A little of this, a little of that

For probably the past 10 years, I have really not enjoyed Christmas. I get serious holiday "blues", to the point that I start to feel tense in late November, just thinking about Christmas coming. Basically, I have come to really dislike this time of year. This year, though, I am not dreading it with my normal anxiety. I'm actually enjoying decorating. Libby wanted to start collecting a Christmas village... so I found

some used pieces at a bargain price! My patio:

And then there's Rufus... I had told the kids we might could get a puppy when we get a house (in the FUTURE), but then one day, they fell in love with this little guy outside of Pet Smart and on an impulse, we brought him home. At first, I had buyer's remorse BAD! But I couldn't help but fall in love myself. He is SO cute and has a sweet disposition. (Right now he is using my feet as a chew toy, but he means it in love).

He has gotten really attached to this big teddy bear. He sleeps cuddled up next to it and fights with it. We have started referring to it as his "brother".