December 27, 2010

• Christmas

  
  We didn’t put our packages out until Christmas Eve…with two boys our reasons are obvious!
  

  
  Caleb just started getting an allowance for chores.  This is important to teach him the value of a dollar and why we can’t buy every toy we see in the store.  It also teaches him to save for things he wants.  We had him save part of his money up to buy gifts for other people (including Jackson) this Christmas.  It was a great learning opportunity for him!  He actually ended up enjoying shopping for and giving to others.  We gave him this piggy bank for Christmas and he was so excited about it!  “It’s the Evil Doctor Pork Chop!” he squealed excitedly (those of you who have seen Toy Story will understand
  

  
  Opening his stocking (I loved his Christmas pajamas – which we bought on clearance 75% off last year!
  
  Caleb also requested that we buy a christmas gift for Coco too.  Here it is- a rawhide treat
  

  
  Caleb got a Fireman costume and has LOVED wearing it everywhere! 

  
  Jackson’s stocking had a balloon, a small foam airplane and a ball (thanks to Target’s $1 bin)
  
  The ball was his favorite and we couldn’t get him to open any presents. (the ball lights up when thrown)
  
  Although we don’t put candy in the boys stockings, Jackson has discovered a love for candy canes this season and so we had to get one for him Christmas morning
  
  We developed a tradition of taking half our breakfast to the firemen who are on call Christmas day at our local fire station.  They were so excited about the warm homemade cinnamon rolls and they were delighted to see Caleb in authentic fireman gear.  They gave him a tour of the station and let him ‘drive’ the fire truck.  It was one of those really great christmas memories.

  Our boys get only three gifts each for Christmas: one toy, one practical item, and one other item (usually clothing)  This year they each got a backpack with their name on it as their practical item, Caleb got the fireman outfit as his clothing item, and a red watch for his toy.  (plus a few stocking stuffers)  Jackson got a Mr Potato Head and some stocking stuffers.  We hope this keeps them from becoming overly materialistic!  Plus, with 22 aunts and uncles and a dozen cousins, they get plenty of other toys for Christmas!  Caleb’s favorite gift from the grandparents this year was probably his camouflage fleece.  He has been begging for camo for Christmas.  I grew up in a home where nobody wore camo and it was just kind of a redneck thing to do.  But he LOVES it!  Now we just have to convince him that camouflage is not appropriate for church

  • 10:27 am
  • 1 Comment