What Mama Got For Christmas

Let me explain something, first.
Years ago.
I quit teaching.
When kid numero dos came along.
Going from two incomes to one.
And then adding a kid.
That creates a little of a money crunch.
That year for Christmas,
Ryan and I agreed to only spend $40 on each other.
We've been doing it ever since.
Well, until this year.

I have to admit.
We have both "cheated" a little at times.
Like getting a mini torch buy one get one half off.
I gave the full price one to my brother.
And the half price one to Ryan.
Clever.
Very clever.

But this year.
Ryan really cheated.

When we went Christmas shopping for the kids.
(Which, by the way, is one of our few dates each year.
I look forward to it soooo much.)
I found something I really liked.
But they were very over-priced.
Even at 50% off.
So I admired them.
And walked away.

They showed up under our tree.I love them.
I'm spoiled.

Either that.
Or...
My hubby really wants something.
He also helped me clean the bathrooms last week.
Hmmm.
What is he up to?

I'm Proud of Me

I've been doing some Christmas shopping.
For Christmas 2010.
I already have the kids' Sunday school teachers' gifts.
Ezra's kindergarten teacher (boohoo).
The school secretaries.

And I just got a package in the mail today.
With these two items.
The box did not come with
"Jess's Christmas Present" written on it.
That would have been nice though.
It took me a moment to remember what it was.
Hope I can find it in December.
It's for my sis-in-law.
She doesn't read this.
But just in case I didn't want to take it out.

And the bag?
Well, I bought it for my mom.
For Christmas or her birthday (in December also).
I've never bought her a bag before.
Thought it might be fun.

But...

It wouldn't suit her at all.
It's much too large.
And the handles are too short.
And the teal.
And the "wild croc print".
See what I mean?

So...

I'm gonna keep it for me.

I have to.

It's the right thing to do.
Aren't I good daughter?