Christmas

Just a couple days ago I was lost as to what to do for the children in regards to Christmas. I hate just buying something for the sake of buying it because it is expected at holidays. I always want to get something that will bless the person. So I asked God what I should get the kids.

Within two days I have the youngest three all set (at least as to what I want to get them) and one larger thing for son #1, the two oldest daughters, well, they are pains in the neck, ;o) , chances are they'll get cash and a couple little things to open.

Anyone that knows me, also knows I'm frugal, thrifty, whatever you want to call it, and won't pay full price for anything hardly ever! I also don't like to think that I am contributing to the landfills and the glut that is often the case with us Americans. Believe me, I'm spoiled and I know it, but I don't feel the need to buy everything new, as a matter of fact, I prefer reusing, recycling things. So this brings me to the kids presents, found primarily on Craigslist at a fraction of the cost, without adding to the landfill, they are already here and being used.

Joseph: Can't say in case he or some friends read the blog, but let's say he will be very happy!

Anah: I am looking for a play kitchen for her, haven't found it yet, but that's the big thing I want for her. I also am getting her a toddler/preschool remote control game you play on the TV that is educational. It will be fun and a different way of introducing her to her colors, letters, numbers etc, with three extra cartridges of Dora and Elmo I think. I also bought her a Melissa and Doug chore chart, magnetic, so that she can "mark" with her magnet when she's completed a task, this will let her know what is expected of her and when to do it. I am trying to foster life skills and independence. I also got her some clothes (new/used at Good Will) and will get her a couple little things, probably food or dishes for her kitchen.

Jonathan: To develop his leg strength and coordination I wanted to get him a new ride on toy. The one we have is rather wide and he has such cute, short legs that it is difficult for him to move it. I found a popcorn popper ride on for only $6 and a radio flier rocket for $7! Both from the same lady, so we got both of them! I was talking to his PT today and she mentioned the smart cycle. She said that she had a little guy with a "little something extra" that got one last Christmas. Since he got to ride it all winter, by the time he got to play outside in spring, he had mastered pedaling for the tricycle, so then could focus on the steering. The games are also educational once he gets to that point, but at least it will amuse him in the mean time. I also got him some clothes (new, but on clearance at Walmart for only $2-$3ea). I imagine I'll also get him a couple other little things.

So, I went from no idea, to more than half done in a matter of a couple days. I think I may have the smart cycle, waiting to hear back from the lady, and am still looking for the kitchen set. Joey's items, I am also waiting to hear back from a friend regarding his gifts, but at least know what I want.

When we get back from my MIL's the beginning of the month, I will make my Christmas cards (Stampin' Up) and the gifts for the ladies at church and the therapist/teachers. Bob and I would like a laptop for our Christmas, it will be our together gift as well as our birthdays and Anniversary gift. We don't like to spend money on ourselves, but one big thing for all those occasions to share isn't a lot, and we certainly won't be getting an expensive one! Just enough so we can surf the web, do paperwork, faxes, save pictures, things like that, neither of us needs it for work or anything like that, so it doesn't have to have a lot of bells and whistles, although Bob does want a DVD/CD writer thingamajig.

I'm still on my steroid high, slept only 3 hours last night, praying I sleep a bit more tonight. If I don't get some sleep I'm afraid my body will crash when I'm done with the roids, and that won't be good because we'll be at my MIL's and I want to spend time with her, my stepdaughter and the rest of Bob's family, not comatose.

Well, THAT was a rambling post...