The morning of December 31, 2017 I picked up my phone from the nightstand. Drew was asleep next to me and knowing he was working through the night on New Years Eve I planned to let him sleep in a bit longer. I opened facebook where headline after headline read ‘5 deputies ambushed in Douglas County.’ I lay there reading each article as the news unfolded, looking for any scrap of information about what happened, trying to understand how such a horrific event could dismantle the lives of so many families. I knew that one of Drew’s former coworkers was working that shift and was hoping and praying that somehow he wasn’t on that call.
I remember hearing Drew begin to shuffle awake, and rolling over to look at him before he too reached for a phone from the side of the bed. It’s a moment that’s become burned in my memory. “Hey, before you look at the news you should know there’s been a shooting in Douglas County. Five officers are injured but they haven’t released any other information.”
As a police wife you live with the constant fear and worry trickling in the back of your mind that each day is a gift, each day he could go to work and not come home. You pray that you’ll never be on the receiving end of having a team of officers show up at your door to take you to the hospital and you cry for the families that do.
For the first three years of him working in law enforcement, it didn’t feel ‘real’. He was a reserve, working one day a week and I didn’t feel like I had the right to be worried or scared. My husband wasn’t risking his life everyday so it was fine, not a big deal. When he accepted a full time position, things changed but the realness of the danger and the job never really bothered me.
A few weeks after Drew started full time, we were invited over for a barbecue with a family of one of Drew’s former co-workers from the reserve job. He too had transitioned from reserve to full time just a few years before. I will never forget standing in their kitchen and talking to his wife. She asked how I was feeling, if I was worried about the new job. I replied with the same thing I’d said a thousand times before. “I trust that he has good training and good coworkers. He’s always a cop even when he’s not on shift and at least then he has good backup.” I laughed retelling a story about Drew running out into traffic at an accident in our neighborhood.
Little did I know how much that conversation would haunt me throughout the last twelve months. I think about it all the time. That wife was Gracie Parrish. The one police family I met. The one wife I’d really gotten to talk to.
As the rest of the morning on December 31 unfolded, Drew was agitated and unsettled. He went upstairs to play video games while I tried to clean the kitchen, keeping an eye on the news stations in the background.
When they announced one of the deputies had died and that there would be a press conference, I paced in the kitchen. I could hear the video games upstairs and knew that Drew probably didn’t want to watch whatever they were going to show. I couldn’t bring myself at that point to turn on the tv and was texting with my mom. “The name of the deputy is Zack Parrish.” she said. I remember feeling cold and typing back quickly. “No, that can’t be right. He has two babies. Two little girls.” I wrote back.
I walked up the stairs and put my hand on Drew’s back. He had headphones in and was in the middle of some group game.
“Drew, they announced the name of the deputy who died.” He looked up at me, “It’s Zack.” He pulled the headphones off and slammed his hand into the desk with emotion. Together we cried and cried. I cried at seeing Drew so upset, cried thinking about Gracie and the girls. It was a painful, life altering emotional experience. This wasn’t someone I really knew. At the time I had no idea how close Drew had been with him.
Time after that seemed to move more slowly and the wound was raw as news continued to pour out about that evening. Each time Zack’s name would appear on Facebook or on the news that cold feeling would come over my shoulders, settling into a pit in my stomach that I would carry around. Over the last year I’ve learned more about Drew and Zack’s friendship. Watched as Drew has continued to mourn for a friend. I have yet to shrug off the cold painful feeling that comes across when I see Zack’s name and I probably never will.
This year has changed me. I’ve spent a lot of time connecting with other police wives, building a community for myself of women who understand those emotions. It’s helped to hear the stories of those who have retired, the learn how families juggle scheduling and children. Really get a grasp on what it means to live this life and know that we are not alone.
I don’t fear constantly for Drew and his safety, if I did I would never sleep. I am proud of my husband and the blue family he stands beside and I pray for their safety every night.
The night of December 31, 2017 Drew went to work. Despite all the pain, all the emotion, he put his uniform on and headed out into the night to protect those who need protecting.
Through it all, that’s the lesson I’ve learned from Zack’s death. No matter how dark the night may be, or how hard the job is, there are men and women who will continue to dress out each evening and put their lives on the line for the rest of us.
Greater love has no man than this, that he who lays down his life for his friends. John 15:13
In honor of Zack’s memory you can support police families by making a donation to The Shelter Foundation. Gracie Parrish started The Shelter Foundation to guide and support LEO families. You can learn more about the Shelter Foundation and the work they are doing on their website.
I love the versatility of phyllo dough and when I first tasted Mahon-Menorca I knew it would be the perfect addition to one of my favorite Greek appetizers, Spanakopita. Mahon-Menorca Cheese is exclusively produced on the island of Menorca, a part of the Spanish Balearic Islands. The unique climate, including temperature, humidity, wind and salt bring together the elements required to add the unique flavors to the cheese itself.
Spanakopita is traditionally made with Feta Cheese and swapping over to Mahon-Menorca changes the flavor quite a bit. The richness of the Mahon-Menorca adds a sharp and savory dimension to the dish that compliments the spinach filling and crispy exterior.
This easy to make appetizer recipe is perfect for New Years Eve!
Mahon and Spinach Spanakopita Recipe
Ingredients
- Phyllo Dough
- Butter
- Shredded Semi-Cured Mahon-Menorca Cheese
- Frozen Spinach
- Phyllo dough comes pre-made and is available in the frozen food section of the grocer. Before beginning your recipe, pull the phyllo out of the freezer 3 hours ahead of time to allow it time to properly defrost.
- Melt a stick of butter in the microwave. Using a pastry brush, carefully coat the phyllo dough to prevent it from drying out. You will do each sheet one at a time otherwise the dough will become too soft to work with.
- Fold the dough into quarters so you have a layered strip approximately 4 inches wide. This is enough for making two pieces. Find the middle and cut in half.
- Add 2 tablespoons of Mahon Cheese & 1 tablespoon defrosted frozen spinach into the center of the dough. This is the filling.
- Fold like a football into a triangle by rolling up the phyllo dough. Fold over the edge tightly to keep the filling inside. Repeat for however many pieces you wish to make.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place the finished triangles on a cookie sheet. Coat with one additional layer of butter. Bake for 15 mins or until golden brown.
Interested in learning more about Mahon-Mencora Cheese? Check out their US Website and learn other fun recipes you can make with this delicious ingredient! You can also follow Mahon-Mencora on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.
[tasty-recipe id=”3114″]I received a product sample to inspire this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Not having kids myself means shopping for my friends and families children is that much more fun. There is nothing more fun then finding the perfect gift and shipping it away to a little one with their name on the package. I loved receiving mail as a kid so I can only assume that between Baby Shark and Fortnight today’s children still love getting mail addressed directly to them.
I’ve picked a few of my favorite gifts for this holiday season to help inspire anyone who needs tips for buying the perfect gifts for their friends kiddos!
Kids Shoes from Pediped
When it comes to shopping for kids, you try to strike a balance between giving something practical and giving something the kid will actually love. Cool kids shoes are the perfect combination of something that kids need and will enjoy at the same time. Pediped is an award winning children’s’ footwear brand with the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development. Their styles are colorful and comfortable, whether you choose sneakers, boots, sandals, or dressy styles.
Pediped designs shoes that kids and parents love. Kids love the styles and comfort and parents love knowing that their child’s growing feet are properly supported. Let the little one of your shopping list run and play all day by giving them some new kicks from Pediped. If you have a pink loving little girl to shop for, get her the Flex Force sneakers in Hot Pink. These shoes are girly and adorable but lightweight and will let any girl play hard all day long. Shoes can get messy but the Flex Force are machine washable, made with Vegan materials. They go on easy with velcro closures and will fit better than any shoe on the market thanks to Pediped’s Flex Fit System removable inserts.
The Flex Barbara from Pediped is a sweet mary jane style shoe that feels like an athletic shoe. Little girls don’t need uncomfortable dress shoes that give them blisters. With a flexible rubber sole and breathable lining, she won’t miss a beat. The Flex Barbara is designed for real life but looks amazing with dresses, skirts, leggings, or pants. Shown here in the Tan Sparkle, these shoes are neutral so she can wear them with all her outfits and won’t be slowed down at all. These shoes will look beautiful with a Christmas outfit!
If you aren’t sure on sizing, you can always buy a Pediped gift card and wrap it up in a cute box with some fun socks. Pediped is a gift you can feel good about giving. With over 150 designs for babies, toddlers, and kids, there is sure to be the perfect pair (or two) of shoes for every kid on your list.
Find Pediped Products Online
Flex Force | Flex Barbara | Pediped gift card
MAM Baby Gift Set
For friends with little ones at home that first holiday season is both exciting and stressful. While they are juggling finding a routine and creating family traditions, gifts that can be really helpful are the best options. I’m always the person who buys the most ‘functional’ item on a baby registry and come towards the holiday season those useful things are even more necessary.
For friends with young babies at home the Feed and Soothe Gift set is one of my go to gifts for both the holiday season and baby showers. MAM is known for their anti-colic bottles and this set has 4 bottles in 2 sizes, perfect for replenishing their stock as baby grows. With a vented base these bottles regulate pressure to ensure babies do not take in any excess air while feeding.
For many newborns, pacifiers are a godsend, but keeping track of them can become a stressful experience. With two MAM pacifiers in this set you are helping make sure new parents have everything they need close at hand.
Find MAM Products Online
Covered Goods Nursing Cover
For infants Christmas is a time of bright lights and crinkling paper. Giving them a gift is not nearly as important as giving mom one that will make her life easier. Thats why I love Covered Goods as a gift option for little ones. The original multi-use nursing cover, Covered Goods is both a gift for mom AND baby. Manufactured in the USA, these versatile covers can be used as an infinity scarf for mom, a car seat cover, a shopping cart cover for bigger babies AND as an over head nursing cover.
When used as a carseat cover babies sleep more soundly and can relax from the world around them. This is perfect for a girls brunch while baby naps!
Made from a soft and stretchy material, these covers are soft on both mom and babies skin. Each cover is constructed from a high-quality rayon making them lightweight enough for everyday use while being completely opaque at the same time. Each cover is fully machine washable meaning no matter what messes happen throughout the day, mom can toss it in the washer with the rest of babies clothing and be fresh and ready again in minutes.
Find Covered Goods Online
Silicone Straw Cups from GoSili
Holiday shopping for kids does not have to involve you wasting a ton of money on giant, plastic toy monstrosities that will barely be played with and end up in a landfill. This year, skip the plastic and shop with GoSili. GoSili is a Michigan based company founded by two women who want the world to waste less. Their tablewear for kids and adults is made with silicone, a safer and less wasteful alternative to plastic and disposable items. We know we need to do better in how we care for our planet and our bodies. Choosing to buy and use products from a company like goSili is a big step in making positive changes. goSili makes reusable straws, cups, cup lids, bowls, and more. We love all their offerings for kids and adults.
This Christmas, goSili Straw Cups are an ideal stocking stuffer for all kids. Available in 12 and 16 ounce sizes in a variety of fun colors, goSili Straw Cups will immediately become the favorite cup of any kid who gets one in her hands. The innovative goSili design is high-end yet affordable.
These cups hold their shape and will not collapse when little hands give them a squeeze. The silicone top fits inside the cup tightly and the reusable silicone straw is wide and comfortable when drinking. These cups are dishwasher safe, which keeps parents happy.
goSili products can be found at your local Target. Be sure to check out their To Go Cups for coffee and tea and grab yourself a little gift while you are shopping for the kids on your list. Shop smart this holiday season and buy gifts for kids that are healthy for them and for our planet. This is possible thanks to goSili.
Find goSili Products Online
Interested in other gift giving inspiration? Check out my favorite stocking stuffers for grownups!
Disclaimer: I received product samples to help facilitate the creation of this guide. All thoughts, opinions and writing are my own.
Just a few hours outside Denver, Boulder is nestled in the foothills and the perfect just far enough trip for getting away for a long weekend or holiday. Despite living just down the road from Boulder I rarely spend much time up that way so planning a quick couples getaway for Drew and I was the perfect escape.
I am a sucker for historic hotels and when we started looking for a place to stay the Boulderado was immediately at the top of my list. Located just off the Pearl Street Mall the Boulderado opened in 1909 when the town of Boulder was barely a blip on the map. The property was established by a team of local business owners in need of a luxury hotel solution for visitors to the town. While the property has been updated for modern visitors, the charm and history throughout the hotel remains evident.
We stayed on the fifth floor in a room looking towards the mountains. Getting up to our room meant either taking the winding staircase or riding up in the manually operated Otis Elevator. One of the few remaining Otis Elevators in the country, a member of the Boulderado staff accompanies you to your destination both opening and closing the elevator cage doors. This unique feature is something you don’t typically see and definitely added to the fun of the experience.
Today’s rooms are a far cry from what visitors in 1908 might have experienced and guests can tour the property seeing an example of the original sleeping rooms, including the original standard room without private bath! Our room was extremely comfortable with windows overlooking the streets around. A large king sized bed was topped with beautifully embroidered bedspread and plenty of sitting room space made the entire suite feel like home.
Throughout the property a wide variety of historic artifacts are on display, including trunks refinished by the property historian, vintage clothing and even original radiators that once heated the rooms.
Three restaurant within the hotel itself means you don’t have to travel far for a drink or meal. Our first night in town Drew and I shared beers in the first floor sports bar while watching the end of the world series upon returning from dinner at the nearby Pasta J’s Italian restaurant.
In the morning the next day we woke up early and headed out to the nearby Chautauqua Park to hike the 1st and 2nd Flatirons. One of the most popular hikes in Colorado the trail was busy despite both the early hour and visiting on a Monday. If hiking on a weekend, plan for there to be large crowds. Just under 3 miles we incorrectly assumed this was a ‘easy’ hike, failing to realize that the 1400 foot elevation change would happen primarily at the very beginning of the trail.
Colorado is always a beautiful state but during the fall you can really appreciate the rich colors that come out in the changing colors of the leaves. This trail winds through the park giving panoramic views of the town of Boulder and Colorado University campus. We reached the final leg of the trail to discover that it was currently closed for maintenance but had time to enjoy a closer view of the iconic Flatirons before heading back into town for lunch.
Back in town we left the car at the Boulderado valet and walked two blocks to the newly opened Ruthie’s Boardwalk Social. Specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, this was the perfect mid day treat. I picked the Italian Caprese, combining mozzarella, basil and pesto into an unforgettable grilled cheese delight. Drew chose the Classic and we both added a cup of tomato soup for dipping. This was exactly what I needed after an early morning hike.
Our second evening in town we ventured into the basement of the hotel to License No. 1. Owner of the 1st liquor license in Boulder the speakeasy style bar is the perfect place for starting or ending an evening (and is even available to book for private events). We enjoyed what I can truthful say was one of the best Moscow Mules I’ve ever had. Made with fresh ginger these cocktails made it hard to head onto dinner! After dinner at Jax FishHouse just a few blocks away we headed back to the hotel for a goodnights rest before returning home the next day.
Venturing just far enough from home to relax is the perfect way enjoy a quick couples getaway. With all the holiday celebrations just around the corner, now is the best time of year to head just slightly out of town and leave all the worries back home.
In honor of their 110th year the Boulderado is celebrating with a New Year’s Eve Grand Gala, just like the one hosted in 1909 when the property originally opened. You can join in on this year’s black tie optional celebration and enjoy a couples getaway of your own should you choose to stay the night up in Boulder.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary stay at the Boulderado to inspire this post. All opinions are my own.
Welcome to My Bliss
