Just A 'stache

Stephen came home last night with a very large book about laws and some very sad news. As you go through the academy they hold you to the same rules as they will in a department once you are employed as an officer. That means Stephen had to shave his beard off this morning. I miss it. A lot. We knew that was a possibility, but were hoping if he kept it trimmed he could keep it. Nope. A mustache is the most he can have. He did keep that.

Oh well. At least I have something to look forward to when he retires right?

That book is a lot thicker than it looks in the picture. It is only one of the books he brought home. He is really excited to get started!

In other news, we have a new pup! A friend gave it to us, as he didn't want to go through the trouble of trying to sell them. It is a Hanging Tree cowdog. Tyrel named him Cactus. I was afraid to let Tyrel just name him, as he comes up with some really unusual names sometimes (treeless, truckless, perfy) So I told him we would take a vote. He said "I want to name him Cactus!" and Kimber said "Yeah, Cactus". I used to have a pup name Cactus Jack before we had kids. So I said yes, that would be an alright name.

He's a really good pup, and I really like his personality. He stays with the kids good, but isn't overly jumpy and all over everyone.

My Big Boy Is Off To School

No, not Tyrel! He's homeschooled, silly!

My man is starting the police academy today. Well not technically police academy, because he wants to be a deputy, not a city police. But he starts his classes to get TCLOESE certified. He is going at night 3 days a week and every other Saturday. We are very excited for this new path. About everything we have ever done has something to do with livestock. Which is something we love, but Stephen really wants more ACTION! Eventually we want to get our own ranch or something because agriculture is something we love, but we are very excited for the perks of his new career. Such as semi scheduled hours. Scheduled days off. Guilt free vacations. Being able to legally open carry anywhere we travel, etc. Actually that last one is a BIG reason for him doing this.
I am already praying for protection for when he gets a job. There was an officer near here killed a few weeks ago that was just 2 weeks younger than Stephen. I have cried and prayed so much for his wife.
So yeah, if you want you can be praying that God will open up the right job in the right place for him when he graduates in May. He has one place in particular he would like, but there are lots of places that would be good. Including the county we already live in.

I love you so much Stephen and I am proud of you for going where you feel God is leading, and doing something you'll not only be great at, but that you'll love to do!