Parents, a princess and a pirate

Christmas Lists and Shopping!!

The Annual Mathews' Family Christmas lists have been requested! Right on time too, we usually send them out the end of October. I put some things for the kids on the list for Aunt Sarah and Mike, Uncle Josh and Aunt Tracy and Grandpa and Grandma Mathews to pick from. And through the wonder of the internet and "wish lists" on various websites, I was able to pick out a few items on Amazon.com and Columbia.com too. Makes life so much easier.
I put a range of things on my list. Everything from a bike(!!) to running socks. Every year it seems people ask for things that are for their current interest. Harley Davidson was big a few years ago, Wii was popular last year. Sarah usually asks for climbing gear. This year I asked for several running items, stuff you don't really need but would be nice to have. And Josh asked for his shaving stuff and some work-out gear (he's becoming such a gym rat, it's awesome!). And I think Mom will ask for work-out gear as well. What a healthy family we're becoming!!
Now that the lists are coming it, time to get to shopping!!! Brett and I actually made a very smart decision this spring and put a chunk of money in a CD when we got our tax return. With the intention that it would be used as a Christmas fund. So most of our Christmas gifts will be paid in cash - what an un-American concept!