Monday, December 19, 2011

It's almost time!

The presents are bought, the wrapping is done (well almost), the stockings are hung (drapped over the railing) and the treats are baked (and vanishing quickly)!  Let Christmas happen!!

Well if Christmas happened today I am sure we would be just fine but I do have a few things left to do. 

I wonder if everyone did with a little less, I bet they would still be just as happy!

I think that some people see more stuff as better, I don't know if it actually does make it better.  I know that my children will be excited for their new gifts over the holiday's and will definatley play with most of them but for how long?  I will most likely take some toys and pack them away in their closets to take out as a treat over the next few months!  It's like a special treat in the middle of January to get to play with a new toy or game (and frankly January doesn't have many special treats!!!)

I believe people might enjoy the holiday's a little more if they created a budget and stuck to it.  Over buying for the sake of busying leads to guilt, a sense of chaos (when you have to find a spot for it all) and a split second of happiness.

We maybe need to think about the split second of happiness, is it worth it?  Was is worth the money, effort and time spent to purchase they extra things?  Was it worth the guilt that perhaps you feel for buying so much?  Was it worth the effort and stress to find somewhere to put (store) this new thing?

Christmas should be about giving but maybe just a little less than normal!

That's my Christmas wish this year!

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas (and/or Holiday Season!!)

AND a wonderful and happy New Year!!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

A little persistance...

Goes a long way. 

A few years ago my husband and I researched and debated on which camera we wanted to take pictures of our adorable new son.  After finding the camera and realizing my clumsiness we went for the warranty package.  It paid off today!

Approximately 6 months ago I noticed the battery door was split, it still worked but looked a little rough.  Over the next 4 months it got worse, so I found the warranty letter and yup we still had 6 months left on it!  So away it went, they took forever to do a little job and sent us a back a newer model refurbished!  This turned out to be complete crap.

A week ago I took it back in to discuss this and was told they would email the camera brand.  I told them I needed a solution before this weekend and I would be back next week. 

So today, armed with my persistant attitude and my gear, I went back.  I received a new camera today, sure I had to purchase some upgrades and replacements as some of my old gear was outdated. 
BUT I got a new camera that I hope will work out wonderfully.

The moral of this story is if you feel strongly about something stick with it.  Most people would have probably just gone home and lived with the crappier camera rather than be persistant with what they know is right.  Now don't get me wrong, I know nothing is for free and don't expect things to be free.  I was very willing for them to track down my old camera with a new door and have it sent back to me but they were unable to do that.  The next solution was to give me a new camera since the one I was given didn't work up to the previous camera's standards.  I knew this was the right solution and the fair solution.  They showed me a camera that was equivelant to mine and I would have to wait two weeks for it.  I asked them to show me a camera that was a little better and in stock.  I personnally made the decision to upgrade a little and get my camera today.

I hope it was worth it!   We have a special 4th birthday to capture this weekend!



Monday, December 5, 2011

Christmas is upon us!

I am completely unsure where November went.  However, it has come and gone and I just have to deal with it.

December is a busy month!!  We have a 4th birthday to prepare for, parties to attend, even a wedding to attend.  Cupcakes, krispie treats, cookies and chocolate balls all waiting to be made.  Just thinking about all the things that we need to do has me tired!

I love December though, I keep dreaming of the snow but the weather is not quite cooperating and for that fact I have not finished decorating my house!  I just need a little snow fluttering outside, the christmas music to be playing and some hot chocolate and I will be ready!

My biggest task for this week is to bake cookies and prepare for my oldest son's 4th birthday.  He is so excited to have his friends over.  So to keep things simple, I am letting them play with all his toys first!  He doesn't like cake (I know what kids doesn't like cake!!) so we have decided to leave out the cake for this birthday.  I will be making sugar cookies and have them each from frost and decorate their own cookie!  I love it when a snack and a craft come together!!! 

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the presents and fancy activities for birthdays!!  I am hoping that keeping some things simple, like just playing with toys and decorating cookies will help to calm this down.  For each of my children's first birthday's I asked friends not to bring presents at all but to give money to a charity.  First first birthday was the food bank because it was the holiday season, second first birthday was the IWK because we had a family friend in at the time.  I thought both were great ideas and will try that again as our children get a little older and understand more about helping people.  My two little munchkins don't want for much, so they can definately do without a few presents!!!

The Christmas holiday's tend to become more and more about presents.  Now don't get me wrong, I love presents!!  I love receiving and giving presents.  I take my time and think about what would be really fun or thoughtful for each person I buy or make for them!!

I hope to make everyone smile a little on Christmas day!!