I Guess I'll Do It

I have been avoiding doing this Christmas/New Year post. Probably because to me it is still Christmas Break and I have been partying too hard. We have had so much fun with friends and family just hanging out and playing games, but the time has come. Here it goes . . . . .

My kids are spoiled enough as it is. They pretty much get whatever they want all year round because Damon and I are the biggest suckers. So naturally for Christmas we promise eachother we will try to make it more simple and stick to the real meaning of Christmas, but of course this year, I pretty much over did it once again.


Don't get me wrong, our Christmas was good, but I think I really mean it when I say next year will be much more simple. Here's why:

1. Edyn got everything she asked for. A guitar, snow globe, clothes, games, books, barbie scooter . .. etc. On Christmas she told us many times that "This is the best day of my life!" A few days later we overheard her and her friend talking about what they got for Christmas, and she said, "I don't even remember what I got." Hmmmmmm . . . . . .

2. Ava, also happy as a clam, for 15 minutes and then she was more interested in stealing Lila's binkis and sneaking up to the bonus room to watch tv.

3. Lila. . . . . don't know why I even bothered. She prefers piles of garbage to toys. I have proof.

Anyway, It was a good day, but like I said . . . . next year, A LOT different. I plan on doing more service and spending more TIME than MONEY.

Of all the gifts I received, my very favorite thing about this year was this.


Nana ( WE LOVE YOU!) snuck our plain little table and spent countless hours hand painting it into a beautiful work of art. It is so hard for me to express how much I appreciate this kind gesture. I was basically speechless. She spent so much TIME on this amazing gift. I LOVE it. My kids LOVE it. They feel like little princesses when they sit at it. This was better than any store bought gift we have ever received. Priceless.

My next favorite thing was this picture Damon did for me. You wouldn't understand unless you saw the original how much TIME he put into it. It was horrendous. He worked his magic in photoshop, switching heads cleaning things up (like my fat face), making me look somewhat presentable (30 pounds lighter) and printing it VERY LARGE for my viewing pleasure. Of course now all we have to do is photoshop him in one of these days so we can have a real family picture for once. (That doesn't mean I will be doing Christmas cards next year . . . . just because I still don't want to)!

New Years was fun. We spent some time with friends, came home early (sorry guys, I know we are lame) and put the kids to bed and then of course played a couple of rounds of Ticket to Ride. Then I spent the wee hours of New Years Day spooning with my sister and watching arguably the funniest show ever . . . . Arrested Development. Oh WOW. That is some good stuff! (Thanks for the rental El Donaldo).

On a side note. . . . I have been wondering what I can do for some decorations in my room. I am basically stumped and have been asking around for some opinions. No worries though. Damon took care of that for me. Doesn't he have good taste?


This is what I walked into the other night. I let him keep it up, because after all, the Dolphins did make it to the playoffs, but it might be coming down tonight after the game they played today. Stinkin Dolphins. Blew it.

Also, I started a new tradition. New Years Day from now on in our house is Kids Day. They get to do whatever they want. Shoots and Ladders, pedicures and manicures, hide and seek and dancing were on my shift. Damon's shift was the movies. Unfortunately it all came to a screeching halt when Ava got explosive diarrhea during said movie. So glad that was Damon's shift :).

We have had a great break, but I am so ready to be back on track. My kids need school. I need them out of my face cause its about to get ugly up in here. Love those little turkeys, but we are just plain ready for this break to be over.

While we are on the subject of New Years, I will announce to the world (or the 5 people who read this blog) my one and only resolution. I used to make all sorts of resolutions that I knew I really wouldn't keep for more than two or three weeks. Not any more. I am going COMPLETELY REALISTIC this year. Here it is. . . . . AVOID WALMART. This might seem kind of silly to some, seeing as how we are neighbors and all, but the amount of time and money I spend at that place is just astronomical. I drop so much cash there that its just better for all of us if I stay away.

From now on, I will be doing my grocery shopping at Yokes (for my produce), and Winco (for everything else). In doing this, I WILL NOT be able to purchase anything BUT groceries and I will go ahead and make an estimated guess that I will be saving myself THOUSANDS of dollars, which will help us to pay off even more debt than we did in 2008, WHICH will get me one step closer to my goal of being filthy rich . . . . (hey, i can dream can't I)? BTW. .. . if you do happen to see me at WalMart . . . . . . it is for White Cloud diapers. Can't beat that price.

Another side note . . . . . . .I guess Edyn is basically partied out, because I found this on our front door a few days ago. Apparently we are now closed. She is so right . . . . in a way.

I wish you all a Happy 2009. I plan on having a great one.