The last few of Christmases have been lean for us. I looked in envy at parents who could "do it up big" for Christmas and watched the Meijer commercials about "giving more" with a little sadness. This year we are able to give a little better to our kids and each other for Christmas but we know that the gifts are not the important part. I realize as I look around the house at neglected toys of Christmases past that my kids don't really need me to "do it up big" and that the excitement of that is not only expensive but momentary. By the time my kids receive gifts from family and friends they really have had it pretty good.
This year we are doing Christmas gift buying for our children by theme. They will each get four gifts and a stocking. There will also be one bonus gift for the three of them to share because it's something they all want and I got a good deal on it. We are debating a family gift also because The Lion King will be in town in January and it would be a wonderful experience to have together. When you add all that up our Christmas will be more than plenty big enough.
Here are the categories for the four gifts:
Something you want:
I think that's pretty self explanatory. I heard a friend at MOPS one year make the argument that we buy for our kids what we think is cool and don't always listen to what they really want. Gift giving would be cheaper if we gave them only what they ask for. I am trying hard to listen to my kids desires. JR and JJ both have birthdays close to Christmas also so this is helping me be in tune for those events as well.
JD - I'm not sure yet but I'm leaning toward a wii game he enjoyed playing with some buddies this summer. He is also really excited to get his savings account up to a certain amount so cash might be exciting to him. If I ask he tells me he's still thinking about it.
JR - Wipe Out for the wii or Hot Wheels track (the kind that go on the wall).
JJ - A pillow pet. Every time she sees one in the store she wants me to get it for her.
Something you need:
They need things anyway so why not.
JD - Extra winter gloves, probably a couple of pair since he always looses them.
JR - A heavy winter coat. The one JD had is too thin for the colder temps here and does not have a hood.
JJ - I'm still keeping my eyes and ears open for what she might need.
Something to wear:
This sounds limited but it's really not. It could be clothes of course but also jewelry, nail polish (when JJ is older) a purse or backpack, sunglasses, shoes, hair pretties, socks, outerwear, etc...
JD - Ear buds for his MP3 player.
JR - Ear buds for his MP3 player.
JJ - A new hat, made by my sister's friend. It will have a flower on it. If you have Facebook check out Blessed with Bows. I believe she also has an Etsy sight.
Something to read:
Again, not as limiting as you might think. A magazine subscription would be great as well as books or cookbooks.
JD - Diary of a Wimpy Kid He has been reading and collecting these books all summer and is ready to read the newest one.
JR - Skippyjon Jones My kids love this little guy and the newest book came out in September.
JJ - Silverlicious Last year she got the first three books of the series so I'm excited to get her number 4.
Please feel free to add ideas for the categories. Let me know if you have a special way you buy gifts. I'm excited to find items that fit each kid. I think we will have them open them a category at a time and I may even get crazy and have each category be in it's own kind of wrapping.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
A New Home Church
The lonely, sad days are much less frequent lately. My last really bad week was back in August when I wrote about missing my Bristol Road Church family (here). I still miss them a lot and the idea of forever being an out of state family member continues to hurt but I am healing and this is why.
I wanted to go to Women of Faith this year seeing how we live so close to one of the events, but I wanted to go with a group. One of the ladies at the church we had been attending turned me to a group of ladies going from the Andover Christian Church. When I called about tickets I also asked many questions about the church itself and checked out the website.
The Sunday after my August post we visited the church. We walked in and were immediately greeted and taken on tour. I finally felt like it was a place I could call home. Erin was impressed at the way several ladies, and two in particular, took me in and made me feel welcomed. We were invited to join a Small Group that very first day and met with them that evening. We were excited to see the number of boys in the church that are the same ages as our boys. Since then the boys have joined the children's choir and the Christmas play. I have joined a weekday morning bible study and book club. I am starting to build the same kind of relationships I had before.
Another thing that has made acceptance easier for me is that Erin brought home some exciting news. His employer is looking to expand in some areas. There is a good chance we will be able to relocate closer to "home" in the next 2-5 years.
Because of these things I am feeling more at home here in Minnesota. I even (reluctantly) declared residency by getting my drivers license and registering to vote. I still miss a lot of people and the comfort of my old ways and routines and can not wait to visit during the Christmas season. If you will be around we would love to meet up with you.
I wanted to go to Women of Faith this year seeing how we live so close to one of the events, but I wanted to go with a group. One of the ladies at the church we had been attending turned me to a group of ladies going from the Andover Christian Church. When I called about tickets I also asked many questions about the church itself and checked out the website.
The Sunday after my August post we visited the church. We walked in and were immediately greeted and taken on tour. I finally felt like it was a place I could call home. Erin was impressed at the way several ladies, and two in particular, took me in and made me feel welcomed. We were invited to join a Small Group that very first day and met with them that evening. We were excited to see the number of boys in the church that are the same ages as our boys. Since then the boys have joined the children's choir and the Christmas play. I have joined a weekday morning bible study and book club. I am starting to build the same kind of relationships I had before.
Another thing that has made acceptance easier for me is that Erin brought home some exciting news. His employer is looking to expand in some areas. There is a good chance we will be able to relocate closer to "home" in the next 2-5 years.
Because of these things I am feeling more at home here in Minnesota. I even (reluctantly) declared residency by getting my drivers license and registering to vote. I still miss a lot of people and the comfort of my old ways and routines and can not wait to visit during the Christmas season. If you will be around we would love to meet up with you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)