Christmas of Dreams Blog Party Day 9

Day 9 of Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is here. For those of you just arriving hello and welcome. Remember that you can participate in the fun at any time. Come and join us over at Momdot. Let me explain again what the party is all about. Each day (except for weekends) you answer a Holiday Question. Then you get to go to other participating blogs and comment on their answers. Others will visit you and we all become friends. Hopefully in the process you can meet a new friend and even win some great prizes. Click on the Day 9 button to join in. So onto Day 9 question.

I know I am a little late on day 9, but hey It is only 11 so I still have 1 hour to spot don't I.

Day 9

What is the Most Unusual Gift You have Received?

What is Your Favorite Gift You Received?

Is is okay to Regift?

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The most unusual gift I have received. Wow this is a hard one. Well this one wasn't given straight to me it was more for JBody. The first year that JBody and I were married, my little brother who at the time was about 14 or 15 gave him a thing off goo stuff that dripped like an hour glass. I don't even know how to describe the thing. The funny thing is somehow it got to JBody's moms house and now all the grandkids love the thing. Lil' E always plays with it when we go over there.

As for my favorite gift, I have been given alot. I would have to say that it was my pearl ring given to me by JBody when I was pregnant with Lil E. I call it my pregnancy ring. The sad thing is just about 2 weeks ago the pearl fell off. I need to take it to the jewelers to see if they can fix it.

Yes it is just fine to regift in my opinion. However, it is really tacky if you regift something used. It must be something unused. There are alot of things that I have been given that I know someone would like better than me. I have done this alot with baby shower gifts.

Christmas of Dreams Blog Party Day 8

Day 8 of Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is here. For those of you just arriving hello and welcome. Remember that you can participate in the fun at any time. Come and join us over at Momdot. Let me explain again what the party is all about. Each day (except for weekends) you answer a Holiday Question. Then you get to go to other participating blogs and comment on their answers. Others will visit you and we all become friends. Hopefully in the process you can meet a new friend and even win some great prizes. Click on the Day 8 button to join in. So onto Day 8 question.

Day 8

Do you shop on Black Friday? What time do you start? Do you finish all your shopping on that day? What’s the best deal you have found? What’s your shopping strategy?

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Thanks to my friend Alice I do do Black Friday shopping. I don't really know why I do go, because I do have to admit that I really haven't found the ultimate deal like some others have. Maybe it is because we don't have much to choose from here...Walmart and JCPenny. If I wanted to get up even earlier I could drive an hour away to hit the mall and bigger department stores, but I am not that die hard. I just enjoy a good deal so I will get up just in time to make it. It isn't that huge of a deal here. So you don't have hundreds and hundreds of people waiting in line. Where I live it is a retirement community, so it isn't like you have a bunch of 70-80 year olds fighting their way to a great deal. I don't have a strategy. I kind of go in hopes to stumble across something good. Maybe that is why I haven't come across the ulimate deal yet.

Christmas of Dreams Blog Party Day 7

Day 7 of Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is here. For those of you just arriving hello and welcome. Remember that you can participate in the fun at any time. Come and join us over at Momdot. Let me explain again what the party is all about. Each day (except for weekends) you answer a Holiday Question. Then you get to go to other participating blogs and comment on their answers. Others will visit you and we all become friends. Hopefully in the process you can meet a new friend and even win some great prizes. Click on the Day 7 button to join in. So onto Day 7 question.

Day 7

Who is on Your Naughty and Nice Lists? and Why?

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Both my lists consist of these THREE: Lil' E, Razy, and Doble. I will have to say that their names have appeared on both lists frequently throughout the year, but will most likely end up on the nice list by the time Christmas rolls around. No matter how obnoxious or how whiny they have been throughout the day I almost always forget about it after I have had a good nights sleep and begin the next day. Table climbing, whining, messing up, fighting, and yes even the occasional biting, is always forgotten after one of their heart warming "I love you mommy", or melting smiles.

Others who have made their name on my lists would have to be my dear friend April. I am so glad that the two of us have met and become such great friends. It is so fun to have a friend who has young kids that my kids love. April if you read this I thank you for having such a sweet and caring persona that truly lets me know that you care for me, my children, my family and are willing to help out whenever. I love our "girls nights" that we can get away without the kids and shop at Joanns or get an icecream. BTW we need to go SOON. So because of the great friend and person you are you are DEFINATELY on my nice list.

JBODY: it is only obviously that he two would be on the nice list. I don't think I could have asked for a better husband. I really am lucky to have such a great man that loves me and his children and who is willing to take the roll of Daddy as well as Father. I love you!

As for the Naughty list. Other than the occasional apperances of the three children mentioned above SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS has made his mark on the list. Why the heck my children like the sponge is a mystery to me. When he is on I try to switch it fast, I just can't stand him. And last but not least....THE INTERNET. I love you, but you take up way to much of my time. Therefore you are on the naughty list and I will come up with your punishment as soon as I can think of something that won't be punishing me as well.

Christmas of Dreams Blog Party Day 6

Day 5 of Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is here. For those of you just arriving hello and welcome. Remember that you can participate in the fun at any time. Come and join us over at Momdot. Let me explain again what the party is all about. Each day (except for weekends) you answer a Holiday Question. Then you get to go to other participating blogs and comment on their answers. Others will visit you and we all become friends. Hopefully in the process you can meet a new friend and even win some great prizes. Click on the Day 6 button to join in. So onto Day 6 question.

Day 6

What is Your Favorite Childhood Holiday Memory?

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Hopefully this post doesn't make me look like a total brat. The first holiday memory that comes to the top of my head was the year that I recieved my Kirsten American Doll. I had been wanting an American doll for a really long time and had been asking for it for Christmas. Christmas morning came and we all began to open presents. At our house Santa never wraps the presents so they are the first things to be seen. "No American Girl, maybe I got it from mom and dad." All the presents had been opened and everyone was playing with their new gifts. Everyone that is, but me. Okay so here is the part that makes me look like a brat. I threw a fit. I didn't get my doll. My dad told me that I had to go to my room and make my bed because of the way I was acting. This upset me even more and I did so, but probably causing a scene. When I got to my room I started to make my bed and there on my bed was Kirsten. I did get her, but now I felt bad because of the way I had been acting. I don't know or remember if this changed my view on things or if I just grabbed the doll and was happy. But looking back now I think I would have to say that....

1. I don't want to play a trick on my kids like this....I don't want to see them react the way I did.

2. I really hope my children grow up realizing that it really isn't about the gifts we receive, but the gifts we give. That is my job as a parent to teach them this.

I am not posting this to say that my parents didn't do a good job teaching this to us as kids. I think they did. I just think sometimes we overreact and forget that when things don't go our way it isn't the end of the world.

Of course I have better holiday memories, but for some reason that one was the first to pop to my head and the one that I felt like I wanted to share with you.

Christmas of Dreams Blog Party Day 5

Day 5 of Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is here. For those of you just arriving hello and welcome. Remember that you can participate in the fun at any time. Come and join us over at Momdot. Let me explain again what the party is all about. Each day (except for weekends) you answer a Holiday Question. Then you get to go to other participating blogs and comment on their answers. Others will visit you and we all become friends. Hopefully in the process you can meet a new friend and even win some great prizes. Click on the Day 5 button to join in. So onto Day 5 question.

Day 5

What Do You to Give Back During the Holidays?

Do You Volunteer Your Time?

What Do You Do To Teach Your Children the

True Meaning of Christmas?

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When I was my family was blessed by another family one Christmas. We were brought a nice basket of food for Christmas Dinner. Each of my siblings and I (there are five of us) were given a gift. I remember getting one of those large piece puzzles. We were so excited and I still remember it to this day. After my family was able to return the favor, we chose a family to do the same to. I remember being the recipient of a great blessing, but the memory of giving has stuck with me more. We thought it was so fun to do the "ding dong ditch" and surprise a family who we knew was less fortunate than us.

One of our family traditions is to go caroling and bring people goodies. It has been fun to see my children get excited to give the plates and sing their songs. This year my husband and I have talked about having the kids choose some of their toys to give away or even place a new gift under the tree at one of our local department stores.

As for teaching our children what the true meaning of Christmas is...Each day in December until Christmas we sing a Christmas hymn, read a Christmas story/poem/quote, and read a scripture. This way we can talk to our children about the Savior and his gift to us, The Atonement. We talk about the birth of the Savior and on Christmas Eve read the account of his birth. We do talk about Santa and in so doing talk about he teaches us the spirit of giving to others. IRight now it is really watered down for our 4 year old, 2 year old, and one year old. However, I know that they are learning about Christ and Love and Giving. It is also a good time to teach them that the Christmas Season doesn't just mean December. We can love and give all the time. Whether it is with material things, or just a smile, a hug, or kind word. I love the Thanksgiving/Christmas Season for this whole purpose.

Christmas of Dreams Blog Party Day 3

Day 3 of Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is here. For those of you just arriving hello and welcome. Remember that you can participate in the fun at any time. Come and join us over at Momdot. Let me explain again what the party is all about. Each day you answer a Holiday Question. Then you get to go to other participating blogs and comment on their answers. Others will visit you and we all become friends. Hopefully in the process you can meet a new friend and even win some great prizes. Click on the Day 3 button to join in. So onto Day 3 question.

Day 3

When do you start Christmas shopping? How do you budget for Christmas? Do you stick to your budget?

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I have already begun and am almost done with shopping this year. I began before my daughters birthday in September. I hate the stress of Christmas shopping and wondering if I got everyone. The longer I wait, the less Ihave to choose from. So this year we decided to buy early. Our goal is to be done by Thanksgiving. However, I do have plans to hit the After Thanksgiving sales.

How do we budget? Well, that is a good question. I think we just see how much we have and know not to spend over that. We haven't really ever "budgeted" for Christmas. Probably not a good thing because that leaves me to the next part of the question. We try to stick to the budget. We always seem to spend a little more. Now to justify. We are known to give our children what they "need" and then just wrap it. I know that sounds horrible. I found underwear on sale and the boys really need them, but can wait a month so I am wrapping them up. I like the look of wrapped gifts under the tree. In a way I think that is bad because I wonder if my children are always going to expect alot of gifts, even if they are socks, underwear, and clothes that they are in need of. And when I say we spend a little more than we were thinking that doesn't mean we go into debt. We don't buy on credit cards or anything like that. It just means we saved less during the month of December. I heard from a friend that they only buy their kids 3 gifts because that is what the wise men brought Jesus. Thought it could be something we would try, but then I probably wouldn't be gifting socks, and underwear. What do you think?

Christmas of Dreams Blog Party Day 2

Day 2 of Christmas of Dreams Blog Party is here. For those of you just arriving hello and welcome. Remember that you can participate in the fun at any time. Come and join us over at Momdot. Let me explain again what the party is all about. Each day you answer a Holiday Question. Then you get to go to other participating blogs and comment on their answers. Others will visit you and we all become friends. Hopefully in the process you can meet a new friend and even win some great prizes. Click on the Day 2 button to join in. So onto Day 2 question.

Day 2

Traditions, what are some of your favorite family traditions?

What are some that you want to begin?

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Like many of you, I love the holiday season. I have to refrain myself from pulling the decorations out too early, and playing the Christmas music before Thanksgiving has even arrived. I love the Traditions that come along with the season, the feel, and family. So on Thanksgiving after a huge dinner at Mema and Papa's, put up the Christmas Tree and begin, decorating and listening to music.

JBody and I both come from large families and the two of us have traditions that we have combined together to do with our own family. There are some that we have even started ourselves. Let me share with you some of our favorites.

The normal that most families enjoy include: Christmas Baking, Christmas Dinner, Caroling, and Secret Santas. When we go caroling with JBody's family we bring cookies to those we are singing to. When we go with my parents we do caramel corn. The kids love singing Jingle Bells. And for months after they are still singing it.

I think our biggest tradition is our Christmas Eve Program. Every Christmas Eve we enjoy finger foods and then begin our annual program. When we were younger each person in the family contributed a talent (singing, playing an instrument, poem, ect.) Now that some of us are married and have our own children, families can do the talent together. Some years it is a huge crack up. JBody and I usually sing a song that we compose, telling of the years recent events. My Brother Skyler never has to worry because he has been sing Silent Night since he was like 6 (we have heard the song for about 16 years in a row now). After talents are shared we listen to (sometimes acting out the story of the birth of Jesus) and sing songs in between. Everyone opens one gift and puts on their Christmas Jammies. Papa then reads The Night Before Christmas and for the past 5 or 6 years we have been interupted by Santa. The whole event is something to look forward to.

(I am having technical difficulties, but hopefully will have two videos to share ith you soon.)
For each of the kids first Christmas's we took pictures of them in their Santa outfits. Their first tree ornament is a picture of them in their outfits. Not necessarily the one that I have posted.

Lil' E's first ChristmasDoble's First Christmas

Razy's First Christmas

When I was younger all the siblings would sleep in the same room on Christmas Eve and get up really early. We couldn't wake the parents till 6, but we were always up and seeing what Santa brought in the stockings and unwrapped by 4. I think we all slept in the same room till I was married.

Each year we take a picture of the gifts with our life size Santa Clause. I know it looks like a lot of presents, but understand we have been going home for Christmas. This is gifts for the kids, grandkids, Mema, and Papa.

Christmas of Dreams Blog Party Day 1

So I want to let you know of a blog party that is going on over at MomDot . It is the Christmas of Dreams Blog Party. Each day there is a new question to answer and new people to meet. If you want to participate just click on the Momdot photo to the left and join in.

Introduce Your Family and Share Holiday Photos
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We are The Party of Five. Daddy Five is also known as JBody, Mommy Five as Peaches, and the Children Five: Lil' E, Doble, and Razy.

JBody is a chiropractor and business owner. He likes to fish, play and watch sports, UFC, and wrestling with the kiddos. I (Peaches) am a SAHM. Although I think it is the hardest job I have ever done it is the most rewarding and satisfying. In my spare time I try to scrapbook, do crafts, and make cakes. However, it seems like my spare time only comes when the kids are asleep and by that time I want to just crash. I am not your typical girl who likes to shop. Actually I HATE to shop (well for myself) I don't mind it when it comes to shopping for others. My least favorite chore is the laundry. I don't mind washing it, but it is the folding it and putting it away that kills me. There are times when we start to live out of the laundry baskets. I like to make new recipes. Do you have any that you want to share? There are a bunch of things that I could go on about, but first and foremost I love my kids and my husband. JBody and I have been married for 7 1/2 years and have 3 beautiful children. Lil' E is our four year old. He likes to play baseball and is so into spiderman. He is quite the little boy. Doble is our two year old. He is our Thomas the Tank Engine expert. Ask him who any train or car is and he will tell you. Razy just turned 1 in September. She is our little joy. She has definetly brought a new feel into our home this year. Mommy loves her boys, but there is something so fun about having a little girl. She is a big daddy fan. Just today she cried when I made her leave the house and come with me. She wanted to stay with daddy. She wouldn't let go of him. I know that makes daddy feel good. So that is a little about our family. I blog when I have the time. Which seems to be less and less. I love to look at other blog pages and see all the fun things that people create and sell.

Holiday Photos

This is our 2007 Christmas Newsletter Photo. Razy is 3 monts, Lil' E is 3 1/2 and Doble is 18 months.

Getting the kids to sit on Santa lap is a huge struggle and I know it will be this year as well. Both the boys are still a bit leary of the jolly old fella. However, by the 3rd time sitting on his lap they began to realize that he was a friendly chap. Let me just tell you that I BELIEVE in Santa still. I was NEVER told that there was no Santa. I just figured it out on my own and then continued to play along. I believe that there is a magic about the whole Santa part of Christmas. However, I also know that there is a more important side of Christmas and that is what we teach our children. That is the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. I think that you can have a balance of the two and enjoy Christmas fully.

Here is our 2006 Christmas Photo. We are all dressed up in our footie jammies. The couple up in the left corner are Papa and Mema (Peaches' parents) Uncle Austin and Auntie Bails (two of Peaches' siblings) Lil' E is on Bailes' lap and Doble is on Peaches lap. We are at my parents in front of the tree. We love my parents tree so much that we went and purchased one for our home this year. I can't wait to put it up.

Well there you have it folks. I hope that I can do this each day so that you can get to know me a little better and see what the holidays mean to me. Hey if it gets me to blog a little more it has to be a good thing. Can't wait to see those of you who decide to participate.