I’m beginning to feel the spirit!

Remember last week when I wrote about our neighbors putting up their Christmas lights?  You don't?  Well, go refresh yourselves and then come back.  I'll wait..... :-) 

I must say that this week I'm beginning to feel the holiday spirit!  Thanksgiving is in a matter of days.  Turkey city baby!!  Well, that and giving thanks for all the blessings in my life! 

I keep seeing little tidbits that are putting me more and more in the spirit.  This weekend it was the Pampers Peace on Earth commercial.  You know, the one with all the sleeping babies while Silent Night plays in the background.  I adore that commercial.  I makes me smile each and every time I see it.   I remember sitting in the rocking chair nursing CS and seeing this commercial.  If I told you I didn't cry would you believe me?  Neh, I didn't think so.  CS was about a month old and my hormones were still crazy.  I sat and cried buckets.  I've never had a commercial lead to that effect on me.  This is why it's one of my favorites.  I mean, sleeping babies are one of the most precious things ever!  The one that got me was the little one who had the quivering mouth.  All 3 of my kids have done that.  It's one of the sweetest things to witness ever!!

Then, while jamming to music with the kids Sunday evening the song Mele Kalikimaka came on.  I came around the corner out of the kitchen singing it and the kids just looked at me and cracked up.  CS ask what the song was and I told her it was from a fantastic movie about Christmas.  She then ask to watch the movie, but I honestly think she is a little too small to watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation just yet. 

The only commercial I'm missing on the television is the Hershey's bell commercial.  This one is BY FAR my favorite, all-time Christmas commercial!  It's so simple, but oh so cute at the same time.  My favorite part is the end when the bell "wipes its forehead".  This commercial has been on for years and I still giggle each time I see that!  Once I see this one though, I KNOW Christmas is soon. 

What's your favoritie Christmas commercial?  Do you have a Christmas song that brings to mind memories or movies like I do?  I'm hoping I'm not alone in this!

Happy 4th of July!

Mommy Confessions Blog wants to wish everyone a Happy & Safe Independence Day!

 



If you are traveling, visiting, or out having some good 'ole family fun have a great time!  If you feel the need to drink, please get a DD.  I love the 4th of July!  The fireworks, the noise, the celebration of Freedom!!  So, while you're having a super weekend, take a moment to say "Thank you" to a soldier who fights for our freedoms, tell a child the story of the Declaration of Independence, go and see some fireworks, eat some good food off the grill, take a dip in the local pool, pond, lake or ocean.

Our Christmas gift philosophy

Well, since Christmas is 15 days away I thought I'd share a little about our family's Christmas present philosophy. I know many people may have heard of this before and we found the idea in a magazine many years ago. When hubby and I got married we waited for several years to have the kiddos, 3 to be exact. During that time we talked and made decisions about raising our kids because we both want to be on the same page. Among those decisions was one about Christmas.

In a nutshell, our kids only get 3 gifts for Christmas from us.(shock I know). This is the first year that I've had to actually explain it to one of them. Our oldest is a very inquisitive 3 year old (almost 4) and wanted to know why. We explained to her that Baby Jesus only received 3 gifts on his birthday, so she and our other ones will only get 3 gifts, like Baby Jesus. Surprisingly, she got it!! She usually tells the younger two how things are in the world, so she immediately went and informed them of our gift giving theory. They basically kept playing, but at least she can explain it.

Now, I will make one disclaimer. The 3 gift idea is only on gifts from Mommy and Daddy. Santa brings each kid one toy (and it's usually a big one) and then they have a stocking that may have a couple of tiny things in it, but that's it from us.

It's great for several reasons. One, they can't argue with the idea. Two, although it is just the way things are right now, in time we hope it will make them think more about what they really want instead of a case of the "give mes". Last, it helps them remember that amidst all the twinkling lights and fun surrounding the holidays that there is a reason for the celebration and it should be more about loved ones, family, and friends than the gifts. But, explain that to a 3,2, and 1 year old....lol.

I hope everyone is having a great time shopping and finding super bargains. I only have 4 gifts left to buy and then we are done!!!! I'm just waiting for great prices on the items though.


Happy Merry and all the Trimmings!!!
(We have a family of diverse faiths, so I try to make it all in one statement)