Such a quiet morning. Except for the crickets and other chirpy bugs that are having a field day with the overcast wetness outside. My windows are open and it feels like we're camping (without the dirt) (well, SOME of the dirt. I am not particular about a clean house.). I just realized that this is the first year in a decade that my family didn't go camping once. I mean, we took the kids in the backyard to delude them into thinking they were going camping, but that's not the same. Hmmm. Another tradition, ripped in half. I know we'll try to go next year, but I HATE it when yearly traditions miss a step...
That leads me into considering how I can make this Christmas fun for the kids without spending any money. Patrick and I don't need presents, and I know the kids will have lovely gifts from our families, but I still need to provide at least A gift from us and the big man in red. (And that would be a HUGE change from the years past...) So I have been entering contests on blogs. And I mean I have been ENTERING. Every day I search for items that match what my family might be interested in. I haven't won anything yet, but I know that the odds are, I will win SOMEthing for SOMEone this Christmas. If any of you all know of sites that host good giveaways for kids like mine, please forward the link, ok? Muwah.
~~
I really am distracted lately. I can't bring myself to post very great posts or even comment as regularly as I used to. I'm sure it's because of the season (Back To School) and the humidity (sticky! Everything is STICKY) but I don't know what to write about other than financial woes (which has been done to death and is bugging my husband when I DO write about it, but he doesn't like to hear me talk about it all the time and I NEED to talk to SOMEONE without them offering suggestions for our problems. So? I write about it online. Because you will listen and not go on and on about what we SHOULD be doing when we're doing all we can. I DIGRESS). See? Almost an entire paragraph in parentheses! That is Not Normal, my friends.
Also, this grateful thing is NICE and all, but I don't think it has changed my daily outlook. Not really. I mean, if I look back through this blog, I will find dozens and dozens of posts where I whine and then remark about the silver lining. Apparently, I am already a Pollyanna who tries to find the good in my life, even when the load is too heavy to budge with a 18 wheeler. But I am NOT a quitter, so here's some of the goodies of my life:
~ I cleaned my laundry room and found 65 cents!
~ I have 2 cards from JCPenny and Kohl's for free merchandise! I am heading there today or tomorrow to search for a fabulous deal for a present for SOMEONE.
~ It may be hot but we have the neighborhood pool and it's calling our names today...
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16 comments:
You're so smart to plan for Christmas now. Every year I say I'm going to and then...
I'll keep you in mind if I hear of any give-aways!
I will keep my eyes open for kiddie give-aways.
A neighborhood pool would be heaven on a day like today. Enjoy!
The giveaway idea is a good one, and I think you are right - if you enter enough of them, you will eventually win! Good luck!
Have you also thought about garage sales or charity stores? You can find some really good second-hand toys in almost-new condition. We got my son some Spiderman (or was it Batman, I can't remember) stuff from the local Hospice shop. It was preloved, but he didn't care :-)
I second, Hannah!
Almost all of our toys come from thrifts stores, and my kids LOVE them. Plus, since you're starting early, you can enjoy the thrill of the hunt without pressure.
Not to get all pollyanna on your ass...
xo
Thanks for entering my contest. What a good idea to tryto win presents. Good luck, I'll drawca winner on Thursday.
I envy your forward thinking. I'll watch for giveaways, but I also think you should tell us what they love!
Here's my idea to turn your mood around (this, coming from someone with a PhD in Pollyanna-hood. Ha!). Take those certificates for Kohl's and JC Penny's and buy something for yourself instead of a present for someone else. You deserve it, and it's okay to put yourself first once and awhile. You're an awesome wife and mom, and I think you ought to take the free money and use it on YOU.
I find it hard to write or talk about anything else when something is on my mind, we are so alike. Money troubles really can be stressful but you know you always seem to find a way to make things work, this will be no exception. Hang in there!
Trust me, you're not alone in the money boat. I keep waiting for that money tree to start growing in my backyard, but it's not happening.
Yeah...Christmas is so far off my radar...it's scary! Good luck with the contests:)
Oh, and I'm shocked that your Husband reads your blog!
I read this article the other day about a study where people who were told to give themselves periodic affirmations actually felt WORSE about themselves than those who just went about their day. So what's the lesson here? Forget about the grateful business, and complain, complain, complain!
its life getting in the way :(
why should anybody be shocked that your husband reads your blog ... when they're available to all of the (internet) world?
It's your blog - vent away when you want/need to!
Yay for the store gift cards - and you just reminded me that I have a $10 coupon for JC Penney good on anything 10 and up - I need to make sure that hasn't expired!
I agree that I have a hard time sticking to one topic for a set number of days or weeks, but I don't have to blog my gratitude challenge each day, just a few times a week.
But I'm like you- I can't go all Pollyana!
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