Hellluuuu… and happy new year to ya’ll! I’ve been delinquent in writing- ( definitely not a new year’s resolution). I was sick with a mother sinus infection over the holidays and away most of the time so now that I’m back, I feel like I can get into the groove again! To be honest- Christmas wasn't so great due fully to the fact that all I wanted to do was sleep and I couldn’t taste, smell or enjoy the loveliness of the season- but it was nice to have a whole week off and not work for a bit. It was also great to spend some time with my Bro’s family who came up for the festivities. 
This past weekend- my bestest girls and I celebrated Christmas together in Calgary at Anna’s new place. Going on 5 years now that we’ve done this Christmas exchange. Myla wasn’t there in body, but we definately was there in spirit. A nice time of card playing, shopping, fondu, movies and chilling ( and of course opening presents) . It was a fabulous short little getaway. Now its back to reality and the start of what I hope is going to be a very adventursome year!
…. Or maybe its- Tis’ the season to be overly busy, stressed out, broke, and hyper with sugar overloads.
Ahh… December. The month of snowfalls, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, sugarplums, way too many Christmas parties and the one time of year I can listen to Christmas music and get away with it ( as long as I ignore the rolling eyes around me) The one party I would and could not miss this year is Lindsay’s annual Christmas soiree. I think this is going on 4 or 5 years now? Not too sure on the exact number- but every year is always a memorable one. Visiting with old friends- meeting new ones, lots of food, presents.. you name it.
The one event that brings out the creative side of all involved is the Graham Cracker House making contest. There’s not actually a prize- just boasting rights for a full year of whose is REALLY the best house. Of course the norm is the gingerbread house- which I believe is a lot stronger then the graham cracker. Graham crackers crumble, crack and snap way too easily. But I think that adds to the adventure of the structure making contest. A few years ago- I attempted to make the CN tower with my fearless partner J. R. Ferrer- but I gave up about 20 minutes into the process. This year J. R and I partnered up again and I stuck by and made The House of Shanks- or Shanks House of Love… or FerrShankel Estates. Whatever you want to call it - - J.R. and I did a bang up job. Though- there were 2 other teams that also stood out in the process. All being very different structures- I’ll let you be the judge of who has done the best job.. ( #3... #3... #3) let the voting begin
#1- Tim's House. He has a slight unfair disadvantage since he's a full time artist. A little overboard on the brick detailing- don't ya think? I think if Tim had had time- he would have made a life size one. 
#2- Darin and Candace's take on the Golden Gate Bridge. More like- London Bridge is falling down- Oooohhhhh!!!!!! ( Joking.... Darin did do a little planning ahead on this one) the stuff that looks like snakes is supposed to be water
#3- and finally the sturdiest of the houses... look at the fine brickmanship ( which are actually dice) It's all about the details people. We're thinking this could be the template for an olympic village or something...
