Yes, today is my birthday. I’m not terribly happy about it, so we’ll just say that I am 39 and holding. Dad told me that last night, he and Melody had a lengthy conversation about gifts – although in the context of Christmas gifts. He asked Melody what she was getting for various people in our family for Christmas, and this will give you an idea of how the conversation went.

Dad: What are you getting Mommy for Christmas?

Melody: A lamp.

Dad: What are you getting Daddy for Christmas?

Melody: A book.

Dad: What are you getting Grandma Marie for Christmas?

Melody: A picture.

Dad: A picture of what?

Melody: A picture of a lamp.

Dad: What are you getting Grandma Alice for Christmas?

Melody: A picture.

Dad: A picture of what?

Melody: A picture of the ceiling!

It goes on from there. I’m happy I’ll be getting a lamp, heh. Here’s another funny conversation that took place between me and Melody recently.

Melody: Why doesn’t my Ted (bear) talk?

Mom: Well, he can’t, he’s a Ted.

Melody: Does he need his batteries changed?

Mom: No, he doesn’t have batteries.

Melody: What’s inside him?

Mom: Stuffing.

Melody: What’s inside my Hannah Montana pillow?

Mom: Stuffing.

Melody: What’s inside my other pillow?

Mom: Stuffing.

Melody: What’s inside…(getting that look in her eyes)…you head?

Mom: Uh oh, you are getting your daddy’s sense of humor aren’t you? My brain, little gal…