Really?

My co-workers gave me a present this week.

For moi? Usually we exchange treats if we remember. But look at this, with a bow. Look who is peeking out from the wrapping paper...

It's a special magazine dedicated just to David Archuleta. In His Own Words.

Was I really that much into American Idol that this gift was warranted? Well, probably yeah.

I'm speechless.

I was engrossed.

I may re-gift it.

Would you like a mortgage with your milk?

JB is on a magnet. I love it. He sent it out to hundreds of his clients for Christmas, and I sent one to a few people because I think it's pretty cool. It's a calender so it's nice to have on your fridge -- plus I think he's handsome.

The hope is, people will go to the fridge thinking, "Hmmm, what do I need. Milk, a sandwich, a refinance?"

Who knew

I care...about what other people think of me.

I always...fix the newspaper after it's been read, and re-make the bed.

I worry...that my little boys will get hurt.

I remember...lines from TV shows and movies. It's scary sometimes.

I dance...like Ginger Rogers in my dreams.

I sing...too loudly. People turn and stare at church.

I don't always...floss.

I argue...with other people in my head.

I write...in my journal and Ben's and Max's journals every week or so.

I lose...all free give-aways, prize drawings, contests at work, etc.

I wish...I had more patience (why can't I win -- why? WHY?)

I listen...to CDs still. What? They still sell those?

I don’t understand...Spanish much anymore. Necesito practicar y hablar con personas latinas.

I can usually be found...in my living room on the floor building blocks with the boys to get them so interested in the project that I can slip away and get something done.

I am scared...of something under the bed after I watch a scary movie. Good grief, how old am I now.

I need...to print out pictures and put them in an album.

I am happy...after a nap, with my three cute boys all around eating fried chicken for dinner.

I did this mainly for J (such pressure!) but if anyone else wants to do it, you should. It makes you ponder.

Reindeer conversations

A story this week from Texas A&M pondered if Santa's flying crew really is all female. The secret is in the antlers -- females keep theirs by Christmas, males shed them (they grow back every year). Males who have been, ahem, well, now they are called steers, anyway, those male reindeer also keep their antlers through the winter too. The animal experts went into some other reasons as to why Santa may use more females then males on his crew -- they never get lost, etc.

So, saying all of that, for my story assignment Friday I went to a Christmas village that has real reindeer every year. And I interviewed them. Here you all are you lucky folks -- my first attempt as a radio reporter to take video on a story.

I hope to take Max and the rest of my family to see the reindeer and other attractions early next week. I can't wait to see his reaction, knowing his obsession with all things deer. Oh, and Santa will be there too. Max may be shy and refuse to talk to him. Or he'll hug Santa's leg and pour out all the desires of his heart. I imagine there will be no in-between.

Wall of cheer

See if you can find your Christmas card!

We have also received but have not taped to the wall a few Christmas letters with pictures sprinkled throughout, in full color. To you I say, "How do you do that?"

The slim white door in the middle is a built-in ironing board on our kitchen wall. Love these '50s houses.

A word to the wise

If your child is sick and you don't have any Sprite, 7-Up or other clear liquid to settle his stomach, don't give him a red beverage. It's not pretty when it comes up. Oh, and it stains.

No wonder the doctors say "clear liquids!" We only had some Ruby Red Squirt, so I had it get flat and thought it would help Max's tummy. Let's just say most of it ended in the toilet but some didn't. Red everywhere.

JB is on the way to the grocery store even as I type this.

I think Max caught a bug that's going around. His cousin Emily and her parents Bart and Collette were throwing up last weekend, and a few kids in our neighborhood have been sick too.

I would say stay home and keep your kids home, because I work in the news and that's what the health department tells us this time of year. But I know it's a hard thing to do, especially in December with so many obligations. Plus calling in sick to work is easier said than done.

Let's just hope the sickness skips me, Benny and JB. Stay tuned.

Red-nosed

How many tissues can one go through in one morning? As I type this I pause to add yet two more tissues to the pile.

It's so bad at home that I am using baby burp cloths to wipe my boys' noses. Why go through tons of harsh tissues when a softer fabric will work? Plus it's washable. I almost long for the days of handkerchiefs again, but a full one is pretty gross to haul around in your pocket.

We are also putting "medicine" on our noses (vasoline). It's helping with the raw redness.

I just drank some orange juice. I've heard Vicks Vapor Rub on the feet helps. Any other remedies to help get rid of two weeks of dripping sinuses?