In case you were wondering...

Many readers may remember a few months ago when I stated that I was applying for my concealed weapons permit. To some that may seem strange, but around here, it's called protection.

Just yesterday, I drove home down Tieton Drive, about a mile past 16th Avenue, a police car came flying by, back toward 16th Ave. I learned on the news this morning that a man was shot in the leg right outside the convenience store on the corner of 16th Ave and Tieton Drive. I was at the stoplight right next to that convenience store. This must have happened within a minute or two of me leaving that intersection.

Also last night, in a town just a short drive from here, a man was shot dead, and another wounded.

Both of these incidents are gang related. Both are fairly common occurrences around here. We don't live in a big city, but we rival them with our crime rate. The police and swat team often close off the streets just East of our office. And last month a gang fight, luckily one that didn't include weapons, happened to be on the sidewalk in front of our office, and up against our front door.

We live in a town that has some amazing things happening. The downtown is being renovated, there are numerous shows, art activities and we are in a prime location for skiing, hiking and camping. It really is a great place to live, but until the gang problem is dealt with my family, and many more that I know, will have protection just in case.

Breakfast Casserole

Last night we had this delicious casserole for dinner. It's easy to put together, and gives you a bit of time to put your feet up while it cooks. And did I mention it's fairly inexpensive?

First I fried some sliced potato and covered the bottom of the casserole dish. You could also use tater tots, or sliced leftover baked or boiled potatoes. Then I topped the potatoes with onion, green pepper, olives and crumbled bacon. You can use your favorite veggies and meat, just slice things thin so they are fully cooked.

Next I beat together 5 eggs with a little bit of water and about a tablespoon of potato flakes. The restaurants use the flakes to help give the eggs some fluff, and it really works. Pour the egg mixture over the veggies, then top with shredded cheese.


Bake in a 350-375 degree oven. I didn't time it, I always look for the cheese to start browning just a bit, and I tip it to make sure the eggs are completely set. We served it with salsa for the adults, ketchup for the kids, and it was devoured!

It's hard not to laugh

Mo was re-enacting a scene for Cars last night with his toys. In his 2 year old voice I heard, "Mack, Mack." Then the truck said, "I'm not a Mack, I'm a refrigerator truck. Get it right you moron!" It was hard not to laugh while telling him that it was not nice to say "moron." I'd never thought there was anything in the movie he shouldn't repeat, but last night I heard it.

Mo also has some funny new games. Mo says, "huh?" and then tells you to say, "huh?" This game will go on as long as someone will play it with him. He likes to play the same game, with the variation of one person saying "no" and the other saying "yes." And then there's the Knock Knock jokes. Except Mo doesn't understand the process, so it generally ends up like this: Mo says, "I say Knock Knock, you say Who's There?" "Knock Knock" "Who's There?" "Knock Knock" "Knock Knock Who?" "No, you say Who's There."

It's funny how easily entertained they are at 2. Kaia wants to play elaborate games that involve the alphabet or counting or stories, and I only occasionally understand her rules. So for now, let me just say, "Huh?"

Weekend Review

Kaia became an official Ramette this Saturday at Dance Camp. The camp is a fundraiser for the high school drill team, and a great one. Would you rather have the drill team at your door trying to sell overpriced wrapping paper, or pay them $30 to teach your child some dance moves and team work for 3 and a half hours on a Saturday morning?

Kaia had a blast, and most of the girls in her kindergarten class were there. She did a pretty good job dancing, considering it was her first time, and loved the pom poms that they gave her.

When we got home from watching Kaia perform, I tried putting clothes in the dryer. It wouldn't start. So I hung them out on the line. Dana took the dryer apart to see if it was something easy that he could fix. It wasn't. So Sunday after church Kaia and I went to the laundromat to dry 2 loads of wet clothes. I realized when we got there that my blankets and some towels were still on the line. No big deal, except it was pouring rain. So they are still on the line...

The repair man comes today to see what the damage is to the dryer. I'm of course embarrassed that the house isn't all clean. Ok mostly that the laundry room has 2 litter boxes, full garbage cans, and it's just not made for strangers to be in. But to have my dryer working again, I'll deal with it!

I didn't realize I missed it

Yesterday, I taught Sunday School for the first time in 6 months. Now most people would be ecstatic for a break and ready for some adult Bible study. But for me, it was just, ok. I thought I'll enjoy not planning for lessons, and it will be good. But the break was wierd. I had been teaching that class for 3 straight years, and before that, helping in Kaia's class.

So I was a little unsure yesterday getting back in the teaching seat. Once I got into the classroom though, and put it back to the way I like it, it was great. I had so much fun. My co-teacher Jenny is amazing, and together we had a great class.

The kids designed uniforms for what they wanted to be when they grew up. Kaia wanted to be a farmer, so she drew fruits and vegetables. One girl chose dentist, another librarian, and the last chose veterinarian. The boys both wanted to be Nascar drivers.

Then we listened to the story of Peter and Cornelius. Told by actors in the first person, which I thought was fun. Afterward we did a maypole activity where we talked about how our differences are what makes us strong together.

The strangest part is having Kaia in my class, and convincing her that I'm teacher when I'm in there, not mommy. After class was over, it felt really good, and really right. Like I'm back where I belong!