The Southern California weather gods have brought us rain for the next five days. That’s the closest we’ll ever get to a white Christmas, so I’ll take it! Annie and James are doing “snow dances,” but it’s only going to get into the 40s here (that’s like six or seven degrees C) so there’s no chance. But their snow dances burn energy so I will take those, too! My shopping is done but I have wrapped zero gifts…I probably should have done that when the kids were still in school. Oh well! Annie and James had fun holiday celebrations in their classes, including a school-wide pajama day on the Friday before break started. I love seeing all the kids in their PJs, it’s so dang cute.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and that the new year (new DECADE!!!) brings nothing but happiness. I am so thankful for all of you who have read this blog and supported my family for so long – I started blogging in 2002 and never would have ever imagined I’d still be at it seventeen years later! Merry, merry, happy, happy everything! Lots of love to you all.
Around The ‘Net
~The Rise and Fall of an All-Star Crew of Jewel Thieves
~FDA Approves Ebola Vaccine With 100% Effectiveness
~The dark, ruined city that became the home of Christmas
~Greta Thunberg, Person of the Year
~She Survived A Mob Attack And Became A Symbol Of Bolivia’s Political Crisis.
~Miss USA, Miss America, Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe and now Miss World are all black women
~Why We Hate the Sound of Our Own Voice
~In 2020 Census, Big Efforts in Some States. In Others, Not So Much.
~You’re not paranoid: Your phone really is listening in
~Grades vs. SAT scores: Which is a better predictor of college success?
~How the Loss of the Landline Is Changing Family Life
~Wildlife wins: 7 good-news stories from 2019
~It’s Not You. Clothing Sizes Are Broken.
~Jody Maroni’s Sausage Kingdom bows out with a Venice Beach goodbye
Fun Finds
~If you need a last-minute gift, our Knock-Knock joke book is shipping overnight via Amazon Prime! It’s a great stocking stuffer and an excellent way to keep the kids’ table occupied during family dinners.
~Another good last-minute gift for kids is a “paint by sticker” book. My niece loves these.
~And when all else fails, there’s always the classic: socks. LOL
Happy Sunday, everyone!
Jordan Taylor says:
Merry Merry, Spohrs! I forgot to tell you, I bought your joke book for my tutoring students (for those that don’t enjoy reading books AND for those that need help with timing/expression!). I read some jokes from it with one of my kiddos this week and we laughed our heads off for 30 minutes. So fun! Thank you so much for this little book of fun.
Linnae Bosma says:
Merry Christmas to you and your family! I always love it when I get an email telling me you have posted … your writing style along with your cute kids make me smile. And I really enjoy ‘Round the Net — I’ve read several exceptional articles there, thank you.
Enjoy your holidays … having a heat wave in Minnesota with temps in the 40’s!!
Lisa says:
Heather, I have been reading your blog for years. I appreciate your openness and your willingness to share your family through the good and the bad. I very much look forward to your weekly news story shares as you and I have sometimes read the same stories. And if not I am always amazed at how similar we are in our tastes and what stories you pick. 9 out of 10 times you share things that interest or fascinates me. Like the jewelry heist one from today, I live about 15 minutes from where the pawn shop was near Davie. What an interesting and crazy story that was! I love criminal stuff, I shoulda been a detective! And the guy who gave up his first class seat? Love him!! Anyways just wanted to share how much I enjoy your blog! Happy Holidays to you all!!
Sianna says:
I just finished reading the Traveling the Lonely Road article at work and I’m wrecked. I cried so hard. Maybe it’s because I just got married a week ago, and the thought of having to do this upsets me so much. More than anything, it’s the unfairness. To work hard all your life and have to do that. He’s so great about it to, not complaining. I’ve bumped up visiting my husband’s grandpa on the priority list. Thank you.