Our Linus

The original was Linus van Pelt (I don't think "Pelt" is a coincidence here). This character has also been given credit for coining the term "security blanket."

Our little Linus sleeps with his blanket and has taken to "needing" it around him when he first wakes up, too. This guy has gotten to the point where he can't sleep without it. In fact, today, he didn't take his second nap. I thought all the whining and gibbering was because he is teething, too busy to go to sleep, etc. But, when I went in to get him, he was standing in his crib, pointing at the floor at his blanket which had somehow fallen out of the crib.

When he is playing in his room, he reaches into his crib and pulls it out through the slats.

I brought it to church a couple of weeks ago because he was particularly cranky and I needed everything I could get to make it through Sacrament.

A lady behind us tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Where did you get that blanket?"

I told her, and I mentioned we had a back-up for when we needed to wash the blanket.

Her response was,"Be careful. My husband needs a silky blanket to get to sleep at night, and he is 30." She then added,"And his wife hates it!"

Hhhmmm, but I don't want to pull a Lucy and bury the blanket. Nor do we have a Lucy around to torment him about it. And, he hasn't tried to wind the blanket up and snap it at people, turning the blanket into a weapon. So, he'll get to keep his blanket. For now.

__________________________________

Charlie Brown: I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn't have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don't know what Christmas is all about.

[shouting in desperation]

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?

Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

[moves toward the center of the stage]

Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.

[a spotlight shines on Linus]

Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]

Linus Van Pelt: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Christmas Morning

We started off with a quick breakfast and then read the story of the birth of Christ. Everett sat pretty well during the story telling and only tried to run away when he spotted the cat and decided to chase.

He enjoyed playing with each of the gifts. We took our time opening them as his attention span was cut each time by a "cat sighting" and he would crawl off to see if this was the time he would finally catch that feline.

Everett swiped a white chocolate Reese's cup from Erik's stocking. He loved it!

He was very impressed with the block tower.

Above all though, aside from chasing the cat, he loved the pictures that were sent.

He has handled his cousin's picture several times.

After his morning nap, we had the traditional steak fajita Christmas lunch. The rest of the day was spent playing and spending time with one another.

Everett tried out his new phone skills with several relatives. He only hung up on one of them (Sorry Grandma and Grandpa Albritton!) A couple of them even got to hear him laugh (and cry). Lucky Ducks!

Note: Twiggy is really getting a run for her money from Everett these days. She's had to go for small areas to hide. This does not deter Everett in the least, but he did get stuck between the back of a chair and the wall. He didn't chase her into that small area again.

Merry Christmas!!

Chills and Thrills

Erik: My Chill for the week was my surgery and my Thrill for the week is my surgery. I am mending well. The doc says that I can get on with my life but to be careful. No basketball or hockey playing anytime soon. I am also not allowed to blow my nose for two weeks. But, I can breathe!

Sheila: My Chill for the week was Everett's fever. We weathered it though with only a couple of odd things happening. My Thrill for the week was taking care of Everett and Erik. I really enjoyed taking care of them and spending time with the both of them. It was really sweet though when Erik was able to hold Everett this morning for the first time for almost a week. You should have seen the grin on Everett's face. He sure missed being held by his dad.

Everett: My Chill for the week was missing my dad. My Thrill for the week will be spending time with my parents.

As noted in the previous post, Everett is a singer, day and night. He also enjoys playing phone. He will jabber into the phone, give it to you, and then want the phone back to jabber some more. He is also taking the risk and walking with only one of our hands sometimes, and he is standing for seconds at a time before getting scared and falling down. I think he could stand a whole lot longer and actually walk, but he is doing it on his own time frame.

Conversation While Viewing Holiday Lights

So, last night we were all a bit on the cabin fever suffering side with the gray raining day keeping us in the whole day. Thus, we all piled into the car for some holiday light viewing. (I drove. Erik is on super pain medicine and isn't allowed to operate heavy machinery.)

Upon reflecting on the drive, it was a bit like chauffeuring two drunk people around. The happy drunk and the cranky drunk. See for yourself.

Scene: Driving down wet streets viewing neighborhood lights with I'll Be Home For Christmas playing. Sheila is driving, Erik is in the front passenger seat, Everett is in the back behind Erik.

Erik: Wow. This song is SO Austin-esque. What CD is this?

(Note: Saying this song is Austin-esque is Erik's way of saying that it reminds him of the Austin music scene.)

Sheila: It is the radio.

Everett: (in loud monotone singing voice) Yayayayay, alalalalal, lololololo

Erik: (to Sheila) Wow, he is really loud.

Sheila: Yeah, you just haven't gotten the full effect because he is usually sitting behind me.

Everett: (continuing in monotone singing voice) Oooooo, ahahahahah, ooooooo, yayayayayay

Erik: (starting to get a bit anxious) He is really loud.

Sheila: Would you like me to stop so that you can sit in the back beside him? It won't be as loud there.

Erik: Yeah.

Sheila stops the car; Erik changes seats, and they are on their way. A bluesy Christmas song is on the radio.

Erik: Wow. This song is SO Austin-esque.

Sheila: Hhhmmmm.

Everett: (loud monotone singing voice) Babababababa, yayayayay, alalalalal, lololololo

Erik: Woooaahhhh, are we going in circles?

Sheila: No, we just turned around in a culdesac.

Erik: Woooaahhhh, I just had my eyes closed and I felt like we were really spinning.

Sheila: No, but you didn't notice when we kept driving in circles when we got caught in that last neighborhood and I couldn't find the road out.

Erik: Weeelllll, I just lay my head baaaaaack and I can fflllyyyyyy!

Everett: (starting to get cranky and is way loud) Bababababa, whah, whah, whah, WHAH

Erik: (under the direction of Sheila gives Everett a snack--Stars) He is RE---aally hungry.

Sheila: Is he okay with the stars?

Erik: Yeeaahhh!

They pass a fence that the owner has put up lights, a Christmas scene, and the word "Noel" in lights.

Erik: That says No--L. I say No---Pee! Hehehehehehe!

Everett: (all out crying) Whawhawhawhawhawhawha!

Erik: Here, buddy, have some more stars.

Everett: (quiet for a moment)

Sheila looks back and Everett has about 150 stars in his hands on his chest and all over the car seat.

Sheila: Erik, how many stars did you give Everett?

Erik: (giggling) A lot. He SUREEEE is hungry.

Sheila turns the car around to go back home. Everett is in all out sobbing and crying mode with intermittent pauses to watch his dad.

Erik: Everett you are so . . . . . DELIGHTFUL!

As the car pulls into the Sjolseth's neighborhood A Honkytonk Christmas is playing.

Erik: This is a Goooood song. Is this on a the radio?

Sheila: Yes, I changed it to a country station.

Erik: Cool. This song is SO Austin-esque.

Coming Out of Our Shell

I kind of feel like our family is a tortoise that hid inside his shell for a couple of days. Today, we ventured out, a bit.

Everett napped like a newborn. Well, okay, not quite. But he took two excellent naps (the "up all night long" night finally caught up with him). We just put him to bed, an hour early.

Erik is doing well. He is barely bleeding now. He went in with us to Michaels, and only one woman stopped in her tracks, dropped her bags, fell to the floor screaming . . . . Just kidding. Erik was worried that people would think he looked like a troll, but he doesn't, and no one did. He is still on high level pain medicine and is drowsy all the time. Both the cat and Everett have bumped his nose despite our best strategies to avoid this. I think his nose will be fine despite the run-ins.

I am functioning pretty well as Super Nurse. (Nurse is loosely stated. I do well to take temperatures accurately.) I have been able to keep Everett happy despite the fact that he can't play with his dad right now. Erik doesn't have many complaints about his care, and I got to take a nap today. I think that there is a rule somewhere in the Mommy Handbook that if you get to take a nap, you can't complain about anything else.

I am hoping that it is warm enough to take a walk tomorrow. Until then, we are cautiously peaking out at the world.

STAY IN BED

If you happen to call the house and happen to talk to Erik, please tell him, ask him, beg him, to STAY in bed.

He is doing way TOO much. In the time that it took me to get Everett to sleep, Erik started cleaning trash cans. And, no, I don't mean cleaning them out like collecting the trash. I mean he got out the "Goo Be Gone" and was in the kitchen cleaning, scouring the stupid trash can.

He needs to take it easy.

"You Should See The Other Guy"

Erik spoke with his surgeon today. (He talked to him yesterday after the operation, but Erik doesn't remember much of what he said.) Evidently the deviation was more severe than what the CT scan showed. Thankfully, the surgeon's skill still surpassed Erik's need as the surgeon said to Erik today,"You should see a marked difference in your breathing quality."

Erik is already breathing out of his nose and is able to smell a little even with all of that stuff up there.

The must haves for recuperating:

Gatorade

Bendy straws

Tic-tacs

Gum

Salted french fries

Non-carbonated drinks

Everett's fever broke and stayed away. He took two naps today. And, I did, too. We are all feeling better and hope to be able to enjoy some of this holiday time more this weekend.

S Day Recap

TODAY was SURGERY day. . .

The surgery went well. I think it took a bit longer than anticipated, but Erik can already breathe more out of his right nostril even with the splints and gauze all stuck in there. There isn't any facial bruising. The only discernable change in his appearance is he looks like he has a bunch of Kleenex taped across the bottom part of his nose. (It is to catch all that fluid that is dribbling out.)

He is all set up in the basement. I did a smashingly excellent job of setting him up, and that includes using my teacher fridge, people. I even set up a couple sets of colored Christmas lights and a bit of decor to go along with it.

Evy was really feeling poopy and had high temps all yesterday afternoon and evening. He didn't sleep, at all, even when I tried driving around for an hour in the car at 1:00 in the morning. Thankfully he napped today and was too tired to fuss about going to bed this evening. So far, not a peep which is way different than the past four nights. (Stupid molars.)

Our super friends, the Hughes, stepped in and helped with Erik and Everett today. (I was pretty sick myself last night.) Erik was really, really anxious about the pain, but Jesse was there to provide the humorous comment. Amy watched Evy while I showered and went to go relieve Jesse from Erik duty. They did all this hours before their flights to go home for Christmas. Thanks, Hughes!

I am tired, but I am grateful that today went well. BTW, it is also our wedding anniversary.
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Normal Sinus Diagram

Erik's Deviated Septum

(Notice how the middle piece closes off the right nostril.)

So, Everett has a fever, and we are back on Seizure Watch. He is at his sitter's right now. He woke up this morning at 4:00 hysterical and isn't feeling well. Don't know if it is teething or what. This morning he had a weird convulsion at home and then again at the sitter's. I've gotta talk to other parents who manage this stuff.

Friends Across the Globe

We enjoy hearing from our readers and friends. We just wanted to say HI!

Large? Humongous?

After work this evening, while waiting for Erik, and being a bit parched, I bought a drink. I ordered a large.

While waiting to get my drink, I placed my money on the counter, picked out my straw, unwrapped it, and awaited my drink with anticipation. I was really thirsty, . . . parched, I said.

The lady poured the drink and then said, "Oh, wait. I need to get you a top for your drink."

I eyed the hundreds of regular sized, X-cut plastic tops and watched her walk to the back. I thought,"Surely some of those are large. Maybe she thinks she is running out?"

When she came back, I was ready. Then she said,"Oh, I forgot the straw?" She proceeded to go to the back, again.

By this time I was really confused. I looked at the one in my hand and thought, "What? A special straw?"

When she handed over the "large" drink, what I really received was the "humongous."

I've seen SuperSizeMe. I read, at least weekly, about the obesity rates of Americans today, especially children. And, yet, when I get the large, I can't believe how unbelievablely huge it is.

BTW, what on Pluto is up with the dome on the drink? Am I going to jog around with a soda? And, I just checked. The Humongous Cup With The Dome does not glow in the dark. Priorities people, check them.

But, wait, the blue toppy thing swivels so that it can be opened, semi-opened, or closed. Sippy-Cup-for-the-Over-Thirty-Crowd.

Chills and Thrills

Erik: My Chill will hit on Thursday as I have my surgery. I am quite nervous about it, but it should pay off in the long run. My Thrill is that the Christmas party went off really well. I am glad that we are off the hook in running events for a bit.

Sheila: I really only have a mini-Chill and that is trying to help Everett get his new napping schedule done. It may sound really frivolous, but Everett hasn't been his happy go lucky self all weekend because he really hasn't napped. And, yes, I need consistentcy, too, cause right now he isn't really eating either. My Thrill is that I have three days of work and then I am off to help Erik recuperate and to enjoy the Christmas holidays.

Everett: My Chill happened yesterday when I fell down a couple of steps. I was so scared, and it really hurt. Mom and Dad explained that this will happen at least a couple more times as I learn to walk. . . . sigh . . . . this is hard. My Thrill is that I can pretty much get anywhere I want to these days. Mom and Dad really have to run after me, which is pretty funny to watch, I have to admit.

Retro Christmas Party

50s outfits were donned, lights were hung, and the music was playing.

Families and friends sat in cafe style sets of chairs and tables. Carols played in the background while It's a Wonderful Life flickered on the screen in the mock living room. Over the course of 2 hours, an account of the birth of Christ was read and enacted, Santa paid the children a visit, and 200 plus attendees feasted on dozens of desserts, ham roles, doughnuts, and sides. The intimate ambiance facilitated conversation, sharing, and a Christmas party to remember.

Ward Christmas Party--DONE!

Erik in his Ward Cleaver Outfit (sweater was too hot to wear)

"The Beav will not sit still!!"

Mom and Everett Looking Glama 50s Fabulous

This is Caleb. Everett LOVES Caleb.

This is how Everett spent the hour and a half that Mom and Dad needed to clean up:

And, depending on your perspective,

The Shining Moment or The Horror Moment:

Hiding Places

We all have our secrets, and so does Evy. Sshhhh! He doesn't know we know and that now you know, too.

This Is Our Computer

And, this is Evy's hiding place.

13 Month Update

At 13 months and a couple of weeks, Everett is 31 and 1/2 inches long and 27 pounds and 9 ounces. He is wearing 18 month to 24 month clothes with a couple of 2T items mixed in the bunch.


He is totally crawling and scooting, cruising furniture, walking with assistance, and is going up and up the stairs (down is still a challenge).


He is transitioning to 1 nap a day and prefers Dada for everything. (The pediatrician says that this is okay and some kids are like that.)


Mealtimes right now are about him feeding us rather than feeding himself. This is cute, but it becomes not so cute sometimes, especially when he insists that you eat the green bean that he has already put in his mouth and chewed on. Yum!


Being buckled into his car seat is akin to medieval torture.


He recently decided to rearrange the ornaments on the tree. This means he takes them off and tries to put them back "on" by touching the ornament to the tree. He is genuinely surprised when just touching the tree with the ornament doesn't keep it up on the limb. He was able to find a spot to stick the ornament. See if you can locate it in the picture:

No.

Today Everett said "no" as clearly as I have ever heard. He just did not want to eat dinner.

Hazard Pay

Many times in my life I have had brilliant ideas. Like how teachers shouldn't pay taxes because they are paying themselves to work. Totally genius, I know.

My newest one is that I think tall people need hazard pay. From the orientation of the ATM screen to the blastingly stupid positions that they hang TVs on in establishments (restaurants, airports, or conference rooms at work) to the ridiculously low doorframes for cars (not everyone can afford an SUV)---I am constantly having to look out for myself more because I am taller than the average bear. (quite a burden, I know)

Today, I was quietly sitting in a meeting in a conference room at work (where they have hung a TV in the corner). I chose the corner because it was a bad spot, and with the room being full I was making sure that the others were positioned more comfortably. (martyr, I know) At the end of the meeting, forgetting about the TV, I stood up and WHAM! I hit the top of my head with the bottom of the TV. If my head could make a cracking sound without cracking, it would have.

Hazard pay. I need something to pay for the aspirin I am taking for this headache (and the bruised ego from being embarrassed about being so clutsy, which, of course, what the issue really isn't). or is it?

DIZZY MAN the SUPERHERO!

(Please note the excellent coverage that the bib provides.)

Sheila's Next Field Trip

Two of the exhibits I am going to visit, before I officially spend all my time in Northern Virginia, are at the National Portrait Gallery. One is on Let Your Motto Be Resistance:African American Portraits and the other is on Katharine Hepburn. You guys can clink on the link to do the online versions. I am a lucky duck because I am going in person.

Chills and Thrills

Everett: Well, the Chill is that I had a horrid bum rash last week. The Thrill is that it is gone. I am also moving around--cruising furniture, pulling myself up, and generally having a grand time escaping from Mom (who I call "Sheila") and Dada (who I call "Dada"). The BIGGEST THRILL is that I don't have to take ANY Prevacid, any more! Bye, bye acid reflux medicine!

Erik: My Chill is that the ward Christmas party is this Saturday, and I am busy trying to get everything aligned so that it will go well. My Thrill is that my job hunt is going well. I have been able to find a several firms in Texas that I am interested in and have been able to make some progress with each of them.

Sheila: My Chill is that I will no longer be working at the Department soon, and my Thrill is that in several weeks I will no longer be working at the Department. As the reality of my departure sinks in, I am unexpectedly feeling how much I will miss DC, my coworkers, the work that I do, and exercising that part of my life. At the same time, I am so excited to take a music class with Everett, to let him sleep every morning as long as he needs to before we start the day, and to teach him to call me "Mama."

Last week, I tried to watch Laura.

I really enjoy older films as I have consistently been a strong believer that, stylistically, I was born in the wrong decade. But, I couldn't wait for the rising action, the plot to unfold, when I was watching Laura. I had to turn it the movie off and watch an episode of Bones. I couldn't squash that need to be intensely hooked right at the beginning (even before the beginning credits). So sad--as my behavior follows that "marketing programming" where shows get you as you are surfing channels, tempting you to spend the next hour of your life dedicated to watching their show, their advertisers.

Have I given up any intellectual responsibility on being entertained? Am I morphing into a consumer of entertainment that seems to not want to use the brain or be motivated by the development? Am I so antsy to be shocked, puzzled, made to laugh that I have given up any patience?

One of the last movies that propelled me to learn more, take some action in my own life, was Motorcycle Diaries. It tells a true story of an Argentinean student and his friend who motorcycled across South America learning more about how others live their lives and that feeling of dissonance that leads you to stand up for those who you believe cannot stand for themselves.

I still have Laura at home. I plan to watch the movie, still. Maybe I'll have to explicitly slow down my pace expectation, force myself to enjoy each cinematic moment, maybe take notes on the furniture, but also just savor the dialogue, critic the camera angle, or discern exactly what the take-away might be. Or maybe I can just snooze through the slow parts.

To: My Dear Aunt Mandy

From: Everett

Address: Sjolseth Jailhouse, 3rd Floor

My Dear Aunt Mandy,

Thank you so much for rescuing me from bum pain due to your very knowledge-able advice about diaper rash. I am feelin' so much better. Mom can even change my diaper without me runnin' away and cryin'. So, I guess she should really be the one thankin' ya. So, since you are dispensing advice, do you have any about breakin' out of the jailhouse here? 'Cause I could sure use some 'bout now.

Very sin-cerely your nephew,

Evy

Video Moments of Evy

We were able to capture a couple moments with Everett Monday night. Please forgive the inane comments from the parents. We know we are dorks, and we are okay with that.



The following are just about showing how Everett is moving around--

And, then here he is sort of showing off his strumming skills (he loves to play his guitar, drum, and piano):

Parenting Dilemna #1,024

Santa is our parenting dilemma. We have always chosen to limit the Santa-y decorations. We really try each Christmas to focus on a service project--some years we do this better than others. Now we are at a point (we really have another year) to figure out if we want to teach Everett about Santa.

Now, I know some of you are gasping in horror that I could even think of not building a child's fantasy about this jolly kind gift giver, but in my typical fashion, I do question it. I've heard all the arguments about you are teaching your child to use his imagination, but I question those. When you teach your child that the stove is hot, is that teaching him to use his imagination? No, we only say teaching about Santa is using the imagination because WE have to use our imagination to conceptualize his existence.

I really am not too keen on getting Everett's picture taken on Santa's lap. There isn't any harm in it (except if he is scared of a second rate, stinky, seasonal worker sweating in a Santa suit). The pictures can be really cute. But, I just don't know.

I've heard of parents teaching about the spirit of Christmas, and that Santa is a figure who embodies that. How do you teach a 1-2 year old that? I don't want to socially stunt my kid, "He's the one that has never heard about Santa." Nor do I want to be the spoiler of other parents' work in building up the Santa image by making other kids cry (ie, I don't want him spilling the beans in his kindergarten class that Santa will never, ever come).

I want the phrase "Christmas" to bring images of love, sacrifice, and Christ.---Not the ever growing lists of wants that I even had as a kid.

What about the "magic of Christmas" that Santa brings? Well, isn't love and service toward others really the magical part of the season? Isn't further understanding the birth of Christ, his mission, and his sacrifice the real magic?

I am sure I'll come to terms with this since there are others I am going to have to decide what to do with--(1) Tooth Fairy, (2) Easter Bunny, (3) Boogy Man, and the ever fun and adventurous (4) Snipe Hunting.

NOAA Photo Library
Wilson Bentley, a Vermont farmer, took photographs of snowflakes under a microscope as a hobby. These photographs were published in the "Monthly Weather Review" in 1902.

Christmas Tree Compromise

Erik and I often polarize to the opposite ends of the spectrum. Even so, whether it be politics, philosophies on baby strollers and escalators, or when a car is "too old" to be fixed--we can usually find a compromise (sometimes the compromise is to not talk about the issue). This year we found a compromise with the Christmas tree lights.

We always put colored lights on the tree. I have always wanted to just use the white lights. This year we put both of the types of lights on the tree. So, we can have only white lights or only colored lights or both. Yes, we have about 400 lights on our 7 foot tree. And, Erik's favorite lighting position now seems to be using ALL the lights. I still like using just the white lights.

Today's Forecast--Snow

Today, snow hit the area earlier than expected. So, instead of snow meaning this:

It Meant This:

And This:

The Dulles Toll Road was a parking lot. I saw more than 2 taxis in the 8 foot ditch. After counting 20 cars in accidents or all out wrecks, I stopped counting. I arrived at work pre--etty late.

Erik and I maneuvered our schedule this afternoon to beat snow during rush hour during sundown . . . and arrived to a neighborhood quieted with the muffling of snow, the pristine whiteness of a fresh snowfall, and the sound of the "crunch-crunch" that comes with walking on 3 inches of that whiteness. Maybe tomorrow we'll get to play in it.

More Cool Stuff

I love glass . . . stained glass, colored glass, hand-blown glass, and I love color. I was so excited to get to a Dale Chihuly exhibition in Chicago several years ago and never tire watching him work or seeing his exhibitions. BTW, he does amazing things with ice, too. Here are more pictures--at Kew Gardens.

One other cool item I wanted to mention, Diapees and Wipees. Despite the name, it really is a cool product. Here's mine:

Parenting Dilemna #1,023

Here is a simple addition problem for you:

Babygate + mentally challenged cat + accidentally trapped by the gate on the upper floor + no kitty litter box on previously mentioned floor + duration of 12 hours = (what do you think?)

Oh, yeah, she peed all over Everett's crib bedding. All over. All over. She must have peed like 2 gallons of pee. Okay, slight exaggeration. But, it was a lot.

Erik was trying to make me feel better about the situation (he's the one who accidentally locked her on the top floor), "Sheila, I am sure she held it a long time before she finally found some place to pee." y.e.a.h.

And, is it coincidence that she peed in the bed of my beloved son who takes up more of our time which we now don't spend with her?

The good side to all of this . . . . no poop found . . . . yet.

Cause You Probably Need to Know

Texas accepts bid to 2007 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl

AUSTIN, Texas -- The University of Texas (9-3) has accepted an invitation to be the Big 12 representative in the 2007 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl where it will face the Arizona State University Sun Devils (10-2) of the Pac-10 Conference on Thursday, Dec. 27 at 7 p.m. Central on ESPN in San Diego’s 70,561-seat Qualcomm Stadium.

And so, mark your calendars--the next "UT Ugliest Sweater Competition" has been scheduled.

Demotivations

Okay, we don't have to look far for things in our lives to demotivate us. So why not acknowledge it. I am a big fan of the demotivating posters--Despair. And you can even make your own. So, of course I had to try one. This is what it ended up looking like.

And all those who don't know not to take these posters seriously---No, the real reason to invite people over is true friendship, or true love, or the fact that the larger size bag of chips was on sale and you don't want to eat the leftovers.

Chills and Thrills

Sheila: My chill for the week was another epidural cervical shot. It is in the neck for my herniated disks. If I could fast forward to 3 days after the shot, that would be sweet, but the days right after the shot are worse than just the pain from the herniated disks. I was held up in bed with a heading pad. However, my thrill for the week is that the end to this current phase of my federal career is coming quickly. I have resigned, effective at the beginning of February. I have several conferences where I am presenting and several projects to finish up before I leave. It will be sad to quit, and I am sure I'll have some time where I won't know what to do with myself since I have worked since high school. But, I am looking forward to this next phase. And, yes, I know that being a mom is a full-time job, but the people who need to understand what I just said, did.

Everett: I basically only have thrills this week. The Christmas tree is up, I can almost catch the cat, and I am pulling up to STANDING, rolling around, crawling faster than the speed of light, and think that the bathroom is my personal territory. Beware any of you who occupy that room without me!

Erik: My chill is that I am in charge of the ward party that will be in two weeks, and it is hard to see that anything is really done or resolved for it. The theme is pretty cool, "The Retro Christmas Party". My thrill--putting up blinking colored lights on the Christmas tree, which is very reminiscent of my childhood.