Christmas Shopping

I don't have pics of our November swap yet but it was a good one! We had a crazy October, Jamie and I both celebrated birthdays and we had our first all girl get-away (will post some pictures later). I just felt so bad not posting anything lately so I thought I would write a little something. It is so funny because there are a few blogs I follow religiously and get so upset when they don't post everyday and here I am posting twice a month!
I will let you know that I am a very early Christmas shopper and pride myself in usually having it all done before Thanksgiving...not this year, not even close. Kids are almost done because I do have a small connection in that arena...but adults are getting harder every year. I, myself am very hard to shop for because I can't ever think of anything I need until after I receive something I don't need (that sounds awful but sadly true). The one thing I really wanted for Christmas I got for my birthday so I am back down to nada. I got the most softest (wrong wording but best way to describe) pink robe ever!!! and matching slippers!!! The kids actually fight over who gets to snuggle up with me when I am wearing it! They bring it to me and ask me to put it on then hug me and don't let go...this robe is the holy grail of motherhood. Last week I was having one of those days so I went and put on the robe and both kids could "sense" the robe was on and ran as fast as they could to snuggle up with me on the couch. Even if it was a ploy to get my kids to comfort me, it was worth it. My kids, who I feel safe to say, are not reading this so I can tell you a few of the wonderful things they will be getting for Christmas this year. First is the crayon keeper. Again, a trick on my part, I know they will love it AND will clean up their crayons at the same time. I had their names put on each one because if their names aren't on it then they fight over it. Nevermind one is pink and one is blue, they will always want the other one unless it has their name on it. I also am getting them a few things for their rooms- Mike has questioned me on this one (I know, can you believe it?) He doesn't think the kids will like art for a Christmas present but my theory- and I am right (right?)- is that it adds so much fun to their room and they will want to play in their rooms, and make believe and it will invoke creativity which is one of my main goals in bringing up my kids. Here is one of the great pieces from MaryJack Studios- the detail is amazing, it has glitter and hand sewn sequins on it. It is huge too! I could just stare at it for hours- I know Bella will too, imagining being here in this picture. For Preston I got him this great treasure map from Oopsy Daisy. He has a great Pirate room already but the map he has is paper and is torn from all of the play. This one is made on canvas that can roll up if he takes it off the wall (it has grommets so it just goes on the wall with tacks- easy up and easy down) it will handle all of the rough play. So I will be online shopping for the adults unless I get really brave and make some presents this year... I'll keep you posted on the shopping- if I find anything great, I'll let you know- likewise, if you know any good gifts for people who are so hard to buy for, please let me know!