It's Been Too Long...

There is no excuse for how much time has passed since I last updated. No excuse. Not that I have three kids. Or all the activities they've had going. Or work. Can't even try to blame all the people we've had spend time visiting over the past six months. And I could talk about trips we've taken and time that's been lost there, but I probably shouldn't. No, I should just suck it up and accept full responsibility. But that's not fun. So please see the previous mentioned items and pick the one you like best. ( I always like playing the "I have three kids" card, but feel free to do your own thing.)

Now we are suddenly in December. And I say suddenly because I honestly do not know where the time went, yet here we are knocking on the door to wrap up 2009. Wow. We've had a very interesting year in the Mayne household. I fully intend to write up a best and worst of 2009 at a later date, but for now let's just talk Christmas.

Each year Christmas gets harder. Isabelle is convinced she either needs a laptop or a cell phone (what?!? you're 7!) and Sophia just wants everything Isabelle ask for (great...sticks for everyone!). Poor Hudson doesn't have a clue and is still just as happy with the wrapping paper and boxes as he is with an actual gift. But I dutifully start my lists for the kids at least two months ahead of time so that I can assure all gift ideas have been thoroughly planned and well thought out. We'll see.

Our biggest challenge this year has been finding a Zhu Zhu pet, which was at the top of Isabelle's list (of course!). A couple of months ago i stumbled upon one lone white hamster (Zhu Zhu pets are fake hamsters, for those of you not in the know), and I was ecstatic. Sure the thought crossed my mind that this poor hamster wouldn't survive Christmas day, after my three kids tore it apart after fighting over who got to hold it next, but at least I could come through for a short time. Then last week I happened to hit the Target jackpot right as a new shipment was being unloaded. Talk about being in the right place at the right now. Now Isabelle will get to unwrap three Zhu Zhu pets (we're giving one to Sophia for everyone's sanity), a crazy pink/blue house, and a garage with a car for the hamsters. Cause you know, what self respecting fake hamster can't exist without a car. Really, now.

As with any other activity in our house, Christmas will be a zoo, but tons of fun will be had by all. (I hope!)

Our deepest blessings to everyone for a safe and happy holiday season!

~ The Maynes