LESS THAN A WEEK

So I went Xmas shopping last night. My mom has a credit card to Meijers and they offer an additional 15% off general merchandise on certain days- yesterday was one of those days. Littlest Sis came over to play with my oldest 2 children, bringing along family friend Chels who recently got a puppy. The kids had a blast- it's just like grandkids, play with the puppy, enjoy how cute it is and then it goes home! I snuck out the door with the youngest 2 children and met Hubby at the store. Once we were close to being done I called my mom and she came and checked us out, now I owe her a check...*tie little ribbon around finger* She did have some shopping to do, but I have to say thanks to her for being willing to drive in and save us that 15% (HI MOM- THANKS) So anyways, this is all leading up to my question. We drew names for an Aunt and Uncle who's kids are grown, the kids are into acting, comedy, theater- he likes history, factual things, she likes anything you give her...not kidding, she will smile and be happy with anything- the theme this year is games or toys....any ideas??? I am having trouble with this one. Do you know any fun games? I heard Cranium was fun, but I got that for another Aunt. Hmmmm. Ok, so if you know any-HELP!!!
Lolo has her school Xmas program tonight. I am really looking forward to it because she has been practicing so hard and is so excited. This is the kickoff to our school parties. Lolo's is on Wednesday- I have offered to help out, not sure what I just got myself into, but hopefully it will be fun. We are MAKING a nativity scene- I am a self proclaimed two left thumbs crafty person. It's not for lack of trying. See my picture of my front door...I made that door hanger...yup me- well kinda...my mom says that I made it, but in all honesty she brought over all the supplies, the basket, the foamy stuff inside and then helped me put it all together. So I literally stuck the things in the basket, but she helped me decide where to put it all. Then she is declaring to everyone that I MADE IT- she is trying to boost my craft esteem- she knows I am not crafty- I'm on to you MOM! :) Back to the parties... Maddy's is on Thursday and again I have offered to help...I still have 13 days left to get the MOM OF THE YEAR AWARD... wanna know how I am going to get it- Littlest Sis, yup she is babysitting for me so I can attend all of these parties with limited kids in tow- isn't she great! After the school parties we head into the family parties. We party everyday from the 22nd till the 26th, then again on the 30th and the 1st. Let's Count...that's 7 Parties (Xmas Eve isn't technically a party but we go to the children's mass and usually go around seeing people before or after- enough work associated to count as a party) I was telling Molly and Lolo about all of these parties that we are going to and they had the nerve to reply... "That's it!!"

THAT'S IT- WHAT?? 9 parties isn't enough, and I am not even including last weekends parties, so I have decided that this year, they can do all the food prep, gift wrapping, party dress, hair bow wearing prep work and I will sit down and play with the toys ( I do love my laptop)

The funny thing is, even with all the work that goes into Christmas, I wouldn't want it any other way. With all the kids in bed on Christmas night, I always stand in front of the tree and think back through the day, the year, the kids' faces and reactions and think to myself...it was worth it. It never fails, a few tears fall down my cheeks as I turn off the lights and anticipate next year.

Remember to check this out... http://thereddooreats.blogspot.com/