Tattooed

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For his 49th birthday, Harry got himself a tattoo. 

All 4 of his sons are lovingly scripted on his upper right arm.

I love it!

Oh Lorikeet, Oh Lorikeet, How Lovely are Your Feathers

How do my parents "do" Christmas Down Under?  Well... I don't know how your Australian friends / family decorate their trees, but Mom and Tom have a very unique style (and sense of humour).

How do you like the colourful little bird sitting atop the tree?

The li'l fella was found on the street by Tom shortly after arriving in Maroochydore (Queensland).  No worries, mate, the Lorikeet was already dead.

Tom is somewhat of a backyard taxidermist and kept this magnificently coloured species in their freezer for about 5 months before breaking out the Borax.  Could you imagine...  "Hmmm, I feel like a bowl of icecream."  You then walk over to the fridge, open the freezer door, and....!  Hello!  (LOL)

Mom even made him a little silver halo to complete the Christmassy feel of the place.

All joking aside folks, I have not been able to stop laughing since Mom told me of their latest "project"!

This quirky-ness is just the thing that makes me miss them all the more.  Merry Christmas everyone!

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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

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First snowfall of the year! 

It's a balmy 0'C (31'F) out there and the boys are having a ball playing in the white stuff falling from the heavens.

Little guy still has a cough and sniffles but just HAD to go experience the first snowfall of the season.  His big brother is praying for tons of snow so the schools will be closed tomorrow  :)

How Lovely Are Your Branches...

I still can't believe it's already that time of year again.  Time to rummage through storage for the boxes of Christmas decorations, time to dust off the ornaments and check to make sure nothing has been broken, time to winterize the camper against freezing, time to dig out the snow shovel, time to watch Harry freeze his butt off getting those Christmassy lights up around the house, time to watch the boys sing their blessed hearts out at their concerts, time to brave the crowds at the malls shopping for that perfect gift, time to buy boatloads of flour and sugar to make those yummy treats, time to spend TIME with family and friends - my favourite time of all.  I wouldn't change this time of year for anything!

The couple past Tuesdays was time to spend with friends making Christmas crafts. 

This little house was my craft.

Cute reindeer, eh?  This was was Reneé's. 

I love how he peeks out between the branches.

This delicate snowman was fun to make too.  Debby mastered the steps

to make this guy look as sweet as can be.

Tara brought all the supplies for us to make this handsom fella.

The picture just doesn't do it justice - he's a perfect accompaniment

to the rest of our holiday decor.

Gamers

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You know when, all of a sudden, it's so quiet in your house that you just have to investigate?  So it was the other day when I was working in my office/scrap room...

I gingerly walked to the kids playroom and instantly saw my oldest sitting on a stool, concentrating on the game at hand.  But where was the little (and MUCH noisier) one?  Ah, just follow the other controller cord and ye shall find...

Good thing Grandpa (my dad) makes such sturdy furniture!

Thanks for letting me share about my silly boy  :)