By far, the best presents the boys got were their new iPods.  They are loving the FaceTime feature and Matt and I were getting a big kick out of playing Connect Four from across the room from each other.

Almost lost him

searching for more

stockings

new ipods = happy, busy boys

I received some charms for my pandora bracelet, some of those awesome tech-geek friendly gloves (so I can use my phone without freezing my fingers off!), a gift card and by far, the best gift?  A SIGNED copy of The Beauty of Different by Karen Walrond .  It’s been a long time since I was so touched by a gift that tears sprung to my eyes.  Not only is the book AMAZING, but to have it signed? Pure awesome by Mike. He definitely would win the best gift prize this year – you know, if we gave those out.

It was a lovely, relaxing, very nice Christmas. I hope yours was too!

The trick to this is always keeping my eyes open for potential gifts.  For example, I was at Borders one day and there was an author I’d never heard of signing books.  I glanced, smiled and walked by.  I made my purchases and then walked out of the store, when I saw the sign for the author in the window. He was signing a book he wrote about a house he grew up in that was haunted.  It was a local story and sounded kind of spooky – absolutely perfect for someone I know who loves all things Halloween and scary.

For the kids in my life, I always try to come up with something fun and sightly educational. Arts, crafts, science projects are all big winners (thankfully).

My parents always get the best gift for them – a photo book of the grandkids from the year.

I also like to give gifts the help other people – for example, etsy for handmade items, or things that are purchased to help women in other countries avoid poverty and live better lives.

I used to make a lot of my holiday gifts, but lately, my time has been limited (not to mention I’m not sure I can even find my sewing machine in the disaster that is my craft room!).  I hope to get back to that one day (soon)!

So, what are your favorite things to give? Or what is the best, most thoughtful gift you have ever received?

Today was a quiet Thanksgiving at our house. Normally we have nearly 20 people here – lots of noise, laughter, good-natured teasing – the whole family thing.  We do it casual around here; food, football, comfort.  This year, it was just me, Mike and the kids plus my mom, dad and step-parents. 8 of us, total.  We actually ate at the table for the first time in years.  My brother was at his in-laws, my cousins gathered in Virginia, my other cousins and their parents at their house, Mike’s parents and sister at their house. We all kind of split up this year and I’m afraid it was more of a change, not a one time deal.  That said, I’m grateful that we didn’t have to travel, that we still had a great meal and a nice day  (but I sure missed having more of our family around).

I am absurdly thankful for my amazing husband and best friend who is also a fabulous father.  There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude for my boys – in the midst of craziness, issues and whatnot, they are healthy, so very intelligent, and so damn cute.

Of course, I am also very thankful every day that I have been cancer free for over a year now. My scars and random nerve shocks are constant reminders of that.

I am ever so grateful to have a business that is doing well (even though the roller coaster ride in this economy is beyond nerve-wracking), and I should probably give myself more credit for keeping it going.

I am blessed and thankful to have so many friends – in “real” life and that live in my computer. The support of people I have never met in person astounds me every day. I have learned so much from the little people on the other side of this screen, and I am thankful for every moment.

Of course, I am also thankful for goofy and silly things, like the way my dog likes to cuddle with me, all of my lovely toys from the world of i – iPhone, iPad, iCan’t believe my macbook isn’t an iMacBook. For Coke, abundant toilet paper, Tide detergent, little Lego dudes and the promise of a Disney vacation. And a million other things.

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!

One of my favorite pictures from Easter Sunday.

The boys were good waiting, although they hesitated walking up to him. Matt actually said “I wrote him a letter, I don’t need to tell him”. HUH?

Anyway, we got our pictures, the boys warmed up a little, and then we headed to the Legos.  To be honest, I was disappointed.  When they were hyping a Lego Castle Adventure, I was imagining a LIFE SIZE Lego castle that we could walk through. Don’t get me wrong – they had awesome Lego castles – but I was expecting MORE. BIGGER.  And according to other people around, I wasn’t the only one.  The boys liked it, though, and our museum tradition continues.

waiting

Matt writing his letter to Santa

You're a mean one, Mr (Lego) Grinch

Yearly picture by the giant tree

Checking out the Lego castles

Matt as farmer!

While we were putting Matt’s letter to Santa, the letter on top caught my eye and made me laugh.

Letter to Santa from unknown child

It says: Dear Santa, I love you very much and please don’t put me on the naughty list. My heart is humongous. I hope you have a good day.