Never enough

So, before I delve into the fun (in another post) that was Arizona Trip 2007 let me first begin with my Christmas List for 2008.

Yep, you heard me. Christmas. 2008

I never know what I want. I really don't have many needs. When I need to come up with a list for people who care about me and want to buy things or me I stammer like a crazy person. I love catalogs. Some would say I have an addiction. If I was to win the lottery I would buy everyone all the little things I see in the catalogs that I think are perfect for them...

Although this year I got one of the best gifts ever (my parents bought me a one hour massage that was awesome and amazing!!!)... I'm ready for 2008.

Yes this might change in the next 340 some odd days until next Christmas shopping season, but it's a pretty good start.

Number 1 through 3 on my list are the Amish figurines from Jim Shore. They are awesome. I have a collection of cast iron Amish figurines that used to be my Grandmothers. These would be a great addition to my collection. My great grandmother was one of the Plain People (with electricity) but strangely enough, not on the side of the family where I received my collection.

My next request would be for some AS SEEN ON TV fun. The Vidalia Chop Wizard would be awesome for cooking with the kids.

My next ideas are kind of a theme... I love them all. I do not wear jewelry, but I think this jewelry is classic and meaningful. I love quotes more than just about anything. Combining simple, beautiful peices with words that move me, is just about perfect. I don't necessarily want these, and certainly not them all, but these are some of my favorite.

* "Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul." Emily Dickinson

* "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Helen Keller

* "Remember what is important to you"

* "Nothing is worth more than this day."

* "I love you, I love you more" I love the Mobius style... it's so cool!!

Ok that's it for now... It's probably more like 3 years worth of birthday/Christmas gifts but there we go...

Blog worthy

Seriously, I think of 20 things a day to blog about, yet when I sit down to write any of them it just isn't there.

I'm dealing with some insomnia and the effects are always so ugly. It affects so many different parts of my life. I'm fine - just tired and grumpy. So really - same old same old.

I'm still studying for my exam - which has been scheduled for December 1. I can't wait.

We're getting ready for Christmas already. We won't be doing a whole lot of decorating this year. Maybe a fake wreath on the door, some candle lights in the window. Nothing exciting. We're trying to get most of our shopping done before December so that we can have the smaller stuff shipped to AZ for Christmas morning. The girls will be exchanging their gifts (we're letting them give the big gifts to each other this year) here before we leave. Our neighbors will be taking care of our place while we're gone.

WishingFish...

I just wanted to update that WishingFish has their ducks in a row! I ordered the handwarmers (from this post)on Friday evening and yesterday (Monday) had them in hand! I didn't even pay for expedited shipping.

Nice.

Even more Christmas Shopping...

So - what I've found recently...

The ION Gaming system by Hasbro. I got this for Julia and Anna for Christmas and I think they will like it. Especially since I got it for a STEAL on Toys R Us. Throw in some of the discounts I had and with 2 games it was under $40 shipped. YEAH!

Smencils - pencils that smell. Julia will LOVE these!

These awesome products from Wishing Fish - we are big fans of the Mr. Men and Little Miss books (Mr. Messy, Little Miss Sunshine) and these products are a take on those... Mr. Happy Boo Boo Soother and these great re-usable Happy Handwarmers! These will definitely be stocking stuffers for my girls!

I'm off to get ready for my doctor's appointment (2 days after my last one) to show off my spectacular red breast!

More Kid Christmas shopping

So here are some more finds, since I'm looking anyway - I thought I'd share as I go along... I'm looking for things that will engage the brain, body or just plain too super cool fun...

Cranium Super Fort age 4 and up ($39.99 or more) This looks very cool, I wonder how easy this will be for a 5/6 year old to put together and if we really have enough space for something like this - but if you have the room and have busy kids who dig building stuff - or are tired of your tables, chairs and couch cushions being used for building forts - this might be good for you

Melissa and Doug Band in a Box ages 3+ ($19.99) We bought this for the girls after they adored their cousins. I can usually tune these things out, but they still go out of sight until I decide it's time to play with them. This will go along with the recorder, keyboard, slide whistles and other loud things.

I bought Julia the Christmas Craft kit by Alex Toys. I figure it will give her something to do over the 5 day Thanksgiving break. I have been really impressed with the innards... it includes everything you need for all the crafts. Including glue, paint, markers, crayons... she'll be making different crafts to give as gifts for her teachers, grandparents... I can't find a link for this to share it - but if you see it while you are out, I recommend it.

Anna is a big fan of trains - so we were thinking of getting her this Melissa and Doug stacking Train ages 2+ (14.99), I love wooden toys


This might seem a bit out there -but we're thinking about getting an animal from Heifer International in the kids names. I think Julia is old enough to understand the concept and I love Heifer.

I'll share more as they come along...

I have time alone!

Dan took the girls to go grocery shopping since my head was spinning around in circles

SO ----

What are you getting your kidlets for Xmas this year?

Julia wants a Barbie Jeep - as in a vehicle for her Barbie's, and some fingernail polish. These things will be do-able.

Anna wants everything she sees. Thank goodness for Noggin and ad free TV. She wants the Dora Kitchen (but we already have a kitchen - so this will be a no go) the Bounce and Spin Zebra, and just about anything else she sees. We'll do the Bounce and Spin since Em will also get good use of it soon.

Emma won't be getting much - but we'll probably get her the Roll a Rounds Drop and Roar Dinosaur thing and probably some books.

Julia and Anna will each get a new Barbie, some books and more board games. We'll bulk up on craft supplies. We bought the girls a set of different musical instruments. We don't have the room for big toys and after living lean for almost 5 months I realize we don't need junk toys. We are going for the quality v. quantity this year. We'll probably do a big present for each kid from generous Meemaw and Poppa (ideas???) and then Santa will bring something nice too. Maybe ice skates or snow shoes? Or a big sled?

Then I have Julia's birthday present to think of... maybe dance lessons for the Spring? With new dance shoes and a new dance outfit?