Christmas Report

Yeah, yeah.  I know no one really cares about what WE got for Christmas.  But we care and this will be a physical book of memories in a few weeks, and I'm going to want to remember all this stuff.  So skip what you don't care for.

I thought I was going to be really organized this year.  I started shopping in September, and bought the big expensive stuff slowly so it wouldn't kill me at the end.  So, I purchased the scooters for the girls and Joshua's trumpet and kept my eyes out for good deals.  I found a $30 used DS for Delaney and got that months ago.  I had a list of what I was getting for each kid so I'd be sure to keep it all fair.  

I thought I was doing a great job.  But somehow in the chaos of the final countdown to Christmas I got off my game and it all fell apart. You know, when you have 4 gifts for each kid but one and you go shopping and forget that it was Callie who needed the 4th gift and you buy something else for Delaney.  That means you have to think about getting another gift for everyone, or you have to figure out if you can shuffle what you already have.  Plus, Callie and Marian were really excited to help wrap and I let them wrap some stuff, but forgot what it was that was already under the tree, and may have bought more things. There were a few glitches, but the kids didn't really notice at all.  Rylee did accidentally end up with the same gift twice.  When she opened the second one, she leaped of the couch and marched up to Delaney and handed it to her, no hesitation at all.  What an awesome kid!  Delaney was so pleased, as it was on her list of must-haves.  

The kids were delighted with their lootfest.  Each got what they most desired- Joshua got his coveted headphones, Marian got lots of her favorite candy, Callie got a (Walmart version!) American Girl Doll, Delaney got the DS (and a Lalaloopsy mermaid, and a Hello Kitty Messenger bag), and Rylee got the Flashlight Friend she has been telling every Santa about.  I also got my heart's desire- both the one I never expected (a fabulous stainless steel 6 qt pot!) and the secretly hoped for ($$ for a gun).

 The Christmas magic.  The tree was tucked on the other side of the room in a corner till after the kids went to bed.  Then I moved it and Santa brought out the presents.  Guess what we were watching while we worked? A Christmas Story is showing on the tv.

Marian was so pleased, she picked out these chocolates for me.  I'm pretty sure she has eaten more than me so far, as well. They are tasty.  And Delaney.... well, she's just Delaney!

 I finally caved and got Joshua a Batman mask.  Well, and a shirt and socks to go with it!

A delighted Delaney and her prize gift. 

The headphones Joshua has been asking for for months.  He keeps telling me how fabulous they are. It is validating to hear him thank me all the time!

Rylee giving me the stink eye.

Callie was cross I took a picture. She's not longer into having her picture taken, but she's so cute! 

Joshua showing off his awesome socks.  Sadly, you cannot tell that there are little capes dangling off the back. 

The kids bought each other gifts from the dollar store. Someone made a good choice with these for Marian.

 Levi may have looked good in them, but he was not a fan.  He got his revenge later and chewed them up.  They were darn fun while they lasted!

Rylee was not happy about pictures and did not give me any good ones!  Little pickle.  She really DID have a good time!

Dan had Joshua and Marian design a clever way to gift cash for a gun.  Marian designed this gun and they taped $20 bills to it.  It is so stinking cute and clever!