Dear Mom,

The kids are finally in bed after one hectic day! It started off with Officer Davidson knocking on our door for an unannounced search of our house. We thought we might get away with only having one this year, but I guess it was our turn again. Like they say, if you have nothing to hide, you shouldn't mind. He was very polite and complimented us on our Christmas tree. But I was quite embarrassed because I hadn't had a chance to pick up and the place was a mess.

That left just enough time to get the kids cleaned, fed, dressed and on the way to church. We got there in time, but I couldn't attend services with Bill and the kids because I hadn't noticed my worship license had expired.

It's my own fault. I get so busy that I lose track. I should have renewed it back in September before the big fee increase. I'll do it next week. I hope my picture turns out better on this one. I may even ask for an additional religion on my license because the O'Briens have invited us to attend Mass with them.

After church we went to the mall, and I finally found that book I've been looking for on coping with my diabetes, but couldn't buy it because I had just bought a recipe book last weekend. I suppose I could submit a request for a special permit to buy a second book in a 30-day period, but I really hate that finger print ink. It's so hard to wash off. I hope no one else buys it before next month.I was elected secretary of our Rotary Club at tonight's meeting. As you know, we normally meet on Tuesday nights, but the instant background check system was down, so no one could get approval to assemble. We rescheduled for today, so it was only a minor inconvenience. Besides, the President says they prevent a lot of gang activity by requiring these checks.

Billy, Jr. kicked the winning goal in yesterday's soccer game. He's eager to see the write-up of the game in the newspaper, but it won't be until Friday due to the 5-day delay in publication for government fact verification.

Remember I told you about the convenience store being robbed last month? Well, the O'Brien's house next door was burglarized Wednesday. They believe a parolee in the area is responsible. Billy and I have talked about it before, but we made the decision to try to get a gun for self-protection.

The mandatory, government training course has an opening next month, then Billy can apply for a state permit. With luck, he can buy a gun by spring, if the Chief of Police has no objections.I just saw on TV that tomorrow is the anniversary of something called the "Bill of Rights." They say that is what allows us to burn the flag and publish pornography. We are so lucky to live in such a free country.

That's all for now, Mom.

Love,