mcapel4444

I've only gotten a few things so far, for my 14 year old. An Ipod Classic that I won, shoes, a necklace, and a dvd board game. I will probably end up getting him some gc's to Walmart( he wants clothes), Mcdonald's & Wendy's ( so he can go to with his friends), possibly a movie one too. Oh & I have an Axe body set put away that I picked up on clearance too. He already has a cell phone. I would love to be able to get him a computer, but don't know if I can swing it financially this year. He also asked for jewelry & posters of his fave bands. Concert tickets, or play tickets would be a really cool gift.

Where to start? lol Family- Dh, 5 sons Extended Family- Mom, Dad, 2 Brothers, 2 SILs, BIL, 2 nieces, 4 nephews, 2 Aunts Friends- Too many to count right now lol Various Swaps that I will sign up for I know I am missing people too.

That sucks that they have lost their Holiday spirit. I like the idea of spreading your own cheer to them. And if they still complain, then celebrate with the kids. I'm excited this year for my 2nd grader- his teacher is hosting a book exchange for the kids.

Are there any concerts coming that she would like to go see? My parents took my brother & I to see our first concerts- debbie gibson & Tiffany. lol I was about her age. You could always do a gift cert for the movie theater wrapped with some cash for snacks & a promise to drive.

The Children's Left Behind Series would be good for the 10 year old, if she hasn't already read them. What about a magazine sub? Or some pretty personalized stationary for each of the girls? If you are halfway crafty, you could make them each a memory board for pics & such. All you need is a piece of plywood, some batting for padding, and cover it with material suited for each of the girls (fave colors, characters, etc), stapling material down in the back. Crisscross ribbons over the material, using thumbtacks to hold ribbon in place & voila! Your done! lol

Yay! I'm IN!!! I loved doing the exchange last year. I've been without my computer for almost the last month (we moved), but am slowly getting back in the swing of things. Sending you a Pm Eve. :) Thanks for hosting!

I've gone with my brother & sil for the last 4 or 5 years. We have loads of fun! :)

Citrus Heights or Roseville Cali. Depending on which direction we want to go.

Wow! I haven't been on in a bit, and look what happens! lol I can't wait!

Went to two different Targets today, looking for a replacement for my digital camera. Dollar Spot (Citrus Heights CA) had a ton of stuff in the 75% off. I picked up some Hulk themed pencils, yo'yo's, bracelets for stocking stuffers. Can you believe that Christmas is only 6 months away? lol

I will have to miss out this year. Money is really tight & we are currently are carless. I bought tons last year though.

Very well said!

Awww! What a good man you are raising! :) And it is so much more fun to give them something that will totally surprise them.

Santa brings one "big" gift to each kid- that is always unwrapped, and ready to be played with. Their stockings are pretty much wrapped things, except for any loose candy.

The one I picked out for my parents house, is just a shade under 23 pounds. Bought it last month, when Raley's had them on sale for $8.87. :)

My shopping is done. My wrapping is done. Most of my baking is done. I think pretty much the only things left to do, is wrap the stocking stuffers, get to my parents house & put together my oldest sons bike, and get our stuff together to spend the night at my parents on Christmas Eve. I still need to make 6 more pumpkin rolls, a pumpkin cheesecake, and possible Cheesecake presents. Maybe some more Oatmeal Scotchies, since my dh took the wrong bag to work with him today- He took a full size filled to the top gallon size bag, rather than the half sized bag I made up special for him today. lol Oh, and I still need to wrap the kids teachers gifts tonight & have them fill out cards. Then I think I am completely done.

I think it sucks that so many people flaked out. This was my first year in this exchange, and I had a great time. I got lucky & had wonderful buddies! :) I also love all the great cards we have received! Thank you so much for letting me join Eve- you did a great job! I would've signed up to be an elf this year, but our finances are in pretty bad shape right now. Next year though, I will definately be signing up for all the different swaps again!

My 3 youngest have 12-15 a piece. Thanks to Target's 75% off on toys. My oldest has 9 or 10.

-Dh & I haven't exchanged gifts the last couple of years- money issues. Although I did pick him up a few little things this year, and will make him a stocking with candy in it. - My 4 boys -My parents -Brother & his family- sil, 3 nephews & 1 niece -Other Brother So 14 in intermediate family. I don't really buy for dh's side anymore. But when I did, there would be an extra 10-12 presents. I also do something for various friends each year.

I'm so glad you liked it! :) Yours was the last box that I sent out, for all my swaps, that I was waiting to make sure it got there. lol I can't wait til next year, to participate again! :)

I remember a few years ago, that my brother's kids got into their hidden presents. My brother took it all back to the store. lol We used to peek when we were younger. I like the idea of either unwrapping all her presents, and leaving them under the tree like that. Or to hide all her presents, replacing them with household items.

I received my ornaments yesterday. Thank you so much! I received a little Hello Kitty ornament, a bigger Hello Kitty ornament, and a kitty w/ santa hat, that says Meowy Christmas! They are hanging on our Christmas tree.

No I can't. I don't have alot left to do though. Almost all of my presents are bought & wrapped. I need to still wrap the stocking stuffers & organize a bit. We still need to finish decorating our house though. And we are doing most of the baking this weekend.

I'm so glad you liked everything. I tried to add at least a few things that were on your like list. :)

I've got my little ones trained to watch for the cards. lol We have the garage door, in the kitchen/dining room almost filled up with cards from all of you. The best thing about swaps like this, is the variety & uniqueness of some of the cards. We received 3 cards today, and the kids were fighting about who would get to put them on the door.