ARMY AND SLAMMIE's Crazy Christmas Advent Package Train

[shmeelady]

I think you did the right thing and it doesn't matter what they think. I was a single parent for 12 years and I got critisized because my son had alot of video games and a bunch of systems but he was always a good kid and like you I couldnt go out and just buy stuff whenever. And to top it off the systems were usually second hand. If you feel good about buying them AND you got an amazing deal then that is all the matters!

Thank you! Normally I really don't care what people think, but these are supposed to be my friends. Honestly the ONLY friends I have and it hurts that of all people they would judge... Especially when they know my situation.


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[Armygirl76]

It's quiet in here tonight.

I just scared the crap out of myself. I went downstairs to do laundry but I left the light off in the family room because my kid and my bull mastiff were asleep on the couch. Did the laundry and came out. All of a sudden, it sounded like gun fire. I was ready to duck and cover until I realized I was walking on bubble wrap. My heart is still pounding. DH is pi$$ing himself laughing.


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LMAO OMG THAT IS AWESOME! High five you DH for me! I'm sorry you got scared but Awww greatest prank lol

Ugh, okay so I have a question for everyone... When it comes to Christmas presents, what are you more conscious of... Budget or quantity. Today I had an annoying conversation with two I my friends and I feel like they kind of jumped down my throat a bit on this one.

I spent a lot of time deal hunting for DS's gifts, between black friday, shop.ca, wagjag, coupons and my walmart mix up I was able to get a good $400 in toys for around $160. I had lunch with them and we were all on the topic of what gifts we bought for or kids. I explained to them about deals and what I spent and clearly it went thru one ear and out the other. some comments I got were "well if you keep spending money like that you'll never leave your moms house", "your son is going to expect that every year", "Christmas isn't about how much money you spend, you're going to teach Keeland that its all about getting". I heard all bout how they only buy their kids two presents, an outfit and stocking stuffers. Kind of felt like a slap in the face. We all spent around the same amount so really what does it matter about quantity?!?

I really don't know what to think, but I'm pretty hurt over this. I an not able to buy him toys e hasn't gotten anything since his birthday in march and everything is outdated and he has lost interest. I worked hard to get these new things. We dot have cable so he doesn't sit around all night watching TV, he plays!

That's really why I am asking you guys, I want some reassurance that I'm not a terrible mom who is turning her child into a spoiled brat.


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okay I pretty much believe I'm the most awesomest mom, why because I'm the one they have. Your sweet guys looks to me like he is happy and loved, people need to worry more about what's behind thier door than what behind others. You had a budget you stuck to it that's what you teach your son that if you wait and buy when it's the right time you can stretch your dollar and that is a hugely valuable lesson. Hailey use to spend money like it burned her pockets, until I showed her that you can wait wand watch and get the same stuff way cheaper which means your money is worth more than the adverage person. So just tell your "friends" that obviously your $160 is worth more in value than theirs

[shkyle]

Ugh, okay so I have a question for everyone... When it comes to Christmas presents, what are you more conscious of... Budget or quantity. Today I had an annoying conversation with two I my friends and I feel like they kind of jumped down my throat a bit on this one.

I spent a lot of time deal hunting for DS's gifts, between black friday, shop.ca, wagjag, coupons and my walmart mix up I was able to get a good $400 in toys for around $160. I had lunch with them and we were all on the topic of what gifts we bought for or kids. I explained to them about deals and what I spent and clearly it went thru one ear and out the other. some comments I got were "well if you keep spending money like that you'll never leave your moms house", "your son is going to expect that every year", "Christmas isn't about how much money you spend, you're going to teach Keeland that its all about getting". I heard all bout how they only buy their kids two presents, an outfit and stocking stuffers. Kind of felt like a slap in the face. We all spent around the same amount so really what does it matter about quantity?!?

I really don't know what to think, but I'm pretty hurt over this. I an not able to buy him toys e hasn't gotten anything since his birthday in march and everything is outdated and he has lost interest. I worked hard to get these new things. We dot have cable so he doesn't sit around all night watching TV, he plays!

That's really why I am asking you guys, I want some reassurance that I'm not a terrible mom who is turning her child into a spoiled brat.


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dont let what ppl say bother u. I get it every year. I spoil my children. I don't care what ppl say to me or about me. They each have 14 gifts from mom dad and Santa this year.

[Momto2Ks]

The poptarts are from the US, my son would sell his soul for them. I have a friend who goes across the border twice a year and brings him some back they never last long. They made his year today when he opened them. I personnelly hate poptarts so I've never tried these.

Yep- bought them in Miami. There *may* be a box of Red Velvet ones coming up later...???

[shmeelady]

okay I pretty much believe I'm the most awesomest mom, why because I'm the one they have. Your sweet guys looks to me like he is happy and loved, people need to worry more about what's behind thier door than what behind others. You had a budget you stuck to it that's what you teach your son that if you wait and buy when it's the right time you can stretch your dollar and that is a hugely valuable lesson. Hailey use to spend money like it burned her pockets, until I showed her that you can wait wand watch and get the same stuff way cheaper which means your money is worth more than the adverage person. So just tell your "friends" that obviously your $160 is worth more in value than theirs

Thank you for this!
This is the exact thing my grandad taught me growing up, and it is the exact same thing that I want DS to learn. Though I had never thought of it in a way of money being more valuable if you wait. I love it! From now on I know that what little I have and spend (in every aspect) is more valuable than most others.

*HUG*



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[cowgirlmama04]

Shmeelady, I know it is hard when it is those that you are closet to that are being judge mental. I am either the worst mom ever, or the best....( depends on the day )
My kids get spoiled every Christmas, here is my reasoning
1. We have a small extended family, and most are living pay check to paycheck, if they are lucky, so they don't get much from outside our immediate family.
2. They don't get everything they want when they want it
3. I spoil them mostly with practical or something they will learn something with
4. Because I can

To give you an idea, DD2 got an pellet gun for her birthday in oct and DD1 got a .243 rifle. Both my girls also have compound bows, from last Christmas ( and not the cheap $75 Walmart specials either) they enjoy hunting and DD1 is also on the school archery team and will be shooting at the provincial finals in March. These gifts cost me a small fortune, but one that I was totally willing to provide, because I believe they will learn something from them. Patience, safety, perseverance, etc. this Christmas I got them an Xbox 360, they have been asking for one for about 2 years, and a game each that they asked for ( call of duty being one) the looks I got when the sales lady found out how old my daughter was, she went into a rant about how the game is rated ristricted and my daughter is only 13, and that this is why ALL kids are screwed up.

Whoa wait a minute, did she just call me a bad parent? Yup but I spend time with my kids, I raise my kids, I teach them right from wrong, and I should be the best judge of their character and what I believe they can handle or not. My kids work hard to earn the stuff they got, so I have no issue spending a little more on them at times like a birthday or Christmas, and they know the value of my dollar when they price it out on how much they would have to work to earn it. They know that the only thing they will get free, is my love, everything else In life must be earned.

You are not a bad parent, you are awesome. You found a way to provide your child with some extras while facing some adversity.... You go girl!!!

[Melissa13]

Here are my day 14 and 15 pics

[Norma Mackay-Rempel]

Day 15 = I received some Gingerbread tea which was very good! Kelsey rec'd some Glitter. We were away today spent time at my oldest & his girlfriends today. We had a very nice visit!
Thanks Kim & Kayla for the prezzies!

Haven't read any of the above posts yet! Will do that when I get back to work on Tuesday!

[slambert]

OMGosh day 16, this train is going so fast!

Today Trent opened a huge stack of Yu Gi Oh cards that Mitchell collected when he was younger and passed onto Trent. Mitchell you made Trent feel so special today, he opened the paper and let out a scream and has not let them out of his sight since. He has already cleared a special spot in his room for them. Thank you for giving up your collection and sharing them with him, you have made his year

Donnie got a HUGE bag of mini eggs, these are his absolute favorite treat so you will notice they are not in the photo. He put them right into his bag to take to work. Thank you Mitch

Tami you have one heck of a family there, you've done an amazing job with those kidlets of yours

[shmeelady]

This train IS going too fast!!

This morning DS got a flashlight! You have no idea, he is obsessed with flashlights... Lol. This as the best photo I could manage....



Mama received not one but TWO bottles of Jergens natural glow!!! WOOHOO! Ima get my tan on... Seriously I am whiter than white and hate the sun/tanning so this stuff is my life saver haha.




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[gwennad]

Good morning everyone

Today I got a big bag of swedish berries - glad I opened them (and hid them) before kiddo got up! I'd never get to eat any of them.
Jackson got some red pants (perfect since he has to wear red/white/green on Wednesday) and a red car (a toy mommy! I got a toy!)

[KK7]

Day 16 I got powder
Kayla received Burts Bee Gift Set
thanks so much love it

[Jody22002]

Today, I got chocolate moulds in the shape of presents! Score! I love these! I make a ton of chocolates!

I am not feeling very Christmasy this week given the circumstances but today is my last day off until Christmas Day so it is my goal to get everything wrapped. I bought my last gift yesterday.

My DD got the best deal yesterday. She bought a Walking Dead bathrobe for her dad at Spencer's. Robes are 10.00 off. Someone had tagged it incorrectly though and instead of the price tag saying 59.99, it said 29.99. They honoured it and took the 10.00 off the 29.99. Plus she had a 20% off coupon so 16.00 plus tax. I had bought the DrWho robe and had to pay 40.00 plus tax so Kelsey was super happy to have "beaten" me.


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[wendyjane]

Yesterday I neglected to post - I received 4 pairs of scissors of all different sizes. I have just realized that EVERY gift that TASHA has given me is on my wishlist!!! holy sheetrock!!! She has put in so much above and beyond and I am so grateful mwah!
Today a pressie for hubby - 3pak of kcup coffees and coupons(for me) - the coupons complete a full stack and makes the items free : ) must go shopping now thank you TASHA!

[becky_j]

This train is going very fast.today brought me some soft fuzzy socks loves these expecially in the winter thank u Candice e erything is wonderful and right from wl.thanks again.