I am quite proud of myself for not having a complete meltdown this morning seeing John drive off to the CHP academy! I mean of course I was crying, I'm not going to see him for 75 days which will be our wedding day (hopefully). But it finally has started! Everything we have been praying for and waiting for has come together today. I was hoping to head from him tonight but doesn't look like it. I told him he didn't have to worry about calling me till later in the week that way he could focus. So here is to the first day finished! Hope all went well!

I have to say I am so grateful to the amazing families we both have! The support from everyone is just beyond amazing from our friends too. I love hearing that everyone is praying for him and I through these next 6 months. Guess the next time I post will be when I hear from him! Keep praying! It's just the beginning :)

Reality hits

So today reality really started to set in. This time next week my fiancé will be done with his first day of the academy! After searching 1/2 the day for his glasses, we started get him packed! We went through his checklist of all things needed. After that we cleaned out his closet. Not to pack just yet, but to get rid of things he doesn't want in our future home. That's when it hit me. This is it! This is his last week home, in his bed. When he leaves the academy in March we actually get to start our lives together. Crazy! So after we finished the closet, we talked about our future budget. See, he comes into our marriage with no debt. I on the other had have a good amount, $40,000. So we want to work together and get it done as quick as possible bit make sure we are saving for a good down payment for our first place too. And it feels like we have a great plan in place, thank you Dave Ramsey!

So hopefully tomorrow we will make it down to go get our marriage license.... Yes you saw that right... Our marriage license! Thank God I decided to look that up. I was thinking "I wonder if we both have to be there to get one". And sure enough. Thank God also that they are valid for 90 days bc our wedding is in 80 days so it's perfect! We will just have to make sure that pastor gets that in right after the wedding. Hopefully the next time I will be writing will be after orientation, the night I have to say goodbye. This is it! This is what we have been praying for and I know with all my heart he will be doing the rest of his life!

Introduction

This is about me and my amazing fiancé, John. We have been together for 6 1/2 years now! (Wow) and we are finally "tying the knot" is November 23rd. But enough about that... 2 days ago we got the letter we have been praying for, my fiancé will be a part of the next California Highway Patrol (CHP) academy class! This is his dream career. I can't remember a time he wanted to be or do something else other than CHP. We will be such a great, American couple... the CHP officer and the Mary Kay director! LOL Did I mention it starts September 9th? Oh and it's a 6 month, live-in academy in Northern California and we live near Los Angeles. So I decided I wanted to write about our journey thought this process. Recently I had found blogs from wives who had husbands that went through the academy last year and it was so helpful for my head and my heart. If I can give that peace to another, next time around, then it will be completely worth it! Also I know we have friends and family all over and he doesn't get much time to talk to "the outside world" from what I can see so this can be a great way to keep them informed on everything too. So here is to the next week being attached to my fiancé's, 3 months without him till the wedding, and another 3 months till graduation and the start of the rest of our lives!