Christmas Shopping '09

[mrsbornkuntry]

Hi guys.
This might not be the place to post this, but I felt I had to get it off my chest and I didn't want to bum anyone in my family out and make them worry about us.
Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year. I say Christmas season begins the day after Halloween and I want my tree up that day and Christmas music playing! But this year I can't seem to get in the mood. My husband Kevin has been in Florida (we are in Ohio) working since June and I miss him so much. He won't be home until Dec.21st and I just can't seem to get it altogether this year. He often works out of state, but only for 6-8 weeks at a time. This time is forever! We had our 3rd baby girl in April and he was here for 3 weeks when she was born and then had to leave.

He is such a great husband and daddy and I am greatful he works so hard so we can provide for our family and I can stay at home with our kids, but its so hard around holidays to be happy when I want him here. I know I sound terrible when some families have a loved one in the military and I have no room to complain, but I guess I am just bummed. I try and not complain to my family or bother them to help us, because I don't want them to worry. I try and show that I can carry the whole load while Kevin is away, but some nights are just a little sad. My Mom took my 2 older girls to spend the night with her, so maybe I am just missing my girls tonight.

What can I do to get back in the spirit and make sure my girls don't pick up on this. They miss daddy so much too, and I don't want them picking up on my sadness.

Sorry this was so long and annoying, I just needed someone to complain to for a minute. Thanks for putting up with me!

I understand how you feel, my DH is gone alot, too. Some things that help us are taking alot of pictures to show Daddy what we're doing and I let each kid decorate a jar, then we put a hershey kiss in it for each day until Daddy came home. Each night before bed they would eat one (sometimes Mommy had to eat a couple or add a couple to make up for plan changes). It helped them (and me) visualize the time passing.

And I second keeping busy. It really helps to "force yourself" to get out and do the things you enjoy doing. Don't pass up on the Christmas festivities, parades, light displays, and other social events. Even if you don't feel like going go anyway, the fellowship and your girls' laughter will lift your spirits.

 

[mrsbornkuntry]

I went through the rewards sites I belong to today to cash out points for gift cards, sometimes if I wait too long the ones I want are gone so I like to do it in Oct. I got 3 Borders GC's for teachers and I ordered Vera Bradley ID card holders to put the GC's in when they had their 20% off sale items last week so they were $4.80 each. I need one more Borders card and I'll be done with teachers. I also got an itunes card for one of my kids' stocking, I still need one more of those, too.

From the Disney Rewards about a month ago I cashed in for an Imagination Movers cd for my 5yo so that'll go in his stocking (he went to their concert this month so he'll love that).

 

[Terry36]

I will be on the hunt for a sale on a Guitar Hero 5 bundle pack....

 

[aharbin88]

I found out about this great deal this morning. If you spend $80 on select video games on Amazon.com, you get a $40 credit towards another video game. You have to buy the $80 worth of games from Amazon, not one of their 3rd party sellers, and the $40 comes as a coupon after the initial order is shipped.
I ordered a game for DNe15 and DNe7, and I am going to spend the $40 to buy DNe12 a game. I will have spent about $100 on 3 new release Wii and XBOX 360 games, and that's a pretty good deal!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.ht...nk_85859891_4&tag=slickdeals&docId=1000443011
Thanks to Mama Cheaps blog for the link!

Ok chickadees here you go~Peanut Butter Fudge:
4 1/2 C Sugar
1 Stick butter
1 12oz can Evaporated Milk
1 12pz pkge Semi sweet Chocolate chips
20 Lg. Marshmellows
1 12oz jar creamy peanut butter
1 C chopped pecans
A 9x13 glass pan buttered
In a non stick pot mix (with a wooden spoon) Sugar, Butter, and Evap milk over med heat.Once melted turn up heat & stir until boiling.*Stir continually-this will scorch easily as the the heat is high!!!* Usually about 7 minutes...At 6 minutes check temp with a candy thermometer--240 degrees.
Or to check, you can take one cup of water and put a small dab of fudge in and see if it makes a ball that can hold it's shape...if you dont have a candy thermometer.
Take off heat & add marshmellows stirring till melted.Add Chocolate chips, stirring until fully melted.Stir in Peanut Butter and pecans. Pour into your buttered pan...let sit for AT LEAST 15 minutes. I wet my hands and push fudge all into the pan--it will be hot! Just cut into small square..a little goes a long way!

Yum! Thanks!!! We really need a smiley that eats, other than this guy

Hi guys.
This might not be the place to post this, but I felt I had to get it off my chest and I didn't want to bum anyone in my family out and make them worry about us.
Christmas is my FAVORITE time of year. I say Christmas season begins the day after Halloween and I want my tree up that day and Christmas music playing! But this year I can't seem to get in the mood. My husband Kevin has been in Florida (we are in Ohio) working since June and I miss him so much. He won't be home until Dec.21st and I just can't seem to get it altogether this year. He often works out of state, but only for 6-8 weeks at a time. This time is forever! We had our 3rd baby girl in April and he was here for 3 weeks when she was born and then had to leave.

He is such a great husband and daddy and I am greatful he works so hard so we can provide for our family and I can stay at home with our kids, but its so hard around holidays to be happy when I want him here. I know I sound terrible when some families have a loved one in the military and I have no room to complain, but I guess I am just bummed. I try and not complain to my family or bother them to help us, because I don't want them to worry. I try and show that I can carry the whole load while Kevin is away, but some nights are just a little sad. My Mom took my 2 older girls to spend the night with her, so maybe I am just missing my girls tonight.

What can I do to get back in the spirit and make sure my girls don't pick up on this. They miss daddy so much too, and I don't want them picking up on my sadness.

Bless your heart. That makes me sad to even think about!! I'm sure he is missing you girls just as much as you're missing him.
I think you've gotten some great advice from these ladies, but I would just mention that I don't think it's such a great thing to shield them completely. I think that they could benefit from knowing how much their mommy loves and misses their daddy. It's a sign of a healthy relationship, and it's also a sign of a healthy person. Share how much you miss him. Talk about him often, and ask them how they are feeling. Involve them in planning for his return, and allow yourself to get caught up in the season. Once Christmas really gets rolling, you'll find yourself feeling those same ol' warm fuzzies.

Does he have Internet access down there? If both of you have Internet and a webcam, download SKYPE. You can video chat as a family, and maybe he can "be there" while you are doing those family traditions like putting up the tree.

If you don't each have webcams, maybe you can add that to your Christmas list.

I understand how you feel, my DH is gone alot, too. Some things that help us are taking alot of pictures to show Daddy what we're doing and I let each kid decorate a jar, then we put a hershey kiss in it for each day until Daddy came home. Each night before bed they would eat one (sometimes Mommy had to eat a couple or add a couple to make up for plan changes). It helped them (and me) visualize the time passing.

And I second keeping busy. It really helps to "force yourself" to get out and do the things you enjoy doing. Don't pass up on the Christmas festivities, parades, light displays, and other social events. Even if you don't feel like going go anyway, the fellowship and your girls' laughter will lift your spirits.

That Hershey's kiss idea is great! My DH always says to give the girls a kiss for him when he isn't home for bedtime, and this is a cute way to do that. I love it!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Andrea..I agree.. we need a new eating smiley ...we also need one with a suitcase!!!

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

If anyone shops Kohl's and received Kohl's cash...don't forget ...you can use starting today. Got my $200 order devilvered today and printed the email for $40 cash. I was suppose to save some of those things for Christmas but they need them now! Why do kids grow so fast!

Oh, well, I will use the $40 towards Chirstmas and I don't even have to deduct from my Christmas budget.

Also saved a lot on my budget getting games from ebay. And with my reward check from Costco.

 

[mommyof2princesses]

Picked up a few stocking stuffers at AC moore. They are moving their store and everything left was on clearance and bogo. So I picked up some paitbrushes for dd14 and a coloring set for dd6.

DH ordered my gift tonight....a WII fit plus! Can't wait till Christmas!

 

[floridascgirl]

If anyone shops Kohl's and received Kohl's cash...don't forget ...you can use starting today. Got my $200 order devilvered today and printed the email for $40 cash. I was suppose to save some of those things for Christmas but they need them now! Why do kids grow so fast!

Oh, well, I will use the $40 towards Chirstmas and I don't even have to deduct from my Christmas budget.

Also saved a lot on my budget getting games from ebay. And with my reward check from Costco.

Just curious...how did you get a reward check from Costco?

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

Just curious...how did you get a reward check from Costco?

If you shop at Costco always pay the extra for the Executive membership. I think it is around 100 vs 55 (or something close to those) At the end of your year they will give 2% back of everything you purchase. If that amount does not equal the difference between Executive and Regular membership they will give you the difference. It is a win-win membership choice.

My favorite check was the year we bought a a couple mattresses, a computer, a digital camera, my sister bought 2 digital cameras while visiting, tires for 2 cars,...etc. That check was over $200 that year.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hey ya'll! Just wanted to say keep shoppin' and bargain huntin'....we have sickness here! At least one has the flu, the other one I am pretty sure has it too...dd is great...Just bored! Ha!!!

 

[Ephany]

If you shop at Costco always pay the extra for the Executive membership. I think it is around 100 vs 55 (or something close to those) At the end of your year they will give 2% back of everything you purchase. If that amount does not equal the difference between Executive and Regular membership they will give you the difference. It is a win-win membership choice.

My favorite check was the year we bought a a couple mattresses, a computer, a digital camera, my sister bought 2 digital cameras while visiting, tires for 2 cars,...etc. That check was over $200 that year.

We do this too, and have made our initial investment+ back every year. It's well worth it, we think. The only thing is the check has to be used in Costco I believe, (I always just hand it to the cashier and they take the amount off my next purchase) and they send it before your membership is due to expire so if you're not going to renew, you can still use it.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Hello Shoppers!!!
Well, I don't know what all of your weather looks like, but ours is rainy and high 50s right now...I think 60 for the high...but we had days this last week back up to the low 80s....YUCK... I am sick of that number!! I don't want to see it again till next year!!! So...hopefully you will all have an awesome weekend for fall festivals & trick or treating with your sweet kiddos!!!
This is the last weekend of October...can you believe that? WOW!!! For those of you who only get paid on the 1st or 1st and 15th....you really have to budget your shopping money!! You only have a few paychecks left before the big day!!!!! So, has anyone got their list going for Thanksgiving/Christmas cooking/baking? I noticed at Wal-Mart on Wed, they had lots of those little mark down tags on stuff in the baking aisle...Like where the coconut, nuts, and choc.chips are...... I guess they too want to have people stock up now.
I actually made a list this week of friends that we want to do our Christmas tins for this year. That is all I accomplished...my boys are sick..the middle one has the flu, the older one probably does too...haven't had him swabbed yet.....so it's been a week of nursing/cleaning for me! But when your kids are so sick..that's the most important thing! So...I will get more done next week-when we are a little more back to normal.
* DO NOT FORGET to set your clocks back an hour before you go to bed Sat. after you trick-or-treat!!!!!!!!!!* Or you will find out Sunday in church that you forgot
Well, Thanksgiving Day is 4 weeks from yesterday...or 27 days from today.

Christmas is in:

8 WEEKS

 

[Deffenm]

I am making good progress. DD has finally started giving me ideas. I don't think I am going to be buying anything else until Black Friday unless it is a really good deal. (well except for UP movie coming out) I know the Toys R Us toy book is out and I think Target's is coming out this coming week. If you printed out the playskool coupons, Toys R US has coupons for some of the items and in their toy book and it looks like you can combine because in the toy book it says something about getting a better deal when you combine with playskool coupons.

I have my holiday baking list ready, thanksgiving menu done, and I just need to begin picking up items here and there for those things.

Have a safe Halloween weekend!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Wow, could our weather be nicer than yours? It's partly sunny, a bit windy, and 57 right now!! Of course, come trick or treat time it will be about 40!!

I have made a couple lists, and DH and I have plans to do some shopping on Veteran's Day since we both have it off and the kids have school. Keeping an eye out for specials on DS - We know we're getting one. The kids have pooled their money thinking they want to buy it. They've got about $50. So we're going to pay the difference (or all of it) and give it to them early so they can each have their own for the trip.
I see our grocery store has baking stuff on sale this week. Might go tonight and grab some. Still haven't decided what exactly to make. I change it every year. I always give some goodies to the teachers and my co-worker and boss. Plus this year I'm getting some Kona coffee from the Poly to take to my boss and co-worker.
We got partial season tickets to the MN Twins for next year and hope to get the actual tickets before Christmas so we can give some to family as gifts. Or maybe an IOU!
only 5 more weeks until we're on the road to WDW!! I better get cracking with shopping because I don't want to do it the last two weeks before Christmas!!

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

We do this too, and have made our initial investment+ back every year. It's well worth it, we think. The only thing is the check has to be used in Costco I believe, (I always just hand it to the cashier and they take the amount off my next purchase) and they send it before your membership is due to expire so if you're not going to renew, you can still use it.

Actually you can just cash it out there. I usually spend it there but this time one costco didn't have some of the items I needed so I bought couple things got cash back and went to other costco that is only 10 minutes away. But you can cash out your reward check as well as the rebate check from American Express if you have the one through Costco. That one is nice because you get I think it is 3% on dining, travel and gas and 2% on everything else.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I am making good progress. DD has finally started giving me ideas. I don't think I am going to be buying anything else until Black Friday unless it is a really good deal. (well except for UP movie coming out) I know the Toys R Us toy book is out and I think Target's is coming out this coming week. If you printed out the playskool coupons, Toys R US has coupons for some of the items and in their toy book and it looks like you can combine because in the toy book it says something about getting a better deal when you combine with playskool coupons.

I have my holiday baking list ready, thanksgiving menu done, and I just need to begin picking up items here and there for those things.

Have a safe Halloween weekend!

good for you!!!!

Wow, could our weather be nicer than yours? It's partly sunny, a bit windy, and 57 right now!! Of course, come trick or treat time it will be about 40!!

I have made a couple lists, and DH and I have plans to do some shopping on Veteran's Day since we both have it off and the kids have school. Keeping an eye out for specials on DS - We know we're getting one. The kids have pooled their money thinking they want to buy it. They've got about $50. So we're going to pay the difference (or all of it) and give it to them early so they can each have their own for the trip.
I see our grocery store has baking stuff on sale this week. Might go tonight and grab some. Still haven't decided what exactly to make. I change it every year. I always give some goodies to the teachers and my co-worker and boss. Plus this year I'm getting some Kona coffee from the Poly to take to my boss and co-worker.
We got partial season tickets to the MN Twins for next year and hope to get the actual tickets before Christmas so we can give some to family as gifts. Or maybe an IOU!
only 5 more weeks until we're on the road to WDW!! I better get cracking with shopping because I don't want to do it the last two weeks before Christmas!!

No kidding!! This is why I want you to do it NOW!! Ha!!!! We got lots to do in the next 5 weeks!!!!!!

 

[Graciesmom77]

Thank you for all of your love and support. Its nice to vent and get it all out and know that people understand. We just got a webcam so daddy was able to see his girls dressed up for trick or treat and he loved it (and so did we!).
Thanks for all the suggestions! They are all great.

I have some good news. My husband was able to work it out so he can fly home the day before Thanksgiving and spend Thanksgiving with us and not go back until Saturday. He will get to be here to get the tree up, which is my favorite thing to do at Christmas.... or is it the lights..... or the hot chocolate..... or the Christmas music.....or..... well anyways, I guess I love most everything at Christmas! I can't WAIT to see him. We aren't telling the girls and I am going to go get him and then come in the house and say Santa left you an early present on the porch and have him waiting out there. They are going to be sooo suprised!

I did start shopping too! I got
Maddie who is 6 months - a FP tea set, a Noah's Ark Little People set, FP Mailbox and a FP steering wheel.
I got Grace who is 8 going on 16 -a pair of high top tennis shoes (like I wore in the 80's lol) and a Jonas Brothers purse at Payless with the 50% off coupon, a decorate your own snap bracelet set, a make your own nail polish, make your own body glitter and a Tinkerbell fairy from Toys R Us that was buy 1 get 1 free.
Emma who is 6 got a Tinkerbell doll, the small fairy, Make your own nailpolish and bath bubbles and a pair of black boots.

Plus they have the new Tink movie to share. I am on my way! Plus we are going to Disney the week after Christmas, so that may be counted as a small gift!

Thanks again for all the support. What would I do without the Disboards?

 

[gerberdaisy1234]

So exciting about your husband coming home for Thanksgiving and the webcam.

It is beginning to sound a lot like Christmas...(*singing*)

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

That is wonderful!!!! I can tell you are so much happier already!!! Congrats on getting your start! Love the idea of leaving Daddy on the porch..priceless!Keep us posted and don't forget to just pop in every now and then to say hey!!

 

[Mndisneygirl]

Oh - this is fabulous!!! Thank God for this - how special of a Thanksgiving will that be!? I love the idea of him waiting on the porch. Too cute!