My Fairly Normal Parents and the Christmas Tree

I have fairly normal parents.
If they were more normal, then I might have had a better chance at not being so weird.
Alas, those are the cards that I have been dealt.
And so, I am weird.

I’m pretty happy with those cards-I like my fairly normal parents.
On a recent tour, Biceps and I were in my parent’s hometown.

Once again, they exhibited signs of weirdness; confirming my suspicions as to why I am so weird.

From across the park, Biceps and I watched as my fairly normal parents investigated the structure of the downtown Christmas tree.

My fairly normal mother realized she was being watched, inviting us over to join them.

Of course, we obliged.
Let’s be honest-Biceps and I were just as curious as my ‘fairly normal parents’ about the tree. We just like to watch from afar and tease a bit first. It’s what we do.
We love you, Mom and Dad. Even if you are weird.

It’s that time of year-Photo Albums as Christmas Gifts

I love making digital scrapbooks. By scanning in an old photo, I can fix any scratches or flaws with one of my editing programs. I also don’t have to give up that ‘one copy’ of my favorite photo. And lastly, I can make several copies for each family member with a click of a button.

I made an album for Biceps’ Grandma and Grandpa two Christmases ago. Grandpa especially loved seeing himself as a young whipper snapper next to his purty car…

…and seeing pictures of his favorite horse. Grandpa had a myriad of stories about good ‘ol Charlie.
And just so you know, Charlie could do no wrong.

The youngest heard from the oldest the stories that make up our family.

When I become a Grandma someday, I can tell stories of the homesteads that are no longer remaining. The albums will have the visual to give my kids and their kids-roots to farming, to Iowa, to a different life.

They’ll hear from me what I heard from Bicep’s grandparents. Stories about horrific spring tornadoes and God’s provision afterwards.

Stories about the untimely death of this man, Grandpa’s son, who was killed by a drunk driver in the 70’s.

And stories about how Grandpa and Grandma visited the man in the hospital who killed their son and prayed for him. They were able to lead that man to the Lord.

These stories should be shared-generation after generation. They should be memorized, written down and never forgotten. I mean, if you don’t know where you came from-how do you know where you’re going?

If you’re looking for that perfect gift, may I recommend a digital photo album? Or if that’s too much work, may I suggest a roll of 100 dollar bills? I didn’t have a roll of 100 dollar bills, so I went the photo album root.

He’s just not that into baths

He’s just not that into baths….
It’s very typical to have a cat that doesn’t like water. I know you’ve heard it before.

But this giant fur ball was brought down to size by the strong hand of a bath and the pictures are worth sharing.

The unsuspecting kitty.

Little does Cowboy Cat know that he needs a bath…and needs it bad.

A visiting kitty (who will remain nameless) brought fleas to our giant fur ball.

Cowboy Cat investigates his arch nemesis.

The fur ball’s worst fear is realized. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Snazzy Birdhouses

From country style to mod, my in-laws are uber creative when it comes to birdhouses.
And, because they are founding members of ‘EOBHC’-Equal Opportunity Bird House Creators, they consider the most modest sparrow to the showy crow when building their shelters.

This style is for the rustic bird. Fancy parakeets are strongly discouraged.

Social birds tend to flock to this multi-unit. There are martini mixers and a neighborhood association.

This is a drive-thru feeder. Very important and busy birds fly through here on their way to early morning appointments uptown.

Intended for the sheriff bird and his growing family. He has been employed to keep the naughty blue jays at bay.

And finally, this was made for the modern bird. Both functional and architecturally pleasing, this birdhouse captures the style of today with a bit of a nod to yesterday.
Watch out Trump. My in-laws have cornered the market on bird real estate…