Courageous Joy

Christmas Gifts

Yes, we do gifts. We have a budget of $50 per child. Several of the children had their birthday and Christmas budget combined this year. We do not go overboard on gifts...but consider...Twelve people giving Twelve other people one gift each, throw in packages from extended family....and well - it is a LOT of givin'! It is a bit overwhelming for me. I am typically the one who hasn't opened a thing and opens after the hubbub has died down and someone says, "Mom, you haven't opened any gifts". BUT - I do LOVE the spirit of giving, I love the excitement of both the giver and recipient when the "perfect" gift is opened.....

Elves - still working at 2 a.m.

This monkey is a hit with Zander, Mom.

Stacia loved this gift from Jared - we loved knowing what was to come.

My Sweet Krista with a necklace from Arielle.

David received several games (Debbie he says that since hanging out with BreAnne, he's gotten used to photos being taken and it's o.k. for me to take his photo and post on the blog.)

Stacia received a baby horse from Nolan that matches the horse she got last year from Jared.

Stacia presents Jamin with a gift.

What IS Bre thinking?

"Survival" knives from Grandma and Grandpa T.

Mike & I purchased a paint gun for Jamin - our one Black Friday foray...turns out it must have been a returned item...no manual and doesn't work. I hate going back to stores after Christmas. ::snort:: But we shall go as the boys (and Krista) are planning paintball on Sunday.

Arielle - jewelry from Bre

Nolan received batteries from Mom and Dad (us). He KNEW it was his birthday and Christmas gift. We told him it was so he could run his old car. He was brave. He was thankful. THEN Mike brought this package out! Wow. Now we need a calm day because no one in his right mind will take a thing this BIG out to learn on a windy day......and Mike was told to buy insurance in case they run into someone's car. ::snort:: I think this will be a fun Daddy/Son toy....and I think we need to keep our eye out for a BIG field with no CARS. There is a local "RC airplane club" that they may join...but since we will be moving in 6 months - they may not.

Jared received the Lord of the Ring series on CD's for listening at night AND the movies.

I know I already showed Zander....but this set from Bre is a real hit too.

He ASKED for socks.

Ah - the kitchen. She loved it - and did NOT want our helpful suggestions as to how she should play with it. She fixed us all muffins and told me she needs milk in the fridge. Note to self: check fridge each night before bed.

Thanks, Mom. I received a lot of meaningful gifts from family....Gram's and Great Gram's jewelry and box, country sign that I LOVE "Cherish Life's Simple Pleasures", Willow Tree nativity pieces and angels (from my out of the home and soon to be leaving young men), jewelry, calendars... this vase from my Mom & Dad.

There are not photos of Mike opening gifts....because he's a stealth opener....we don't follow the rules, "OK find your gift from Stacia...." as he and I are pre-occupied, so, alas....no photo I can post. The one I did get, I will not post because I think the "wrapping" used by son would offend some. ::snort:: Quit thinking about it.

©2008 D.R.G.