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So, I went to work today. My glands are now the size of tennis balls. :)

But I had the chance to play reporter. The city mobilized its SWAT team to get two car robbers out of a house they broke into earlier today. Although I nearly froze my toes off, it was neat to be out there with the station reporters and newspaper photographers. My purpose was to capture SWAT video for future use in a city story. Being there was also a good reminder of why I didn't like "playing reporter" during my days in journalism school. A lot of hurry up and wait. And freeze your tush off.

The Five Letter Word

Parents cringe when their kids utter the three letter word or perhaps the dreaded four letter word. Well, folks. The five letter word can be just as bad.

I'm talking about "P-A-N-D-A." That's right. It's non abbreviated version is known as "Kung Fu Panda." It is Jack's favorite movie right now. The mere mention of the five letter word may send shivers down my spine. But I know my boy loves that movie and I've grown fond of it as well. Although, I would prefer to mix it up a bit with, say "Shrek" or...anything else.

His fascination for "Panda" reminds me of the summer I kidsat for a girl who wanted to watch "The Wizard of Oz" every day. It got old.

We usually watch "Panda" when Jack requests it. It's highly entertaining. Plus, suggestions of other movies are often answered back with the five letter word. Oh, and maybe the word, "please."

We watched "Kung Fu Panda" since I was home sick with Jack today. I think I have seen all of that movie now, although not all at one time. The runner-up movie? Monsters vs. Aliens.

Jack in a Box

Precious cargo - open with care.

There he is!

Extra, extra holiday pictures

As seen from my camera.

Mom and Meaghan watch the procession as the choir sings, "Silent Night."

Jack, before or after the meltdowns?

Isn't he precious!

Hey, isn't my brother Steven too old for these?

Oh, it's a beautiful afghan from my sister-in-law.

Mike was my brother Doug's secret Santa. Along with a couple of other things, Mike bought him these Toy Story army legos.

Who said real men don't wear bows?

Enjoying a moment with Garrett.

Our dog Molly asks, "Where's my gift?"

The 2009 edition of the classic box gift. OSFM.

Jack loves his new dinosaur from Uncle Billy and Aunt Mary.

We actually had a white Christmas! It flurried for three days. And, yes, I realize Jack's gloves are pink. They were available and he's too young to have an identity crisis. He looks so cute in those boots.

Apparently, even table cloth has a back-up. I bet mom really loves me after this post.

Santa left some gifts at home for Jack, including a truck and fake food.

Does this green thing look like a french fry to you? Maybe a moldy one?

I'm looking forward to another short week and more family time this week. We see Jack's birth mom and her family on New Years Day! Their Christmas/News Years Day party is always a blast. Just need to find one more white elephant gift.

A Merry Little Christmas

We are enjoying our Christmas vacation. It is flying by so fast.

We attended Christmas Eve mass back home, one of our annual traditions. You have to arrive an hour before mass begins if you want a good seat. A children's procession begins the mass celebration.

First and second grade girls carry baby Jesus on their shoulders. At the end of the procession, the priest places Jesus in the manger.

Boys join the procession too. Older boys carry candles.

My brother Doug led the adult choir.

After mass, we took the traditional picture by the manger. Do we look like the parents of a boy who had two melt downs in church?

We actually opened Christmas gifts from family before mass because we knew the kids would need to go to sleep when we came back home.

Mike received another computer geek book. :)

Cousin Christopher being silly.

Jack gave Meaghan a Little Pet Shop toy.

Jack opened gifts from Santa on Christmas morning.

Then had fun with cousin Garrett that evening.

Forget the toys. Looks like Santa should have brought Jack a flashlight. He decided to explore Grandpa and Grandma's house.

We hope you are having a wonderful holiday.

My Little Artist

Jack and I were playing with the crayons when he decided to start drawing hearts. "I draw heart, momma."

I was very impressed. I'm not sure where this idea originated but he drew several heart shapes.

I encourage Jack's artistic side every chance I get. His birth mother is very artistic and I hope that he will have a natural knack for it.

You may now call him Jacques.

Weekend in Review

After our fun night with Santa, we took it easy on Sunday. My poor baby was sick with a runny nose and sneezing. But we still had lots of fun.

Forgot to mention that my dad helped me pick up a kitchen set for Jack. It's a gently used one that belonged to a co-worker's daughter. My boy was so excited when it arrived. He played with it all weekend.

He also called Grandma a couple of times. 2 year olds with their own personal phones. Geez, what will it be next?

I was so proud of my son who strived hard to maintain a proper balance of chocolate in his diet this weekend.

We made gingerbread cookies. Poor Jack. He was not feeling good but nothing was going to keep my little man from helping his momma in the kitchen especially when there were cookies involved.

Mike took out his Guitar Hero and realized just how hard it is to be a rock star.

Jack tried to help but it was no use.

Mike really stank.

Jack also hung candy canes on our Christmas tree. I think he was going for somewhat of a clustering pattern.

Half the fun of hanging candy canes is eating them.

We're so excited that Christmas is this week! Two more days of work and then let the fun begin.