Just wanted to share these two things with anyone who still checks this site.  A couple of weeks ago two troopers were honored as “Safety Heroes,” by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Trooper Glen Barcus and Michael Haynes, they were tied for the most DUI stops this previous year.  It was an emotional ceremony, Tawny accepted the award on Mikes behalf.  The kids did get out of control, so we had them all take a time out under the window.  The big one on the left was causing most the trouble.

Another tribute that was done by Peggy Parker in honor of Mike was posted on her face book site and I felt it was pretty special.  Peggy Parker is someone my dad found on  facebook and cares deeply about the men and women who keep our country safe.

I miss my brother more every day, but it helps to know that his life touched so many people.  Thanks for sharing Peggy Parker.

July 7th, is Montana Mike’s birthday, obviously this year it is a painful reminder that Mike is no longer with us here on earth.  Yet, it is also a time to remember what a great life that Mike lived.  Tonight, we are having my Dad’s Spaghetti which was one of Mike’s favorite meals.  Last year I was lucky enough to be visiting while we celebrated Mike’s birthday last year.  It was a great week, I got to go on a ride along with Mike, and witness what a great Highway Patrolmen he was, and it was one of the rare times that Mike, Jo and I were together.  It was a fun time, we played Rock Band (Mike was insane good on guitar), zoom in on photo to see Mike in background rocking out.  Mike even took time out on his birthday to read Isaac a book, that was the kind of guy Mike was: selfless.  Lastly, Mike got to unwind and play some Battlefield Bad Company, the picture is of Mike pwning some newbs by calling in an artillery strike.  It hurts not to have Mike here today, but I feel lucky to have had a great brother, and friend for the 26 years that I knew him.  Today would have been Mikes 29th birthday…  Rest in Peace 159.

The 4th of July is a day to celebrate American Independence, which naturally leads to remembering all the men and women who have fought to keep our country that way.  The past week my father has been posting pictures and videos on face book of Mike in the military.  It has been good to remember the many different ways that my brother served his country.  My mother and sister placed American flags around Mike’s headstone, honoring an American hero that is fallen.  It is impossible to explain how much I miss my brother, but I will continue to remember and pay respect to this great man, that fought and died protecting our great nation.

This last week we took a family hike at Lone Pine State Park.  There are a few different trails that you can choose, and ours happened to be about a mile long.  There is a great lookout that gives  a great view to our new home the Flathead Valley.  I think you can see our house if you zoom in closely, just in the upper left corner.

We packed up a small lunch and headed out on the trail, the boys loved the hike and Isaac wants to come back and camp out.

The first part of the hike was pretty treacherous (as far as a 2 year old is concerned, or at least their parents).  Very steep inclines and a little bit of rock climbing.  As you can see though the boys conquered the trail and were very proud of themselves.

This past month I graduated from California State University of Fresno.  I still haven’t received my diploma in the mail, but I guess it takes awhile.  It was a long four years in Fresno, starting out at a Junior College then transferring into Fresno State.  I remember my first day going to register at Clovis Center, Isaac was a little over a year old, and Christina and Isaac waited in the car while I put in all the paper work.  It is hard for me to imagine how much has happened since that day.  There were many sacrifices to make in order to get to the finish line, not only by me but for my young family to be apart so often while I was at school and work. 

My good friends Mike Ingwell (middle), and Paul Vandersluis (Right) helped me out tremendously this past semester.  Coming home from Mike’s Funeral to school was one of the strangest experiences in my life.  I was numb, nothing mattered.  Writing papers and studying for tests felt pointless.  These guys came beside me and helped me finish this long journey.  God has a way of putting the right people in your life at the right time, I am convinced of this.

Many family and friends traveled to see my graduation ceremony which meant the world to me.  Grandpa got a great place for us to eat and hang out. 

Looking back at some of my favorite moments in college I can remember this time there was a class debate.  The debate was on foreign food assistance, and the person I was to debate was to speak first.  He gave a good speech, and the class was very impressed and even clapped.  When it was my turn I torched him, he never stood a chance.  I’ll never forget the guys face after I was done shredding everything he said, the look of defeat. 

My most precious memory of school though is of my Grandma Lilley.  As kids we spent many hours of home school at Grandma’s house.  One morning I woke up earlier than Mike, or Jo and Grandma had a jar of pennies and a game waiting for me.  The game was every multiplication I could remember I would receive a penny.  By afternoon I had memorized my multiplication, and had a couple dollars for the store. 

Graduating Magna Cum Laude I look back and give credit to my Grandmother and my Mom.  These two women taught me how to learn, not simply facts and figures, but a discipline for learning that has stayed with me over the years.  I’ve started the process of enrolling for law school, and have even tougher challenges ahead.  Yet, I’m excited to not end the journey, but to continue on to better things.

Tonight was Isaacs Award Ceremony for Awanas.  Isaac has been busting out his verses since last year, with some even making it to the web (videos: one and two).  He received his last badge for year one, and an award for finishing his book, and a participation certificate.  Watching Isaac perform the cubby song, and the classic “Father Abraham,” was truly a joy to my heart. 

I was clicking through blogs at random and came across this test that I thought was pretty interesting.  I won’t lie I didn’t do so well. . .  Click here to take test and see how you do.