The cards are rolling in...

I was beginning to think I was being cut from some Christmas card lists. Or lots of friends are going the email route to share their cards. I bundled up to walk down the street to our mailbox today and found 11 Christmas cards (my all time high for one day) a package for us, and something I ordered for my mom (who happens to be leaving today). Then, upon opening those 11 cards, to my surprise, ALL 11 HAVE PICTURES INSIDE!!!!! HOORAY!!! I am just so excited. I am sad that 4 of my postcard pictures came back, so that means I have the wrong addresses and have to try to track them down. Not sure I'll get to that very soon, after all in my mind, I'm done.

I am so excited for Christmas. We will be home alone, and we are surprising our kids with a little 2 day trip leaving the afternoon of Christmas. All year long, I have to tell my kids no to toys or things in the store...they have to save their money, etc. Even at birthdays, I don't do a whole lot in the way of gifts because I do parties and cakes and their friends give them enough junk. But at Christmastime---I am unleashed! Free to indulge my kids as I've wanted to all year round. I have a set limit in my mind, but I just keep thinking of things or finding things, and I have to get just a little more.

On Friday, Michael and I took them out to shop for each other and for us. We went to a Target super store which is near a jewelry store I like (I love when my kids give me jewelry and see me wearing it) and another craft store. Michael, Tyler, and Alyssa went first in one direction while I took Matthew in another direction. It is so cute to see what Matthew had already decided he wanted to get for Daddy, Tyler, and Alyssa. He really wanted to get Michael a crepe pan, but I've also been searching the stores and the net over and can't find what he wants. He also had a plan for Tyler, but couldn't find it--but eventually found some cool thing that he can play with as well. Alyssa is easy enough to shop for, it is just which baby to get for her. Then we swapped and I took Tyler while Michael took Matthew to shop for me. I helped Tyler shop for Michael. The kids get so excited, and its fun for us, too. Alyssa couldn't keep quiet about what she got for everyone, though we try to shush her. I was sad that she even told Michael what my big gift for him was because she was there when I got it (a few days before). I thought she was oblivious, but maybe not.

Not a whole lot of surprises come for mom's, but Michael did a good job and found a few things. One of which I found out through the mailers return label. But I'm just excited to see the joy on my kids faces and have a fun relaxing time with my own little family. I can't wait! I can't wait! I can't wait!

Here are our cards from 2 years ago when Michael wore the Santa outfit. We set up the white backdrop in the backyard and I set up my camera settings and had a friend click click click away for the family shot. I took the others. They make me smile.


I printed the next 2 as an 8x10 and mounted them on a hard board and have them on an easel. They are part of my holiday decor that I'll bring out each year.


Merry Christmas everyone! I can't wait to hear about what all of what you do, and I'll be reporting next week as well!