Until Later

Well, I must bid everyone farewell for this year!! The countdown has begun until our move!! And I should now spend every waking moment packing!! Craig just bought me a new portable hard drive for me to back up my pictures. And so I am trying not to take any more pics this year (except for tomorrow) so that I can start the new year with a new folder for my pics.

Tomorrow is Craig's 35th birthday. Today the kids and I went shopping for Craig's present. We always find the best deals for his gifts since it is 2 days after Christmas.

I've come to find blogging to be therapeutic and I'll miss it, but it is also very addicting for me. So, I won't be blogging until either everything is packed or until after the move. I'll still check in on my favorite blogs every once and a while, as long as the computer is still up anyways.

Have a wonderful rest of the year and may God bless you with a Happy New Year!!!

Love,
Lillian

Smith Christmas 2006

We had a wonderful Christmas Day. Enjoy sharing some of our memories!

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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!

I meant to post this earlier but lots had to be done around here. Wishing you the best during these 12 days of Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Boxes and Bike Rides

Today was a busy yet fun day. We spent the morning packing and clearing out the garage. This Thursday we will close on our house and it will officially belong to Blair and Steven!! They will then be our landlords for 2 1/2 weeks!! Steven, you're garage is almost ready!



Around 2pm we took a break and went for a family bike ride to the local pizza joint. Since a picture is worth a million words, here are pics of our grand adventure:














OOPS!! Sophia forgot how to stop and drove right into a ditch!! Good thing it was dry! But Daddy came to the rescue.




Kolbe also needed some assistance. He got tired at the end and needed some "help" finishing his trip.



The finale was pizza!! Too bad all those burned calories were replaced so quickly!

Ice Skating

Last night, when Craig got off work he came in and announced we were going ice skating! Lots of little bodies scurried to get their socks and jackets. Our town sets up a temporary ice skating rink for the holidays. I took several pictures but inevitably someone would skate in front of the camera or my girls would be facing the wrong way. Here's the best shot I got of Anna and Sophia. Also, here's Isabelle showing me her turns. Ice skating is such a treat for them. They LOVE roller skating, BTW.



Also, the rink offers (for a small fee of course) these pushers, for lack of a better word, for the novice skater. They resemble walkers for elderly. Well, although Sophia clearly needed hers, she REFUSED to use it. The constant falling didn't deter her efforts. We didn't leave the skating rink until after 8pm and the kids were starving at this point. So, we treated them to Johnny Rockets. Mmmmmm.

The Beauty of Staying Home

Here are my ramblings on the beauty of staying home. Be warned that they truly are ramblings!! This is an adult version of "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie."

This morning my girls woke up excited that they didn't have anywhere to go. This past week they have been going to Taekwondo camp from 10am to 2pm and enjoyed it immensely. But last night when they were asking about what color t-shirt to wear to camp the next day, I told them there was no camp on Friday. Lots of squeals and smiles ensued.

"YEAH," said Anna, "now we can play all day."

And she was right. They have been out of the house more than they're used to. Yesterday, in addition to camp we drove around town delivering cookies to friends. By the time we were done, they only had an hour to play before attending TKO classes (different from camp BTW). After reading David Elkind's books Miseducation: Preschoolers at Risk and The Hurried Child, several years ago, I decided my kids would not be involved in too many outside activities. Quality vs. quantity. So currently we do piano and taekwondo. It sometimes changes every year (except for piano ... that's non-negotiable).

Anyways, I digress. This post is supposed to be about the beauty of staying home. I always thought this meant being a stay-at-home mom. But I used to be a stay-at-home mom that was running all over town with Isabelle and Anna. After Sophia and Kolbe were born (they're 15 mos apart) I had to stay home out of sheer necesity. I was bitter for a couple of years because I felt like I was missing out on all the fun activities I used to attend. Things like story time at the bookstore, shopping in the middle of the day, lunch in the afternoons, visiting with friends, attending morning talks at church, etc.

It wasn't until this past year that I have really come to enjoy staying home. I would rather stay home than go somewhere. I no longer feel self pity if I'm not socializing with other moms. My kids no longer whine about going out or visiting friends. Don't misunderstand me. We love to visit friends!! I'll accept almost any invitation! But it no longer bothers me when they don't come as often as I used to want because I enjoy staying home and seeing my kids play.

My teaching style would probably be that of Maria Montessori. Montessori always used to say that a child's work is play. I wholeheartedly agree!!! I'm not an unschooler, but I also don't think children should only be doing schoolwork/chores all day. They need lots of time to play. Or else they forget how. They lose their imaginations and they become restless, boring creatures who need to be entertained.

When Isabelle was 3 yo I started collecting dress up clothes. She's now 8 yo and we have a very HUGE assortment of clothes. They have lots of other toys and there's a place for everything. Just like in Montesorri schools, they take out what they would like to work with and return it to its place when they're done.

I tried reading Charlotte Mason and other styles. But Montessorri fits me like a glove. So we have LOTS of toys. And that's okay. As long as they put it back where it belongs. My girls understand this and I see it as a useful life skill. We're still working on it with Kolbe. ;-)

Back to staying home .... so they've been gone most of the day this week and I've really been missing them. Feeling a little guilty too. They've been enjoying themselves sooo much that what if they don't want to stay home on Friday?? What if staying home now seems boring??

Well, today they have been having a fun time. They've missed staying home. I know this because Anna and Belle have said so several times!! Today they played with their St. Therese paper dolls for over an hour (while I was cutting out more outfits). After putting them away they went to dress up as St. Therese and family and are playing outside in their dress up clothes.

Its okay if they have outside activities like VBS or TKO camp every once in a while. But I realize that its my job to preciously guard their play time. Because I'm guarding their imaginations and extending their childhood that much longer. Part of that entails just staying home. And so I run errands in the afternoon. Actually, I don't have errands. Other than grocery shopping once a week there aren't any errands to run. What else is there??

I could talk about this topic ad nauseum!! My belief about play time is at the core of my thinking, thanks to Montessorri and Elkind. We used to know a family in College Station that we spent LOTS of time visiting. At the time she had 6 children and four of them were older than Belle. Her kids were LOUD and really knew how to play. They had LOTS of dress up clothes and even though some of her kids were in the 7th grade or 5th grade they STILL enjoyed playing dress up. We visited them in Kansas over 2 years ago and although two were in high school, they still played dress up with the little ones. In addition to not having cable, she had read Montessorri and was the person who introduced me to Montessori for the first time. I'm so grateful she did.

FWIW, here's a website I found about Montessori and Catholic homeschooling. I haven't had time to read all of it yet, but it looks promising.

Also, as I was looking up links for Elkind's books, I saw he just came out with a new book this month!! Guess what its called? Power of Play!! Oh my! I haven't read anything new by him in a long time. I'm still waiting a few years for Belle to get bigger before I read his book on teenagers. I guess I found an errand to run after all! Or I could just stay home and order this book online! ;-)

Review for Power of Play.

Santa Claus is in town!!

Well, Santa Claus is officially in town!! Every year he drives through our town streets and hands out candy canes. We've been waving at him for the past 5 Christmas seasons. Here's a pic of the kids with Craig while we were waiting. Then there's a video of Santa's drive by!





This year he did a drive by!! He forgot to stop and visit and my Kolbe was very disappointed! Please excuse the crazy cackling woman!




Finally, here are the kids with their candy canes! I had to dip into my secret stash.

Kids Ain't Eating Ramon Noodles Tonight!!

Daddy's coming home!! He should be here in 15 minutes!! I love homecomings! My kids are circling the table like sharks though! Notice my best china?

Mom's "Dear Santa Letter"

Dear Santa,
I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground.
I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon, on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes:
1. I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that do flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull my screaming child out of the candy aisle in the grocery store.

2. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

3. If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn’t broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

4. On the practical side, I could use a talking doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

5. I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog.

6. If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the door and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold. Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always,
MOM...!

p.s. One more thing...you can cancel all my requests if you can keep my children young enough to believe in Santa.

*Santa has asked that this gets passed on to all the mommies you know!

Cookies and Cards

Today we did some more Christmas cookies to give away to friends. The kids had a great time. Isabelle did the peanut butter cookies all by herself. The others helped with the sugar cookies and peanut butter chocolate kiss cookies. Kolbe got a little enthusiastic with the sprinkles but it all turned out fine in the end.





Earlier today the girls worked on some more of our Christmas cards. We still have quite a ways to go before we have enough. Unfortunately, we didn't realize Kolbe was missing for a short time time during the cookie making. He decided to "embelish" some of the finished cards. Mea Culpa!! I left the stamps and ink pads out.

Away in a Manger performed by Anna

The girls had their piano Christmas recital this past Saturday. We were gone most of the week so they had little time to practice and review their songs. I'm so proud of them!!

Here is Anna performing "Away in a Manger" accompanied by me! Excuse the poor lighting and wobbly filming. Craig was filming while trying to keep an eye on three little ones ages 1, 3, 5.

Ukrainian Bell Carol performed by Isabelle

Here's Isabelle performing Ukrainian Bell Carol. Its a piece she's been hearing for a couple of years at the annual Christmas Recitals and this year decided she wanted to play it. What is neat about this selection is that it is a bit above her reading level. So it was a challange to learn but she did it!! I also accompanied Isabelle during the repeat.

**Also, if you're wondering why I keep looking down and why a lady (our piano teacher) looks as if she's unsure whether to intervene or not ..... WELL! While Craig was filming and keeping an eye on the 3 little ones, the smallest one (AKA Catherine) decided to follow me up to the piano. The piano teacher and several other ladies tried to call her over to them but she just stood there in the front, quietly observing the crowd. Also, listen for Kolbe at the end of the song.

Silent Night Duet

Finally, here are my girls, Isabelle and Anna, playing a duet together. Anna is carrying the melody while Isabelle accompanies. I love hearing them play the piano. Now I know how my mother felt during all my recitals when I was growing up.

I couldn't help chuckling at all their bowing. It reminded me of "The Sound of Music."

Operation Minimize

The "REAL" packing has begun! My kitchen is almost packed up, except for a few essentials like coffee pot, crock pot, and a couple of pans. Dishes, cups and mugs are next. I've stocked up on paper products. The last time we moved we did the same thing. Except we also switched from cloth diapers to disposables "temporarily." I kinda forgot to switch back!! ;-)

We are now under contract with our house in SA. It is being inspected tomorrow and unless something big is wrong with it (please God, no!!) we're closing and moving on January 15th, my birthday!! What a gift! That day will be here before I'm ready, I'm sure.

What Should You Major In?

Oh my! These kind of tests never turn out right. But this one did! My undergrad degree was history. My masters (deferred) was theology. I took language classes for 5 semesters in undergrad (Latin, French, Spanish). And I almost changed my major to philosophy! Its a wonder Craig kept dating me! I was quite boring!!

Curious to see if this test is accurate for others. If you take it, let me know your results!

Your Scholastic Strength Is Deep Thinking

You aren't afraid to delve head first into a difficult subject, with mastery as your goal. You are talented at adapting, motivating others, managing resources, and analyzing risk. You should major in: Philosophy Music Theology Art History Foreign language

What Should You Major In?

The Future of House Hunting!!

Well, we're still trying to figure out which home we want to buy in SA. Last night Craig found two more and we were wishing there was a way to see them without having to drive the four hours. So he input their addresses in Google Earth and we were able to see them!!! We could see where they were located on the cul-de-sac. How big their lots and yards were. We found Craig's parents' house. Whenever the satellite picture was taken, his grandmother had been visiting because her car was parked in front of his house!!! We couldn't find our house because of all the pine trees. We "flew" over to the Vatican and looked there. Then we "flew" to California and Craig showed me where he normally stays and eats. If the technology could get more refined this could be revolutionary!! We couldn't see details but the location was very clear. Mostly, you're looking at rooftops. We flew over Sea World too.

After 10 years of marriage this is what Craig and I find exciting! Hee hee!! So beware, we might be spying on you! Or at least on you a few months ago. Its not a live satellite.

Mexican Fare

In honor of La Virgen de Guadalupe, we're having Carne Guisada with Arroz (rice) and Tortillas. And I'm picking up some Mexican chocolate to make chocolate milk. I used to drink this all the time as a little girl.
And I'll be lighting up the Advent Wreath twice so Kolbe and Sophia can both blow ALL the candles out. A Civil War almost erupted after dinner. But my dear Craig, being the negotiator and sales director that he is, was able to diffuse the whole situation.

You see, Sophia just had her birthday a few weeks ago but still thinks she's the birthday girl when it comes to candles. And Kolbe (3 yo) thinks it should be time for his birthday so HE should blow out the candles.

Nevermind that we're waiting for Jesus' birthday!! I need to start catechizing them better!

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.

Emails and short term thinking!!

So this has been bothering me lately so I thought I'd blog about it.

It's about my email address.....

I used to be anti-email because I wasn't very good at keeping up with it. And I had issues with email, such as foot-in-mouth-can't-take-back-what-you-email phobia. So my solution was to not have email.

Well, that proved to be quite a pain whenever I didn't know what was going on in my homeschooling group or kids' choir or Familia group, etc., etc., etc. So I finally broke down and got an email account. However, when I was trying to register, every name I tried was taken. Lill*anMSmith, Lill*anSmith, MrsSm*th, MrsLMSm*th, ManyBlessings, Momtomany, etc., etc., etc. After over an hour of trying out names that I wanted to be able to remember, I figured I would just use the first two letters of each of my kids' names. Hence the email address:

ISANSOKO@yahoo
... derived from ISabelle, ANna, SOphia, KOlbe

Well, I now have a Catherine! And I didn't think it would be that much of an issue. I figured she wouldn't know so no harm done. But the only way I can make sure I type my email correctly is to actually say my kids' names in my head.

Except that I'm now adding Catherine's name in the line up but her name's not actually in my email address. I know this is VERY trivial but I'm constantly reminded that she's not included. I've thought about changing my address but that's the same as cancelling a monthly automatic bank withdrawel (which reminds me I need to cancel my YMCA membership!!). So what to do? And what to use as a new email?? If only Smith weren't so Smith ... common. Maybe I could be La Smith's? Or is that El Smiths?? Either way they're not taken! But they don't look right either: lasmiths elsmiths

That's like the Oneders.

Moving Update

We just got back from SA and what an exhausting weekend it was!! We've decided that moving twice would just be too hard. So, instead of building a new house (which wouldn't be complete until June!!) we've decided to buy a pre-owned home. We spent all day Friday and Saturday looking for the "perfect" home. By 3pm Saturday I was starting to feel discouraged. We had seen MANY beautiful houses!! Houses that could grace the covers of magazines. But none of them seemed like home. I couldn't imagine homeschooling in them. Nor could I hear the kids screaming, running and digging in the back. Probably because the yards were too small, the neighborhoods too crowded and the houses fit more for entertaining than homeschooling.

So we took a break and ate lunch (at 3pm!!) while the realtor went to search for more houses on the computer.

An hour later we set off again and we found the house!!! Why hadn't it shown up before?? It was in the price range? Turns out we had told her we wanted at least 3 full baths and so the first search had not included this house. The second time she forgot to specify 3 full baths and this house turned up!! It has 2 full baths and 1 half bath. I wanted more bath tubs and showers thinking it would make life easier when the kids were older.

But I guess we can always set up a schedule!! But other than that little detail, the house is beautiful! With a big backyard and a LARGE kitchen fit for homeschooling!!! And no neighbors behind to look into my backyard and wonder why my kids aren't in school!

Anyways, we put a bid on it (lower than asking price of course) and we're praying the sellers will accept. Meanwhile, we will continue with our packing since I'm sure Blair can't wait for her new home to be vacated!! She needs a coat closet and garage ASAP!!! ;-)

This is so exhaustingly exciting!!! Please God we will have a home soon enough!

Why high chair straps are important .......

.... and why fresh bowls of yogurt shouldn't be left on the counter next to UNstrapped babies!!




Thank you Guardian Angels!!

Busy Bee

Just wanted to say I will be blogging less these days as I have LOTS of packing to do! Its amazing how much stuff one collects over the years. I will return when I can. Have a blessed Advent!

Advent and Moving

We're moving at the end of the month! We have a buyer for our house and hope to close on it by month's end. I'm so glad to be selling our home to them.

Today I was reflecting on our move and how it must have been for the Holy Family to move during this time. I've never stopped to think about Joseph's job, his contacts, Mary's friends and family, etc. There must be so much more to the Nativity story that we seldom think about. And yet, even though it must have been emotional to leave, especially with Mary about to give birth, they were going back to Joseph's family home!

And they had complete trust even though they didn't have complete control over the outcome of their journey. This Advent I will especially be thinking about the Holy Family's journey, their trust, and how I can help my family to have the same trust and love. Moving back home is so exciting and no matter how the transition goes I will remember to have trust and peace. Especially because in the whole scope of things, this move is a temporary one too!! The biggest move of my life will be when I journey from this world to the next. So I'll just see this little move as practice for the big one! No matter the troubles or pains of packing, moving and unpacking, I will keep it all in perspective!! I have to! This is one of the ways I can grow in holiness.

I love it when God gives me tangible assignments!

Homeschooling Blog

Just wanted to encourage everyone to go visit my homeschooling blog. Isabelle has written a story and would love to receive comments on her story.

This was a self initiated project. Its been a while since she's written me a story. This was 3 pages handwritten!! Anyways, go over and visit now!! Its on my sidebar.

Christmas Pajamas

I finally ordered them .... after failing to sew them.

Jennie C. gave me this idea a few months ago. Every year her kids get new pj's and look darling on Christmas morning. I REALLY liked the idea and so set out to make some for mine. Well, I have finally resolved that I won't be getting them sewn so today I ordered them. Craig was laughing when I said I had to order them. He knew I wouldn't get them done. Good thing I only bought the pattern and not the material!

Several years ago my mom-in-law had gotten Isabelle some "Little House on the prairie" looking nightgowns. She has outgrown them and passed them on to Anna who passed them on to Sophia. But every year she tries to convince me that they STILL fit. So she's going to be excited to have a nightgown of her own again. She's torn between wanting to dress "cool" and dress like "Polyanna." So, even though she has "big girl" pj's, I know she's going to love this nightgown. Can't wait to see them opening their gifts on Christmas morning in these beauties!

Thanks Jennie C. for the wonderful idea!

Piano Lessons in Filial Love

Today we have piano lessons. I am so saddened to leave our piano teacher. She has truly been wonderful. Besides being very knowledgeable, she's patient and loving. Isabelle has been taking from her for 2 1/2 years and practices on her own because she wants to please her. That is the mark of a good teacher.

Actually, this reminds me of filial love: doing your best so that we can please God. The thought of disappointing him is more than we can bear. That is so much better than servile love, doing good only because we are afraid of being punished.

Mrs. Johnson has taught me so much about being a good mother and constantly reminds me how I should be towards Our Lord. Filial love is soooo much better than servile love. And I should be the type of mother that is so gentle and loving that my children do good out of love for me and so as as not to disappoint me rather than because they fear being punished.

Anyways, back to piano. Isabelle has been practicing this morning for well over an hour trying to get all her pieces polished. I hope we find as good a teacher when we move. Not just one who has wonderful piano technique, but one who brings out the best in my kids. We will probably be driving to Austin every week for lessons since they have the most Suzuki piano teachers per square mile than any other place in the country ..... and because San Antonio has yet to get any affiliated Suzuki teachers.

Happy Birthday Sophia!

Sophia was born December 3, 2000 at 11:45PM weighing 8 lbs 15 oz.
Five years later here she is enjoying her cake and pinata! How time flies!

Yellow Belts

Congratulations Belle and Anna!

They got their yellow belts in Taekwondo yesterday! I wasn't able to go but Craig did. He missed their 1st testing so he was really glad to make it this time. I'm so proud of them!

Although, last night they were wrestling with my dad and they didn't use any of their moves!?! As my dad had Isabelle pinned down she asked him,

"Abuello, do you take Taekwondo??"

"Nope!!"

My dad grew up in the Bronx of New York City. His lessons were learned the hard way on the streets!!

Slow Beginning

There's nothing like starting the New (liturgical) Year than with a stomach bug!! Kolbe got sick last night and Anna got sick this evening. No warning! One minute they were playing and the next they weren't. I've stocked up on Lysol, fresh towels, 7-up and hand soap. I'm prepared for 3 more casualties: Isabelle, Sophia and Craig. If I should go down, too, that won't be pretty!!! Actually, it won't be pretty if/when Craig gets sick. He doesn't handle it well. I think this is a 24 hour bug because Kolbe looks better. Although he literally slept the entire day today!!

Wish me well! LITERALLY!

Ladybug Cake

Here's the Ladybug cake I made for Sophia's party tomorrow. The only thing I would do differently is wait to frost until after an Advent Tea Social I'm going to tonight. The red dye has turned my hands an ugly red. How embarassing to show up with red hands!! I look like I've been up to no good. I still need to add antennae to her. I couldn't find any black licorice yesterday. I'm going to try Walgreens tonight. If not, she'll have red antennae and red legs. Gotta go!!

Things of Advent

I should really be asleep right now. But I'm so wired because I've been cleaning and because Craig is coming home in a few hours. So I thought I would share some of my finds at the local Catholic bookstore today.

Have I mentioned that I love Advent?! Growing up my family didn't have many traditions. We might have done the Advent wreath every once in a while. But mostly it was about getting the tree and lights up after Thanksgiving ... and not always in the most festive or cheerful moods. Enough said about that.

So I really try to use Advent as a time to prepare my heart, as opposed to just seeing Advent as a waiting time until Christmas. The church, in its wisdom, makes Advent its own season and the beginning of the Liturgical year. So this Sunday we get to start the new liturgical year. And just like people make resolutions for the New Year, I like to think of Advent as a time to start all over and try again.

Besides confession and extra prayers around the Advent Wreath, we have lots of little traditions. However, its taken me years to acquire some items to celebrate Advent. For example, every year we decorate our Advent tree in pink and purple. The first time we did this I was only able to find purple ribbon. The next year I found purple and pink bows to tie on the tree. The next year (after reading Tomie DePaola's The Legend of the Poinsettia, I added pink poinsettias to our tree. Last year I ventured out and bought pink and purple glass ornaments and a pink skirt for the bottom. I think only a few were broken. This year I don't think I need to add anything.

So, this year I bought a bigger manger with a Christ child. It is just beautiful! The kids couldn't believe how big the manger was. They're going to have to do more acts of kindness than last year if Baby Jesus is to have a soft bed!!! I also got a different Advent Wreath. We've not had too much luck with evergreens (that are forever being stolen and played with). This was a simple one with a place in the middle for a small manger and a removable Baby Jesus. It also has a spot for the white Christmas candle!! COOL!




I picked up gifts for the kids' stockings for the feast day of St. Nicholas. I also managed to sneak a present for Craig. Since its safe to assume he doesn't read my blog I got him a DVD of Fulton Sheen. He loves him. In case he does read this (which I highly doubt since he doesn't like novels) I won't mention which series I got him.

In all my shopping I forgot to get something for me. But that's okay. I like to give gifts and shop for others. I'm just happy the kids were so well behaved in the small store with sooo many things to touch. And that they didn't see what I was up to. Now I must get to bed!!