Ending the year 2009

When I had my children I wanted to make traditions and memories. I do not know if it is that my children are young or that I can not find a tradition that strikes my fancy. I am not one of those who decorates like mad for every holiday. Truth be told I have a hard enough time keeping up with normal household duties! Any way, I was thinking of all the things that I need to resolve to change in the coming year and thought I should make a list of the things that we are changing for the better.

So here we go:

1) More time together as a family~without media

2) Silliness abound~what happened to the days of laughing because nothing but everything was funny?

3) Kissing and Hugging in front of the children! They need to know how to love someone and we need to put "us" first.

4) Stepping out of my comfort zone a bit more often! I gave my hubby dancing lessons for 2 for Christmas!

5)Letting go of the small stuff and hanging on to the forever.

Yes, they may seem vague and common but they are things that I (and my small family) need to remember. I really want for my family to get back to basics. Not in the roughing it sense but for us to put "us" on the priority list in the #1 slot! What are the resolutions that will help stop the madness and calm the Chaos?

Have we lost the meaning?

It has been a while since I have had (ok, made) the time to write.
I have begun my journey to obtaining my degree (once again). I only took one class but it was a good one. To boot, I started my Christmas shopping early. In my quest to now be frugal and find the perfect gift; I have found myself with a new found passion~ Goodwill!



Now before you judge think about this:
I bought a pair of j Jill pants-3.99 ( at 1/2 off)= $2.00
a Banana Republic shirt-4.99 (1/2 off)=$2.50
a pair of Nine West Boots-3.99
Bringing the total of my outfit=$8.50 There is no where else that I could have done this! Yes, I had to dig and make sure there was nothing wrong with the items but I saved a lot of money by spending some time. I bought all of our Christmas there and Name Brand Clothing. I bought a Play School barn for $2.25-it retails for $30, a Play school doll house and furniture-$15.50, a Little Tykes Grill for $2.50, a Little Mermaid ride on scooter for $5, a Little Tykes Pirate Boat for $2.50, a Large plastic Pony with moving neck and head-$1!!! Books-we love books! I bought most for a $1 a book but Saturday, I hit the best deal yet-5/$1! I think every child on my list will get a great book this year. Do my kids really need this stuff? No, but it sure beats paying full retail for stuff that still works and cost me a penny on the dollar. I also bought handbags at NBC for $5, house shoes for $2, several ladies blouses for $3-4 each. I love the game but most of all-I love the fact that we were also able to splurge on other things that we wouldn't have if I wasn't being frugal.
I love to find the perfect gift and write a great note. The two are timeless to me. Every time I went to Goodwill, I would not be looking for anything specific but knew who was still on my list. Some days I would win big and others not so much. Yes, Christmas is about celebrating our Saviours birth but my three year old still thinks that it is a party where Santa is the host!
I will tell you, my favorite thing about the holiday is, that I have a bit of time to watch my nephews and nieces play with my children and I in turn get to spend time with my family where the pace is not breakneck speed. There are no schedules. It is the one time of year that everyone clears the calendar for playing games, eating and good ole laughter. Memories are made, wishes are realized and the desire for one more day is built. The Chaos subsides for a moment and family is the most important second to none. Enjoy your holiday and spend time with those you love, reconnect with friends and take time to calm the chaos in your life.