Well, before I get into Christmas... Dh was reading a newspaper article yesterday about how the trend is to give women nice gifts for giving birth. Women want diamond earrings, when they give birth, dammit! The way he approached it though was, "Did you want a gift for giving birth?" I was like, "um, well, no. Wasn't our new baby the most precious gift we have ever received???" Wondered what the heck he was getting at. So he read off a little of the article. Said most moms want diamonds. *choke* I don't know, you have got to be kidding me. We've ruined Christmas with materialism, so why not move on to the most sacred of all things? Like seriously? It just struck me as so odd. The 2 days I gave birth were the 2 best days of my life, bar none. I am not sure how any material thing could even come close to matching that joy. As such, a personal/nice gift for myself would be farthest from my mind. It wouldn't be very appreciated. So the whole thing strikes me as bizarre. I haven't read the article and can't find it online, but hopefully this will remind me to dig it out. I have got to read this.

I guess in particular, when I think of having my kids, I think of giving up a lot for something greater. So the last thing that comes to mind is what *I* want, when I think of my children's first moments. What you want goes out the window at that moment pretty much.

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Anyway, here's my christmas budget. Most the spending is done:



My mom sent me $200 (for Christmas, not sure why so early). But hey. I decided to put a chunk to charity since the money was so unexpected.

In-law gifts are a little lower than planned because she refused to take a donation in her name. & we went in with SIL for all the gifts.

We did a little extra for them and my dad though, overall, since we were so spoiled this year. They just get annoyed when we try to do to much. The way with parents though. I find it so bizarre with my parents because they have always made a point not to spoil me. So this year they spoiled me, about 30 years worth, and they freak out when I try to buy them something. I should just get used to it I guess. But it's weird. With MIL I am used to this.

Oh, I was only going to spend $2 on stocking stuffers. I have piles of free books and games and stuff from Scholastic... But I saw these cute piggie banks (searched them out). I think I paid almost $20. But BM has his money in a bowl and LM in a bottle "piggy bank" we got last year. They both need more proper piggie banks. Though they have pretty ceramic ones that they are too young to touch. LOL. These are just plastic see-though - more their speed. (Did I pay $20? I can't remember. Will have to see. Probably $10 to ship or something. Figures). Anyway, perfect Santa gift.

We've also been talking about starting an allowance for BM when he turns 5, come summer. He better enjoy these next few months, because carefree childhood is over soon enough. school and chores. I know he goes to preschool now, but that's just play time. Play play play. But I think things will get very different come kindergarten. Homework and schedules and all that! & chores & allowances... (& yeah, don't get caught up in the term "allowance." Just doing it how we were raised and it worked very well for us to teach us about money). I am trying to figure out how much is truly reasonable to pay a 5-year-old and if I should start an IRA for him. I think I will wait until he is old enough to sign his name if nothing else. LOL. something to look into. IT would have to be a savings account, small amounts to start. would he need to sign for a rollover once he built enough for a mutual fund? Hmmmm. Things to look into.

Oh well. For Christmas we did quite fine on the budget. We really spread out the costs over 4 months or so. Always makes it quite simple. & went over, quite on purpose, with the unexpected cash gift. I was glad to put a decent amount to donations.

I also wanted to do Toys for Tots with the kids or something. Something else we may add in. Just not organized enough. But I should think about that this weekend. BM actually seemed interested. LM is much more empathetic so I think he will enjoy, though too young to understand much at all about it.

Oh I just LOVE this blanket I got at my friend's boutique. She is making one for my mom now. Around $35. Said her price was going up to $40. I may get 2 blankets for the kids. Maybe next year. I think $70 for 2 blankets is plenty for now.

I am not much of a collector, but I think you could call me a blanket collector. At this rate anyway. So many family members make quilts and knit blankets. I just LOVE them. The kids have oodles but they are outgrowing them. So a couple of larger fleece throws will be nice for them next year. Call me addicted...