Crazy Christmas Season

So once Thanksgiving was over this year I was kind of maybe slightly dreading Christmas. Financially I was worried. I didn't think we'd get much for Charlotte. Not that she needs much. I saved a bunch of toys from growing up plus my sister has given her some of her old stuff on top of what family has bought her for past birthdays and Christmases. She does have plenty of toys and books (although some she'll eventually grow out of). So my plan was to use rewards points I had saved up all year. So we couldn't give her much but it'd be enough.

Just when I thought we'd have a small Christmas it seemed like all these different things kept happening to help us out. Charlotte was starting to grow out of her clothes. She's so tall so most of her 2T shirts and pants were getting short. My mom had ended up buying her some stuff and then I got a bag full of stuff in 3T from a girl in our ward. It has been a huge help! Now I don't have to see her little tummy poking out. Then Scott's parent's had given us some money to use for Christmas. We could finally get Charlotte what we really wanted. A slide! I think its really gonna help when we're cooped up inside and especially when the baby gets here. She is a high energy kid and needs to get wiggles out. Plus it'll come in handy for Jackson when he gets big enough and any other kids we might have.

We also got Scott's bonus check from work. It's been the same the last 4 years or something. It's supposed to go up each year he's there and he's been there 6 1/2 yrs. So its kind of a bummer they haven't raised it when he works his butt off and puts in sooooo many hours. Like last week where he put almost 30 hours in on Mon and Tues. Yeah, crazy! But we were still thankful he got something. There are just a lot of things that we've been dealing with to avoid putting out money for. Like our holey bed sheets and the same bra I've had for like 3 yrs. I am a super picky bra person and it is EXTREMELY difficult to find a bra in my size that is comfy. So once we had some money I was on a hunt to find some nursing bras since that will be what I need soon. Of course no store stocks nursing bras. Well they do but the selection is horrible. So I ordered a couple from JCPenny's and I'm really hoping they fit ok and I don't have to return them and go through that hassle. I found a set of queen sheets on walmart for $18.88! How sweet is that! They're not too bad either. Hopefully they hold up! We also had Charlotte's cd player break on us after 2 1/2 years of service. So we got to replace that. Its nice to be able to play music for her naps and at bedtime again. I need to get another for Jackson's room.

Then we had an amazing surprise from a neighbor. I was gone because Chloe was doing my hair but Scott called and said he got a card with money in it. It was a very generous donation. We've been able to get just about all our other Christmas gifts. We were gonna be a little cheaper but decided to be a little more generous with what we give since we've been blessed with so much more. I know Christmas isn't about all the gifts but I like to be able to give our family a little more since they do so much to help us. After getting that amazing gift we got to go with Scott's mom up to Target for some family pictures. They really turned out cute. I'm so excited to post them. Maybe this weekend or something. We'll see. We're so glad she set that appt up and helped us out with that because its nice to have those pictures. Especially some while I'm pregnant. I was horrible with pictures when I was pregnant with Charlotte so these will be awesome to have.

I am sure there are other things that have happened that have been a huge help but its hard for me to remember them all right now. I am just so thankful for our family and everything they do to help us. They do so much and every day we're so grateful for them and so glad they live so close so we can see them all the time. I'm also so thankful  for our ward and neighbors. We are so lucky to live by so many amazing people who are so thoughtful and generous and always willing to offer a helping hand. This ward is so unique and we couldn't be luckier to have found a house in this neighborhood. Everyone is always looking out for each other and they are always there to help when you need it.

I love this time of year. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas it gives us lots of time to remember the things we are grateful for and remember the birth of our Savior who has given us everything. I may or may not do another post before Christmas so if not I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!