Christmas...monkeys?

I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday! Eric & I started well by celebrating with his dad & family last night, and will continue to have good times with my mom & sisters in the utah for the coming days. I'm definitely looking forward to some well-earned time off, full of family and fun. I hope you all get what you are looking for as well! =)

I have run out of holiday-themed pictures. So instead, I will share with you this incredible experience Eric & I had in Belize with howler monkeys. If you ever find yourself near Belize City, I highly recommend a trip out to the sanctuary. It is amazing to be so close to the animals, and it is also an inspiring tale of how one person can make a difference. In 1985, Fallet Young (also our tour guide) with the help of an American Dr. Horwich, basically saved these monkeys from extinction by convincing farmers to become part of a coalition with simple rules that would preserve the monkeys habitat and food source. Fallet Young was just incredibly inspiring to be around, with his knowledge and resourcefulness, and also his humbleness about his accomplishments. He still works at the sanctuary, takes tourists into the woods, and loves his howler monkeys he worked so hard to protect.

Eating the banana upside down.

The most adorable little baby.

Eric and Fallet with the very hungry young male howler.

Eric entranced.

Eric & I asked to take a picture with Fallet so as to remember his accomplishments and awe-inspiring knowledge of the Belizean woods.

If you are looking for a good place for a charitable donation this holiday season, the sanctuary could definitely use your support!

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Classroom Antics

I was reading an Arthur Christmas story yesterday, and in the story a mall Santa orders a huge ice cream Sunday. I made a joke about how this explained Santa's large belly and one of my students responded by saying, "Hey, you really shouldn't make fun of Santa." I swallowed my grin, put on a serious face, and apologized. I'm sure she will be receiving many a present for sticking up for the big guy!

Students (with parent help) make our holiday craft of cozy fleece pillows.

The pile of finished products! This was a really fun project, and the kids were so proud of their pillows. I must say a big thanks to Cate who helped me tie up the 3 other sides in preparation for today! THANKS! You made life so much easier!

Even the word wall gets decked out with holiday cheer (and gingerbread men).

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Catzilla & Holiday Decorations

Wow, have I ever been neglecting this site! Sorry folks, I'm sure you've missed me terribly ;) haha. Between decorating and shopping for the upcoming holidays and being awfully ill, there just has not been enough time or energy for any extras. I'm finally feeling alright, although I still sound a bit funny with a touch of laryngitis... With my sister Christina here to visit this weekend (yay!) and a party to celebrate every holiday imaginable on the horizon, I'm sure this weekend will be packed full of good times and cheer. In that mind set, I'll kick off the weekend right with Annabelle and Eric enjoying some holiday fun!

Annabelle pretends to be Catzilla as she stalks through our winter village.

Eric finishes off the decorations with our lovely angel, who is still (sorry mom) my favorite tree topper ever.

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'Tis the Season

It has been so busy here... But not with anything fun or any huge events. Just a million and one small little things that mean I have no time or energy to post here or read or do anything! Eric & I did manage to get our christmas lights up yesterday! Even though we didn't test the strands and it turns out that large portions no longer work... So we spent a large amount of time wandering from store to store where the decorations sections were very picked over. We couldn't find anything we needed, including garland! Com'on it is only Dec 3rd people! So for this year, we'll live with what we've got, and try to remember next year to go shopping early...

Lights in a tangle on the porch.

Makes me want to find a Lite-Brite!

Eric perched on the roof.

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