Monday, December 10, 2007

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The Shopping Extrvaganza!

Or
Trial by Shopping!

Let the shopping begin.

Years, ago I discovered that it made retailers nervous to have 7 little kids and one mom running around the store with various items hidden under their coats. It HAD to be this way in order for them to all shop and buy presents for each other in SECRET. Shortly after one memorable day in particular, I hit on a new tradition.

For years now, I have taken each of the children out for their OWN shopping day. They get all their gifts bought in one day...and they get to pick where we will eat lunch. I really am not a shopper - but this seems to be the best way to go.

I thought that maybe all these shopping days stressed all my children and so last year I convinced all to shop online. I loved it!

This year we sat down and discussed what "one thing" makes Christmas "Christmas" to our children....and I was SHOCKED (and appalled) when several mentioned that they wanted to do the shopping days again. Good grief - with the internet at your finger tips why venture into WALMART at this time of year?????? Those people are CRAZY in there. But Dollar Tree, Walmart, Academy, Lowes, Circuit City....ugh. I'm making a deliberate effort to relax and have FUN with this.....though I really am NOT a shopper. The kids seem to really want to do this. They enjoy the special time out with me, and they enjoy the planning to bless each other.

We first created a master list. Everyone gives us as many ideas as they can about what they may like. This helps a BIT to make sure that you don't end up with a plastic t-rex for an 11 yo girl. THEN I give each person a page in my journal. Everyone clues me in as to what they bought for each person and I try to make sure we avoide totaly duplicates...because NONE of us want to go back to WALMART to RETURN THINGS! ::snort::

Today was Nolan's day. Zander begged to come along. I thought this was good. Two in one, for ME. We got all their gifts finished....well WAIT we need to buy for Mike - but we may regift him, and they need to buy for ME.

I have decided to create some good from these shopping excursions...I'm rating salads around town. So far....Wendy's Mandarin is good. Wendy's Southwest is yuck (think iceberg with a huge scoop of HOT chili on top; limp, wilted lettuce - ewww). Surprisingly, McDonald's Southwest salad is good. IF you skip the salad dressing and use the lime for your dressing. Stay tuned for more culinary reviews.

Ah - I'd had Jamin grab some minestrone from the freezer and throw it in the crockpot. Yum. THEN all the little ones and Mike and I did the 4 mile fast walk. Jared was too chicken! It WAS hilarious. Deja, just in case you were wondering - I DID finally get the workout in! ::snort::
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Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket True Christmas Confessions!

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I can't wrap presents! This is an actual present I wrapped this a.m.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
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He has my technique.

Ah, he's learned well - tape and extra paper will cover a mulitude of sins.
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Thankfully THIS one inherited her Grandmas and Daddy's wrapping genes!
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Zander wrapped the Advent gifts to send the girls....won't they be surprised!
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Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket We Whisk you a Merry Kissmas!

I know, I KNOW! Corny - but sort of cute too. Arielle and I made these up for each of the ladies at the Chapel's Christmas Tea.
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We had a "bit" of chocolate left over.
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No, I did NOT add it all to my hoarde in the closet. This is HOLY CHOCOLATE - bought with chapel money. I took the can that the Boy Scout popcorn formerlly resided in and filled it with kisses. I gave it away as part of my talk at the tea. It was a sacrifice. ::snort::

a HEM! Not everyone in my home was as sacrificial and respectful of chapel chocolate as I. ::smirk:: Mike corrupted Stacia's love of bananas. ::snort:: Some chocolate, some banana, some chocolate....those two. ::snort::
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You can go here to print out tags for your own whisks. If you need detailed instructions, click here. These are supposed to be stocking stuffers.
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Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket 2nd Sunday in Advent

We've had a tradition for years of opening our Christmas Stockings, and a gift of books and pj's on Christmas Eve. Then we wear our PJ's all morning on Christmas Day. The thing is that this tradtion is a bit awkward with guests in our home, which we will have this year.....so we've begun a new tradition. I've purchased little gifts and we've been enjoying them each Sunday night of Advent.

This week I had planned to buy "Christmas" t-shirts for each of us. The problem is that the Family Christian store sold out of shirts for the youngest three. We made do.

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Mike and the older 3 boys got these
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Arielle and I got these
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The Dynamic Duo got these
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Stacia got this one in honor of the local Nutcracker
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Ah, another Sunday of reading, praying, and giving comes to an end.
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We've picked up 3 gifts for each of the girls...hopefully they'll receive them before they GET HERE! They'll be here for the 4th Sunday in Advent....wooHOO!
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A Family Affair! (Yes, that is STILL the thankful tree - maybe we'll take it down this week)
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Produce co-op is always a family affair, but this week they had forgotten to gather our order when I went to pick it up. We were bustling to get it all unloaded and sorted in 40 minutes. What champs they all are!
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Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket Our Little Girly Girl

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And even her puppies needs grooming!
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Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket Um...Breeee.....

Look who's wearing the black skirt you left in her closet! I assured her you wouldn't care!
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