Caleb's Unabridged Dictionary, Entry 3

Reindeer: n. (sometimes wayn-deew, but usually rayn-deer) ruminant mammal related to the elk, moose, and white-tail, commonly seen around Christmastime. This animal provides for holiday cheer in a way none other can... (see context below)

usage: "Look, Mama, that's a reindeer."
context: "Mama, reindeer are deer that keep the rain away at Christmas."

The flu

Caleb received his flu vaccination today. He was surprised by the cruelty of the "medicine" we told him he'd be getting. He talked about his shot the rest of the day. "I don't like shots, Mama. They hurt." We explained that shots only hurt for a little while, but getting the flu would make him really sick...worse than the hurt of the shot. This conversation echoed several times throughout the day.

This evening, we repeated the same conversation once again. Then Caleb asked how people get the flu. Daddy and I explained as briefly and simply as possible about germs and how they get into our bodies. "That's why we wash our hands so much."

A few minutes later this question arises: "But, Mama, why did that Christmas song talk about turning on the flu?" A song in our Christmas musical referred to closing up the flue of a fireplace. [Quick definition of what a flue is...] "Oh."

Then the best part after a few minutes of silence...
"Mama, how old is the flu that makes you sick?"

*Scott and I exchange glances*
"Umm, well, Caleb, that's hard to tell."

"Mama, I bet that it's 35 years old."

Caleb's Proclamations

1. Caleb: "Mama, in the desert there are cactus! Cactus is all prickly and if you touch one of the 'horns' on them they will stick you and make a red dot on your hand. But if you don't see any horns, you can touch it. "
to which I say, "ooh, you're right, but they're called thorns, and sometimes they're so skinny you can't see them very well. They'll still make little cuts on your hands and make you bleed."
to which Caleb replies, "Just like the pink stuff in the garage [from the attic]. So if I see a cactus I won't touch it."

2. [While watching a dinosaur show on tv] "Oooh, the wonderpets are dressed up like dinosaurs. If I see a Tyrannosaurus Rex, I won't get close to it."

Curtain Call & Break a Leg

Well, tonight is our first performance of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" at a newly renovated 1930's Theatre in town. The Theatre is gorgeous, the set looks great, and our costumes and dance moves are ready to go. Scott has been so great about being Mr. Mom each night this week as we've had rehearsals and early call-times. My family is headed into town (minus Aunt Licia :( ) to see the Saturday Matinee performance.

We'll be performing 5 total. If you're in our area, there are still tickets available! I'm really enjoying playing a part in it... I just hope my dancing doesn't cause me to fall into the orchestra pit! ;)

How-to and Recently Heard...

How to Sound like Anna-
With lips together, begin making a "b-b-b" sound. Then raise a single finger or combination of fingertips and proceed to flick your lips up and down as though talking underwater...all while making the "b-b-b" sound.

Combine the "dh", "da", "an", "na", "gee", and "dee" sounds in as many combinations as you can think of except "An-na", then throw in random grunts.

How'd you do?

Recently Heard at the McDonaldSpot-
When a hole was discovered in the knee of Caleb's jeans: "Uncle Bryan has pants with holes like these."

When Mama got into the car in full stage makeup and curly hair after theater practice this past Monday night (and every night afterward): "Mama! Why did you do that?"