getting vs asking

November 17, 2009
Growing up as a kid, there was an unwritten rule that my mother put in place:
"No buying things for yourself leading up to Christmas.  Just put it on your wish list."
And it works really well.  The thought is that if you happen to wish for something then people will have an idea of what to get you for Christmas.  If you buy it yourself, then you're limiting the ideas for others.  And we are passing this down to the girls.

Munchkin's birthday is less than a month away.  With 4 years of experience, she knows that she will be getting gifts.  Christmas is only a week and 1/2 after her birthday so there will be gifts for that as well.  (Ya, I know...good planning on my part)



The girls know that gifts are for special occasions.  I did not want her thinking she got something new every time we went shopping.   So when friends ask what wants for her birthday, the first thing out of her mouth is "Polly Pockets". She has been watching commercials and seeing them in the stores and she wants them all one so badly.


When we are in a store, she'll walk up to the Polly Pocket, Littlest Pet Shop or Strawberry Shortcake display ad say "I'm getting this for my birthday."

Then I remind her that she can ASK for it for her birthday, but by no means does that mean that she is going to get it.  Since we don't buy a lot of toys throughout he year, there is a good chance that she will get the ones she wants the most.

I can almost guarantee that our neighbours will get her the Polly Pocket something-or-other becuase she as already mentioned that to them. But the other requests for Littlest Pet Shop and Strawberry Shortcake things will might not be passed on to other family members or friends. I coud not imagine the mess of all those teeny tiny pieces all over the house. No way.  Will some of them show up at my house?? Probably becuase those are the popular toys for 5 year old little girls.  We'll deal with that when it happens.

So how do you deal with the wants and wishes of your little ones? Do you have unwritten rules about birthdays and presents?  Do you edit your kids wish lists?

(Please tell me we're not alone in the dislike of teeny tiny pieces.)

hard to believe it's november

November 9, 2009
Yesterday was such a beautiful day, we just couldn't stay inside!

And for the record: I love our Nikon D300!!


Peanut riding her tricycle all by herself!  And Munchkin looking so grown up.





You can almost hear the giggles!


what does home mean to you?

November 6, 2009





From www.meaningofhome.ca:


Do you want to help a family in need? You can help build a family a home (and win cool prizes) by simply writing a composition, essay or poem.

From October 5 to November 13, Genworth Financial Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada are asking you to make a difference.

Submit a short composition, essay or poem that explains what "home" means to you!

First Place winner will:
  • Take part in the ultimate gift - a new Habitat home for a deserving family. Genworth will donate $60,000 towards the building of a new Habitat home in a community of the winner's choice*.

  • Receive a high-performance Dell laptop with 80 GB hard drive, 3 GB RAM and an extended warranty, loaded with Microsoft Office.
*The winner will select from a list of eligible locations.

Five Runner Ups will each:
  • Help a family to get a home of their own. Genworth will donate $5,000 to a Habitat affiliate of the winner's choice - which will support the building of a new home in that community.

  • Receive a $100 gift certificate to Chapters Indigo.

Contest Requirements:
  • Contest is open to students in grade 4, 5 or 6 in Canada.
  • Your entry should be between 200 and 600 words
  • You can submit your stories from October 5 to November 13, 2009
Click here for complete contest rules and regulations.

How to submit your entry:
 
Enter online:
To submit your composition, essay or poem online, simply fill in the following form, then type or copy and paste your entry into the Submission box. Then click the "submit" button.

Enter by mail:
You can also mail your submission, along with your name, address and phone number, to:

The Meaning of Home Writing Contest
P.O. Box 4446
STN Industrial Park
Markham, ON
L3R 5G9


Don't forget the stamp!

This post was requested by http://causeacommotion.com/

Disney on Ice is coming to Toronto - coupon code and giveaway!

November 5, 2009


Disney On Ice presents  
Princess Classics
at the Rogers Centre
December 18th – December 27th.

has partnered with Feld Entertainment, the parent company for Disney On Ice, to provide a special family ticket package offer in select cities.

Toronto Area families can get four tickets for $44 Monday-Friday (excluding Friday evening), and $4 off tickets for all weekend performances.

Plus there are several chances to win tickets!


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