Christmas Shopping

How is it that we seem to get carried away? I know Christmas is not about presents, it is much more important and my kids WILL know what it means and how special it is, there is a but :-) Mike and I agreed that our kids would not be spoiled rotten at Christmas and here I am finished wrapping presents and am amazed at how much I actually did get them, especially Kaeli! Ethan's stuff is a bit pricier, hence a few less ... but in the end we totally (and by we, I mean me) went against what we "planned on". I do have to say that the stuff we got them is not frivolous and is mostly all learning toys, etc. We also agreed with the siblings just to do the kids gifts and somehow I managed to fore go that as well. Mind you, we are not rich, but I just feel like giving. I feel very festive this year, am itching to decorate and found some great finds and Colorado has some great stuff to offer that I am very excited to share with my family. One thing we did agree on that we HAVE to stick with is not buying for friends and vice verse ... we just cannot afford it. Christmas cards will have to suffice now, as sad as it is, it is just reality. When you factor in the cost of a great gift plus shipping, it is crazy! Anyhow, I am getting so giddy about having my baby girl that I got Kaeli her first dress up/princess outfit for a present and I am excited about it! Ethan is getting the Leapster handheld and we are getting him the bean bag he wants so bad, we also got him some more spy stuff and hot wheels for the ramp grandpa bought him for his birthday. Their big joint gift is going to be an art easel. Ethan is really into painting and drawing lately, and I think he will love it. Recently we dumped everything in the middle of the playroom floor and cleaned, purged and put away everything. We were able to give a lot to Goodwill and make some space for newer things.

The new rule in the house ... If you get a new toy, an old one goes to someone in need.