We have a tree! And I love it! Which is really saying something because last year? Totally hated the tree. Or more specifically, the way it was decorated. Just not pretty. So this year I had a Game Plan which included buying a whole bunch of stuff – red and gold glass ball ornaments, red garland… for the first time ever I wanted to have a color-coordinated tree, rather than a random mess of ornaments and whatever garlands we have around. Which means like half our ornaments didn’t make the cut this year (only red, white, silver, or gold colored ornaments made it onto this tree. I thought that would upset the kids. Nope, in fact it only upset me. Apparently I’m the only one with any sentimental attachment to our ornament collection!). But the greatest thing about this tree is that I did almost none of the work. Guess who did? Nope, not hubby – he’s got a sore rib, probably from putting up all the outside lights when he had a cold, so he’s out of commission on all heavy lifting jobs. My 10 year old did it! Yep, A~ was very motivated to get the Christmas tree up so I decided, why not let him try? We dragged the faux tree out of the garage and A~ put the whole thing together by himself. And then he put all the lights on too! K~ and I helped with the garlands and ornaments, but I can honestly say that without A~’s help, we would not have a tree up right now. Having an older child who can actually help out for real is awesome. (you know, versus the “helping” my younger kids do that often results in more work for mom, rather than less) And did I mention I love the tree? It’s sooo pretty! This is one of my favorite ornaments that made the cut – we got it at the Craft Link store in HaNoi and looking at it just makes me smile.

Speaking of shopping… you guys were such a great help! I bought this helicopter recommended by Melinda for my 14 year old nephew. And I made photo books at Shutterfly for all 3 moms (mom, stepmom and mom-in-law) per Nicki’s suggestion. (Though I gotta say, it was waaaaay more work than I intended – I did a 2 page spread for each month of 2007 and personalized each book with photos from the respective grandparent’s visit(s) and finishing all three books took like 2 solid days and my head was just numb after staring at the computer screen for so many hours.) And then while I was on the Shutterfly site I saw this book and I just had to get one for Zeeb. It takes the put-your-name-in-a-story thing to a whole ‘nother level and I think he’ll love it. Also, I got this Snoopy PSP game for my 10 year old nephew. My sister’s kids watch a lot more violence on tv and in games than my kids so I’m hoping he doesn’t think it’s too lame, but I just couldn’t bring myself to get one of those really graphic games and besides, who doesn’t like Snoopy? And for my oldest sister’s family gift, I’m giving them this down and fleece throw that I got on sale from Eddie Bauer. I figure it will be handy for all the cold days she and the kids are sitting on the sidelines watching one of the boys play football. For my other sisters’ family I got the Apples to Apples Jr. game and I want to wrap something with it – a popcorn bowl or something?

So, I’m making progress, but I still have more shopping to do and not a lot more time to do it, what with shipping time and all. But thank goodness there’s still a bunch of great ideas to check out in the comments – you guys have just the greatest, most creative ideas I’m loving reading through them. Keep them coming!