Week 17 (Day 80 of 131)

It's been a crazy two weeks. With #1's birthday and Christmas so close together, it felt like there was no time to get ready for Christmas. Luckily, I did almost all my shopping online. I love not having to fight the crowds and the boxes get delivered right to our doorstep. UPS and FedEx probably got sick of delivering to our house. Between our neighbors and us, we work the delivery guys to death. We had a great time on Christmas Eve at B.'s brother's house. Super yummy food courtesy of his sister in law. Boy, can she cook. We had a white elephant gift exchange. Everyone had a blast, except B.'s oldest brother. He drew first and got stuck with a super girly lunch bag. The next day we celebrated Christmas at my parent's. It's also my Dad's birthday, so we always have birthday cake on Christmas too. As usual, we made Dad cook his famous prime rib. Another super delicious Christmas dinner. The girls were showered with more gifts than we have room for. B. headed back to the Academy with his belly full. It sucked that he had to go back on Christmas night. The girls and I stayed at my parents that night, since I was headed to work the next morning. I don't know why I decided to work on the 26th, but it turned out to be a good decision. There was no traffic and I got to my desk by 6:45am. I never work that early since I normally take the girls to school in the morning. It was nice to get a ton of work done with little distraction. This is the first New Year's Eve I have spent apart from B. since 2001 and the first time we haven't taken a last picture of the year as a family. We started a little tradition since #1 was born to take a family photo as late as we can on New Year's Eve. #1 was just 13 days old when we took our first New Year's Eve family photo. We look completely desheveled as new parents. After Friday, there are only 10 weeks left. That number sounds so small and it will only get smaller. I know B. and his fellow cadets still have so much more to do and learn in that amount of time. I keep asking B. when Dream Sheets will be coming out. I'm just anxious to find out where he will be going. We've discussed what offices he should list first, but ultimately it is B.'s choice. March 14, 2014 can't get here soon enough (fingers crossed). 2014 will bring lots of new challenges and adventures. May the new year bring lots of happiness and success to you and your family. Happy New Year!

Week 15, Here we go. (Day 71 of 130)

We had a great weekend.  #1 had her birthday party on Saturday with about 18 other kids.  It was a rock climbing/jumper birthday party.  The kiddos weren't into the rock wall, but when it came time to the inflatable slide and jumphouse, they had a blast.  With #1's birthday so close to Christmas, she gets tons of presents at her birthday, plus Christmas presents just a week later.  B. and I figured that now she's older, she would understand the concept of donating gifts.  It worked out perfect, since CTC-II-13 is in the middle of a toy drive.  We asked #1 to choose five gifts to donate to Papa's toy drive at training.  We explained to her that there are other children that will not receive gifts at Christmas and that she is sharing her joy. 

Week 15 didn't exactly start off on the right foot.  B. left home earlier than usual, so he could get back to the Academy by 7:00pm to practice with the rest of his group.  He called around 7:30pm asking if his vest was hanging on the rail.  Of course it still was.  I had hung it there to dry on Saturday and didn't pack it in the bag.  I passed by it at least twice that night before he left and never blinked an eye.  It's a piece of his uniform he needs, so it was off to West Sac.  Luckily, I had just bathed and changed the girls, so they were already in there pjs.  I loaded up the van and we were on the freeway by 7:45pm.  The girls watched Despicable Me 2 on the way up.  They were excited to see B. even if it was for a minute.  #1 fell asleep as soon as I hit the freeway on the way back.  Of course it took #2 almost until we got home to fall asleep.  I got back to the house around 10:15pm.  It made for a long night, but it's a sacrifice a CHP Cadet Wife has to do. 

It amazes me how many hits my blog has received.  I've only really told my sister about it and maybe in passing to my co-workers, but I've never told any of them how to find it.  So seeing 1,283 hits is kinda crazy.  One of B.'s roommate's girlfriend found my blog.  B. had shared a Disney story with him and they put two and two together.  I'd really like to meet B.'s roommates and their girlfriends.  These guys spend more time with each other than they do with their girlfriends and wives.  Maybe, one day soon when B. isn't restricted on a Wednesday, we can all have dinner together.  The goal of this blog was to share my experience with others, I'm glad they found me.

I'm headbanging while I finish this up.  Good night. 

We're halfway there! (Day 66 of 130)

Thirteen and a half weeks sounds like a really long time.  If you asked me back in September how long it would feel, I would have said like an eternity.  The weeks fly by and with the holidays they move even faster. 

CTC-II-13 has been losing cadets at a higher rate with more of then entering into the EVOC phase.  They don't call the skid pan and high speed, cadet killers for nothing.  It is very difficult to put your sweat and tears in this Academy to be sent home halfway through.  I hope these cadets don't give up and work that much harder to get back in.  It must also be very hard on the families of these cadets as well.  The partners of these cadets sacrifice a lot as well while they are away. 

I can't believe #1 turns 5 next Wednesday.  We are hoping B. is not restricted next week, so we can celebrate her birthday together, but  we know it is a possibility we won't get to see him.  Luckily, we are having her birthday party this Saturday with family and friends, so B. will get to celebrate with us even though it might not be on her actual birthday.  In addition to her party, she will get a birthday celebration at her afternoon school program too.  How many cupcakes does a 5 year old need? 

The Academy days have been super long for B. the last two nights.  He hasn't been able to text or call until after the girls have fallen asleep.  They both asked for him last night.  We just count the days until Friday.  #1 tells B. every weekend that she can't wait until he moves back home.  I have to keep in mind he may be assigned a shift where he will hardly see them.  We'll cross that bridge when we get there.  There's still another thirteen and a half weeks to go. 

Week 12 Thanksgiving! (Day 58 of 130)

It was so great to have such a short Academy week.  B. came home on Wednesday night.  The traffic wasn't as bad as we both anticipated.  He was already at home by 7:15 and I hadn't left my parent's house yet.  The girls were so happy to see their Papa.  #1 had spent three days at my parents since her school was closed and #2 joined her on the third day.  I usually take the entire week off, but I am saving my vacation time for March to spend time with B. after he graduates (fingers crossed). 

Are kids hardwired to know not to sleep in when those are the days to do it?  I was looking forward to sleeping in on Thanksgiving morning since we had no where to go until dinner.  #1 and #2 were up before 7:00AM! There was no use trying keep them asleep.  We were out of the house eating breakfast by 8:00AM.  We were planning to watch Frozen on Black Friday, but ended up watching a 9:35AM showing on Thanksgiving.  It was very weird eating popcorn so early in the morning.  The movie was cute and the songs are great.  It's all we've been listening to since Thursday.  #1 even asked Santa for an Anna costume (a Princess in the movie) for Christmas.  The girls are at such a great age and are totally into the Disney princess thing right now. 

I loved being able to spend Thanksgiving with both sides of family.  It also means having two turkey dinners.  One on Thursday and another on Saturday.  B. was worried about weigh in today.  He did not want to be on the Training Table anymore.  But who can pass on pumpkin pie.  Great news, he's no longer on the Training Table.  B. lost over 7% body fat since the first measurement.  It helps that he's lost over 25 pounds.  We will also get to see him on Wednesday, no restriction this week.  Yay!

Onto Week 13, we are almost to the half way point. 

Week 11 (Day 53 of 130)

So they have passed the 10 week mark. B. ended week 10 with a bang. Last Friday was his first day at the range. B. had been looking forward to this since day one.  He said the Smith and Wesson is a lot heavier than anything he has ever shot. He said he had a lot of fun and caught the eye of a  master. Not too many lefties out there, so you kinda stick out. Not to mention trying to track down a left handed holster. I probably called at least 15 companies with no luck. I even called the manufacturer directly and it would still take three weeks. Luckily, there was one left at the PX this past Monday. I did find an awesome deal on the tac light. Watching "End of Watch" over and over again did have benefits. I knew exactly what a tac light was. Thank you Jake Gyllenhaal. 😊

Not only did B. get to shoot, he got to drive really really fast. It was introduction day to high speed last Friday.  They hit speeds near 120 mph. I car imagine going that fast. 

The weekend flew by. The 48 hours or so that B. is home seems to go by faster. I took the girls to my mom on Saturday, so B. could get a few hours of solid studying in. He's tried studying with #1 around, but she kept writing on Post Its and sticking them all over his makeshift office. I set up a desk/table in our lower level so he wouldn't be tempted to watch YouTube on our computer. I think it has worked on pretty well. We may need to put an actual desk down there. 

Monday was a really long day for B. We probably talked on the phone for less than five minutes. I had some friends over last night as well, so the girls went to bed way past their normal bedtime. 

I got a chance to talk to B. a lot longer tonight, but he didn't get to talk to the girls. They were both asleep by the time he called. I'm hoping #2 would just fall asleep on her own. It is still taking at least 45 minutes for her to fall asleep and I have to be laying next to her. 

He passed High Speed today on his first attempt. I've heard High Speed is another difficult section like skid pan. So relieved we will not have to worry about last and final attempt for this. It was not a good feeling to have. 

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week. #1 is off all next week. Thankfully, my parents will be able to watch her as I am trying to save my hours for March. They will be measuring and weighing the cadets on the Training Table after the Thanksgiving Break. Crossing my fingers that B. gets off the training table. He has lost at least 20 pounds since he arrived. 

That's all for now. They're getting closer. 

1/3 of the Way There (Day 45 of 130)

B. has completed nine weeks. It seems like it has gone by in a flash, yet there are still 18 weeks to go. We are still taking it day by day. It still only gets harder from here. We got to visit B. on Wednesday for only the second time since the Academy started. The girls were so excited to see him. We went to Fuji Sushi in Downtown Davis again. What a difference a few weeks made? UC Davis had just started classes the first time we went. The restaurant was packed back then and parking was a nightmare. Fast forward to this past Wednesday, the restaurant was pretty empty and parking was a breeze this time. Hopefully, we get another Wednesday soon. We will try a different meeting spot next time.

B. had his Vehicle Code in his hand all weekend. He studied in the car, he studied at home, he studied at a restaurant. The Vehicle Code is their Bible. It's the bread and butter of the CHP. There are so many numbers to remember. So many different variations.

On Saturday night, we finally had a chance to sit down and watch a movie together. B. had been talking about watching, "End of Watch" for a while now. I really enjoyed the movie. Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena were awesome partners. It was very emotional to watch as well as it hit close to home. As they said in the movie, it takes a strong woman to marry a cop. But fingers crossed, we are still months away from B. heading out on the road, but this will be our life. You always kiss them goodbye because there is always that chance they may not be walking back through that door. I've read several blogs of CHP Wives that you need to have friends that are wives of law enforcement officers, they will understand what you are going through. Even now, we have friends that question B.'s decision to join the CHP. "Isn't this dangerous, wouldn't it be safer if you did something else?" B. isn't one to sit around and be complacent. He wants the challenge and thrives in that environment. The danger of this job definitely weighs on my mind, but I know he is getting the best training available to keep him safe.

The uniform companies have already made their first visits to the Academy. It feels a little early to be thinking about uniforms at this point, but it takes at least three measurements, so there are starting now. I was shocked at the prices, but $1260 does provide a lot of uniforms. I'm looking forward to the day to see B. in that uniform. They still have a long way to go, but they're getting there day by day.

Almost 8 Weeks Done, Happy Halloween! (Day 39 of 130)

I've been MIA for nearly three weeks.  It's been so hectic, even overwhelming in the past few weeks.  I've had my share of temper tantrums and meltdowns that I wonder, this is all going to be worth it?  I know it will be, but being the sole parent at home has taken its toll.  Working full-time, with swim class, and dinner, plus homework on top of that is exhausting.  By the time B. comes home on Friday nights, I'm pooped.  After we put the kids to bed, we take our places on the couch to catch up on the week and have B. catch up with his DVR.  I'm usually passed out within ten minutes.  B. will stay up for a few hours before waking me up to go to bed.  So much for our much needed conversation. 

At last count, the cadets who withdrew did so voluntarily.  In the last three weeks, the academy class has been losing cadets due to not passing tests.  They work so hard to get to this point.  A few have left for not passing a written exam on their second attempt.  The most recent ones are not passing skid pan.  This exam is no joke.  Just search CHP Skid Pan and see what it's all about.  B. could have been one of those cadets.  I was so stressed and anxious when he told me he had one last attempt at passing.  I couldn't sleep that night.  I couldn't eat.  Luckily, on his Wednesday restriction they did not make them write memos that night, they allowed a group to practice on the skid pan for three hours.  B. felt good about the practice session and said it all clicked.  Not knowing when he was going to take it again killed me.  As we were told at orientation, "No news is good news." Not hearing from him during the day was good.   The weekend rolled around and it seemed to weigh on me more than him. B. passed skid pan on his last and final attempt.  I can't tell you what a relief it was after he told me.

The Senior Class graduated 47 new officers yesterday.  B. said it was a great sight to see the new officers freshly badged with their families to share the moment together.  Today was the first day for the Junior Class to be the only ones at the Academy.  They usually call this "Hell Week."  With additional Academy Staff available, they just have that many more eyes to find things that are wrong.  So we will be missing out on Wednesday Liberty again.  We've only be able to visit B. once since the Academy started.  I'll sacrifice Wednesday Liberty for him to stay apart of this Academy class.  As B. has said, " You can't take away my Wednesdays if I don't expect them." 

This is the first Halloween without B.  I wish he was here with us tonight.   It was great seeing #1 and #2 enjoying themselves so much.  They are at such a perfect age.  Old enough to hold a conversation with me, yet still babies with such an innocent look on life.  It was definitely a crazy and tiring day.  #2 was sent home from school with a stomach bug, meaning that she can't go back until Monday.  Luckily my parents were able to watch her this afternoon, so I could run back to #1's Harvest Festival.  Drove back to my parents to meet up with them and #2 and head over to my sister's to Trick 'O Treat with my baby nephew and brother in law.  #2 is staying with my parents tonight as I have to go to work and #1 has school.  This is the first time in her life that #2 has been apart from me at night.  It didn't bother her one bit that I was leaving.  She said good night and see you tomorrow.  I was expecting more drama, but she loves her grandma and grandpa and wouldn't mind sleeping there more often.  After our short good byes, #1 and I were headed home.  #1 was asleep within five minutes of getting into the car.  Two rounds trips later, here I still am at 11:10PM on Halloween night.  Good night.  Happy Halloween.

Five Weeks Gone By (Day 25 of 130)

25 days of the Academy are in the bag.  The lack of sleep continues, but it seems like B. is in more of a routine now.  The weekends are still filled with running errands and attempting to catch up on sleep.  As much as B. wants to catch up with family and friends, there are really only 48 hours of him being home.  The weekends seem so rushed.  Sunday afternoons/evenings are the worse.  B. tries to soak in as much time with the girls as he can.  I'll leave to run errands and he'll take the girls to the park. 

B. was on restriction again this past Wednesday.  We've only been up there once since the Academy started.  He thinks he'll be losing a few more in the next few weeks.  He's really looking forward to not being on the Training Table.  B. has lost about 15 pounds so far.  He says he's usually starving by 9:00 at night.  The feeling of being hungry at night must suck.  You can't just run to a fridge.

#2 asked B. on Friday and Saturday, "Papa, no training tonight ok."  I've been telling her that her Papa is away at training and he will be home on Fridays.  She's only two, but she knows what's up.  People have told me, she's too young to understand where her Papa is.  B. came home with two Matchbox sized CHP cars for the girls.  They love them.  We told them, this is what Papa will be driving.  #1 sees the squad cars out on the freeways.  We are trying to help them understand why Papa is away so much.  They tend to act out a little more when B. is home.  I'm no longer the sole enforcer when B. is here.  They think they can get away with a little more.  

We have  dry erase calendar where I mark off the days B. has been away.  I think it will get a little harder as holidays roll around.  He won't be here for Halloween.  I know I'll have to take lots of pictures for him.  Hopefully, the connection is good, we may be able to FaceTime that night.  I was planning on staying local for Trick 'O Treating, but I can't handle both girls alone.  

The cadets are still a long way from filling out their Dream Sheets, but I wanted to make sure B. had our Deed of Trust ready to turn in.  I'm glad there is priority given to those who own a home.  B. mentioned that the Senior class was offered San Jose or Los Angeles.  What happens to those who live in the middle?  I'll worry about that in about twelve weeks.  

Hoping this week goes by fast.  I'm only working three days this week.  Thank you Columbus Day and doctors appointments.  Week Six here we come.  

Week 4 Done (Day 20 of 130)

It's hard to believe that Week 4 has come and gone.  Time has never moved so fast.  The girls and I definitely have a routine done during the week.  And when B. comes home on Fridays, it is the fastest 48 hours.   Hardly enough time to spend with each other.

B. says the yelling is still a daily, if not hourly occurrence.  The days are still super long.  PT days usually require a 0320 wake up time and they usually get back to their rooms past 2000 hours.  B.'s best friend is 5 Hour Energy drinks.  He usually has to drink one on PT days to get through the entire day.  I went to Business Costco to pick up two boxes for him.  It's definitely cheaper than paying $2.50 at the Academy vending machines. 

B. started EVOC on Friday and he loved it.  Who gets to drive 65 mph backwards? He is definitely looking forward to spending more time on EVOC and ready to hit the range in a few weeks. 

B. is restricted again this Wednesday, so we won't be heading up there yet.  He thinks it might be a few more weeks before we get to have dinner as a family on Wednesdays.

I wish I had more to share, I'm so happy and proud that B.has made it through the first four weeks.  It still get harder and tougher from here, but the first four weeks tests a lot of cadets.  I believe they have lost six cadets so far, one due to injury.  Onto Week 5.

Week 3 Done (Day 15 of 130)

Weeks have never gone by so fast, except when I was on maternity leave.  I can't believe B. has completed three weeks already.  It was nice to see a few pictures posted on the CHP Recruiting Facebook page.  It gives just a small glimpse of what he's doing.

The weekend disappeared again.  On Saturday, we surprised my parents with an anniversary gift.  We were all suppose to go on a family vacation for their 40th anniversary next year.  With #1 getting into transitional kindergarten this year and B. getting a job with the CHP, scheduling a multi-family vacation is very difficult. My parents are loyal 49ers fans from the last 60's and have had season tickets for a long time.  With the 49ers moving to Santa Clara, they would be losing their season tickets.  My sister and I came up with the idea of getting them season tickets at the new stadium, since our parents would never do it themselves.  Our husbands were on board, so we went down to Santa Clara a few months ago to secure rights to two tickets at Levi's Stadium.  We presented them with a picture of the view from their seats, photo of the seven of us at the 49ers' Sales Office and pictures of the grandkids decked out in 49ers gear.  They were totally surprised.  We couldn't wait until next year to give it too them, since the season would have already started.  It was a small fortune for the seat license, but they have done some much for all of us.

B. was able to join us for a few hours on Saturday before heading home to study and rest.  It is so hard to get things done with the girls around.  They haven't seen their Papa all week and just want to spend time with him.  It was best that he could get some quiet time.

B. actually left the house by 7:15 tonight as planned.  We all had dinner together and got to say goodbye.  Last week, he left super late and I had to put the girls to bed before he left.  It's the hardest part of the weekend.  We all know that he has to leave, but it still sucks.  #1 cried a little when B. closed the garage door.  Looking at her made me tear up as well.

Start of Week 4.  We won't see B. until Friday.  Until then.

Wednesday Night Liberty! (Day 13 of 130)

Just came home from spending a few hours with B. on his Wednesday night liberty.  Got off work a little early to get the girls and head up to meet B. for dinner.  I'm glad there's three of us because carpool saved us a ton of time.  We hung out at the Vacaville Outlets until B. called us.  I did a little shopping with the girls.  We went to the Hello Kitty store, Jelly Belly and Carter's.  Good thing we were only there for an hour, otherwise I would have spent a lot more.

B. called around 6:00pm and we headed into Davis to eat at Fuji Sushi.  It's an all you can eat Japanese restaurant.  There's another Fuji Sushi in Elk Grove. We all ate really well.  #2 demanded to get out of her high chair after 20 minutes.  That's about the length she will sit still.  We had to hand each of them our iPhones, so we could have a conversation.  I was so glad we got to see B. during the week.  It just makes the week go by faster.  He'll be home in just two days.

The girls fell asleep on the ride home.  It's definitely harder to carry them to bed when there's only me.  It doesn't help that we live in a tri-level and their bedroom is on the third floor.  They aren't getting any lighter either.  B. was still awake when I got home and we got to text a little more.  When he got back to the Academy, he was greeted with a memo and was instructed to turn in a blue card.  That makes 3 gigs for the week, so no Wednesday Liberty next week, right after we got a taste of it.  

Week 2 Done (Days 6-10 of 130)

I figured I would post once a week now.  The girls and I got to talk to B. every night.  We had a really clear FaceTime on Wednesday, since he got liberty and went off campus.  I think we've given up trying to FaceTime when he's in his room, the reception is bad and we hardly ever get a clear picture of him.

 This week seemed to go by really fast. Work is keeping me busy and of course the girls are a handful at night. Somehow I found the time to read the Cross Series Trilogy by Sylvia Day. If you are a fan of Fifty Shades, you'll like these books too. The books were a super fast read and I ended up reading one book per day.

#1 drew her Papa a great picture with a police car.  It had a pink star on the door.  #2 is even saying, "Papa is training."  I'm still letting them sleep in our bed during the week.  It just makes me feel safer that the three of us are all together.  The Cal King is definitely not big enough for the four of us when B. comes home for the weekend.  I found myself sleeping at the foot of the bed. 

B. said that Friday was by far the hardest day.  He's thinking they poured it on because Cadets were focused on going home.  B. is one of many at the Training Table, where they regulate what and how much you eat to lower your body fat percentage.  B. says he's hungry all day.  He definitely looks skinnier than when he left. B. has to write down everything he eats while he's up there. 

B. got home around 8:30pm on Friday.  The girls downstairs waiting for the garage door to open.  Their smiles are so big when they see their Papa arrive home.  I can't imagine being in B.'s shoes, not seeing his little girls during the week.  There have only been three nights where #1 was not sleeping in the same house as me and it was only because #2 was born.  I have yet to be away from #2. 

B. and I love where we live right now.  We love our neighbors and the distance it was to our jobs.  Having B. so far away wishes I was closer to my parents and sister's family.  We are close enough, yet just far enough where it isn't convenient to see each other more during the week.  We've discussed the possibility of moving closer in the future.  We don't want to disrupt #2's preschool, so we will be staying put for the next few years. 

They've lost three Cadets so far.  I think they are now a class of 140.  Two weeks down, twenty-five to go. 

The 1st Weekend

No one really ever wants the weekend to end, unless you have to work them.  This Saturday and Sunday felt like the shortest weekend EVER!  Like B. said when he came home, "I'm here, but I'm really not here."  He had so much stuff to do and study.  So we could spend some time together, I helped him stencil his PT shirts and quiz him about codes and his Cadet SOP.  He made a huge stack of flash cards.  I would ask him a code and he would provide the answer.  If he answered incorrectly, he would drop and do ten push-ups.  We did this all weekend.  He even got kicked out of the car to do push-ups.

We stayed up way too late on Saturday night, but it seemed like we got a lot done.  Those of you with short last names will feel very grateful when it comes time to stencil PT shirts.  They even shorted the names to only seven letters, but it still took 45 minutes to do one shirt.

There is so much information they need to learn in such a short amount of time.  One cadet left on Friday.  CTC II-13 is now down to 142 cadets.  The attrition rate for females in the Academy is 70% and for males 40%.  Those numbers are crazy considering that less than 1% of applicants are hired.

The girls loved having their Papa home.  #1 started soccer today.  She loved it!  It is so cute watching U-5 kids run around after a soccer ball.  #2 spotted a park as soon as we pulled up and immediately wanted to go there.  So we took turns watching #1 during her class/game, while the other one was at the nearby park with #2.

As much as I know B. would love to spend time with the girls on weekends, he could really use the time to study.  We discussed the possibility of him staying up at The Academy on weekends and have us meet him up there for lunch or dinner.  Although, he has a table set up for his CHP stuff, the house is definitely full of distractions.  Before The Academy began, we planned on going up to have dinner with B. on Wednesday nights.  We knew that the first two Wednesdays would not be liberty nights.  After talking about it this weekend, the girls and I will probably not make the drive up there.  It's a valuable six hours B. will have to take care of things.

Like they told us in both orientations, take it one day at a time, one week at a time.  I think we all survived week one.  There were no tears at our good-byes tonight.  #1 even asked B., "When are you leaving?"  I know she didn't mean to sound like she wanted him gone.  We're ready to start Week Two.  One down, 26 to go.

Week 1 Done (Day 5 of 130)

Week one is in the books. B. didn't get home until past 9:00 last night. #1 and #2 were so happy to see him. They would usually be in bed by then, but it was Friday and their Papa was back. B. was exhausted. He said the week was rough. He said, "I'm home but I'm not really home. He has a lot to study this weekend. I set up a table and chair for him to study at away from the computer. I took the girls out this morning so he could get situated.  Lots of flash cards being made.  I'll have homework too helping him stencil all of his PT shirts.  Really wished we had a shorter last name for stuff like this.  Hoping to go out for dinner as a family tonight.  B. will be leaving shortly after dinner tomorrow.  He says he will need to be up by 4:30AM on Monday morning.  26 weeks to go. 

Day 4

I can't believe it's Thursday.  This week has gone by so fast, yet so slow.  B. comes home tomorrow! He doesn't know if they'll be released at 5:00pm or at 8:30pm like it has been during the week.  The cell reception in his room was really bad tonight.  It took a long time to connect through FaceTime and even then we could only see if for a few seconds at a time.  We finally gave up on FaceTime and just talked on the phone.  I could actually hear him when it was just a phone call. I'm really excited to see him tomorrow night.  He'll be home for a little under 48 hours.  The plan is for him to leave on Sunday after dinner, so he has some time to get ready for the week ahead. 

I went to #1's Back to School Night.  In hindsight, I really should have left #1 at home.  I couldn't pay attention to what her teacher was saying.  I wanted to speak to her after her presentation, but #1 darted out of the room and ran out to the playground.  I was not a happy camper after she did that.  #1 cried all the back to the car.  She didn't want to leave school  She loves school and seems to be doing really well.  She's the youngest student in her class by three months. 

#2 got to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa while we were at #1's school.  Times like this makes me wish we lived closer to them.  They don't mind driving the 30 minutes to our house.  I love where we live now, but there are definitely plans in the future to make a move to another city. 

It looks like I'll actually go to sleep before midnight tonight.  TGIF!

Day 3

B. got to Facetime with #1 and #2 tonight.  They were so excited to see their Papa.  The reception up at The Academy is not good.  We kept getting the poor reception message where we couldn't see B, but he could always see us.  We got to see his roommates and their room.  Every cadet is still there.  Good to hear that no one has quit.  B said his days start around 5:00am. 

I found out that the uniform company never entered his information into their system, that's why his uniforms were not there on Day1.  I was told they were putting a rush on them and hopefully he will get them on Friday.  For now, he is borrowing pants from one cadet and a shirt from someone else. 

#1 had swim class tonight.  She's doing so well.  I had originally changed her classes to Saturday only, so I wouldn't have to take #2 with me to class.  The two days a week have made such a big difference.  Maybe she'll be a swimming fish by her birthday. 

#2 gave me a run for my money tonight.  It took an hour and 45 minutes to put her too bed.  I can only blame the terrible twos at this point.  She will not just lay down and sleep like #1.  I just have to remember #1 gave us the same problems at this age. 

I was so happy to see #1 and #2 light up when B. appeared on my phone.  They truly miss him even after just three nights.  They ask every morning if Papa is at work.  It's so hard to explain to a 4 and 2 year old that Papa is away for training for his new job and he only comes home on Friday.  It was so cute when #1 ask B. tonight if she could see his car.  She was referring to the squad car that we have been showing her on the freeway.  She wanted to see the star on the side. 

I had no idea people could find my blog.  When I signed in yesterday, it said I had 28 views and tonight it said 41 views.  I've only told a couple of my co-workers that I started a blog, but haven't told anyone how to find it.  I'd like to help a future Cadet Wife as well as document this journey for B. while he is away.  It's also been a way for me to write down how my days have been going. Thanks for reading. Good night.

Day 2

B. called tonight around 9:00pm.  Or should I say 2100 hours?  It was the first time I heard his voice since he left.  He sounded tired, yet had energy.  He said day one was crazy to say the least. It didn't start at too well.  They didn't have his uniforms.  He got yelled out by every Staff Officer for not having uniforms.  We faxed the uniform order less than 24 hours after he was offered the job.  I had even called the uniform company to confirm.  Guess that will be my first phone call tomorrow morning.  It was great to hear his voice, even if it was only for a few minutes.  #1 and #2 were already asleep so they didn't get a chance to talk to their Papa.  They both asked where he was tonight and I had to tell him that he won't be coming home until Friday.  I've let both of them sleep in our bed.  They always end up in our bed anyways.  The kids have been great the last two days.  I love being able to pick them up earlier.  I'm glad I have this seven hour work day.  Having to do the extra hour at home isn't too bad.  The house is super quiet and I'm able to concentrate.  Hopefully, he'll get a chance to call again tomorrow night.  There is definitely no liberty tomorrow, so we won't be driving up to meet him for dinner.  Day 2 is in the bag.

Day 1

It's been a long day. Woke up around 4:45am to send B. on his way. He looked great in his suit. The haircut will take a bit of getting use to.  I thought I would get emotional saying goodbye, but I didn't. I know I'll see him on Friday.  

#1 and #2 were great this morning. They both asked where Papa was and both replied, "Papa is at work."  I'm super grateful work has allowed me to work seven hours in the office and one hour at home. Although, I didn't start my hour until 10:00pm because #2 did not want to sleep. 

My parents came over tonight to watch #2 while I took #1 to swimming. I feel bad that we are cutting back on swim lessons. I really can't handle both at the pool. My mom is a rockstar. After watching my nephew for nine hours, she still has the energy to come over and watch #2, plus cook and pack dinner for us for the next few days. 

I didn't get a chance to talk to B. today, but he did manage to send a text at 11:51pm. He said it was a crazy day, but he will get a chance to call tomorrow. I can't imagine all the stress and yelling he got today. The short video they showed at orientation was enough for me. I can't wait to hear how his first day went. 

The Night Before

It's the night before the Big Day. We went up for Orientation today and got a tour of the Academy. It's where B. will spend the next 27 weeks. He's nervous, but very excited. I know he will do well.

We have been telling #1 that Papa will be gone for training to be a police officer. She has been saying ok all week until it was time for Papa to say goodnight. "Please don't go."  I know this was breaking B.'s heart. 

27 weeks sounds like a really long time, but as they said today. Take it one day at a time. Day One starts in six hours. 

CHP Academy: He's in!

I don't really know where to begin.  The process of becoming a CHP Cadet Wife started back in January.  I had no idea it would go so fast.  It typically takes at least a year from application to Academy start.  Well,  as of September 9, 2013, it would have been a little over eight months.  Out of nearly 22,000 applications, B gets in.  I was so proud and excited for him to get that email.  

I scoured the internet for other CHP Academy wives to see what 27 weeks would be like.  I read My Crazy & Blessed Life and Peasant Living ~ a cottage industry from start to finish. Thank you ladies for providing such insight into the lives of an Academy wife.  

I had been through two academies already.  The first one was definitely the easiest, I was busy planning our wedding.  The second one wasn't too bad, but I did have an 18 month old and I was pregnant.  This third academy, (hopefully the very last one ) scares me a bit.  #1 starts elementary school tomorrow and #2 is smack dab in the middle of her terrible twos. I'll essentially be a single parent for nearly six months.  I'm so grateful to have such a supportive group of people around us.  So many people have already offered to pick up #1 and #2 if I get in a bind.  Luckily, my family lives within 30 minutes of us and can be my emergency backup as well.  

Like Cara and Nicole did, I want to be able to help an Academy Wife in this crazy journey they call the CHP.