Templeton and Scout in 2004

Christmas

These pictures were not posed.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger, next to the biggest cat you’ve ever seen. Seriously, she’s enormous!”
Luke 2:8-12

Our cat Templeton next to the Christmas tree and nativity scene

The Shepherds Visit the Child

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests”. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:13-16

All eyes are upon the Christ child. Even Templeton’s.

Our cats Templeton and Scout standing in the nativity scene

The Vist of the Magi

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” … When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11

Two empty-handed magi discuss whose job it was to remember the presents for the infant king.

Our cat Scout yawns under the Christmas tree

Staying Up for Santa

Scout insisted she was going to stay up to see Santa come down the chimney. Based on the size of this yawn, I don’t think she’s going to make it. Maybe next year.

Our cat Scout resting under the Christmas tree

The Tree of Scout

Scout in front of the tree and manger. The cats love the tree and manger so much that we joked that we should leave the tree up year round. Unfortunately Scout likes to climb in the tree, so I’m not sure it would last the year.

Around the House

Our cat Templeton inspecting the box of my 15 inch Powerbook shortly after it was delivered

Me & T

This was just a casual snapshot. I needed a haircut, hadn’t shaved, and was still in my pajamas. I set the self-timer on the camera and hoped Templeton would sit still for the picture. He kept squirming to get away so I had to hold him and it made me laugh right as the picture was taken.

After Templeton died, this simple snapshot became one of my favorites as it’s a rare picture of just the two of us.

Our cat Scout sniffs the box my new Powerbook came in

One member of my IT staff arrives to inspect the new Powerbook.

Scout chooses a nice safe place to hang out — the middle of the steps.

Templeton prepares for a nap on the hardwood, while Scout looks for trouble.

Boxing Day

Templeton resting on top of the box while Scout peeks out from underneath. They have established this pecking order of Templeton on top and Scout inside — or maybe they each prefer their chosen spot — but it seems to work OK. At least it works OK on a big box like this, on the little flimsy box that my laptop bag came in, poor Scout was nearly crushed by her big brother.

Matching iPod

No matter what Templeton might say, I did not buy a green iPod mini to match his green eyes. I keep this pillow on my desk so he can sleep near me when I need to work at the desk. It’s a little more convenient than having him sleep on the keyboard of my Powerbook.

What Is That Smell?

Scout gives her paw a good smelling, trying to figure out just where that paw has been.

Bath Time

She apparently decided she was due for an overall cleaning.

A Job Well Done

Scout licks her lips in satisfaction of another job well done.

Outside Time

Our cat Scout rolling around in the catnip

Getting Dirty

Templeton is fairly satisfied to eat the catnip, but Scout really likes to roll around in it, to really claim it as her own. If she thinks she’s coming back inside covered in filth, she’s got another thing coming. At least until she looks at me with those big innocent kitten eyes …

Chowin’ Down

Scout about to grab a big mouthful of catnip. Easy there girl, leave some for Templeton!

Our cats Templeton and Scout eating catnip

The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth …

The meek may inherit the earth, but they won’t get any catnip if Scout’s around. She has adored Templeton since the day we brought her home, but she’s not the best at sharing when she’s all hopped up on goofballs. Er, catnip.

	Templeton prepares for a nap on the hardwood, while Scout looks for trouble.
	Boxing Day Templeton resting on top of the box while Scout peeks out from underneath. They have established this pecking order of Templeton on top and Scout inside — or maybe they each prefer their chosen spot — but it seems to work OK. At least it works OK on a big box like this, on the little flimsy box that my laptop bag came in, poor Scout was nearly crushed by her big brother.
	Matching iPod No matter what Templeton might say, I did not buy a green iPod mini to match his green eyes. I keep this pillow on my desk so he can sleep near me when I need to work at the desk. It’s a little more convenient than having him sleep on the keyboard of my Powerbook.

	What Is That Smell? Scout gives her paw a good smelling, trying to figure out just where that paw has been.		Bath Time She apparently decided she was due for an overall cleaning.
	A Job Well Done Scout licks her lips in satisfaction of another job well done.

	Getting Dirty Templeton is fairly satisfied to eat the catnip, but Scout really likes to roll around in it, to really claim it as her own. If she thinks she’s coming back inside covered in filth, she’s got another thing coming. At least until she looks at me with those big innocent kitten eyes …
	Chowin’ Down Scout about to grab a big mouthful of catnip. Easy there girl, leave some for Templeton!
	The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth … The meek may inherit the earth, but they won’t get any catnip if Scout’s around. She has adored Templeton since the day we brought her home, but she’s not the best at sharing when she’s all hopped up on goofballs. Er, catnip.