Too much, too little

It's been a while, I know.

Not that I don't have anything to say. Probably that I have too much to say and can't whittle it down to a coherent post.

Excuses? Probably.

The truth? Yup.

One of those moments

A couple of weeks ago CVC finished a series called "Six Secrets of A Satisfying Marriage." I felt particularly captivated by this series since I am, you know, married.

One weekend Pastor John brought his wife Pam up at the end of his message to share some words. God used her to burn something on my heart. The way your kids talk to your spouse is an excellent indicator of how YOU talk to your spouse. Ouch.

My tongue gets me in trouble at home. I have a temper (which actually may surprise some of you) and I unfortunately have said things to Mark I would love to be able to take back and have needed much forgiveness for. God is hammering away on me in this area.

Mark is so much better at saying positive, affirming, loving things to me in front of Lance and Tyler. The other day at dinner little four and half year old Lance looks at me and says, "You're beautiful, Jeanne." I'll let you guess where he heard that from :)

Go SLTPCA!

What is SLTPCA you ask?

South Lake Tahoe Canine Association - visit their website (that Mark created) at www.sltpca.com

July 10, 11 and 12 SLTPCA hosted the 1st annual South Lake Tahoe Police K-9 Trials. Over 30 agencies from California and Nevada came and competed in:

Narcotics Search - dog teams compete to find hidden narcotics like methamphetamine, cocain, heroin and marijuana

Search Phase - dog teams compete to find a suspect hidden in an object on a field (like a car)

Obedience Phase - Conducted off-lead. Dog teams judged on how well they follow non-verbal commands

Agility Phase - tests the dogs ability to negotiate several obstacles and the handlers ability to lead his dog through the course

Protection Phase - dogs compete in how well they bite! (This is the coolest the watch...)

I am really proud of Mark and the team at South Lake PD. They did an awesome job putting the trials together. I can't wait till next year!

I'm gettin' my domestic on....

Nope.

I'm not talking about being a domestic diva.

I'm talking about gettin' my domestic disturbance on.

In two weeks Mark and I are going to be actors for the Western Nevada Police Academy practical training scenarios.

Part of your training in the Police Academy is being put in training scenarios with live actors that mimic real life calls for service...like domestic disturbances, car stops, etc. So I get to embrace my inner actor and yell at Mark and the "cops" and maybe get arrested or searched or something. How the cadets respond to the scenarios are closely watched by the instructors and they are graded on things like officer safety, knowledge of the law, when to arrest and not to arrest and interaction with the public (actors).

Many of the actors are police officers so they can give the cadets an accurate portrayal of what they will run up against on real calls. And then there are other actors who just happen to be related to a cop and therefore get to join in the fun!

I'll be sure to blog about my experience and let you know how I did! (and if I was the one arrested or not!)

Somthin' to chew on...

Check out Tony Morgan's post about ministry growth. Thought it was cool.

Recipe Site Review

Recently I have been on the lookout for some new recipes to try at home. I've looked on a bunch of different websites...but found one that rises above the rest: www.allrecipes.com

What I really enjoy about this website is the member reviews. When you find a recipe you think looks yummy - read a bunch of the member reviews. They often contain hints for ways to make the recipe better, hints on cooking time and tasty ways to modify the recipe. I'll probably never buy another cookbook again.

I've gotten several really good recipes that my family has enjoyed. Check it out if you are tired of your same old dinner standby's!

Meet Mario.

Our new lizard friend.