I should start a journal...

As of today, I've come up with a resolution for 2007. Yeah, I know I still have 32 days to put it into effect, but there's no time like the present, huh? My new resolution is to start writing more. At least once a week since I can remember (actually it probably started as a suggestion from Oprah when I was in high school), I've said to myself, "I should start a journal." Well, here is my attempt - and you are all my witnesses.

As some of you know, a couple of my favorite things are making lists and filling out forms. No, I'm not joking. Really, I love to do that kind of stuff. I think if I took one of those career tests, I probably should have been an administrative assistant. And that is also why I like to forward all those ridiculous "Getting To Know You" emails.

So, as I enact my new resolution, I will attempt to journal, and "grace" you all with my random thoughts, often-meaningless insights, and quirky lists. At the least, it should make me a better writer, don't you think?

Here goes my first list. I found this as I was "networking" through a series of blogs. Kind of like the six degrees of separation. Near as I can tell, it's my sister Jill's, friend Kristi's, friend Allison's, sister-in-law Jill. I guess that would make it four degrees...

Three things that scare me: My kids turning into teen-agers (uncontrollable ones). Cancer. Horrible car accidents.

Three people that make me laugh: Steve Carell (I swear he is the funniest human ever to walk this earth). John Stewart. Ellen Degeneres.

Three things I love: My husband. My kids. My sisters.

Three things I hate: Hate seems like such a strong negative word...I can't seem to think of anything right now as I'm really trying to focus on being "bright and shiny" (Meredith Grey, Grey's Anatomy).

Three things I don't understand: What is the difference between Hi Def, Digital, LCD, Plasma, DLP, Panamorphic, Widescreen, 10adi (or is it 1080i), blah, blah, blah. Why my husband actually knows this stuff. The concept that there can only be one "right" religion that gets you into heaven.

Three things on my desk: A mouse pad with a picture of a Truimph Rocket III. A wooden duck letter/bill holder. A stack of stamps just waiting for Christmas Cards. (note: I share the desk with Bill).

Three things I am doing right now: Blogging. Listening to the Today Show in the background. Thinking that I really should take a break and go shower.

Three things I want to do before I die: Raise intelligent, independent, happy, truly-good children that have turned into intelligent, independent, happy, and truly-good adults. Travel extensively throughout Europe and Asia. Leave a mark in this world, and on the people in my life...I guess if I can accomplish the first one, that takes care of the last one.

Three things I can do: Mulit-task (I am a self-proclaimed "queen of multi-tasking"...and I wish it would rub off on my husband.) Yell really loud...it would probably surprise most people. Drive a motorcylce.

Three things I can't do: A single pull-up. Maintain a steady weight. Program our VCR.

Three things you should listen to: The sound of perfect silence. A great thunder/lightning storm. Heartfelt laughter.

Three things you shouldn't listen to: Right-wing talk radio (those nut-jobs). Telemarketers. Unsolicited advice.

Three things I would like to learn: Golf. Violin. Karate.

Three favorite foods: Pizza. Ice Cream. Thai food.

Three beverages I drink regularly: Diet Coke. Diet Pepsi. Diet Mountain Dew. (sad, huh?)

Three shows I watched as a kid: Duke's of Hazzard (I always thought Luke was much cuter than Bo...and did you know that Daisy was actually from South Dakota?... so we had a connection). Grizzly Adams (I think I had a crush on Nokomis, or Nakoma, whatever his name was). The Brady Bunch, Fantasy Island, Hart to Hart, Night Stalker, The Love Boat...oh my gosh, there's too many!

So, there's my list. I'm tagging Jill, Cindy, Sara, and Amy...post your own, ladies! I'll be checking...

Holidazzle Parade

We decided to take advantage of the unseasonably warm temperatures during Thanksgiving weekend and went downtown to see the Holidazzle Parade. We met up with Jan, Bill, Nicole, Brian and Finn. After the parade, we had a late dinner at Applebee's in Block E. It was a fun night and a great way to bring in the Holiday Season!

Madison and Will enjoying some hot chocolate.

It took Will most of the parade until he finally found a good viewing spot. A nearby bus-stop served as a great ledge to lean on!

Bill and Finnegan watching for Santa in the parade.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a great Thanksgiving! We were joined by Dad, Marva, Jan, Bill, and Paul. Lucky for me, Dad and Marva handled a large share of the turkey-stuffing-mashed potato-preparations, Jan and Bill brought the pies, and poor Uncle Paul got stuck washing most of the dishes! The day was filled with food, football and family...just the way it should be! It always seems crazy to think that so much planning and preparation goes into a big meal, and then it's gone in like...15 minutes!

Greetings from the Gallagher's!

Is that a word?

Grandpa Bill, Madsion and Will in deep concentration during a Scrabble game. The kids have recently learned to play...and they're not too bad, either!

It's all fun and games...until someone starts crying.

SURPRISE!!

We pulled off a GREAT surprise last night for Bill's 60th Birthday! It was a fantastic party, complete with about 70 wonderful friends and family, great food, plenty of beer and wine, birthday cake...and even bagpipes! Brian picked up Jan and Bill with the idea that several of us were meeting for dinner, while Bill's co-workers, neighbors, and family were secretly congregating at Sweeney's Pub in St. Paul. The look on his face was priceless as he walked in and realized that everyone was there for him! It was an awesome party for an amazing man! We love you, Bill!!

Bookworms

Each night we try to schedule "DEAR" time (Drop Everything And Read) for 20-30 minutes. Lucky for us, they both love to read. Madison is half-way through the first Harry Potter book, and Will is almost done with his first "big" hardcover book about Dragons.

Who's that in the kitchen??

Bill was playing Mr. Mom earlier this week. He had a couple days of vacation while I went to work. On the menu Tuesday night was: Beef Tenderloin served with a creamy blue cheese sauce, Dijon Brussel Sprouts, and Candied Carrots. Delicious! That's my guy - he can hunt AND cook...who could ask for more!
(note his graceful cooking form while sauteeing and "folding" at the same time!)

Deer Hunting

Bill went "up north" for the Deer-Opener last weekend. Every year they go to "The Shack", which is just east of Two Harbors. This property has been in their family for many years, and the first time I laid eyes on it, it instantly reminded me of the creepy house in "The Blair Witch Project". Anyway, they've proven my hypothesis incorrect...they actually DO hunt when they go up there! In fact, Uncle Paul and Ricky each got a deer. Note the size difference...does it mean that you're a better hunter if you can hit a much smaller target?? And thankfully, we don't have any venison waiting in our freezer...yet.

Dear Santa (and anyone else it may concern)...

This is from Madison, I told her that I'm not sure it actually works this way...

Just a bit complicated!

We had a guy come out to calibrate our projector. It took him about 3 hours with a remote that had about 78 buttons...WOW!

But, we are now thoroughly enjoying our home theater! I guess technically, our first movie was "Finding Nemo" since we finished watching it after the "calibration-guy" used it for the bright colors. We then had a "mini" LOTR marathon...just couldn't stay awake for the last one. We've watched several movies since, and every time, Bill looks like a little kid on Christmas morning!

It was a Star Wars Halloween...

Halloween greetings from Darth Maul and Queen Amidala.

Actually this is what I've been informed: She's not really Queen Amidala. She is the queen's hand-maiden who disguises herself as the queen to allow the real queen to scope out Tatooeen and the Jedi knights. And,in case you were not aware, Darth Maul does NOT bite...despite his sharp, yellow teeth. (duh...)

Joining the Star Wars gang is the real Queen Amidala (disquised as a hand-maiden and aka Gracia) and a storm trooper (aka Danyan)

The Culhane's from across the street. Madison felt it was VERY important NOT to smile on any of the pictures. She is very serious...and it might ruin the effect of the red lip.

Pumpkin Carving