And Max made Owen a story telling kit,
It was so fun to watch them exchange their presents; I think the giver was more excited to give the gift than the receiver was to get the gift, every time. I hope that they are learning that giving is always better than recieving. Owen said to me today two sweet little things (1) "Mom, it makes me happy to see how much Tal likes his angry birds." and (2) "Thanks Mom for helping Max make my story kit, I love it!" I almost started to cry when he said both of these things.
Although, we try have a Christ centered Christmas, Santa still makes a stop to our house. And it appears that he was very generous this year, and he was, however I happen to know that he picked up most of the items the boys received second hand. Some people may think this odd, or even wrong, after all these are gifts from Santa, they should be strait from his shop, brand new, right? Well, that is fine for other people, but Tom and I have a different philosophy... First of all we don't want our kids to think that Christmas is just about getting nice, shiney, new toys from the Man in the Red Suite. We don't want them to think that they are entitled, and will get what ever they want just because it is Christmas, and Santa will bring it. And secondly, we have some pretty rambunctious boys. I think I would be every frustrated if they broke their brand new, fresh from the factory whatever-it-is. Also, they are still young, and their interests change daily, so why should we, or Santa (whom we usually reimburse) go to great expense and give something that the kids won't care about next month? So for us, we have elected that buying Christmas gifts second hand is a great option. Now don't be concerned for the kids, they are young, and don't notice or care. Also, not only does Santa have elves who make toys, and elves that sit on shelves ( bytheway, that is super creepy), but he also has elves that their full time job is to spend the year scouring the internet, thrift stores, and garage sales for the nicest, best best quality, used stuff that is out there. Owen got hockey equipment, Tal got a bazillions Hotwheel tracks, and Max got the coolest Playhut ever. Christmas can be might nice for half the price. 
My favorite gift that I gave this year was these pillow-fighting pillows. Everyone in our family received one. I made covers for them with the Classic Batman Fight words "Kapow""Biff" "Bam!". Holy Cow the boys loved them. I see many great pillow fights in the future.hand.(
My favorite gift I received was from my mom....well, sort of. Last Friday, I had my midterm ultrasound. Tom had to work, so he could not come with me. He was feeling sad that he was not going to be there when we found out what the gender is. So I when it came to that part I'd the ultrasound, I had them tell me to look away, and had them write it down, and seal it in an envelope. Then I took the envelope to my Mom, who then went and picked out a gender appropriate gift, and wrapped it up for us to open on Christmas. Let me tell you, I think my mom thought I might try and sneak a peak, because that thing was super wraped, we are talking layers and layers within a box that was more secure than Fort Knox, and then wrapped in festive paper that had every inch covered in tape. Have no fear, we were patient, and waited until today, and after a while, with the aid of a knife we were able to get the package open....
Apparently, we are really good at making boys. Why change what you are good at? We are having boy #4 in spring!!! I am so excited, I can not even express it. 4 Boys!! What a crazy house we will have. All the more reason to buy toys second
