You Tell ME if it's Normal.

So as you may be able to tell, the Sandbo(e)s don't always do things the way other people do things. The Thanksgiving squirrel is just one example of me discovering this. Here's a short list of things, that up until recently, I thought was pretty normal:

1.) Pacifiers as Christmas Tree ornaments. What better way to remember simpler times than six pacies hung from the tree with care? It's also kind of fun to see the evolution of pacifiers. My sister Robyn's had some sort of thick gel inside, it was probably asbestos or scotch, you know, just something to sooth a fussy baby. Something in the chemical make up of Andrew's caused his to shrivel in such a way as to resemble a large black raisin. Unfortunately many binkies were burnt and melted in the fire of 1989. I mean we still hang them up, it's just harder to see pacie evolution. Luckily, every year we get a new ornament (typical thing to do?), and right around 1998 our mom got us all new pacifiers. That, I will admit, is a TINY bit odd. Hanging up pacifiers that have no sentimental value. But it certainly does add a little something.

Binkie of the 50s

2.) Hair dryer as sleep aid. Who among us hasn't reached for a hair dryer when experiencing a listless night? Well, turns out the answer is MOST people. But let me tell you, next time you feel really sick, and can't get to sleep, try putting a hairdryer on your bed-side table, with the warm air blowing directly in your face. The combination white noise, and warmth is sure to do the trick. But Kate, won't it catch on fire or blow a circuit? You ask. Maybe, but in my 26 years that has only happened, like, 15 times, so...
In the early 80s my mom tried to help the older kids kick their hair dryer habit, by recording the sound. But it was NOT the same, and after a quick coup thing went back to normal. Hair dryer and all. My sister-in-law recently informed us that there is a special on TLC about people with weird obsessions, and one gal HAS to sleep with a hair dryer going. We don't think of it as an obsession, it's just fun!

Note hair dryer on the upper left couch corner

3.) Pet Cemeteries. How many do you have in your backyard? If the answer is less than 2, then the Sandbos have got you beat. Yes, there are two different areas of our backyard where numerous dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, gerbils and fish are buried. Complete with headstones and Virgin Mary and St. Francis statues. I have a hard time believing this is uncommon, but whatever.