i love this day!

Boxing day is just one of my favorite days! I love going out with sisters and friends and finding a few treasures for a really great deal. For me it is not about the things, but the energy, the deals and the people I'm with! I had fun this year with my sister-in-law Shannon. We went only 2 places (Superstore & Home Sense- what else do you need), but I found some fun things!

Ingredients for a successful trip:

1. DO NOT take children or a husband (unless he enjoys shopping)

2. Check out the things ahead of time that you would like but wouldn't pay full price for

3. Go with a limit (it is possible to go overboard, you could end up with something that you usually wouldn't ever choose, just because it is a good deal)

4. Go with someone who can be objective, but most of all fun!

5. DO NOT take children or husband

6. DO NOT take children or husband

Have fun!

A Full Heart and a Happy Home

Merry Christmas 2009! This year we decided, as a family, that we would make all our Christmas gifts, in order to help our children (and ourselves) internalize what the spirit of Christmas is really all about. For us it has been such a wonderful way to spend the Christmas season. Whenever I went to the store for something and saw everyone out shopping for gifts, I felt such relief at the thought that I didn't have to fight crowds and spend more than necessary. Instead, I have seen my children being very creative and thoughtful about what they could make for others. Darren and I have also had such fun making gifts for our family. I felt like I was an elf in Santa's workshop painting and assembling wooden toys for the kids. And they turned out pretty cute! There were not piles and piles of gifts under our tree this year and yet everyone feels special and happy, all busy playing with the few things they did receive. I am grateful for Christmas - I love the music, the lights, the decorations, the food, the friends and family, the shopping (I do like shopping). I am grateful for my husband who is still assembling toys with the boys, grateful that I don't have to figure it out how to, grateful that is a priority to him and grateful that he still has the spirit of a little child. I am grateful for children that have big hearts and think about others, and how they can help, serve and give. I am grateful for my warm safe home this Christmas day. I am grateful!

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Paperwhites and popcorn strings!