What a great story!  It is nice to see positive articles and ideas in the paper.  I agree with focusing more on the family at Holiday times than on the presents that are purchased.  I decided on something new this year for my children as well, based on an article I had read in a magazine.  Each one of my 4 children will receive 3 gifts, one each to represent the gifts that were brought to Jesus by the 3 Wisemen.  I don't exactly recall how the article went, but it inspired me to do something different.  My husband didn't originally think it was such a good idea, because his Christmas' as a child were ALL about how much you received, but he is willing to give it a try this year.  My children still had gifts that they received from family members last year that they NEVER played with.  I donated those toys and the items that have been purchased this year are all things that are practical, educational and fun.  I am soooo looking forward to Christmas this year! 

I believe that LESS is BEST! 

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

I would most definetly report it!  I wish I had a couple years ago when my daughter was being bullied on the school bus by a boy.  He was sooooo mean to her, that she would come home crying every afternoon.  Finally, one afternoon, my husband had just had enough, and went to the bus stop to confront the boy.  He gave him an earful and told him we would go to his Dad if he didn't stop picking on her.  We had wanted to go to the parents first, but the entire neighborhood stated that his parents wouldn't care and would just make excuses for him.  BIG surprise then, that his Dad came to our home and made a TON of excuses for his son and told me how my husband handled it all wrong.  I am happy that my daughter no longer rides the bus, and hasn't since this incident occurred.  Unfortunately, the boy still goes to her school, and is a HUGE trouble maker.  We know that we did what we thought was best at the time, but I now know better, and would most certainly have reported it.  Even the bus driver didn't realize that she was being bullied.  I am thankful that she didn't hide it from us, and appreciative of the wonderful relationship that we have with her.

Hopefully, you can get this resolved so that everyone ends up happy.

Best of Luck.

Less is BEST!

This year, I have changed EVERYTHING!   My hope is that CHANGE is GOOD!  I decided to purchase less for my children, which was a big step for my husband.  I also purchased EVERYTHING online, including a gift card for my daughter.  This is the first time I have ever done that.  All of my children are now at the age where they can not come with me to shop.  I only have 2 hours, 2 days a week while my youngest is in preschool, so ordering online seemed like a great option. (Thanks to my Sister-in-laws suggestion).  The Holidays should be about family time and doing things together without STRESS. 

 I am not preparing the HUGE meal this year (it has always been a BIG breakfast), but we are having an informal lunch where everyone will bring a dish.  It is a huge relief for me and will save time and money. That and listening to all the family members complaining about having to get up early and come to my home for a FREE meal...go figure! (Since when is 10:30am early anyways ?!) 

We are also not purchasing for anyone besides our families children (3 additional kids total...all boys...all who want money....Easy enough for me!) and for each of our parents.  Every year we feel guilty that money is tight and we always purchase for all the family.  (My husband was born here in Arizona, and all of his family lives here.) 

 I also decorated our tree with only red velvet bows and candy canes.  I think I shocked my husband, because he was convinced that it was going to look terrible.  It is by far the MOST BEAUTIFUL our tree has ever looked.  He hasn't unplugged it since we decorated it!  I would have to say that changing the menu, shopping online, and not going overboard with gift giving, is what is going to make this the BEST Christmas EVER!  I can't wait!

My new phrase for the season....Simple Elegance!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

...it actually works...I might still have a few brain cells left after all those babies.  You can teach an old dog new tricks!

Less is BEST!

I personally could do without Santa.  I know that is very Scrooge of me, but I wish that my children didn't get so caught up in the "getting" part of the Holiday.  I really am trying this year to change that.  Like I mentioned earlier in the Chat, my 14 1/2 year old knows the big secret, but I haven't told my other children yet.  My daughter plays along with them, and it is really kind of cute.  I do know that my eldest is so much more appreciative of what she receives, because she is older now and understands more about money. 

We still keep up with the traditions we started years ago when our eldest was a baby.  We leave out cookies and milk on a special plate and cup that are just for Santa (they have his name on them) .  Santa always writes a note thanking the children for being so thoughtful and he drinks most of the milk ( our Santa is lactose intolerant, HeHe!)  Before the children open up their presents, Dad reads the note that Santa left.  They are always soooo excited to hear what Santa has to say.  That part just melts my heart. They are so cute and innocent. 

 I am so looking forward to Christmas this year.  It will be the first time that the season has not been so stressful, and since the Holiday should be about being with family, I am glad that is what we are focusing on this year.

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

How do you remember which presents that Santa brought?  That has been the problem with us the last few years.  With 4 children, it was hard to keep it straight, and then we slipped up a couple of times, just to have the children point out that Santa gave them the gift, not us.  I am so glad that it didn't spoil it for the little ones, because by then our eldest already knew the truth.

When do you think that it is okay to tell them that WE are actually Santa?  My children are from 4 to 14 years old, and other than the eldest knowing the truth, the others still believe.  Tonight after dinner, my 6 year old wanted to write his list for Santa, so then all the children made their lists. (We have never done lists before, so this was a first) In some ways, I was a little sad, because the things that they are now asking for, are not the things that they wanted two weeks ago.  They are also asking for things that are so unaffordable, that there is no way that they will be getting these items.  I know that I am doing the right thing by giving them less gifts this year.  They just don't need a ton of stuff.  They never have.  All their needs are taken care of and that is what is important.  I guess I just don't know how to address the issue with them.  The little ones are convinced that Santa is going to bring them what they want, and I just don't want to see disappointed faces on Christmas morning.  Does anyone have any suggestions?

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

I loved your first feature Gossip Girl!  It was very entertaining. 

It had me laughing first thing this morning.

Looking forward to your next feauture.

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!