Christmas Morning

What a great Christmas morning!! Bill and the kids had to patiently wait for me to get home from work...but I made it back by 10:30 and all the wrapping paper was still intact!

The kids got great gifts from the Brenne's and Gina...Thanks for the great books, the bathrobe and Cube World! Will also got some Magnetix, a Lego Star Wars XBox game, and more Cube Worlds from us while Madison got a bunch of Littlest Pet Shop animals, Dream Life and the High School Musical DVD.

Santa came through again this year, delivering a whole bunch of Magnetix to Will and The Biggest Littlest Pet Shop to Madison...just what they wanted! Thanks, Santa!!

The biggest surprise of the morning was Bill's XBox 360! He's definitely not an easy guy to surprise....but I actually pulled it off! The look of shock on Bill's face was priceless, as was the big "YIPPEE...WOOHOO..." from Will as he sprinted a couple laps around our house in utter excitement.

There's nothing like Christmas morning, snuggling on the couch in our jammies, listening to Christmas music, dipping sugar cookies in coffee, and watching the kids become totally enthralled in their toys. We are very fortunate and we are very blessed.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

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My YouTube Pick of the Day:

Bowie meets Crosby

Christmas Eve...Ready for Santa

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.

This is what Will and Madison left out on Christmas Eve: 3 sugar cookies and milk for Santa, a piece of string cheese for Santa Mouse (you gotta read the book...), and a bag of carrots for the reindeer. When asked why they needed to leave the whole bag of carrots, they responded "Because there are eight reindeer...geez..."

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My YouTube Pick of the Day:

I Can't Believe It's Christmas

Snowy Neighorhood

We finally got a couple inches of snow late yesterday. Since then, the kids have been taking full advantage of the white stuff before it melts. The temperature is supposed to get to the upper 30's today...any bets on a white Christmas?

Sorry Vikings fans...

Final score: The Pack 9...Vikes 7

My You Tube pick of the day (OK...it's a little cheesy...but I know Gina will appreciate it)
We Love Brett Favre

My thoughts on Christmas letters

Well, we sent out our 62nd annual Christmas letter this year. Well, maybe it's actually only number 11. Anyway, it's a tradition that Bill and I started the year we were married and it's a really hard thing to give up on....you know, for tradition's sake. We've sent any and every type of letter you can imagine - a Gallagher family quiz, a Top Ten List (to rival Letterman's), a "Famous Quotes" letter, a generic highlights update, a Gallagher poem (that actually rhymed), and several others I can't remember right now. Each year they seem to get a little more ridiculous than the last one (although this year we opted for boring instead of ridiculous...I was having writer's block). One thing we haven't done is have a baby or a pet write the letter. No offense to those of you who chose to do that...it's just that babies and pets can't really write.

I absolutely love getting Christmas form letters! I guess that's why I write them as well. It's a great way to keep tabs on all of our long-lost friends in far-away places. I also love getting family Christmas pictures. I have them all taped to a door in our family room and I glance at them several times a day. Notice that I said "family" pictures. I love to see your kids and all.....but what I really want to see is YOU!! If I sent some of my long-lost friends in far-away places just a picture of my kids - they wouldn't know them from Adam. But, if I sent a family picture, they'd say, "Wow...we used to have some great times back in (high school/college/the bar). She's really gotten (old/fat/beautiful). And look at the guy she married...he's really (old/fat/hot)! Hmmm...they have a couple kids, too." See...isn't that much more entertaining?

Anyway, getting the mail in December is one of my favorite things! I love to hear from everyone...keep 'em coming!

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Here is a new thing I'm starting:

My YouTube Pick of the Day is

Andy McKee: Drifting

Christmas Past & Present

We went to Ridgedale mall tonight to see Santa. We're pretty sure he was the "real deal", not one of those helpers that try to look like him. Madison asked for the "Biggest Littlest Pet Shop" and Will (after finally making up his mind, and then changing it again in the car on the way to the mall) asked him for the 258 piece Magnetix box. Santa didn't even ask if they'd been good this year...hmmm?

I overheard Will saying a few days ago, "Sometimes I think he's real, and then sometimes I think he's not", and Madison chimed in as well, "Yeah, me too!"

As you can see, a lot has changed since 1999!

(Not only have they turned into "big kids", but Will is able to supress his fear much better!)

I love lists!

As another year is soon coming to an end, it is once again time for one of my favorite things. Sure, I love Christmas and New Years and all the joy, cheer and celebration that accompany them. But what I'm talking about here is the LISTS! The "Year in Review", the "Best of 2006", the "100 Greatest...", the "...Best Ever!". Videos, books, people, politics, movies, songs, pictures, you name it -I love them all! Below are some of my favorites so far.

MSNBC Year in Review

New York Times: Best Selling Books of 2006

New York Times: The 10 Best Books of 2006

VH-1: Top 40 Videos of 2006

MSNBC: Best Movies of the Year

Cozy Christmas

Holiday Party

Our friends Stephanie and Cory Conrad hosted a small neighborhood holiday party on Saturday night...no kids allowed! It was a really fun night with some really great friends. Left to right: Stephanie, Cory, Dee, Mike, Bill, and Cindy.

My Book List

As some of you may know, I love to read. I found this "Book List" on another blog and thought I'd take a shot at it. Let me tell you, it really made me think...and even rummage through a few of my bookshelves.

Books that changed my life:
I really can’t think of a book that “changed my life”. There are so many books that I’ve read that I recall fondly as I remember a certain time in my life. I remember reading Nancy Drew books as a kid, and remember thinking that I wanted to be smart, independent and brave like Nancy was; I remember reading “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee in Mrs. Delzer’s 9th grade English class and getting a tiny peek into the racial south of the 1960’s – a very weird concept for kid from South Dakota; and I remember reading “Critical Condition” by Echo Heron when I was in college, and it was then I knew that I’d be an ICU nurse some day…and a damn good one at that. Probably the most recent book that made me examine life was “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. I read this a year or two after 9/11. Although it was fiction, it really opened my eyes to what life in Afghanistan had been like – both past and relatively present. So, I can’t really say that any of them “changed my life”…but who’s to say they didn’t?

Books that I reread:
I reread “The DaVinci Code” by Dan Brown about 6 months after my first reading. Partly because my husband was reading it then and I was trying to recall some of the story so we could have our own little “book club discussion”; and partly because I loved the story and wanted to soak-in all the details! I know, it’s all fiction…but you have to admit – it makes you a little curious. I am also planning to reread “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Red Tent” because I love them both!

One book I would have with me on a stranded desert island:
Only one?...probably something psychoanalytical. If I were stranded on an island – I sure hope I would really be able to get in touch with my true inner-self and really be at peace with who I am. Or maybe I’d choose a book about strategies for getting off of a stranded desert island.

One book that makes me cry:
“The Five People You Meet in Heaven” and “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom are both books that have really made me think about life, death and everything in between. Actually, now that I think about it, these books should be included in the answer to the “life changing” question above as well.

One book that you wish you wrote:
“The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger – probably one of the greatest books I’ve ever read…what an amazing concept! I wish I’d thought of it!

One book that you wish never had been written:
The Adkins Diet…give up pasta and bread????...are you kidding me???

One book I’m reading now:
“The Dante Club” by Matthew Pearl. It’s OK…but I’m really struggling to get through it. I’m anxiously waiting to get our next book club "assignment"…

One book I’m planning to read
“Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert Pirsig. I bought this one about a year ago at Borders because it looked a little interesting, was marked as 20% off , and I was going through some kind of “motorcycle phase” that I’ve since outgrown. My sister, and literary resource, Jill, thinks I’ll hate it. Also on my queue is “The History of Love” by Nicole Krauss. I’m not sure exactly what this one’s about, but it comes highly recommended by Jill. And, “For One More Day” by Mitch Albom - I’m saving that one for a day I just need a good cry.

So, there's my list...anyone else want to give it a try?

Christmas Cookies

We tried something new with our Christmas sugar cookies this year - paint!...actually just egg yokes and food coloring. Will and Maddie had a blast and they turned out great! Thanks for the idea, Kristi!

Trauma Services Christmas Party

Our trauma department had a small gathering at our manager, Val's house on Thursday. We had a great time. It's fun to get together in a social setting once in a while. Pictured from left to right: Holly (trauma nurse), Diana (registrar), Val (trauma program manager), Jill (trauma nurse), Liz (registrar), Kristi (trauma nurse) and me.

AAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!

OK...I'm really scaring myself. I just pryed myself away from the family room where I have spent the past 3 hours and 17 minutes watching the E! channel. I watched 2 episodes of Dr. 90210 and a bunch of worthless Hollywood news. As a result, the beds aren't made, the dust is steadily accumulating, the bathrooms are growing more disgusting my the minute, and I still haven't showered. But, I did learn that liposuction looks so painful, the plastic surgeons in Bevery Hills are kinda creepy, slimey, pretty-boys, LOST is moving to a new time in February (Wednesdays at 9:00 central for those of you wondering), Jennifer and Vince broke up, and Tori Spelling is having a garage sale.

Oh my God...I have wasted the morning!!!

Will's Perfect Day

Stupid or Unfortunate? A day in my life at work...

First of all, I have to apologize for my warped sense of humor (it's related to 14 years of nursing...and just coming off a long stretch at work), but we have a new and insightful game that we've been playing at the Gallagher house lately. It's called "Stupid or Unfortunate", and believe it or not, it reflects my day-to-day life at work! Our director of trauma at the hospital where I work, recently explained how he plays it with his 4 little girls at home. So a while back I thought I'd give it a try with Will and Madison as well. Let me tell you...it's been a huge hit!!

To provide a little background, our trauma department regularly reviews all the trauma cases admitted through our Emergency Department to determine if any of them require presentation at our monthly M&M conference (no, we don't sit around and eat candy... it means Morbidity & Mortality). There are usually about 60-70 cases which are listed in order of injury severity. Each listing contains the patients age, mechanism of injury and resulting injury. On a serious note, some of these cases very tragic and incredibly unfortunate. But on the other hand, many...infact most, are - for lack of a better word - stupid.

So, this is how the game goes: I read (write) you a case scenario, and then you tell me - Is it stupid or unfortunate?

1. 13 year old boy - sheet on his head pretending to be a ghost - falls down a flight of stairs - fractured femur and radius.......stupid or unfortunate?

2. 48 year old man - riding bicycle - stopped at liquor store to buy another bottle - crashes moving bicycle into moving car while taking a drink from bottle - closed head injury, multiple fractured ribs, pneumothorax.......stupid or unfortunate?

3. 24 year old male - riding motorcycle at 120 mph - no helmet - drunk and chronic alcoholic (at 24??) - loses control and crashes into ditch - transected aorta and road-rash like you wouldn't believe...............stupid or unfortunate?

4. 14 year old male - gets in a fight with parents - stabs himself in the stomach with a kitchen knife............stupid or unfortunate?

5. 17 year old male - goofing around with buddies while shooting various small objects out of a BB gun - gets shot in the abdomen with a cut-off sewing needle - to surgery for exploration and removal of foreign object from liver..........stupid or unfortunate?

6. 20 year old female, crossing busy highway with husband - hit by car - tox screen positive for alcohol, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana - subdural hematoma, fractured femur, fractured radius, fractured pelvis, multiple fractured ribs, etc............stupid or unfortunate?

7. 50 year old man - jumps off the Empire State building - lands on the Statue of Liberty - falls in the ocean - swims to land then gets out of the water and gets run over by a car........stupid or unfortunate?

Seriously, I don't make these up! Well, all except for the last one - that's Will's favorite scenario when we play the game.

So, lessons to take away:
- Don't drink/ do drugs and drive anything (motorized or not)
- Don't drink/do drugs and go near anything moving...or near water, for that matter
- Don't play ghost at the top of a flight of stairs
- Wear a freakin' helmet if you drive motorcycles or bikes!!
- Don't stab yourself in the stomach to get back at your folks... they'll probably just stick you in a psych unit.
- And, don't jump off the top of the Empire State Building...you'll end up getting hit by a car.

Really, there are some truly, truly tragic instances, but please keep in mind: MOST TRAUMA IS PREVENTABLE!!!! PLEASE BE SMART AND SAFE!!!!

(That ends this public service announcement.)

Pack 541

Cub Scout Pack 541 had a meeting a couple days ago featuring "The Raptor Guy". The kids saw a falcon, an owl, a hawk and a bald eagle. Check out the left side of each of the pictures above...it was HUGE! The scouts all thought it was pretty cool...I get a little creeped-out from noisy flapping wings.

New Addition

Well...I have a big announcement to make. We have a recent new addition to our home. Nope, it's not a child. No way, not a stinky dog either. And much to Will and Madison's dismay, it's not a turtle, chameleon or iguana. (Drum roll please....) We are the proud "owners" of expanded cable and a DVR ! (outrageous applause)

It's not like we've never had an over abundance of TV channels before. Way back in 2002, we gave cable TV a try. It was great! I loved to watch HGTV and VH1, Bill loved the Discovery Channel and the History Channel, and the kids loved Cartoon Network and the Disney Channel. Then we gave it up. Hmmmm....now, I'm just trying to remember why.... It might have had something to do with the way we all became "TV Zombies".

I'm not sure how all you other families manage it. But, for some reason, at the Gallagher house, we all start acting like addicts. I'm sure that before too long, we'll each be lounged in front of our chosen TV. Given our differing tastes in programming, it's a good thing we have enough TVs to go around. I'm sure we'll be able to communicate by yelling room-to-room, throughout the house: "Get in the shower"..."not yet, my show's not over"..."what's for dinner"..."can you look for the take-out menus"...."not yet, I'm busy - look for them yourself"... "I don't want to go to bed yet"...

And another drawback, if I'm remembering correctly, is that cable TV causes insomnia and irritability in men. I think that the cable must send off some sort of "man-magnet" via the television that cannot be broken. Absolutely nothing, not even sleep, food, or the fact that is is 3:47 am, can draw Bill away from the TV during a great WWII documentary or wild animals eating each other. Therefore, I'm anticipating many nights sleeping alone, one really crabby, sleep-deprived husband, and increased wear and tear on our couch.

But...by far the most exciting part about all of this is the DVR. Apparently we'll be able to watch all our favorite shows, with no commercials, at anytime we want. Amazing! (Just humor me, I realize we're probably the last people to get this wonderful technology)...it sounds like heaven! No more missed episodes of 'The Office' or 'Lost' again! Woo Hoo!

So anyway, wish us luck with the new additions. And remember, if you don't see any new blog posts for awhile, don't worry... I've probably just been sucked in by reruns of Law & Order and The Real World. I'm sure I'll re-surface at some point.

...and it begins....

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.