This year we ended up getting one family gift and one gift per child.  The children's gifts ranged between $25-$50 dollars.  We also have 4 children, so we try to keep the number of gifts the same.  Typically the younger childrens gifts cost less.  This year the girl's gifts were the least expensive.   :0)

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Great photos!

Scion is my hubby's favorite car.  I was able to take the new model out on a test course before they were released to the public.  The new xB's are built so much nicer than the one that we currently own.  Scion has come along way. :0)

You are right about the Caravan shifter being in an odd location.  Several times I found myself looking for it.  LOL!

We weren't able to use the table.  There was no leg room for my children after the chairs were turned around. 

The vehicle was enjoyed by my children immensly.  They were on the verge of tears (the two younger ones) when they found out the van was being picked up this morning.  The Entertainment System was their absolute favorite!  They've already asked me is we can test drive it again. LOL!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

This year I meant to put up the tree early, I haven't done it yet.  I had my children each paint an ornament that will be put on the tree.  I hope to make that a tradition.  When I was a kid, alot the ornaments on the tree were ones that my sister and I made.  It made the tree seem so special.

I was hoping to find some cute outside decorations this year.  I am getting tired of the ones we have been using every year for the past several years.  Our neighbors have a ton of the blow-up decorations...I think less than last year though since their new ones are bigger.  I think there are only 5 out there this year.  They have a huge front yard.

Less is BEST!

Last year, at my sister in laws suggestion, I did all of my shopping online through Walmart.  It was easy and they were offering free shipping. 

This year, we scaled down the gifts and are going with one family gift and one gift per child.  I just happened upon a few items at Coscto and they were at such a good deal I just couldn't pass them up.

I am glad to be done. 

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

I read a few different articles about this story.  They all are a little different.  You can't always believe what is written. 

 On another note, this girl was in college.  I would have been surprised if her parents knew what she was doing at every moment.  Just as I bet many of us did things as teenagers that our parents were unaware of, so did she....that part is not all that surprising to me. 

My sister and I were raised in the same home with the same rules.  Somehow, my sister managed to go out drinking and having sex while she was still in High School. She is a year younger than me.   I actually don't know how she managed it.  I always felt like my parents were everywhere, always looking over my shoulder.  I didn't get into much trouble at all.  I was scared of the consequences.

Kids are going to do what they want, when they want.  We can only hope and pray that they make the best choices possible.

:0)

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

I went back to work full time after my eldest daughter was born.  I really didn't want to go back to work, but we needed the extra income.  Luckily I had my Mom to watch her, but I still felt guilty that when she was sick, often times my Mom was the one to take her to the doctor.

After my second child was born, finding day care that didn't cost more than what I was making per hour was impossible.  A friend of the family offered to watch both children until I could find alternate daycare, but with her arthritis, as the baby was getting bigger she was having a difficult time watching him.  That, and the fact that hubby would forget to unbuckle the baby from his car seat and the sitter would call me at work to come to her home and get him out of his seat.  She really had bad arthritis.  At any rate, I gave my notice after only a few days back to work. 

I have recently just gone back to work part time...between 15-20 hours per week.  I work while the children are in school and I am really enjoying it.   My boss is also a mother herself, so she is very understanding when it comes to kids.  I recently had to leave work abruptly when the school called because my eldest son fell.  He needed stitches and staples to close the wound.  Had my boss not been so understanding and flexible, I would no doubt have had to give working outside the home a second thought, because my children will always come first. 

I am so thankful for such a great job and a wonderful boss! :0)

Less is BEST!

I found, personally, that with baby #2, I just needed more time to do things.  It took me a little longer to get everybody ready, a little longer to feed them, and if I had an appointment, I started getting ready a little earlier so that I would have enough time to get myself and both of my babies ready.

When I had baby #3 & #4, piece of cake.  Maybe it was just because I was more mature and more comfortable in my role as a mom, but it just seemed so much easier.  Also, I knew what to expect, what worked best, and I had a great routine in place.  These things helped me tremendously.

:0)

Less is BEST!

I find the news often depressing.  I don't typically watch it on television, but I do read the current events online. 

I think the news stations present news based on shock value.  Sad, but true.

Less is BEST!

We have one LARGE dog that we adopted a couple of years ago.  She is a Rhodesian Ridgeback, English Lab, & German Shepherd mix.  She's really a sweet dog, but looks fierce.  She scares most people with her bark.  If she could sit on your lap, she would and lick you all day. 

 She is a great family dog. :0)

Less is BEST!