Not much going on...

August has been a slow month for the Casa de James, Jason is officially done with night shift (at least until further notice!) and is training on days for a couple of more days then he's on his own!!! I'm so proud of him :) They didn't really give him a break either, he finished up his night shifts then jumped right into day shifts but I sure do like having him home in the evenings!

Middle of the month we made a trip to Bridge City to visit Jason's family. We don't have that much spare time these days so an opportunity came up for us to go and we took it. It was nice, a much needed trip away from the reality of our lives right now. We always love to go back for some good Cajun food!!! And I might have gone a little crazy on scrapbooking items...maybe.

We had a wedding that we went to as well, made me want to do ours all over again! The decorations were to die for and I was literally begging Jason to do ours again! He wasn't too fond of the idea though, neither was my mother!!!

August always marks a lovely time for me...Sorority Recruitment! As most of you may know I'm one of my sorority's local alumni advisors. Recruitment is always a fun time...100+ girls, low on sleep and patience, makes for great "working conditions." We had an amazing recruitment though, finished with quota (the number they tell us we have to take) plus extras! It's always exciting when you get extras!!!

Fall brings football, which means Jason will be busy for the next few months! YAY!!! :)

Reminded why I don't bother

You know, I was reminded why I don't bother with some things (or people) over the weekend. Take for example when you call someone and leave them a message but they call right back without even checking the message first...why bother with the message huh? Or you open a door for someone and they don't even acknowledge that you opened it...again, why bother? How about when you tell someone that you don't want something (i.e. food) but they get it for you anyway...why bother right? Well this past weekend I went to a cousin's baby shower, I didn't have anything going on, Jason was working so he needed to be asleep during the day so I figured "why not?" Once I got there, I was quickly reminded why I didn't bother...my family spent more time saying things like "I can't believe you are here!" or "gosh, how long has it been?" or "oh you really do love your family!" I was just amazed at how everyone acted. It was a cute shower nonetheless and I won a candle! I am always really good at guessing the girth of the mommy's belly...a sign?!?!

I can see a light at the end of the tunnel!

Well, Jason's nights of working are almost to an end!!! The nights all alone were fun at first but it gets lonely and I never realized just how much of a light sleeper I was until he wasn't there!!!

This week he had his annual Tip-A-Cop event at Texas Roadhouse. This is something that the local law enforcement agencies all come together to do to raise money for the Special Olympics. Officers from all agencies in our area are invited to volunteer their time and "wait" on tables. They can really only bring rolls and refill drinks but they are trying to earn tips and it's always a competition between the agencies who can raise more money! Of course not matter where we sit, we are always going to donate to BPD, and every year I decorate our envelope with the juvenile "BPD Rocks!" It was a huge success! For the past couple of years, our area Tip-A-Cop has brought in the most amount of money in all of Texas, so it's bragging rights for all involved.

Also this week I helped out with our first annual Stuff the Bus School Supplies Drive for the Junior League's Stuff the Bus fundraiser. Community members were encouraged to come out and drop off school supplies for the 1,200+ students in our area that need the supplies! It was an early morning (5am!!) and that day ended quite late but it was a great first year and we look forward to many more! This marks the beginning of my Junior League duties for the year. I'm so glad to get back in the swing of things!

Here fishy fishy fishy!

Jason has always wanted to go deep sea fishing, and if I was completely honest, I do too. I'm afraid of the sea-sickness though... Well, an opportunity came along for Jason to go on a deep sea fishing trip with a great group of guys (yea it was a bachelor party). He really didn't want to go but after a lot of begging we finally convinced him to go...he knows he's glad he went, he couldn't stop talking about how much fun it was!

While some were very eager to get the trip started....

Others might have stayed up a little too late the night before...

All-in-all it was a good trip for Jason

We have some yummy King Fish steaks in the freezer!

Changes and good times

Well, this has been somewhat of a bittersweet week for Jason. He has been training the new Public Information Officer, but in a matter of a couple of days he did his last on-air interviews, lost his work phone and take-home car. I think he was a little lost by Friday as to what he needed to be doing. He will officially begin his training as a Sgt. on Monday night, I have to admit that I'm a little scared for him to go back to the streets but I knew what I signed up for when I said "I do."

Friday was a fun-day. Jason had a relaxing "last day" doing some last minute PIO duties then home to get ready for our local Chamber of Commerce Ladies' Nite. He was a "local celebrity" helper; my best friend and I went to the event and had a blast!

As we are leaving for the night...my hot date picked me up! :)

We were making out good at the poker table!!!

Jason was one of the celebrity dealers at the tables

Trying to win...but up against 6 ladies he never had a chance!

Trying to explain the game to someone that just wasn't getting it

In the end, it was an amazing night! I met lots of new people, ran into a few old friends and had lots of laughs...AND...Katie won a $500 gift certificate!! I can't wait for next year's event because I am determined to win some of the raffle items! I made it home with some hair product samples and a $30 gift certificate to a place I don't even use...BUT...I did make it home with another nice prize...

Check out that H-O-T-T-I-E!! :) Yay for Ladies' Nite 2010!

Local Heroes Night at Bombers Game

So last night, the Brazos Valley Bombers honored our cities' local heroes at the game. There were fire trucks and police cars there for kids to play on and Jason got to throw out the first pitch of the game!

Wally Moon

Jason throwing out the first pitch

It was a little high, the catcher had to stand up but he still made it there!

It wouldn't be complete without a photo with some Bombshells

And then a little batting practice before heading home for the evening

Some more things learned in this past week

So these seemed to be quite a hit with some people so I decided to add a second edition :)

-One lil' thing can ruin what you think about a person

-A child's laughter can cure any bad day

-I'm a Sgt's wife!

-Tylenol PM works like no other

-Grease can splash up to your face...and it hurts very badly

-Water really does make your grass appear greener

-Jason hates when the neighbor mows...cuz that means I'm going to want the grass mowed next

-When in the company of officers, saying "Obviously we didn't practice enough last night" will get laughter not for the reason you hoped but because they are still 12 year old boys inside 30 year old bodies

-If I leave the dirty dishes and dirty clothes long enough, my husband suddenly remembers how to do them again!

-I learned my lesson...Jason is not allowed to do laundry: 1 of his loads consisted of reds, darks, lights, delicates and whites...

-Just when you think it can't get any worse, it does...

-A nice long cry is good for the soul every now and then

-"You're pregnant" is the new catch phrase

It's been one heck of a week, well past 10 days actually...we'll see what this next week has in store for us!!!

My Sergeant of a hubby!

So it's officially official now, Jason's a sergeant! His promotion ceremony was today, I got to pin his badge on. We had practiced the night before, so that I could see where it needed to be pinned, Jason even took the time to "pre-punch" the holes for me so I didn't stab him...well obviously something went wrong...

Cuz I tried...

But in the end, Jason had to finish because I just couldn't get it on

I am one proud wife though!

Shareen Gideon got promoted to Lieutenant so they were shining each others badge

Katie came to support...and be our photographer! (Thanks a bunch!)

And then my parents were there to share in the excitement!

I'm so happy, excited, proud, scared, nervous, anxious...and so much more! Jason will go back to patrol, we don't know where but in the 6 years we have been together, he hasn't been on patrol so this should be interesting!!! He will begin with training on nights soon, then possibly go to a day shift (fingers crossed)!

Well, it's official...

I am no longer "Officer James' Wife..." I am now the proud "Sgt. James' Wife!!!"

Bryan police officers to be promoted Friday

Officer Jason James and Sgt. Sharean Gideon will be promoted during a special ceremony at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 9, at the Bryan Justice Center.

Officer James will be promoted to the rank of sergeant. James began his career with the Bryan Police Department in 1998. He has served as a field training officer, K9 officer, school resource officer and detective. He became the Police Department’s public information officer in 2008.

He received a police commendation for work done on a robbery task force in 2005 and a community citation award for providing security for a presidential inauguration in 2009. He is a graduate of Lamar University with a degree in criminal justice. He also has a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati. James is involved in Special Olympics, Bryan Evening Lions Club and the Palmer Drug Abuse Program.

Gideon will be promoted to lieutenant. She began her career with the Bryan Police Department in 1986 after graduating from Sam Houston State University. She has worked as a field training officer, bike patrol officer and a member of the Street Crime Apprehension Team. She has worked as a K9 officer and member of the mounted patrol. She has supervised patrol, criminal investigations and the School Resource Unit.

She received two public commendation citations for her work on the Street Crime Apprehension Team.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony on Friday in the second-floor courtroom of the Justice Center.

Things I've learned in the past week...

So over the past week I have had a few pieces of wisdom come to me that I thought I would share :)

-You can't hang 20 wet t-shirts on a shower curtain rod...it will fall down and make a big mess!

-Life is about compromises

-I'm married to a local celebrity, I just need to accept it! :)

-No splash bleach is so much better than the runny kind...

-Texas heat is no fun!

-My husband can sleep through ANYTHING! (i.e. the shower curtain rod and clothes falling down)

-Never go to bed mad and always say "I love you" before you fall asleep

-I am disliked by some, probably even hated by a few, but loved by so many that the before-mentioned don't matter

-It's not what is said but how it's said that can really hurt

-People are not always what they seem at first

-I have more patience than I gave myself credit for

-Even at 27 you can ask for permission and not get your way

-Sometimes you have to realize it's not about getting what you want but what will make everyone else happy around you

-My line of work has made me very uncomfortable with certain things and people

-Being told that you look nice can make you light up inside like you never knew was possible

-Everyone needs a best friend to bring you back to reality when you feel your world is crashing down around you

-Mosquito bites are the devil!

-I really hate going over bridges...especially when you find out that a boat hit one, an accident occurred on another and when stuck on top for over an hour you can feel it sway!

A little toe-tappin' happiness:
You still need stars when you're wishin' at night
A best friend to set you right
A good laugh, warm bath
And a beautiful song you can sing along to
Good news that'll make you cry
All the little things that money can't buy
No wars, no more
Just a big rainbow outside my window


I'm sure I'll add to this as time goes on...

More wedding festivities!

So my sister-in-law got married this past weekend. It was a nice weekend to get married, hot, but nice nonetheless. They had a ceremony at home then a party after. It was beautiful, congrats to Jaclyn and Skipper. Best wishes for an amazing future together!

The James family

Me and my honey

Me and the beautiful bride

Thought for the day

Hadn't posted one of these in a while and thought today's was a good one:

"If we can get in the habit of thinking about and responding to life in a slightly less dramatic way, it can help us keep out perspective, see the bigger picture, and respond with more wisdom and equanimity."

I have been absolutely horrible this week, skipping out on my boot camp regime but I just don't feel like it. No good reason, I just am tired and don't feel like it. Jason's so sweet telling me it's ok, I work so hard and to get up every morning for 4 weeks straight at 4:00am only to rush home and very quickly get ready for an 8 hour work day; so I finally convinced myself that he was right and I did deserve a break every now and then and now was the perfect time! However, I need to remember to stay away from the fried foods! They are not good...not even in moderation!!!

It's Wednesday, that's Hump Day to many, and I wondered where that term came from...I mean I know the obvious, it's the middle of the work week. I found this for your reading pleasure:

Referring to Wednesday as "hump day” is a tradition in American English. It refers to the idea that a week — especially a work week — is like a hill. Monday and Tuesdays are days when you climb up, since they are the beginning or start of your work week. At the end of Wednesday, you’ve reached the pinnacle of the week, and your work on Thursday and Friday represents climbing down toward the weekend.

Hump day then refers specifically to that middle of the week point, where you reach the crest of your journey and begin to pace downward toward the end of the week. If you have a tedious job or just work hard, it can be comforting to reach hump day. Then, the weekend doesn’t seem so far off and nebulous as when you started work on Monday.

There is some dispute about whether Wednesday is truly hump day. Especially when the expression emerged, many people worked a six-day week, and had only the Sabbath or Sunday as a day of rest. Some suggest that in this context, Thursday would have actually been hump day. Also, if you are simply looking at the course of the week, Thursday is the fourth day of the week and in the direct middle, if your week begins on Monday. Yet, many people count the beginning of the week as Sunday, and that makes Wednesday the true middle, whether or not you are using “hump day” in reference to working.

Though many may view hump day as a very positive thing, Wednesday gets something of a bad rap at times. The rhyme that describes children born on each day describes children born on Wednesday as “full of woe.” Wednesday may be thought of as gray days, unhappy days, or unlucky days according to folk literature. Nevertheless, for many working people, the arrival of hump day is one for cheering, and whether that day is windy or gray, it still means that Friday is close at hand!

I sure hope I wasn't born on a Wednesday...

Wedding for my baby turtle

The time has finally come...my lil' was married off this weekend...tear...now it's time for babies! Hilary was the last of my lil' family to get married. It was a gorgeous wedding!

My family - Carly (gran-lil'), Hilary (lil') and me...the "big"

Me and my honey...he was so handsome!

Me and the beautiful BRIDE!!!

Jason dancing with the bride...right before she left for Hawaii!!!

The group minus a few...getting ready to send Hilary off

The beginning of the craziness

June has already started off super busy! We got back from Chicago and I had to hurry and clean the house and get it all purdified for a Premier Jewelry party. I know, I have too much, but I was a guinea pig and I got a lot of really neat things!

We (by that I mean a sorority sister and myself) are in the process of interviewing some potential new house mothers for our girls. We were thrown into it very quickly and met with some amazing ladies over the course of 3 days! Hope to have that taken care of soon!

Work has been super busy, Jason and I go pretty much the entire day now and don't speak...it's crazy to think that we used to not be able to go 30 minutes without talking, now we can go an entire day! Ahhh...young love! :) Totally joking! It's nice, it makes for good conversation at home in the evenings...that is, when he's not working late or I'm not at meetings or such. I have begun cooking a lot at home...Jason teases...calling me all domesticated and homely! Silly boy!

We finally have our yard looking super healthy and GREEN! I have flowers...yes, I actually managed to keep them alive this year! The rain has helped me out a lot in that sense, but I have pretty flowers in the front of the house! AND...my hydrangea from the wedding last year has survived, there aren't any blooms on it but it's a thriving plant and I hope to have some blooms on it by next year!

He went fishing this past weekend with a buddy of his, caught some flounder...yummy!



Yea Jason said they aren't the most flattering of fish...he did a lot of night fishing, I hung out at the pool at the Crowley's...nice relaxing weekend for us both, just what we needed!!!

Wedding this weekend...super excited for Hilary and Randy!

Go Cubs Go!

My sweet hubby had this brilliant idea to go to Chicago for a long weekend, he just had to go to a Cubs game. Me being a White Sox fan, you can imagine my excitement...especially when we got to Chicago and Jason was buying me everything under the sun in Cubs gear! It was a fun trip though, quick, but a lot of fun! I think I ate enough Chicago style pizza to last me a lifetime though! We made our rounds as quickly as we could in Chicago, visiting as much as we could.

Started off with some chocolate!!! Can't go wrong there!

Holy Cow! Then we went for dinner at Harry Carey's, after dinner we walked all over Michigan Avenue getting back to our hotel

Stopped by Buckingham Fountain...it's HUGE!

We even made a friend at the Lincoln Park Zoo :)

Parked outside the Navy Pier...guess this is how they roll in Chicago...however, notice the lil' street tires, they can't even get some good tires for these things!

We had a nice evening dinner cruise, really good food and $12 drinks...it was windy though, we tried so hard to get some good photos with the city in the background but everywhere we went it was super windy and my hair was a mess!

Their hockey team is in the playoffs, the Blackhawks...can you spot the Blackhawk in this photo?!?!

Yes, you are seeing right...we are sitting in a plexiglass box about 103 floors up from the streets of Chicago in the Sears Tower! It was AWESOME!!!

Jason and the Chicago Theater...we just had to go to it!

We made it to Wrigley Field! Harry Carey's statue outside the stadium

Jason was so excited...he has been talking about Wrigley field for as long as we've been together!

It wouldn't be a trip, for me at least, without a photo with a cop car! This guy was super nice though, he showed us a good restaurant to eat at around the ballpark!

WRIGLEY FIELD!

Jim Belushi sang in the 7th inning...again, Jason was super stoked!

We had so much fun but were ready to come home! Cubs won, the family sitting next to us laughed at us shivering, it was 72 degrees at the game, I looked up weather back in Texas and it was 96 degrees...they told us that was a nice day in Chicago, I said, "this is a cold front in Texas..." It is definitely the "windy city" though, my hair was a mess the whole time we were there! It was nice to come back to Texas...of course, once back, our first stop back was Wings...needed to get some of that Chicago out of us!

Bachelorette Hilary!

This past weekend we went to Austin for a bachelorette party for my lil' sis, Hilary! We had a blast. We rented a house on Lake Austin, fully furnished and with an amazing view and everything! The owner was on the premises if we needed anything but we just relaxed and laid out by the pool most of the time! The second day/night we had a lingerie shower for her and then went out to dinner then came back to the house and played some good old "high school" drinking games!

View from the side of the pool...it was so nice! We had amazing weather all weekend long!

Our decorations around her cookie cake

Our beautiful bachelorette!

The group before dinner

After dinner at The Hula Hut!

Can't wait for my baby turtle to get married!