When the year first started, after a long day at the City Office, I came home looking for some relaxation. As soon as I entered the porch I heard tiny giggles coming from the kitchen. I glanced into the living room from the porch and saw that Ellen was taking a nap. Even while sleeping she looked like she also had a long day at home. The tiny giggles continued and I knew that Shaun and Kristy were amusing themselves with something. As soon as I stepped into the living room I glanced into the kitchen and, lo and behold, there they were, sitting on the floor in the middle of the kitchen covered in white powder. They were swinging and scattering the powder around. I said, "Holy cow!" and Shaun jumped up and ran into one of the bedrooms. Kristy continued to play in the powder. Somehow they had gotten ahold of the sugar, flour and pancake mix, opened them up and piled them on the floor and were playing in the middle of the pile of mixed ingredients. At that time it wasn't funny, but looking back at the incident it makes me smile and let out a little laugh. As parents we must constantly remember to keep items out of the reach of our little ones, especially something that might harm them.

By Ray Alstrom Sr.