Sunday, January 20, 2013

January


Early in the month we celebrated my birthday.  I don’t feel bothered by age, it’s a number.  To be honest, I’ve felt better since turning 30 than I ever have.  But, 31 is just a strange number.  The actual number bothers me, not the way it applies to age.  Strange, I know. 

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This year I received an iPhone for my birthday.  I love it!  I’m still learning how to use it and it has so many capabilities that I have plenty left to explore.

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After dinner at Bonefish Grill we came home and had some celebratory cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory.  Then it was time for a few pictures with the family.    

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We tried to have Gavin take a photo for us but it appears someone else got in the way.

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We settled for the usual self portrait instead. 

Thank you to everyone for the cards and gifts.  Thank you cards went into the mail last week.  A little shout out to Sally: thank you for the birthday card!  My brain is failing at remembering to e-mail you.  Since I remembered that I wanted to thank you while typing this blog I thought I’d mention it here. 
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Friday, January 18, we enjoyed an exciting event.  The Dublin Division of Police held the annual awards ceremony. 

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I was one of many people recognized at the ceremony.  This crew all received certificates of merit at some point during 2012 and the chief wanted to make sure we all received recognition at the awards ceremony.  I received my certificate of merit last year for identifying a theft suspect. 

There are three big awards given out at this ceremony, the leadership award, civilian of the year, and officer of the year.

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I was nominated for and received the civilian of the year award. 

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I was presented a beautiful plaque.   

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I was so glad that Brandon, the kids, and my parents could be there. 

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I received beautiful flowers from my sister and brother in law, and Brandon had a gorgeous bouquet for me. 

After the ceremony and some cake, Brandon and I, the kids, and my parents went to House of Japan for a delicious celebratory dinner.  Gavin was of course thrilled because HOJ is his favorite restaurant.  What a great afternoon!
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Brandon took these pictures today:  
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Abby decided to jazz Mocha up a bit with necklaces and some shoes that belong to one of her My Little Pony horses. 

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“Why is Abby always doing these things to me?”  Poor Mo.  Thankfully she’s a laid back Labrador who adores the kids and pretty much lets them do whatever they want.  Abby has tried to ride her on more than one occasion. 

I hope you’ve all had a restful weekend.  If your part of the country enjoyed beautiful weather yesterday, I hope you were able to get outside like we did.  The yard needed a little mid-winter clean up and the kids needed to vent some of their pent up energy. 

Have a great week!

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