The Aftermath

This is a follow-up to my post "Crimes of Domestic Violence."

The police were here for several hours.
Both the husband and the wife were booked into jail. Their two children were taken by child protective services. Their dog was taken by animal control.

Why such a dramatic outcome? One word: Drugs.

I was shocked to hear from one of the police deputies that they found drugs in the house. Not just some - a lot. From what I saw hauled out by the decontamination unit there were 3 different marijuana plants as well as several bags of weed, and many growing implements. They filled an entire back of a pickup truck with what they hauled out.

It was quite a scene.

Our apartment manager got all of us residents that were home within our little street circle together about 10 minutes after they left.
He informed us all of what had happened (without going into details) and encouraged us to call the police if/when we saw or heard anything suspicious. He commended me, while leaving me anonymous, for doing the right thing and calling police. He said that with where the office is located compared to where our circle is it is hard for him to hear what happens. He also expressed how he is most concerned for the children that live in our little area, as there are many.

James (the manager) informed us all that when it comes to any physical violence that takes place on the property there is a "3 strikes, you're out" rule. He also said that there is a zero tolerance for drugs.

So... I know that these neighbors are being evicted.

In talking with all of my neighbors that attended our little meeting I discovered more information about the domestic violence that had been taking place next door.

I was heartbroken to find out that their neighbors on the other side had heard the husband throw the woman down the stairs previously. They also could smell the marijuana through the vents in the ceiling. I was in shock that they had not contacted police themselves. What were they waiting for?!

I am carrying a prayer in my heart today for those two little children. They are both so young. I think their daughter is maybe 2, and their son only a matter of months old. I hope with all my heart that their mother is able to go through the necessary steps to get them back, and be a good mother to them.

Today was a sad day.

Crimes of Domestic Violence

I woke up this morning, not to Autumn crying... but to hearing my neighbors shouting and multiple sounds of crashes/bangs through the wall that separates my bedroom from theirs. Immediately my heart stopped. All I could think of was Toni Clark - one of my High School friends who was murdered in a "Crime of Domestic Violence."

I don't know my neighbors very well.
I do know that they have two children.

I did the only thing I could think of - I called the police.

After assuring me that officers were on their way and disconnecting the call I realized that one of my neighbors left in a truck - it was the husband.

I called police back and informed them.

I could not hear anything next door now - and now I was even more scared.

Was she ok?! Were the babies injured?! When was 'he' going to return?!

I called the apartment manager and told him what had happened, and what I had done.
He thanked me - he also said he would go and knock on her door to see if she was ok.

Thank God she was, and answered his knock (I heard). I was so afraid that she wouldn't/couldn't.

The apartment manager called me back and told me she was ok and that he did not see any bruising, etc, on her when he was there.

The police came and spent quite a bit of time inside her apartment with her. They parked in my neighbors parking spot, and had another officer show up with an orange box to collect samples... Things were not as bad as I imagined, but this was not a good sign.

My mind thought on the video I had seen that my friend Toni's parents had made this past year. I want all of my friends to watch this and share it - it could save a life. Because of its influence I may have saved my neighbors.

This is the link to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RI2ZEaEB_XA&feature=share

The police are still here. I don't know what the outcome of everything is, but I hope it is more positive than it may have ended up. I know it is more positive than it may have ended up.

I will never forget Toni, nor her story.
I hope others find the courage to prevent these things from happening to their friends, neighbors and loved ones.

It just may save a life.

New Year Resolutions

So... I don't blog much, as is evident by how often I actually write one.

Here's the latest in my life and my 2012 New Year Resolutions.

Today:
Autumn's first tooth has appeared! She hasn't figured out crawling just yet, but she will get up on her hands and knees and rock.

Jay is really liking his job at Micron - which he started in November of last year. He is a process engineer in the photolathography lab. He was given two free movie passes today at work for doing such a good job over the past week. Date night here we come!

I have days that I find myself kicking my butt into gear and getting a lot of things done. Namely today - I did the dishes, took out the trash, organized the fridge, cleaned the baby room, etc. Then there are other days that I don't do a darn thing. Being a stay at home mom is great. :) I rewarded myself tonight by going out to a game night with some relief society sisters. It was really fun.

Yesterday:
Autumn does not like the sound of the vacuum, or any high-pitched sound for that matter. We have an electric pump to inflate her baby tub, but every time I turn it on she bawls. Getting ready to take a bath should not be this dramatic.

I was called to be the Night Relief Society Chairperson in my ward. So I get to plan a once/month night meeting (aka enrichment) for my ward's relief society with a committee. Our first one was on Valentines Day - and no, I did not pick the date for this one. It was fun anyway.

Tomorrow:
Autumn is going to get a bath - she's overdue.

Jay has to work Saturday's now, so I'll be alone with the baby and chores all day.

I need to cook enough rice for 10 people for the "Friends of Scouting" dinner and auction at my church. I also will be providing shredded carrots for said event. I hope I have another day where I feel motivated to do things because I need to do this and get Autumn and myself over to the church building by 5:30pm - and because we only have one car, I will be walking.

So... for the New Year Resolutions I decided on for myself, they are as follows:
1. Be caffeine free. No more caffeinated sodas. Zip. None. Nada.
(so far so good)

2. Pay off all the hospital bills from last year and money I owe my daddy.
(half complete)

3. Loose some weight. Even one pound.
(not really a big deal to me - but I am trying to be more active and take walks with Autumn in the stroller during the week)

4. Find a house to rent or purchase.
(I've been looking at local places on my walks that I can get to on foot)

5. Make friends here in Boise.
(Amy Taylor is friend #1, Nickelle Weeks is friend #2 - so far so good)

6. Buy a second car.
(I'm assuming this will happen later in the year)

7. Re-create our nest egg.
(Looking forward to filing our taxes so that I can put the whole return into savings)

8. Stay in better contact with my immediate family.
(Sent them all Valentines)

9. Take a trip or two.
(Two family reunions planned this year - Christopherson & McConkie)

10. Move my dogs to Idaho.
(This will have to happen once we are renting and/or own a house)

We'll see how I do... wish me luck!