Superheroes of Shopping!

Today was a very special day in the Zellner home as it was our first day of Christmas vacation. To celebrate, Ray and I decided to spend our day Christmas shopping, gift wrapping, movie watching, treat making, and picture taking.

Our morning began as we made our list and checked it twice. (yes sadly we waited until the last few days to finish our shopping... but really it wasn't too crowded as it was a weekday:) We first enjoyed a delicious brunch at IHOP then quickly made our way to the stores. But of course we had to play around in the toy section:) My husband is my favorite partner in crime;)

Once we returned home, we wrapped our special gifts... including this cutie... our Mattison girl and enjoyed a few pictures with our furry friends.

(as you can tell... Toby was not a fan of the photo session:)

My sweet family, my blessing!

After wrapping and a few family photos, we made some very delicious treats.

Our delicious smore cake balls

It was definitely two days of fun adventure, of waiting until the last minute, standing in lines, but all worth the time, effort, and excitement!

Celebratory PJ Party and Game Night!

Let the party begin!

This afternoon I received a text from Kristin asking if we wanted a night of celebration as today was our last day of school before the break. Tonight we would enjoy a pajama party, dinner, and game night in honor of this celebratory occasion. 2 weeks off and boy were we excited! We enjoyed comfy clothes, Mexican food, tasty drinks, games, and lots of laughs. What would a pj party be without a photo session?!? Enjoy some pictures of our night.

The Fant family in pjs

The ladies with Mr. B

and a picture with my handsome husband

Dinner fun with Kristin...
and a little like something I've seen from Saw?!? Ha.
Bryson watched Dora and Diego
equipped with his super cute mittens

I had to steal this little cutie for a picture.
Plus he told me yes!

After dinner it was time for some games.
Here are my winnings at the beginning of the night...

and by the end of the night, all of us
lost it to the winner, Kristin.

It was definitely a fun celebration. One that we could dress in comfy pjs, eat lots of queso (or that might have just been me), take fun photos, play some games, and relax with our friends. To B.R.O.B... Ayiah and Ray love your sweet self... and your parents aren't too bad either;) I can't wait to do it again soon.

Kindergarten Holiday Blessings!

Kindergarten is such a fun grade to teach. It is an age where school and learning is exciting. I am even told that I am a great artist, singer, storyteller, etc. These kids sure know how to make you feel amazing... if only they really knew. Ha! But I am one blessed lady. I love my job. Now that does not mean that each and every day is perfect. I definitely have my struggles, but I couldn't be more excited to have these 18 kiddos and to work with a team of ladies that are truly inspirational. And while I have these next few weeks off, these journal writings will remind me how truly blessed I am.

Before our break, we enjoyed several fun winter activities. From making measurement holiday trees to making these tear snowmen. Aren't the super precious?!?

On our final week, our school hosted a Winter Wonderland Party. Here is my team leader, Kathi, dressed as our favorite Frosty the Snowman! I thought it was a super cute idea. Behind her are our Kindergarten penguins that each child made. I love the creativity. :) Talk about march of over 80 Kinder penguins... and yes the boy ones with bow ties are my kiddos. Love it!

Meet Boobah dressed in his Christmas gear. Boobha is a "loveable" (questionable at best) little mascot of the ELC. So how could you spend a holiday without him?!?! I love Trout's holiday spirit as she set Boobha on Wallace's desk.

This afternoon, Kindergarten enjoyed a fun Holiday Party. I am so thankful for such amazing parents who help go to Dallas and back searching for a book, Gingerbread Friends, just to make sure that we had it to read to our kiddos on this very special party day. Our kids enjoyed story time, gingerbread ornament crafts, and decorating their very own gingerbread cookie. My kids were sure filled with holiday cheer and SUGAR!

After the party, the Kindergarten team got together to enjoy a staff lunch and a little gift exchange. This year we decided that we would each purchase $10 in lottery tickets and would split the winnings four ways. Well after scratching all the game pieces... we WON... $20. So now we will be purchasing a pizza after the break. :)

Before we left for the break, they called all staff members to the gym to announce teacher of the year and beginning teacher of the year. It is an exciting honor but more importantly I am just honored to have a job that I love, with kids that are amazing, and a team that truly wants the best for each child.

Happy 2 week vacation to all teachers!

Harley turns ONE!

This afternoon, Ray and I had the opportunity to celebrate Miss Harley's first birthday. Sally and her husband, Paul, welcomed Miss Harley Raider into their lives on December 8, 2010. She is such a beautiful blessing and I am so thankful for her sweet parents. Sally and I worked together at Checkpast for over 3 years together. Sally was my best gal pal, friend, confidant, and partner in crime. It is so amazing to see where the years have taken us both and I am so thankful to be here and help celebrate another great milestone in her life. Here are a few pictures of her sweet daughter's first birthday party.

Harley was no stranger to sweets. She was so ready for her cupcake. In this picture it looks as though she's telling her mama to hurry. :) I love it!

Let the present opening begin. Of course as any one year old she was super excited about the tissue paper and wrapping. Plus as many of us had the same idea, little Miss Harley had no idea she would receive 3 little tea pots.

Miss Harley... we wish you a special first birthday and all those to come:)

Our Tacky Christmas... ABF Style!

Happy Tacky Christmas
love the Zellners

On Thursday our ABF held it's annual Christmas party... and boy was it tacky ;)! The Crumley's hosted an amazing party filled with so much fun and Christmas cheer! We ate delicious Mexican food, caught up with great friends, and even shared in a fun white elephant gift exchange all while looking beautifully tacky. Some of our favorite gifts made a reappearance at this year's exchange. I'm pretty sure they will continue throughout the years. Also to our surprise, two more couples shared that they too were expecting this next year. What a fun and exciting party! Here are our pictures of the night. We are truly blessed to share our lives with some pretty amazing couples.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas... even a tacky one ;)

(sorry for the bad camera lighting, red eyes, the works. Also a big thanks to Kristin for letting me borrow the four year old super special sweater deal from Goodwill.)