Christmas Gifts Part 2

I did pretty well using the rhyme for Christmas purchases. The kids both got books (about 4 each) and a couple of outfits. S got a cell phone for her want and Little Mermaid sheets for her need. TT got a R/C helicopter for his want and we couldn't think of anything big for his need so he got a few little things like shoe laces with skulls on them.

I also filled their stocking with fun things like a Webkinz, new Heely wheels, and those incredible growing toys that you put in water.
The rhyme helped me on a mental/emotional level because I didn't get the feeling that I needed to run out on Christmas Eve and buy more gifts. It felt good to just let it be.

Christmas Knitting

I made these Jan Brett inspired mittens for T's second grade teacher. I had a few other people from the school on my knitting list but I didn't get their gifts done so I gave them IOUs.

I had a few problems with the mittens (including gauge, placement of thumb, and writing the pattern) but overall I am very proud of these mittens. I hope to write the pattern up and maybe offer it as a Mitten of the Month.

Sally

This post is for Lia. I haven't talked much about Sally lately. She has mostly outgrown her chewing stage or we have gotten smarter and provided more acceptable things to chew on. She is still learning appropriate guest manner as she gets very excited and jumps on people.

Her main hobby is hanging around the kitchen looking sad and pathetic and hoping someone will drop something. Unfortunately (or fortunately for her) I am quite clumsy and often she gets lucky if I can't grab it before she gets it.

It is too cold for much running or walking but she enjoys playing in the snow outside and will sometimes not want to come in.

She is a good dog, very smart and loving.

T's Birthday Party

If you are a VIP, you might get a special invite to T T's "Party Like a Rockstar" birthday party. The invitations are 3-D with T T rocking out on the top, flames, and adoring fans. Also there are VIP All-Access pass for you will wear to the party so security doesn't kick you out.

The party is next Thursday so if you don't get an invite this week, sorry maybe next year.

Christmas Gifts

So I have a tendency to go a little overboard in the gift department during Christmas. The list of people I give gifts to has everyone from the mailman and trashman to the lunch lady and secretary at the kid's school. It's all really too much. In addition usually the week before Christmas I freak out and go buy the kids extra gifts just so they can having lots to open on Christmas morning.

But this year I am making a pledge before all of you, I will not go overboard. I am trimming my list and giving holiday greeting cards with a handwritten thank you's to those I would usually buy a gift card for i.e. lunch lady and school secretary.

Also I am using a cute I idea from, my friend, Allison's blog for my kids. Gifts from this poem: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Lucky for me, we are having our school book fair next week and I will be able to get some good deals on books.

I expect that you guys will hold me to this.

Thanksgiving in Chicago

Here's a few pictures of our trip to Chicago over Thanksgiving break.

We drove up on Tuesday night.

Then we sent 3 days going to major attractions in Chicago.

Here's the list: Navy Pier, Chicago Children's Museum, Michigan Avenue, American Girl Place, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Adler Planetarium, Sears Tower Skydeck, IKEA, Millennium Park, and Giordano pizza

More pictures on my flickr account.