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This post was going to show a neighbor's cool Christmas decorations but since the neighbor took down the display for some reason there will be no picture.

The lawn decorations told the story of the Grinch. A lawn tractor with a snowplow blade was centered on the lawn. Perched on the tractor seat was a wooden cutout of the Grinch, sporting a very smug and satisfied expression. In front of the plow blade was a knocked over Christmas tree. Just behind the rear tire of the tractor was a wooden cutout of a reindeer complete with 'x's for eyes (you see, the Grinch ran over the reindeer and the tree - ok, if I have to explain it..). In front of the whole tractor destruction scene was a wooden Santa cutout jumping up and down and shaking his fist at the Grinch. There were scattered presents around the tractor. A very well executed presentation of the story of the Grinch, minus the part where his heart grows to ten times it's size. This work of art was on display for several days until it abruptly disappeared one afternoon, replaced with simple icicle lights hanging from the eaves.

I have no idea why the Grinch display went away. My first guess is that the lady of the house was away when the guy set up the whole Grinch thing and upon her return he was directed to remove his artistic display.

What a shame!

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

It's been a few years since I've last written you a Christmas Wish List. I apologize for the long gap in correspondence. I hope all is well with you and the Missus, the reindeer, and the elves (except for that darn pointy-eared Morwaion - you can remind him that the restraining order is still in effect!). Anyway, I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you that this year I wanted to save you a few precious seconds during your Christmas Eve travels by allowing you and the reindeer to drag that sleigh right on past my house.

You see, this year I don't need anything. I have my health. I have a job that pays well. I have a loving wife that puts up with my eternal childishness. I have a great son. I have the best set of parents, and some really great in laws. I have a wonderful brother who sometimes remembers to reply to my emails. I have a house that keeps me comfortable. I have more than enough to eat.
I have pretty much everything I need. There are a few things I want, but I've come to understand lately that those material things are just empty filler compared to what really matters in life.

So when you are programming the SantaMatic GPS next week, just delete the house on Mapledale from the list and keep on cruising. Jackson has been warned that you will not be stopping here and understands any items you have for him will be left at Grandma's house. If you still insist on grabbing some cookies from this location (and you shouldn't be eating so many cookies, you bowl-of-jelly-lardbutt) I will leave the cookies and milk out near the front steps. Just keep quiet when you come jingling by for the treats, 'cause I'll be enjoying my rest.

{Again, make sure that vertically challenged, curly shoe wearing, Spock-eared dwarf Morwaion understands that if he shows up here anytime soon I will personally chase him down and make him a one of a kind lawn decoration! }

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas

The House of Jack crew has been busy lately. Mom and Dad stay on the move keeping their respective stores stocked with gifts for people to buy. Jack has been churning out endless Lego creations. Murphy has been practicing for a hibernation marathon - he's approaching an impressive ten consecutive hours of napping daily!

Daddy won out over Mommy Grinch about the Christmas decorating so the H.O.J. set up the tree. Well, most of the tree. Every year we struggle with where to put the tree - the base is wide enough that we end up moving furniture to make the tree fit and even then end up with no room to move around the living room. So this year we only set up half of the tree. If you leave half of the limbs off of a fake tree you can place the newly created 'flat side' of the tree against the wall and save a large amount of room!

This is our first fake tree. If you ask me, the tree is a little scrawny with just the two limbs. Plus the tree's silly grin just doesn't fit in with the decor...

The next photo shows our decorated half-tree and our very own jolly little elf!