pogiporkchop

Not yet, but probably before Thanksgiving for once. Now does seem a little early to me, but there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to. Might as well do it while you have the time... Hope you get better soon! :)

#1: And DH thought I could pack the truck full for the flea market... wait until he sees this! #2: Well, the pink bag can stay but the rest of it goes back! #3: Wait until she finds the exploding dye pack that I hid in the ad pile this year...

Me too, nothing done yet

I like the Kisses Christmas Jingle too :)

I do. It's also another chance for me to remind the kids about how fortunate they are compared to others. They really get into the whole giving thing now that they understand more :)

Anyone who has read the odd gift request thread I started will know that, among other things, DD6 has requested a book on the human brain, a jar of pickles and a feather duster. Since the last post she has come up with a full page of things - though one has been crossed off as she chose a pair of pompoms for 40 cents at a thrift store sale instead of $5 brand new at Meijer. DS8, on the other hand, has a much smaller and simpler list: Play Doh, Sorry board game, sidewalk chalk in the shape of a bowling ball and pins, and memory cards for his new PS2 among other things. He should be quite easy to shop for :)

DS8 just said yesterday that we should remember to put out milk and cookies for Santa. And not just any cookies, mind you, but the spiced orange oatmeal that he has taken a liking to :)

Fudgey Cocoa No Bakes 2c. sugar 1/2c. butter or margarine 1/2c. milk 1/3c. cocoa 2/3c. creamy peanut butter 2t. vanilla extract 3c. quick cook oats Combine these in a large pot over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar has melted. Then add cocoa and peanut butter, mixing well after each. Add vanilla and oats, then drop by desired amounts onto wax paper. Cool completely before storing in a tightly sealing container. Refrigerate if needed, but I don't think they will be around that long. Yield: depends on what size you make them, but using teaspoon size drops will get you about 3 dozen I think.

Nice to hear another holiday catalog is out... too bad they lost my business a long time ago.

It's a bit of both for me. Mostly wants, some needs and some don't need it now but won't hurt to stock up on

No doubt DH will have a nice little laundry list made up for me, but I'm NOT waiting in lines for a TV again...

I try, but it's usually a more specific list of items bought for each person sans numbers :)

We have OfficeMax now... it's a start anyway :)

I leave most in the open - mine are told (especially if they're shopping with me) that the stuff is for their cousins overseas. So far they've bought it, but I don't know if it will work this year because DD is sharper than a new pin. As a backup, though, I also use the peek and return rule and the tote that the tree is stored in. And now that I've actually really cleaned house I have a bit more room

DD has now added those perfect push-up handles to her list...

They may not have displays up yet. One by me has just started an aisle of $10 toys so there's not much now, but I bet that more will go up the closer it gets to BF.

The kids love looking at it but sadly I can never take advantage of anything in it - that is, when I can find something worth getting...

DH's family gets things from us year round (huge boxes) so it's Christmas every time we send one out I buy for my brother even though I know he can't afford anything for us and I'm fine with it. My sister... doesn't buy for me or mine and I don't for her and we're fine with it. We also make sure the kids know that Christmas is not about the gifts. Personally, it's extra special because my dad was a Christmas baby :)

DD already has a list a mile long, but anything artsy craftsy is safe DS, on the other hand, is going to be more difficult. Have very few ideas for him DH... absolutely no idea

Play makeup for DD, if I haven't already mentioned it. She uses nail polish to paint pictures! (To her credit, though, she does a great job painting her nails on her own.)

I've had another recurring request from DD - a baby brother or (preferably) sister. Haha, I don't think so...

I would be quite happy if mine opened at 4am (DH usually finds something he wants me to get from there).

Most likely they will, but it doesn't matter to me because they lost my business a long time ago for bad customer service. Haven't been in one for over 10 years now.

I also forgot DD also wants a duster. Guess I need to go to Menard's this week while the static dusters are on sale :)

Last year DD6 asked for a jar of pickles. She still wants her jar of pickles (it's going to be a tradition from now on) but has again surprised me: this year she wants a very detailed book on the human brain Anyone else get any odd requests yet?