3 cups sharp cheddar grated
1 lb sausage
5 slices bread buttered on one side and cubed
4 oz green chilies
4 eggs
2 cups milk
3 qtr teaspoon salt
3 qtr teaspoon chil powder
1 tsp pepper
layer, bread, chiles sausage, then pour eggs milk over bread
chill over night
9x9 baking dish
350 one hour.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Monday, December 16, 2013
The Sentencing
I had nearly forgotten about the sentencing date.
Saturday am I was up watching the news, not really paying attention, and then I was jolted back into the reality of the trial I served as a juror on. It was on the news!
I saw the victims mother testify before the judge before the sentencing. She was not present during the trial. It was noted that she lives on the East Coast I believe. She spoke to the judge, asking for a long sentence for the man who took her daughter.
They showed a quick view of the people in the benches. I saw the lady to testifiied about her injuries. She was the one who got in trouble by the judge a few times. She spoke to the judge about her hardships since the Defendant had no insurance. She claims to have $30,000 in medical bills and wants him locked up. How will she get compensated when the man is in jail?
After I watched the story on the news, I checked the web and Seattle Times had a front page story. It claimed that the Defendant had several other Reckless driving convictions and at the time of the accident, he was on house arrest for domestic violence. His wife testified on his behalf at the trial.
Many of the victims family members and friends are outraged at the Judge for suppressing the marijuana evidence. The defendant could have had a much greater sentence if he was convicted driving under the influence.
I still believe that the Judge did the right thing in suppressing that evidence. We saw that he did have marijuana in the car, but no method of using the marijuana was presented. No pipe, not even a lighter was found in his car. In an earlier news story, it was said he had undigested marijuana in his system. None of the police officers or first responders who iterviewed the defendant at the time had any reason to belive he was impaired. As one comment on the Seattle TImes said, 'he wasn't stoned, he was just stupid". Yes I believe that to be true. He was driving recklessly, as he has apparently done many times before.
Later that afternoon I heard on KOMO am 1000, the lead in for the story was "Man high from smoking marijuana gets 4.5 years in vehicular homicide" Ok so that's a completely false headline. This is why dislike the media. They sensationalize every story. can't we we just have the facts, even if they are not as exciting as the made up story?
Saturday am I was up watching the news, not really paying attention, and then I was jolted back into the reality of the trial I served as a juror on. It was on the news!
I saw the victims mother testify before the judge before the sentencing. She was not present during the trial. It was noted that she lives on the East Coast I believe. She spoke to the judge, asking for a long sentence for the man who took her daughter.
They showed a quick view of the people in the benches. I saw the lady to testifiied about her injuries. She was the one who got in trouble by the judge a few times. She spoke to the judge about her hardships since the Defendant had no insurance. She claims to have $30,000 in medical bills and wants him locked up. How will she get compensated when the man is in jail?
After I watched the story on the news, I checked the web and Seattle Times had a front page story. It claimed that the Defendant had several other Reckless driving convictions and at the time of the accident, he was on house arrest for domestic violence. His wife testified on his behalf at the trial.
Many of the victims family members and friends are outraged at the Judge for suppressing the marijuana evidence. The defendant could have had a much greater sentence if he was convicted driving under the influence.
I still believe that the Judge did the right thing in suppressing that evidence. We saw that he did have marijuana in the car, but no method of using the marijuana was presented. No pipe, not even a lighter was found in his car. In an earlier news story, it was said he had undigested marijuana in his system. None of the police officers or first responders who iterviewed the defendant at the time had any reason to belive he was impaired. As one comment on the Seattle TImes said, 'he wasn't stoned, he was just stupid". Yes I believe that to be true. He was driving recklessly, as he has apparently done many times before.
Later that afternoon I heard on KOMO am 1000, the lead in for the story was "Man high from smoking marijuana gets 4.5 years in vehicular homicide" Ok so that's a completely false headline. This is why dislike the media. They sensationalize every story. can't we we just have the facts, even if they are not as exciting as the made up story?
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Holiday dilemma again
For the last few years, Crista has been trying to break the family traditional Holiday schedule.
Last year, Mother informed her that she has emphyzema and would probably be leaving the planet soon. Crista did an about face and hosted a wonderful Dinner. Due to a light dusting of snow however, the Everett family did not come.
This year a month before Thanksgiving, Crista announced that she would be hosting Thanksgiving at her house, and her Christmas dinner would now be on Christmas Eve. The problem of course is that those are both the Dinners that Mike has prepared and hosted for the last 30 years.
I decided that I would not attend Cristas Thanksgiving. I would take the girls to Mikes. I rarely see the Mustelss and the kids have not seen them in several years. Crista was not happy with me making my own decision. We had a discussion and we agreed that I would come to her house for Thanksgiving and she would host Christmas dinner instead of Christmas eve. I praised the compromise! It made me so happy that my sister and I could compromise and put our Mother first.
Thanksgiving went off pretty well. I enjoyed spending the Holiday with my mother. I missed seeing the Mustells.
The first week of December rolled around. We placed a dinner order with the WAC, Bronwens employer. Part of the arrangement with Christmas is that I bring the dinner. All we have to do is heat, plate and eat. Crista announced a new plan. She is not going to have a dinner on Christmas, She is having an open house. Cinnamon Rolls and Ham will be available as an appetizer.
The deal is off. I was lied to.
Mother is very upset. She is still negotiating with Crista. I feel she will cave, as she just doesn't have the strength to fight Crista every day. We considered having dinner at my place in Seattle, but I think it's just too much for her. Plus, my place is not much bigger than Moms. Other ideas are renting a home for dinner or having it at a Restaurant.
No deal is reached as of yet. I am going to propose the girls and I come over in the AM and eat a traditional Breakfast Casserole. We can spend a few hours, then I will bring the girls home and go home and spend Christmas with Bronwen. We have spent one Christmas together in 11 years. I had never even considered it before, as I believe the Holidays are a time when you put others above your needs, but apparently our family isn't doing that anymore. It is a Holiday of ME this year. Me me me.
I will update once we finalize our plans. But, needless to say, the Family Tradition is broken, as well as the Family.
Last year, Mother informed her that she has emphyzema and would probably be leaving the planet soon. Crista did an about face and hosted a wonderful Dinner. Due to a light dusting of snow however, the Everett family did not come.
This year a month before Thanksgiving, Crista announced that she would be hosting Thanksgiving at her house, and her Christmas dinner would now be on Christmas Eve. The problem of course is that those are both the Dinners that Mike has prepared and hosted for the last 30 years.
I decided that I would not attend Cristas Thanksgiving. I would take the girls to Mikes. I rarely see the Mustelss and the kids have not seen them in several years. Crista was not happy with me making my own decision. We had a discussion and we agreed that I would come to her house for Thanksgiving and she would host Christmas dinner instead of Christmas eve. I praised the compromise! It made me so happy that my sister and I could compromise and put our Mother first.
Thanksgiving went off pretty well. I enjoyed spending the Holiday with my mother. I missed seeing the Mustells.
The first week of December rolled around. We placed a dinner order with the WAC, Bronwens employer. Part of the arrangement with Christmas is that I bring the dinner. All we have to do is heat, plate and eat. Crista announced a new plan. She is not going to have a dinner on Christmas, She is having an open house. Cinnamon Rolls and Ham will be available as an appetizer.
The deal is off. I was lied to.
Mother is very upset. She is still negotiating with Crista. I feel she will cave, as she just doesn't have the strength to fight Crista every day. We considered having dinner at my place in Seattle, but I think it's just too much for her. Plus, my place is not much bigger than Moms. Other ideas are renting a home for dinner or having it at a Restaurant.
No deal is reached as of yet. I am going to propose the girls and I come over in the AM and eat a traditional Breakfast Casserole. We can spend a few hours, then I will bring the girls home and go home and spend Christmas with Bronwen. We have spent one Christmas together in 11 years. I had never even considered it before, as I believe the Holidays are a time when you put others above your needs, but apparently our family isn't doing that anymore. It is a Holiday of ME this year. Me me me.
I will update once we finalize our plans. But, needless to say, the Family Tradition is broken, as well as the Family.
Jingle Bell Run 2013
Kelsey and the Kats was back for their fourth year in a row at the Port Orchard Jingle Bell run to support Arthritis Foundation.
Last year we placed in the top 10 fund raisers and got a nifty scarf as a prize! I left it in the packaging unti this year when I presented it to team captain Kelsey!
We had a pretty good team line up. Crista and her family. But then Maddie had somehting else come up, that being a trip to Leavenworth with her new bf. Crista did not want to participate this year, but I suggested it would be nice to support Kelsey, and, its minutes from her house. She agreed and signed up the whole family! We basically met Konstantine last year at the walk. We were excited to have the whole crew back again. They no showed.
Mark Michael signed up to walk. We were planning on car pooling, but Kelsey and I decided to hang out before hand. Mark decided to not come due to cold and the change of plans. Kelsey recruited her mom, step dad and brother to join us this year and they were planning to do something together after the walk, so before the walk was time for Kelsey and I to spend together.
We were going to take grandma out to breakfast but she was not up to going out, so we brought her breakfast in.
We arrived around 12:30. One hour before the walk. It was around 30 degrees, with wind coming from the North, right off the water. It was COLD. We bundled up for a few minutes and headed to the registration. Dawn and family were already here. We registered and then watched the costume contests and other activities.
Before the official walk, we took a walk through downtown Port Orchard. We decided this was enough this year! Just too cold. Kelseys joints hurt her in the extreme cold.
It was great to have Dawn and family join us this year. Hope they join next year too.
Final tally was $500 raised, minus Dawns fanily registration, which has not shown up under our team yet. My boss agreed to match up to $250, but he threw in $275 instead!
Last year we placed in the top 10 fund raisers and got a nifty scarf as a prize! I left it in the packaging unti this year when I presented it to team captain Kelsey!
We had a pretty good team line up. Crista and her family. But then Maddie had somehting else come up, that being a trip to Leavenworth with her new bf. Crista did not want to participate this year, but I suggested it would be nice to support Kelsey, and, its minutes from her house. She agreed and signed up the whole family! We basically met Konstantine last year at the walk. We were excited to have the whole crew back again. They no showed.
Mark Michael signed up to walk. We were planning on car pooling, but Kelsey and I decided to hang out before hand. Mark decided to not come due to cold and the change of plans. Kelsey recruited her mom, step dad and brother to join us this year and they were planning to do something together after the walk, so before the walk was time for Kelsey and I to spend together.
We were going to take grandma out to breakfast but she was not up to going out, so we brought her breakfast in.
We arrived around 12:30. One hour before the walk. It was around 30 degrees, with wind coming from the North, right off the water. It was COLD. We bundled up for a few minutes and headed to the registration. Dawn and family were already here. We registered and then watched the costume contests and other activities.
Before the official walk, we took a walk through downtown Port Orchard. We decided this was enough this year! Just too cold. Kelseys joints hurt her in the extreme cold.
It was great to have Dawn and family join us this year. Hope they join next year too.
Final tally was $500 raised, minus Dawns fanily registration, which has not shown up under our team yet. My boss agreed to match up to $250, but he threw in $275 instead!
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| Kelsey and the Kats 2013 |
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| great costume |
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| Kids 1k run |
Friday, November 29, 2013
Thanksgiving 2013
This year we broke tradition. The Petersons celebrated at Cristas house and the Mustells at Mikes. The split falls mostly along which side of the Puget Sound you live, with myself being the exception.
I was disappointed at first, but as important as Tradition is to me, spending Thanksgiving with my Mother is more important.
I wanted to go to the storage unit so I decided to leave my house, drive around through Tacoma, load up at the Storage unit, then pick up the girls around 1.
I left at 9:45. Traffic was very light despite heavy fog in most areas. I made record time, so I dropped by and visited Mark M before getting the girls.
Met the girls before 1 and we were off to Cristas. I brought the Christmas cards and pens out and asked the girls to sign them. What? Today? was their reply. Considering I won't see Jessica again till probably Christmas, it's our only chance. She agreed and the kids got the cards signed. We talked about adding a family letter this year as well.
We arrived at Cristas and brought with us Konners birthday present. The girls gave it to him right away. It is a Spiderman Dart board with a launcher that shoots plastic balls with velcro. Big hit. It's just spring loaded so it is not dangerous.
Maddie introduced us to her new bf Mitch. Everyone was there from this side of the water. Mathew got everyone drinks. I had too much soda.
Dinner was good. Jay made the Turkey. Maddie and Mitch brought green bean casserole and cornbread pudding. The second dish was Mitchs recipe. I don't think anyone of us had ever tried it. He explained that it was made of canned corn, cream of corn, sour cream, butter and corn bread mix. Bronwen said she has seen it baked before. Id like to try that. Bronwen was at work today.
Mashed potatoes, green beans corn bread pudding, dinner roll and Waldorf Salad which was a tasty surprise dish!
We were stuffed. We did not even stay for pie. It was past 4, and the kids had another dinner to get to! We said our goodbyes and hit the road. It was a nice Holiday.
I was disappointed at first, but as important as Tradition is to me, spending Thanksgiving with my Mother is more important.
I wanted to go to the storage unit so I decided to leave my house, drive around through Tacoma, load up at the Storage unit, then pick up the girls around 1.
I left at 9:45. Traffic was very light despite heavy fog in most areas. I made record time, so I dropped by and visited Mark M before getting the girls.
Met the girls before 1 and we were off to Cristas. I brought the Christmas cards and pens out and asked the girls to sign them. What? Today? was their reply. Considering I won't see Jessica again till probably Christmas, it's our only chance. She agreed and the kids got the cards signed. We talked about adding a family letter this year as well.
We arrived at Cristas and brought with us Konners birthday present. The girls gave it to him right away. It is a Spiderman Dart board with a launcher that shoots plastic balls with velcro. Big hit. It's just spring loaded so it is not dangerous.
Maddie introduced us to her new bf Mitch. Everyone was there from this side of the water. Mathew got everyone drinks. I had too much soda.
Dinner was good. Jay made the Turkey. Maddie and Mitch brought green bean casserole and cornbread pudding. The second dish was Mitchs recipe. I don't think anyone of us had ever tried it. He explained that it was made of canned corn, cream of corn, sour cream, butter and corn bread mix. Bronwen said she has seen it baked before. Id like to try that. Bronwen was at work today.
Mashed potatoes, green beans corn bread pudding, dinner roll and Waldorf Salad which was a tasty surprise dish!
We were stuffed. We did not even stay for pie. It was past 4, and the kids had another dinner to get to! We said our goodbyes and hit the road. It was a nice Holiday.
National Adoption Day - Welcome Konstantine to the family officially! November 22, 2013
Crista and Jay offered to adopt Konstantine last year. After a year of paperwork, the adoption was ready to be official. They participated in National Adoption Day.
The event was at the Kitsap County Court House. Bronwen and I went to witness the adoption.
The room was packed. We were in the very last row. The Judge came in, the courtroom rose and the Judge instructed us to sit. He then explained that since this was not an actual court case, he was going to ignore court room protocol, because this is a celebration.
The Judge explained what was to happen, that each family would step forward when called and any family or friends can approach also. He talked about the history of adoption and what it means to these kids, he started to choke up. He then talked about the assignation of Kennedy, as it was the 50th anniversary. He also slipped in a lot of jokes!
We watched as new famiies were created. It was very moving. Many of the children being adopted were special needs kids. I cannot express how amazing these selfless parents are to take on a life time of care and support. I am so unworthy. These parents are saints. After each adoption was final, the Judge gave each kid a stuffed animal and the Boys and Girls club put together gift bags for each child!
The entire event was just fantastic. I had no idea going in what to expect. Crista and Jay were the last family called, out of 5 families I believe. I moved up behind the bench to get pictures and video.
After the event, we all went downstairs for cake and juice.
It was so great to be in a courtroom with tears of joy instead of the despair I witnessed on jury duty. I only wish I was in a position to adopt a child myself. However, I suspect that the parents who adopted today did not consider themselves when making this choice.
The event was at the Kitsap County Court House. Bronwen and I went to witness the adoption.
The room was packed. We were in the very last row. The Judge came in, the courtroom rose and the Judge instructed us to sit. He then explained that since this was not an actual court case, he was going to ignore court room protocol, because this is a celebration.
The Judge explained what was to happen, that each family would step forward when called and any family or friends can approach also. He talked about the history of adoption and what it means to these kids, he started to choke up. He then talked about the assignation of Kennedy, as it was the 50th anniversary. He also slipped in a lot of jokes!
We watched as new famiies were created. It was very moving. Many of the children being adopted were special needs kids. I cannot express how amazing these selfless parents are to take on a life time of care and support. I am so unworthy. These parents are saints. After each adoption was final, the Judge gave each kid a stuffed animal and the Boys and Girls club put together gift bags for each child!
The entire event was just fantastic. I had no idea going in what to expect. Crista and Jay were the last family called, out of 5 families I believe. I moved up behind the bench to get pictures and video.
After the event, we all went downstairs for cake and juice.
It was so great to be in a courtroom with tears of joy instead of the despair I witnessed on jury duty. I only wish I was in a position to adopt a child myself. However, I suspect that the parents who adopted today did not consider themselves when making this choice.
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| The Family approaches the bench |
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| Mathew sat with us |
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| After the ceremony, Families and children were encouraged to come up for pictures with the Judge. |
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