Thursday, December 16, 2010

A Case of the "Have-To's"

Yesterday I had a Christmas meltdown.  I had a 20 item list of "have-to's" that just were not getting done.  I tried to do some Christmas shopping earlier in the week and it didn't work out so well.  Have you tried shopping with a 3-year-old and an 18 month old . . .at Christmas . . .in the mall . . .where it is freezing outside?  (You can read about that little adventure HERE)

When Scott walked in the door from work, he received an explosion of "have-to" complaints:

"I have to go grocery shopping.  We have nothing to eat in this house."

"I have to get Aidan's Christmas present."

"I have to buy food to take to my mom's house on Sunday."

"I have to finish up Christmas shopping for our kids."

"I still have to get my mom and dad's present."

"We have to take the kids to see Santa.  I don't want to have to deal with the crowds when all of the kids are out of school next week."  (Mission accomplished.  See here)

It just seemed like everything was piling up and there was no way for me to get it all done.  Scott works during the day and me taking the two younger kids out was a failure.  I really didn't want to have to deal with all of the crowds, rudeness, and traffic of the weekend so I decided just to have a meltdown instead.

Once that was over, I had a clear head again and we tried to come up with a plan of action.

While I went to pick Kanin up from school, Scott got the two babies dressed.  When we got back home, I had Kanin change and off to the mall we went to see Santa.  We were there by 4:00 so there was only two other little girls in front of us.  By 4:15 Santa was finished.

Back home we went where I dropped off the family and headed out to Shop-N-Save to buy groceries for the family and food for mom's Christmas.

Back home and grabbed a bite of the delivered Chinese and then off to Toys-R-Us I went.  I really wanted Scott to go with me to finish getting presents but we both decided that it just wasn't feasible.  I have 13 kids to buy for, including my own, so I was mentally trying to remember what I had bought and who else still needed finishing up.  I was able to snag a few good deals and finish all 13, with maybe a couple of exceptions from Santa, and back home.

Got all three kids in bed and then I was a wrapping fool.  All of the nieces, nephews and friends gifts are wrapped and under the tree.  I will try to start wrapping some of my own kids' presents tonight.

The only thing left to do is get my parents their gift, I already know what to get, and then I should be done.

Now . . . I just have to get Scott's present.  To be continued . . .


I'm linking up to for Hug & Love Thursday.  If you want to meet new blog friends, click on this link and read, read, read.

4 comments:

  1. Hi! Thank you for the comment on my blog:) Ugghh- I have a case of the "have to's" over here as well:) Have to make an eggbake for dad's next week, have to wrap zillions of presents, have to get the dog groomed, it's never ending:)

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  2. Hello! What a wonderful blog! I am a new follower from Love is everywhere hop. I look forward to reading more from you. I also have a hop today if you would like to join us. Have a great day! ~Heather www.livingonloveandcents.blogspot.com

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  3. I think this time of year is just so over whelming..I've been feeling the same way.

    Fellow Blog Hopper:)

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  4. Hi! I've hopped from Katie's 'Hug and Love' hop. I really sympathise with you..it's manic. I'm not involved in the mayhem this year but miss it now! I have added myself as your newest follower.
    Please drop by and maybe follow me if you fancy a laugh. I'd be delighted to welcome you.
    Friendly wishes from a festive UK
    Carol from www.facing50withhumour.blogspot.com – the blog that gives you laughter lines. (Has that put you off?)

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