Merry Christmas

Family, Presents, Trees, Lights, Cookies, Christmas Vacation, Movies, The Final Door in the Advent Calendar, Silent Night by Candlelight...

This time of year is filled with many spectacular things.  I hope you are surrounded by whichever one means the most to you this Christmas!

Here are a few of my favorite movie quotes that also capture what I believe are the true meanings of Christmas...Enjoy!

"All right, you guys, just permit me one sentimental moment here, will you? I have something to say. Christmas: it's not the giving, it's not the getting, it's the loving. There, I said it. Now get outta here."  ---Garfield

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."--Linus  

From our house to yours....Merry Christmas! 

May the reason for this season bless you now and throughout the new year.

Play Time

Spike spent the last couple of days going through a quilling stage.  He's been grumpy and sleepy.  Tonight, when we got home from work, he woke up really easy and seemed very playful.  We were able to play with him for about an hour and a half.  We even got some video.  Enjoy!!

Man, our little guy's got wheels!

Spike really wants to make it from the floor to the carpet but he isn't quite big enough yet.  As you can see he works hard and doesn't give up...clearly one of us.  Stubborn little fella!

After all his running, he sure was thirsty.  He even let us hold him while he drank.  So fun!

Spike Updates

We are having so much fun with our little guy.  Still figuring out all his preferences.  He doesn't seem to like any treats but is loving his wheel.  He was happier with the heating pad more than the heated stone.  He figured out his ball and is enjoying running all over the place.

Exploring the wheel

Off and Running with his new wheel and large cage

He curled up in my hand and went to sleep...so freakin' cute!

Meet Spike

Meet our new friend Spike the Hedgehog!

Spikes New Home

Spike Transfering himself from his carrier box to his cage

Taking his time and exploring

Exploring Matt's Lap (which had a hot water bottle underneath)

Nuzzeling in

More Exploring

Walking from Matt to me

This little Guy is wiggly

Play time in the ball


Little Spike wore out fast tonight as he got used to his new surroundings. 

More photos to come!

Christmas Decorations are up!

**It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas**

I love this time of year; the lights, songs, decorations, scents and smiles you can see most everywhere (note: smiles may not always be seen while shopping)

Year 2 of our tree...weird to not put up the garland, but love the look of our tree

And the stockings where hung by the penguins with care

Stocking Decorations

Grandma's Nativity Scene....Love!

Love the Christmas Plush (and football on T.V.)

I hope everyone's Christmas Season is off to a great start.  I am so excited to celebrate with so many people of the next month.  Remember to take time to relax, enjoy family and friends, make memories for a life time and the true meaning of the season!

Let Whatever you do today be enough

I think I found my new mantra! (Thanks Jen for that advice...you have no idea how much you helped)!I love being productive.  Some days it happens naturally, some days it seems as though things just get in the way that we have no control over. 

I typically try to have my report cards about 80% finished before report card day so I can spend that day organizing, planning and prepping in my classroom.  This year, for numerous reasons, that wasn't the case.  I felt stressed on Thursday night so I came home with a big stack of papers to grade and work to do.  I then did what everyone does when they want to be productive; I logged on to Facebook only to find a post that simply said, "Let whatever you do today be enough".  At that point, I made homemade strawberry/orange crepes for the first time ever and relaxed.

Amazingly enough, by 2:30 on Friday,  I was finished with my progress reports and working in my room like normal. 

I hope that in the middle of this Christmas Season, you are able to "Let whatever you do today be enough." and enjoy some time for yourself!