ISU ME

I would never tell my kids that he wasn't real unless they figured it out themselves and asked. I guess I just expect them to figure it out long before 8. Do you all remember believing in Santa? I don't, my mom says I figured it out by myself and came and asked her when I was 4. Maybe that's why I have a different opinion, I never remember believing or finding out that he was not real. But no matter when or how they find out I'm not going to try to convince my kids that they are crazy and he is actually real! My son is 3 and I expect him to figure it out in the next couple years no matter how much I play along with the magic. He is too smart for his own good.

I would tell her the truth. You said she was on the cusp of finding out anyway. In my opinion 8 is quite old to believe in Santa anyway, so you should feel lucky that she got to believe for so long!

I bought some fabrics to make new stockings for my family, but that's as far as I've gotten.

We put ours up last night. DS was begging! He is 3 and just sooo excited for decorations and kept going around saying "Happy holidays"

The walmart I went to last night had tons of stuff left in the boxes in the middle aisles. They had taken markers and crossed out the prices on the boxes and the balloons and put new price stickers over the top and written new prices on the balloons with markers.

DH and I were shocked to see people with babies in strollers (waiting in line in the cold!) at Toys R Us and toddlers running around at Walmart. Them being out late doesn't bother me as much as people being crazy on black friday and they could be seperated easily from thier parents.

If she won't go with you to help like she was planning have her watch your kids while you go to make it easier on you! I have a hard time keeping track of my 3 year old on a normal shopping day, I can't imagine taking young kids black friday shopping! Good luck!

They should all be in Thursday's paper.

yep, I was going to say Target too!

http://www.houseparty.com/shutterflycheer/forward send 5 friends a link for 10 free cards from shutterfly and get a code for free shipping in return. codes expire dec 15

My son asked for a suitcase with wheels for his 3rd birthday. He wanted to be able to pack toys to take back and forth to his grandparent's house. We got him one and he does use it!

EVERY TIME the commercial for flavor boost packets comes on tv my DS3 says I want flavor boost mommy! He is so strange.

5 free cards from Shutterfly with KARMA5 code...expires 11/18

I love giving photo gifts. This photo cutting board is really unique if she enjoys cooking at all. http://www.snapfish.com/snapfish/gifts/product=cuttingboard

The L100 is more a point and shoot.

I have the L100 and love it, so if its anything like that one its a great deal!

Hoodie / sweatshirt - its cold in IL on black friday!! key chain. flashlight hats / gloves

Alot of the flat cards on shutterfly are designed so you put a picture and some text on the back if you are going to order more. But most of the photo cards I have ordered from places like walmart the back has looked like a photo. I wouldn't worry about it. If it bothers you maybe write a personal message on the back and/or get some christmas stickers.

I usually talk my husband into doing the wrapping while I'm baking christmas cookies.

In my experience it totally depends on the cashier. I've had them say anywhere from full price to the 90% off.

I've gotten the glass etching stuff at JoAnns before. I think any craft store would have it.

JCPENNEY 48" Popcorn Cart $99.88 Discovery Kids Digital Camera $28.88 COSTCO Seagate 2TB External HD $69.99 ACE Craftsman 190-Piece SAE & Metric Mechanic's Tool Set $99.99 SEARS KitchenAid Pro500 Stand Mixer $199.00 RITE AID Cookies $1.50 TOTAL $499.24

Love the glass etching idea. Another idea I am making alot of photo gifts this year. I did a digital scrapbook for my dad of pictures of him and my son together and then had it printed when shutterfly had a good sale!

My family has always opened gifts on Christmas eve and they are from mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, etc... Then christmas day there are stockings and small gifts from Santa.

I actually like rebates. They aren't hard to do if you follow directions, I have never had any troubles getting my money back with them.