The explanation...

A couple months ago Tim was approached by an Omak city police officer (I believe he is a sergeant) who goes to our church if he had ever thought about being a police officer. He told him that there was a few openings at the Omak department and that he should really think about applying. Tim really did get to thinking about it over the next month and was able to talk with a couple retired and former cops and became familiar with what it’s all about and about the different branches of law enforcement. To make a long story short, after a lot of prayer by both of us (believe you me!) and weighing of the costs, he decided to apply. He also found that there is an opening in the Tonasket department as well. That test date is on the 20th.

I don’t think Tim’s totally made up his mind if he wants to pursue any law enforcement job anywhere in the state or if he wants to be picky about the ‘where’ and ‘what’. I told him he should keep the option open of working with troubled youth, such as as a corrections or juvenile probation officer. We’ve been told that it’s rare to get hired off the street very quickly but that persistence will eventually get you in. So, we begin the process. We’re open to God’s guidance along the way. Who knows where this will lead us in the end.

Tim got home late last night from his testing in Mill Creek for the Omak application. He didn’t pass the test this time but he can reapply to Omak in 3 months. He now knows what to expect and what he needs to brush up on. He was tired so I wasn’t able to get much more out of him, but I’ll let you know if there is anything else interesting to mention. : )

I am nervous about what life as a cop’s wife would be like, but I am also excited about the idea. We need more Christian men on the force. Their light can truly shine bright in a realm of so much darkness. As a Christian, Tim has the tools needed to stay grounded, humble, and not bitter or disillusioned. Tim has always been interested in the military but that wasn’t the route for him. He has a genuine desire to help and protect people and to make a difference. I have always seen that in him. I think that is the right reason to pursue a career/ministry as a policeman. He has the raw material to make a great police officer, now begins the putting together of the pieces. We would really appreciate your prayers and support!

Our schedule is toast today

Cedric woke up today at 8am and refused to take a nap until 5:30pm. 8-( Not a good thing. I am going to have to wake him up now after only 30 minutes of sleep or he won't go to bed for the night until 9 or 10pm. It has already been such a LONG day. I've been wanting to take a nap myself since noon. I do not want to stay up that late entertaining him. But these next couple hours are not going to be fun. He's going to be SO grumpy. And Tim won't be home until 9pm or so. So he won't be here to help. :( Ok, enough complaining... :) I just needed to vent. I've only talked with one other adult ALL day. Tomorrow should be better.

Prayer and garlic

Well, tonight Tim is heading over to the coast to take the preliminary testing tomorrow required as part of his application to the Omak Police Department. He'll be coming home tomorrow evening. I am so excited/nervous for him! We're aware that chances are he won't get hired this first time around since we've been told it usually takes an average of 2 years of trying before getting hired as a policeman. Tim's prepared though and he's going in with an attitude that he will learn as much as he can so he'll know what to expect next time and what he may need to brush up on to get higher scores. We would so appreciate your prayers! He'll be taking another of the same test next weekend. That will take place here in Tonasket however and it's for the Tonasket Police Department.

Have you guys ever had baked garlic cloves? They are delicious! I had this for the first time a couple years ago at Tonasket's annual garlic festival. They are much more mild when baked vs. raw. I like to spread them on wheat crackers! Yum! You can also use them for garlic bread, season mashed potatoes, pep up mayonnaise, or stirred into sauces.

Baked Garlic Cloves

Large garlic bulbs, unpeeled
Olive oil

Trim the roots, but keep the bulbs unpeeled. Coat each bulb with 1 TB oil, wrap in foil, and bake at 300 degrees for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, or until cloves are easily pierced.

Cool, and separate cloves, Squeeze uplp out of skin, and store in a glass container. Cover with olive oil. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep for several weeks.

Well, I am off to meet Dawndie and Alex at the Tonasket park!

Tattoo!

Cool, I'm going to get this tattoo sooner than I thought! Since the guy estimated that it shouldn't take longer than 2 hours tops to finish the tattoo, Tim and I decided just to take Cedric with us and Tim can take him on a walk or something when he gets wriggly. So, I have a 4 o'clock appointment on the 19th! Whoohoo, just a week! :) I'll definitely be posting pictures as soon as I can.

Lawn mowing

Cedric is understandably nervous about the lawn mower, running to me or the door whenever Tim comes around our side of the yard, but he loves watching Daddy mow. : ) Tim was mowing today, and at one point, Tim stopped and called Cedric to join him. The lawn mower was still runnning but Cedric made his way to his daddy, hestitating a couple times, but he kept going! His reward for his bravery and trust was a good ride in daddy’s arm while he mowed. Good manly bonding. :)

The last few weeks, Cedric has taken to sticking his fingers in his ears and yelling. :D It’s pretty darn cute. Watching his discoveries is so much fun.

Eggplant and tattoos

It is getting late but I wanted to share the link to a recipe that I really like and one that Cedric enjoys, too. It's Baked Eggplant Balls. I made them into patties instead of balls. They don't have a strong taste. I personally think they could be addictive. : ) They have eggplant, cheese, eggs, garlic, finely chopped broccoli substituted for parsley..... instead of bread crums I substituted some wheat germ. It's really good and really healthy. Smells good cookin, too. : )

Well, I am finally going to be getting a tattoo! Yay! I have been wanting one since I was 16. Tim designed me a butterfly with our initials hidden amidst the pattern of the wings. It'll be about 3 x 5 inches and placed in the center of my upper back. It'll probably be a combo of brown, red, and black ink. Perhaps a little green or blue. I e-mailed a scan of the butterfly to the artist I'm going to, and he is putting together a few different color ideas and then we can tweak it when we get there. I'm going to a place in Wenatchee that was recommended to me called Tatta-Rama . It's a well-known place with a good reputation. Unfortunately, the soonest we could get a babysitter and Tim's day off will be the beginning of October, but I'm so looking forward to it! *self-coaching: pain is in the mind, pain is all in the mind....* : P

Friday

Well, Cedric did have a good night last night. He went to bed on time, woke up only twice, and was up for good at 8:00 instead of the recent usual time of 6:30. I feel better today. : )

I don't think I ever mentioned that the 2nd batch of my vanilla peach jam did set better than the first try. Not as solid as I'd like but it'll do. : ) Mom brought about 6 of the jars with her to the bank to decorate in honor of the county fair going on this week. She said that she had an older man offer to pay $5 for a jar. I told her that next time he's in and if he's still interested, she should take the $5. : )

I have a slightly split bottom lip this afternoon. No good reason, just opened a cupboard into my face. : P Such a dork....

I'm looking forward to seeing Grammy when she stops by on her way to Mom and Dad's! She should be here around 4:00 or so. Looking forward to meeting Kip as well. : )