Oh, the Not Me's I am going to have next week. Just wait for it, people. I am telling you, if the amount of planning, packing, preparing, list making, thinking and then more packing I've had to do to get our MckFamily out the door for our out-of-town Christmas excursion wasn't enough to kill me, it came about as close as it could have come to doing just that.
We may as well just have had our whole house hoisted up on girders, hitched onto a semi truck, and pulled all the way out of town. Seriously.
I must have been in some kind of denial about all the stuff we'd need to pack to take our family of six away for Christmas. And I even tried to pack lightly, realizing that we can easily live without many of our comforts and much of our baby-related equipment.
But honestly, 1 Pack-N-Play, 2 sizes of bottle nipples, 4 bottles, frozen breastmilk, 20 outfits for children (and that's assuming no one needs an outfit change mid-day while we're gone...if they end up needing one, they won't be getting one!) , 1 Sacred Marriage book, a purple sippy cup, a breastpump, tampons (because why wouldn't I have gotten my period again yesterday!? for pete's sake, I got it two weeks ago! what's up with that!? and, no, I haven't gotten a Diva Cup yet, but I looked into it thanks to all your tips last time! you know, two weeks ago.), 8 pair of kids' pajamas for good measure, 3 pacifiers, one Miracle Blanket, pink hair rubber bands, size 6 Pull-Ups for nighttime, 2 white noise makers, 1 bottle of Tear-Free baby shampoo, 1 sling, 2 baby monitors with receivers, dozens of gifts, 1 bag of Goodwill stuff to donate on the way, 1 video to return to the video store for the Queen Mum, 1 bouncy seat, my computer, 14 pair of socks, an entire suitcase devoted to diapers and wipes, winter clothes in case the big boys go ice fishing or sledding, favorite blankies and bedtime stuffed animals, my camera (for documenting the very first time MckMuffin meets his grandpa,) 5 toothbrushes (yes, I packed Prince Charming's for him), don't forget my own clothes (because I almost did.), 1 Pack-N-Play sheet, a traveling high chair, 1 baby gate, 4 winter hats, nursing pads, other kinds of pads, snacks for the car, 2 pair of tights, zero plans for exactly what MckMuffin will sleep in/on while we're away and a varied assortment of the kids' vitamins, medicines and favorite (non-alcoholic) beverages and I finally got it through my head: Leaving town with MSC=a wholelotta work. And we haven't even left yet!!!
But, of course, this will all be worth it! Seeing the joy of Christmas in our children's eyes while spending time with my parents? Priceless!
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Of course, Jesus is the best Christmas present of all. Without His birth, I'd be a meaningless shamble of nothingless, wandering this life wondering what my purpose was and how on earth to find true happiness. With Jesus, I am a meaningful shamble of saved and forgiven rubble, being made perfect as I walk this earth, happy in knowing this world is not the end game for me.
The very best earthly gift I have ever gotten, though, was probably the very first real work of art I ever owned. I was only a teenager, still in high school, I think, and of course had not started to acquire my own collection of fine art. The only paintings I owned were the ones I'd made in art class. But at an art exhibit in town that I visited with my mom, I fell in love with an oil painting done by a local artist. It was for sale for $100, astronomically out of my price range. In fact, I didn't even consider buying it. Buying art was not in my mentality. But appreciating it sure was. And boy did I appreciate that painting.
Much to my utter surprise and amazement, when Christmastime rolled around that year, I opened my bedroom door one day to find that very painting hanging above my bed. My parents had surprised me with my very first painting, the cornerstone piece to the ever-growing collection of artwork that I now have.
We still own the painting, of course, of a huge flaming orange sun with a funky face on a purple background. In fact, I used it as inspiration to design a tattoo for my dear friend Krista. The painting hung, until recently, in Big Mac's room. I removed it after he finally confessed to me that it scared the living daylights out of him. I felt terrible and asked him why he hadn't told me earlier. He said something about wanting a snack and that was the end of that discussion.
Anyway, that was my favorite gift.
What was the very best earthly gift you have ever gotten? Do share!
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Merry, merry, merry Christmas, everyone!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas!
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The very best earthly gift I have ever gotten was my grandmother's last gift to me before her alzeimer's became very bad, and she eventually passed away. It is a porcelain doll in a long pink flowing satin dress. I still have it displayed on my shelf.
Safe travels and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Best earthly gift, my emerald ring, my husband gave it to me before he was my husband when he had to fly back across the ocean without me. It was to let me know he was coming back.
Safe travels and A Merry McChristmas to you and yours.
I hope your family has a very Merry Christmas! Have fun, it sound like you have your work cut out just to go out of town, but it will be worth it. Lots of fun stuff to pack for your little one's. I hope your family is safe. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Your list of packing reminded me of how much I have to do in the next 2 days to get ready to leave and also reminded me of some things that I had forgotten!! I remember when I was younger (college age) and would go home for break and take days packing.... wow have things changed!! Have a great Christmas with your family...looking forward to pictures!
A toy kitchen I got when I was three. The years of hours and hours I played with it were, I'm sure, worth every penny my parents spent!
We grew up poor. We ate meat my dad shot. We were the kids that got taken out of class around Christmas time to go shopping with the secretaries because we were such good, well behaved special children. (ie: you are poor and we don't want you to realize this is charity) Long story short.... one Christmas morning we woke up to a very meager Christmas. Socks, shoes, underwear, pjs and a pair of earrings. And when we got all of that done, my dad walked out of his bedroom with one more present. For all 3 of us. A NINTENDO!!! That was the best Christmas ever. Thanks daddy.
I think we need a pic of this.
My favorite material gift was the watch my husband bought me when we were dating. I love that watch because I heard lots of stories about how hard he worked ot pick out just the right one...and plenty of hints as to how much he paid for it. ;)
I'm having trouble thinking of my most favorite Christmas gift Ever. Which seems crazy considering you'd think I'd pull it right out easy as you please - but after having to work today even though I have an ear infection - and my husband is hunting - and then having my own dear mother God Love Her letting my son - who yes I know he doesn't feel so hot himself - Take A Nap At Four PM thus having him Still Going Strong with a Chatty McChatterson NonStop Commentary until after 11 tonight? Um yeah you can see how the memories just aren't flying right out of the brain, right? And you're seeing how hard it was for me to not load him up and put him on my mother's doorstep, too, right? I mean I love them and all but a Girl Sometimes Needs Quiet. But I'm rambling JUST LIKE MY SON! Ah! It's catching!
I'm amazed at your superior packing skillz - you are Rocking Out! Wishing you safe travels my friend! And also wishing you'd share where you found Size 6 pull-ups as I'm currently making The Boy squeeze in to the biggest I can find 5Ts!
Merry Christmas to you and your family! Y'all be safe!
My most favorite earthly gift is my engagement/wedding ring! My husband had picked it out all on his own and at first I thought it was kind of large and gawdy (sp?) but I loved it regardless b/c it meant he wanted to be with me forever and he took the time to pick out a unique ring for me! It helps that I still get compliments on it! I don't see how some women can exchange/upgrade their ring...is it just me that believes the ring put on my finger the day I said I do is a symbol I never want to "upgrade" or lose instead of just an object! I feel my ring is a sacred symbol!
My best gift is this: One year early in our marriage my husband outfitted me with waders, boots, fly fishing rod and reel and a fisherman's vest. I opened it all up and thought, "What is he thinking? I don't fly fish!" and he said, "I love to fish so much and I just wanted to share it with you!" He taught me to fly fish and it became a really great thing we could do together! :)
that will be me in a couple of days. We stay home for Christmas now, but this year we're traveling for New Year's.
My favorite earthly gift? can't think of just one at the moment. I'll have to narrow it down and get back to you.
Merry Christmas, safe travels and blessings around.
That was hilarious!
My most memorible gift was from my dad when I was in High School-- my first Harry Connick Jr cd-- he ended up buying me one for the next three years also-- I found i love that style music (and he is not so hard on the eyes either- Harry not my dad ewww!)
Anyhow-- I know there are others- like the jewelry box from my mom, or my necklace locket my husband went out of his way to make sure I got after all of my hinting.
This year will be great because I am able to make all my oldest childs dreams come true!
Happy Holidays to your family-- Loving the Blog!
Melissa, madfamof5
My favorite earthly Christmas gift that I can remember is an electric staple/brad gun that my hubby bought for me when I was actively pursuing woodworking. Our family uses wishlists to try to keep down on the material matter messing up our lives, but that little tool was a thoughtful item that was very special to me and has seen a lot of use since.
Gotta add another: My best Christmas gift in July was our daughter by adoption. I even gave her the middle name of Noelle!
Either Beverly Hills hi-top shoes from K-mart that I got when I was nine and had a perm, an Asian Cabbage Patch Kid named Meta that I got when I was way too old to be playing with dolls--but just wanted another CP Kid so I could name something, or the ring that Sir Boo stuck in a glass jar of unpopped popcorn kernels and presented me with three years ago this Christmas.
It's a toss-up. ;)
My favorite Christmas present was a precious 5 1/2 week old yellow lab puppy with a big red bow given to our whole family after our 13 year old dog passed away 2 months before!
By the way, I read this and thought I would pass it on. You may have already read it but in case you haven't: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2000/11/05/victory-over-sids.aspx
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
My husband buys me a snowglobe every year. I have collected several throughout the years. The thing that makes them so special is the fact that he takes the time to shop for "just the right one" for me.
I love them AND I love HIM! :o)
I thoroughly enjoyed that blog!! After all that packing, aren't you thankful that you have a hobby like blogging to use your daily mishaps, joys, and randomness to entertain all of your readers?!? That's one reason I like blogging...my day may have been chaotic or even frightful but the positive side to that is that I can make people laugh at my expense! :)
Merry merry Christmas to you! Thank you for sharing your faith with all of us.
I hope you all have a wonderful time on your trip! Just one pack-n-play sheet? That's brave! (I've had babysitting nightmares of explosive/extremely leaky overnight diapers.) Can't wait to see pictures when you all get back home!
My best gift would have to be my first doll I got when I was 9 years old from my parents. I grew up in a poor family and had to always play with my older brothers tractors and trucks that they bought with their birthday money. This doll was a special gift to me,because they tried their best to give us a Christmas, despite their finacial situation. Have yourself a Christ filled Christmas. Happy Holidays~ McMamma,P.C.,Big Mac,McNugget,Small Fry,and McMuffin. ~Darlene
Merry Christmas!!! Have a safe trip.
Hugs and prayers,
Amanda
P.S. I'm still trying to decide what my best earthly gift was :)
my best earthly gift was this past september when i got a surprise visit from my best friend on my birthday. she, my roommate, boyfriend, RA, grandparents and parents were all in on it. We had only been apart a month but it felt like a lifetime. I do love my college but its so far away from her!!
My most treasured and thoughtful gift was my beautiful engagement ring. See my husband could have easily went out and bought some ring (I am sure I would have loved it too) but instead he gave me his great grandmothers wedding ring. It is the most beautiful vintage ring. It meant so much to me that this ring was his great grandmother (she was married to his great grandfather for forty years)I love it but most of all I love what it symbols.
Amber
MERRY CHRISTMAS MckFamily...hope you all have fun and I can't wait till Monday to see the NOTS!!! Ya'll are awesome and wonderful!!! Merry Christmas!!!
~Elyse~
Very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Merry Christmas! I hope you have a wonderful holiday!
The best Christmas gift I have ever received was my horse, when I was 12. Still have the old man. :)
HOT TIP for an extra bed for one of the kids: the bathtub! My kids slept in sleeping bags at home and away because we traveled a lot. I'd just toss a pad and a sleeping bag in the dry (of course) tub and they certainly couldn't fall out! (I made sure they couldn't turn the taps on which they never wanted to do anyway.) I used the tub at home every day for nap time so they'd each have a separate place to unwind.
I had 3 little ones so I also used small stools and fed them on the dishwasher door. It was a smooth enough surface to make a great table for play and for dining. Try packing your stuff in laundry baskets. Oh, yeah, I was a great packer, too! You should SEE my lists!!
One final tip: you can sleep three kids in a big bed by putting their heads on the long side. Put one kid in the middle on top of the top sheet. Then have the kids on the sides just get in the bed as usual. This helps separate the kids a bit because you know how often they thrash around in their sleep.
Have a lovely trip! I will NOT call it a "vacation" because it is a LOT more work to look after the family when you're not on your home turf but you'll have fun!
Merry Christmas to all! Michal <>< immichal@yahoo.com (google keeps losing my password!! so "anon" but not a RUDE one!)
I got tired of packing! Now we have an RV with extra EVERYTHING so we just go grocery shopping and drive away! We use it year round and on every trip!
My favorite earthly gift was my very first Cabbage Patch doll. She was very special at the time I got her, but became cherished when I found out how many hours my mom had to stand in line in order to get her for me!
Merry Christmas!
Your post is too funny. Well, the funny part was funny the rest was just good. Anyway that twitter about PC and Daniel Day Lewis made me laugh out loud. I like randomness, too.
I only have 3 children and a husband to pack for, plus myself and I have wondered if we were taking the whole house. The last vacation we went on, I actually washed clothes during so that we didn't have to carry so many.
My very best earthly gift I got when I was 12 years old. My grandparents took my brothers and me out to see a Christmas movie on Christmas Eve. They had never done that before, but I thought nothing of it. We always got to open a gift on Christmas Eve and my gift was a box with nothing in it, but a note saying, "You have been bad ~ go to your room." I was baffled because I was never bad. :~) Anyway, my parents had bought me a white daybed and my mom had fixed it up so girly with a pastel rainbow comforter set. I loved it! I was so surprised! Thanks for making me remember that.
Merry Christmas and enjoy every minute!
with love,
Holly
First of all, good gosh am I tired after reading everything you had to pack! I STILL remember all that I had to pack to get ONE SC out the door, and multiplying that times four would have just killed me. But oh, don't you know that you are repaying your parents in spades for that cool painting by bringing a houseful of joy at Christmastime!!
Favorite earthly gift? When I was in college, my brother had been married for a couple of years; he was in college in Memphis and they had just had their first child a few months before. My parents and I went to visit for Christmas, and they gave me a box. A BIG box. And when I opened it, there was a rabbit fur jacket. You could have knocked me over with a feather; it was the nicest coat I'd ever owned. And they didn't have a lot of money, and they had a new baby, and I STILL don't know why they got me that coat. I just know that I wore the fur off of it; all those bunnies were not skinned in vain. Oooh, now I can't wait to travel to Nashville and give them some hugs! Thanks for stirring up THAT memory!
Merry CHristmas to your whole beautiful family; what a blessing for you to all be together, even when the doctors said it wouldn't happen! Go, God....
My best gift was from this year when someone we didn't know chose to donate life. The gift (new lungs) and a miracle saved my sister's life.
Merry Christmas!! The painting from your parents-so wonderful and heartwarming! Thank you for sharing that.
I can't think right now of the very best earthly gift I have received but I must put in my own plug for the Diva Cup. I absolutely love it. And for many many reasons! It can seriously change your view of your period. I will never wear tampons again!
God bless you!
Sara
Reading your list of packing reminded me of why I am so utterly thankful that my parents and my husbands parents live within a three mile radius of us. There is no way I would be able to pack for five children and a husband and fit all of us in one mini van. Nope. No way.
And don't worry about the monthly thing. I just had my fifth baby and I've been nursing exclusively also. I had a very short period every two weeks for two months. I think it might have to do with having a lot of kids in a short period of time. I've been pregnant ten times in ten years so I'm sure my system is all screwed up.
Wishing your family great joy while celebrating our Saviors birth.
The best gift I ever recieved was last year. My 10 year old son gave us a mason jar that was decorated. Inside were pieces of paper that he had written his favorite memories on. He called it his memory jar. I'm normally not an emotional person, but reading all his memories made me very emotional. I loved reading his take on our memories. I can't imagine ever getting a better gift than that.
This may sound silly but the first year I moved in with my grandparents they asked me to write a Christmas list for them... HUH? I didn't understand the concept at 14 years of age since until then I had been living with my mother and we could barely afford food and clothing let alone gifts for Christmas that weren't necessities. It had been a difficult year for me as I had been dealing with my mothers alcoholism and all the problems that came with it and had just moved in with my grandparents a few months earlier. So I made my list thinking that the bulletin board and the basketball and other things that I asked for would not be under the tree that year since they were clearly wants and not needs. Much to my surprise I actually got everything on my list. I was so surprised. Of course it wasn't about the fact that I had now these things but the fact that someone had cared enough to ask me, shop for me, and wrap these presents for me. It also gave me a wonderful sense of security that I don't think I had ever felt until then.
A Hope Chest from a neighbor when I was nine years old, it was worth alot of money, yet, she knew I only had 5 dollars to my name.....That Chest has held my marriage license, wedding flowers (now crumbled, but the ribbon is still pretty), birth and death records and many, many hand made cards from my children and now grandchildren...How special that gift was, it is now close to 160 years old, and sits in my living room, opened whenever I need to add something, or to remember someone/something or sometime that was special to our family.....
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Joyeux Noel! :)
Do babies count?
Praying for safe travel and have a blessed Christmas.
My first child! Born December 21 but due December 24... Eleven years ago! After that, no Christmas gift EVER compared!
Hmm, I have been blessed so much it is hard to pick one. I think my favorite was getting my first pet (a black lab mix puppy) when I was 10. It also made for my worst Christmas ever when I came home for Christmas at 23 and had to make the decesion to put him down.
I had to laugh about your packing...and then it made me feel a tiny bit better about not traveling this Christmas. I've been kinda sad about not getting to see all of my aunts and uncles and cousins. Now I am kinda glad to just be home and NOT travel!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and have a safe trip.
Your packing reminds me of when we went one year and I only had one besides myself to pack for.
I finally just stacked her diapers, and clothes in clothes baskets and set them in the trunk. Coming home the baskets were full of dirty clothes to throw in the washer.
Have a great time. Looking forward to seeing photos.
Wishing your family a Merry and Blessed Christmas!
Still praying in PA.
Kathy B.
Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year for you and yours!
Your family is such an inspiration!
Merry CHRISTmas!! I have packing for our family of 5 to do before tonight! I hate packing! I have twin 3 year old and a 6 month old and I feel like we take SO MUCH STUFF!!!! Why? Who knows!! Just in case?? I love reading your blog, it's so refreshing to read about other Christians who love our merciful, forgiving LOVING God! I too have had baby troubles. One of my twins was born with Sina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, and CHiari II, and it has been a trying almost 4 years! But through it all God is there for us!! Have a good one!!
Just found out hubby shares this as his favorite too....It was 1992 and he was in another war/conflict for the military and GONE. I was in OH with my parents. Unbeknownst to me, he had gotten home weeks early on Christmas Eve, had arranged via ham radio (he flew on the KC-135 refueler) to have his running car waiting, a suitcase packed by a friend, and my mom waiting on the other end (13 hours away) so he could drive through christmas eve night in a blizzard to get to me. He arrived 20 minutes before I got up and when I woke up, he was standing in front of my parents tree. I seriously about fainted and kept touching his face all day to make sure it was true. Is that not the most awesome story you've ever heard?
My favorite childhood Christmas was the year I received my green spider bike with banana seat and sissy bar. You're too young to remember that craze, but I was around 8 or so.
My favorite adult Christmas gifts are those gifts that my hubby absolutely surprises me with. He usually buys me a wonderful piece of jewelry every five years or so. A diamond engagement ring he gave me 14 years after our marriage to replace the cheap one we had to settle for back then. A diamond wrap to go around that beautiful ring. Two years ago a journey necklace. He's a sweetheart.
Oh, I'm rolling about Big Mac...poor lil guy!
My best earthly gift was a Build-A-Bear that my mom gave to me when I was pregnant with my first child. Don't get me wrong...I'm not big on stuffed animals. But this Bear has her voice on it, telling my child how much she loves him.
She was dying of ovarian cancer at the time, and I knew how special that gift would become down the road. She passed away when my son (her first grandbaby) was 6 months old. We still play it for my children on special occasions (don't want to wear the battery out!) so they can hear their "Nona's" voice and be reminded of the love she holds for them.
I actually just took a picture of that picture, actually, with my new camera I won from that photo contest...you can check it out here. It's the third picture down in the post...
Merry Christmas to you and yours, my friend!
In Him,
Courtney in Indiana
Sorry...messed that previous link up.
You can see the pic here.
Courtney in Indiana
Merry Christmas to you and your blessed family......may Jesus continue to shine through your words/thoughts/actions. I also pray that you have a safe trip.
My best earthly Christmas present was coming home Christmas Day with my third son Ezra back in '97. We had a pretty touchy pregnancy towards the end and he came a little early. We both were released from the hospital on Christmas Day and he came home only 4+ pounds, but completely healthy, healed by Our Savior. Of course, it was necessary to swaddled him up and put him in a stocking under the tree. ;)
Blessings~
*~Michelle~*
One year, we had a baby on 12/23...pretty much tops the list.
Have a fun, joyful Christmas! I remember the first trip we took with four little kiddos. My youngest two (in diapers) pooped every hour of the road trip. It was fabulous! hee hee.
Well, obviously my children and my husband are tops on the list as gifts from God. But my best gift from a PERSON would be my camera. I got it last year from my husband and it's a great hobby and stress reliever. Although now I want to upgrade to the 40D.
Merry Christmas!! Have safe travels. I don't know how you do it with 4 kids (Yowsers). I would have had to start packing and getting ready a month ago (lol).
I got a brother on Christmas in 1989! That day, I also received a doll that drank from a bottle and then blew bubbles. I still have her to this day. My brother and that doll are 19 years old!
I love packing for trips... we, mothers, totally ROCK at that. If it were left up to the husbands... oh, the horrors! Last summer, we took a 16 1/2 day road trip to 9 states and 1 province with three kids, and let's just say the packing had to be organized, (let's not get started on the itinerary and trip having to be organized!!!!!!) since we were aiming for fuel economy by taking the car, not the minivan. How much CAN that trunk hold? Let's not forget room for purchases along the way...
It was one of the best trips EVER... safe travels with your family, MckMama!! Don't worry, you won't have to pack us, we're coming with you (virtually, at least!). Have the blessed Christmas ever!
As far as earthly gifts, hmmm.... the one that stands out THE most and still makes me cry, is when my grandfather who was in his 90's gave us the money for a downpayment for our first home, just before he passed away. I will never forget that, for as long as I live. It was "only" $2000, but it may as well have been a million, we just didn't have it... Knowing how careful he was with his money, how responsible he was with it, made me feel humble that he thought we were worthy of this investment. His generosity gave us shelter and a place to call home.
Close second, though, is the family ring my husband got me the Christmas after our daughter was born. She was born in September, and shortly after that, he ordered the ring with the boys' birthstones, hers, and ours... it came in time for Christmas. I can't believe he thought of Christmas that far in advance. SHOCKING. This is the guy that shops on Dec 23rd for me, usually -- you know how well *that* can go? I have a wish list, the simplest, least expensive and easiest of wishlists, and he never follows it... It would mean more to me that he got me a $4 something off of my list than a $100 something that wasn't on it. My love language is for him to pay attention to what I'm saying, and care enough to act on it. It need not be expensive. You'd think husbands in that situation would consider themselves lucky!! I sometimes feel as though he cares, but not enough about what means a lot to ME, just what HE thinks he should get, you know? Anyway, it's a very simple ring, nothing flashy, but that's part of what makes it special... it shows he cared enough to think of what I would have wanted... I'm not a flashy, fancy person. The fact that he planned for this in advance, put so much love into this gift, is what makes my heart swell with love every time I look at it. We've had our share of struggles in our 13.5 years of marriage, times when I didn't think we'd make it, but it's acts of love like this that give me so much hope. It's not the material thing, at all, it never was... it's that he cared enough to do this for me.
Then, there's my 12 year old son this Christmas, adamant and insistent that he HAD to shop for me this year... That will be precious, no matter what I get!
My cup overflows!
The day after Christmas 1997, I got a positive pregnancy test after months of trying. That was a good one.
This morning, my 10 month old sat in his high chair blowing me kisses. Another good one.
My favorite material gift would have to be the ridiculously expensive bracelet my hubby got me last year. I may never get another gift ever, but I LOVE it!
i am so blessed i can't even begin to tell you...my 4 girls are such blessings...and hubs is, well, perfect for a hubs! getting "mommy kisses and love" is the perfect gift every day.
this year...so happy to have a happy and healthy baby after delivering a preemie in january.
my fav material gift: pin ball machine when i was like 9...i was certain it was a snow mobile.
my favorite earthly gift was a 'daughter's ring' from my parents my senior year of hs. it has my birthstone in the middle and each of theirs on the sides. i can't wait to give my girls something like that when they get older. :0)
Safe travels to you all!
my favorite earthly gift? Hmmm, when I was little it was my Cabbage Patch doll, Libby. As an adult, it has to be a necklace my mom gave me. She took my grandmother's ring, separated the diamonds, and had a necklace made for myself and my two sisters. Very special!
Great post and Safe travels! My hubby and I are staying home this year due to pregnancy...But next year I imagine a similar experiance for us as we pack our entire life, including our dog and son into our SUV for a long drive home.
My all time favorite earthly gift was the year my older sister Ginny, gave me Pola, my stuffed polar bear - who was like my favorite blankie growing up. I am almost positive he was given to me when I was around 2 years old. I slept with him all through grade school, and college, he went on vacations and sleep overs. He has caught most of the tears I cried in my life time. His ears are worn out from where I would rub them between my fingers. A few weeks after my wedding in 2002, my precious Australian Cattle Dog, Isabelle, got a hold of Pola and chewed his snout off. My mom fixed him, but after that Pola was retired to sitting up on my bureau, never to sleep in the bed again (unless I'm sick or sad - then he comes down to snuggle me).
My most fave gift...a box of store brand choco-chip cookies, circa 1978!!!
Due to some unforeseen life circumstances, we had no money but somehow my big sister found a way to buy me a box of cookies!!!
I cannot imagine packing for away for four....we packed up just one (I babysit) for a one day trip and I was exhausted before we ever even got out the door! I love having teens that can dress themselves and entertain themselves!!!
Merry Christmas to your family!!!
Pamela in TX
my very best earthly gift...wow that's a hard one...my parents were so good at getting just what i wanted...but my most memorable favorite gift I think was a barbie doll house the three story kind! My genius sister made me some furniture for it from toilet paper holders! It was great!
As an adult prolly my wedding band...hubby got the channel set band for me 2 yrs after we got married...and I LOVE it!
ok, so i just read the comment about how can someone "upgrade/exchange" their ring??? well, when my husband and i got engaged, we couldn't afford much (which was totally fine), but my ring wasn't much of a surprise and there wasn't even much of an official proposal. i work at night, and was sleeping the other day... while doing so, my husband took my ring and negotiated an upgrade, all on his own. so i cherish this ring more b/c he did it as a surprise. (and in all honesty, it is my balance to an ARB bumper, new tires, and a new gun...)
Merry Christmas Mckmama! Safe traveling!
Merry Christmas!! Have a safe trip!
Merry Christmas to you all!!!! God Bless you as travel and keep you all safe!!!
Have a wonderful celebration of Christ's sacrifice!!! for wasn't coming to earth as a baby a sacrifice which led to His ultimate sacrifice! Safe travels...and I'm hoping PC is the puzzle packer that my hubs is. Sometimes I'm in awe of how he got everything in!
Oh my gosh! I SO with I could record an audible comment for this one so you could hear all the knee slapping and "amening"!
This is exactly why we told everyone they had to come here this year. We went away for Thanksgiving, and it took me a week to recover!;) And as hard as it was, it was SOOO much easier than last year. LOL. You are right there in the MOST difficult stage I think. I know people say "the teenage years," but we're both gonna have awesome teenagers!!
Merry Christmas!!
Oh, my fave Christmas present was a new wedding ring (severaly downgraded from my first - but much more meaningful).
The best earthly gift I have received actually was not a Christmas gift. When my mother fell ill the last time, she told me to go to her house, into her dresser, and bring back to her a package wrapped in gold foil. It was June 2001. I did exactly what she requested, and was surprised to have her hand it back to me.
It was the engagement ring my father had given her. She wanted me to make a mothers ring for myself. She had someone ready to make it once I decided what I wanted it to be. I decided on a family ring - one that had her stone, my brothers, my daughter, and fiance. My dad and I are both April, so the diamond in the center represented the two of us.
That was the best gift ever. I wear it proudly on my right hand (I had to have it remade several years later to add my son).
Similarly, as the only granddaughter on my fathers side, he gave me my grandmothers diamond wedding bands when she died. When Jim and I were engaged I chose a platinum set that worked with her bands, so I could wear the thin one with my wedding band. I wear the larger band with my "family" ring.
I always have the two most important women in my life with me every day.
I told Jim he never had to buy me another piece of jewelry - I had all I needed. He gave me the wedding set I wouldn't trade for my life, and they gave me a piece of them and that is all I need (other than what I make that is!).
merry mck-ristmas mckmama! i hope you, PC, and all the MSC have a wonderful day with family!
merry christmas!
Glory be to traveling mothers. Brings back memories for sure. Have a safe and wonderful trip and time with your parents.
OMG, and I thought I had it bad last week when I packed up myself, my husband, and our 4 month old. Yikes, I can't imagine all the things you packed for your MSC. I guess you begin to pack less for each individual when another joins the brood:)
One of my favorite gifts of all time is a Miss Piggy ornament that I was given as a child!
Merry Christmas!
Good luck traveling with all four! We're traveling with just 1 and I feel like I've been packing and preparing for days...I can't even imagine!
Referring to your twitter:
My cousins (who live in MN) were driving here (IL) today. They are currently stuck in a ditch in WI and the roads are all closing so they are turning back to MN.
VERY SAD... The little kids are so bummed, so is gramma...
Hope you are faring better than they.
Referring to your twitter:
My cousins (who live in MN) were driving here (IL) today. They are currently stuck in a ditch in WI and the roads are all closing so they are turning back to MN.
VERY SAD... The little kids are so bummed, so is gramma...
Hope you are faring better than they.
The very best earthly Christmas gift to me was 4 years ago when my husband proposed to me and presented me with my engagement ring. :)
Have a VERY merry Christmas, MckMama. You deserve it :)
My best earthly gift was conceiving my twin boys last Christmas Day. ;)
My very favorite earthly gift, was for my birthday (i know i'm cheating, it wasn't for Christmas) I was 12 years old and had dreamed of having my own horse. One of my grandfathers mares were in foal to have her baby soon, so in March of 1994 she had her baby, a little colt with red fur, who is now my baby and has been for coming on 15 years. He is mentioned lots in my blog. He is my medicine for when things get crazy. Hopefully i'll have him for 15 more years.
First of all, I wanted to tell you how I laughed hysterically while reading through the list of every single item you packed - and I caught myself humming to the tune of "Twelve Days of Christmas!"
I'm so glad you didn't forget your own clothes! I enjoy reading your blog and seeing the new photos of your adorable kids. Have a safe trip and a Merry Christmas to you and your MckFamily!
A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
My best Earthly gift? I get it every year when my kids open their presents. Nothing tops their excitement and joy.
Oh my gosh you sound just like me. I only have one child to take with me I had to pack for for three weeks. I hope your family has a fun trip.
I can't imagine how you even REMEMBERED all of that stuff to pack in the first place! Yikes! You are right, though, it will be well worth it for the precious memories you will make. My favorite earthly gift was my Barbie waterslide. It had a real working drinking fountain, and you put the Barbies in this little seat that flew down into the pool. My mom would put garbage bags underneath it in my bedroom, fill the pool up, and my friends and I would spend hours playing with it. It is still what immediately pops into my head when I think of childhood Christmases. =o)
My best earthly gift:
An engagement ring. Eric asked me to marry him and gave me the gift as my Christmas present. I don't think that will ever be topped.
elisa
My engagement ring . . . which I accepted gladly . . . yes, I had been in the ER earlier that morning with pain related to a kidney stone and was doped up on drugs . . . but ANYHOOO!! LOL
And have a blessed MERRY CHRISTMAS!
LORI
I hope you have a wonderful time with your parents!! Good grief! Your packing list made me tired! LOL Enjoy your time. I know you will have lots of memorable moments to share with your stalkers, erm,,,uh,,, readers. Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family.
You may have ME beat....my one and only child is disabled and tube fed. Boy do I have to pack a lot to take him out of town! It's embarrassing. When I go to my Aunt's house it looks like I'm moving in! LOL!
My best gift ever? Hmm...I've had so many. My mom always spoiled me at Christmas and now my husband does. I guess last year when my hubby bought me me Peridot Mother's ring. :)
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I thinhk the best Christmas Gift I ever recieved was Christmas Day in ' 96 or ' 97 I can't remember which year . But , My Uncle Don , My sweet Momma 's Big Brother , Surprized me with his Guitar from when he was a little Boy. I KID Ya'll NOT Guys and Gals , I was so excited that I screamed and I was surprized that I didn't injure my vocal cords. And , the day we go over to my Grandma's house (My Mom 's Mom 's & Dad 's ) And I told him how much I enjoy it and Love it . But, then in '99 - '00 I actually gave it back to them because My Cousin Megan wanted to learn how to play. Since Ionly used it on weekends , Days off from School , Summers and all.
Merry Christmas and safe travels!
MckMama,
So glad you all made it safe! I don't envy your packing job...There are 5 of us, but right now only 1 needs packed for. I'm sure my mom knows what you're going through, though!
Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family!
~Jaquelyn
Enjoy your "complaining". (Yes, I say that lightly...I get it).
It's just that I am now so all alone. My 11 year old daughter dead from brain cancer. My son at his dad's. First time ever not home on Christmas....and as if that weren't enough....this morning...my beloved cat was found dead on the bed.
I want to jump...I really do. I am holding on.
I wish I had all that stuff to pack, and that many ppl to surround me with love and flurries of activities.
The silence is deafening.
My favorite earthly gift has got to be the box of assorted items I received from my husband before we were even officially "dating." He gave it to me after we had gotten back to college from Christmas break, and it included a Christmas mug (with all of Santa's reindeer and their names on it), hot chocolate mix, Arizona raspberry iced tea (my favorite to this day!), a decorative M&M tin w/ M&M's in it, and I think some Rice Krispie bars. Anyway, the point is not what was in it, but that he thought about me over break enough to bring a gift back to me! My friend Jody was with me when I received it, and as soon as we left the gym training room (where I had received the gift--and been asked by him to go out on our very first date!) we promptly went outside and screamed! I was SO excited! That's where it all began, and now we have been happily married for 11 years!
Travel safetly and Merry Christmas! I hope you have a great day tomorrow with your family tomorrow, although I think you got your best gift about 7 or is it 8 weeks ago *grin*!
My best big-ticket gift was the emerald, ruby, and sapphire bracelet that my husband had designed for me a few years ago.
I think this year will be pretty hard to beat, though. My family was very generous and gave us money so that we could travel 1500 miles to spend the holidays with my in-laws. We arrived today; hearing them tell us how much they love us and how glad they are that we're here is priceless!
Blogging has been a wonderful gift to me this year, including meeting you through your writing.
Reading your witness to faith this morning, after waking-up sick, otherwise I'd be at church, was a gift.
For future reference, unless your parents live in the woods, consider taking just enough of the disposables for the travel time. Go to the store for more diapers/wipes after you get there - or have your Mom buy them in advance.
Merry Christmas!
Barbara
Stellan in a suitcase! That's so great I though we were the onlyone's who did that this summer with our then 4mo. old who refused to sleep anywhere that wasn't tiny and confined....even the pack-play bassinet was too big, he prefered his cradle swing for the first 8 months he only now sleeps in a crib lol that's so great! Merry Christmas!
Happy Christmas MckFamily! xxx.
Merry Merry Christmas McKFamily!! Have a fun and safe trip! Blessings...
If you can't find the Diva Cup, you should try Instead. They sell them at my local WalMart and sometimes at Target. They are a lifesaver and blow away tampons!!!! Here is the website to check out:
http://www.softcup.com/
Hope this helps!
Joey
J-
Merry, MERRY Christmas!! I'm sure this Christmas celebration is like no other- so amazing to be spending it with your precious children, especially that little miracle boy.
Love ya lots & God's blessings,
Kenzie
Ahhh, I remember taking our three to the beach...all the swim diapers, pack-n-play, walker, bouncer seat, baby gates (the house we rented was 3 stories and NOT childproofed,) clothes, sippy cups, bottles, etc etc etc plus some grocery items to avaid "seasonal mark-ups" at the local grocery at the beach.
I looked at my hubby and told him I felt like the "Clampetts" from Beverly Hillbillies....all that was missing was a rocking chair on the top of the car!! LOL
Glad you had a good holiday with the family!
OOOO...I want to see the tattoo design!!...maybe you could design one for me...I can give you some ideas to go off of!
brittanysears@hotmail.com
My favorite earthly gift? Let's see, my hubby has just spoiled me like crazy by getting me the exact same camera and extra lens that you gave away! and a macro lens and bag! He didn't even know that I had entered your drawing! He's spoiled me big, that guy!
Oh, and I've got another, even bigger gift, but I'm not telling yet!!!!
Oh, and I just got an amazing gift from my parents....it's definitely on the best ever list....my parents had my dad's star flag framed. My grandparents hung that flag in their window when my dad was 18 and serving our country in World War II.
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