Another Christmas Here & Gone

Merry, Merry Christmas. Thanks to everyone who thought of us over the holidays. So fun to find something in my mail box that isn't a bill. I love such organized and thoughtful friends; ahhhh wish I was one, perhaps I'll get my thoughts together soon and send out one of those mass email of the 2007 Tollestrup Family update. Betcha' can't wait.... ohh-la-la.

Well here we are the tail end of the holidays, at least New Years to enjoy; today I took down the tree. Can't believe another year has past. I love the lead up to Christmas, the smiles, the cheer, the joy.... I feel friendly and happy and anxious.... but then so sad when the anticipation and excitement is over. Another 364 days!

I love gift shopping--who doesn't love shopping:). Finding a cute little something I think will bring happiness to the intended. I thought I had done just that, I had picked the perfect gifts for my kiddies, but you know what -- they played with their McD toys just as much as they did their big gifts, so either they didn't like their gifts or they have a short attention span (especially with so many things to choose from) -- I'll go with the later.


Berkeley with her new dolly from Cousin Carter.... later on that day after Tagg had his turn. (luckily it washable markers...boys!)


Kids with a couple of gifts; Berke loves her pop-up princess castle, Tagg loves is pirate pop-up and dragon robot; Forrest just loved the paper and scattering the plastic food around the house.








Our best gift this Christmas-- Forrest standing by himself. yipee. {few more weeks and that kid will be walking.}

Next year I'm going to spread out the surprises. Why make the kiddies wait till Christmas morning? Why not play with a little car or dolly that the "elves" dropped off? Keep them busy and appreciating all their gifts. {or perhaps this is for me, so I can prolong the happiness I get in giving-- watching their eyes sparkle with excitement...) Yesterday I got them all ready and we went to the bus depot to pick up some gifts from Grandma & Pa (thanks!!). They were so excited and really have been playing with those toys for the past 2 days. Guess I need to regift some of their others so they become exciting again. I was super happy that Tagg has talked about saying thank you to Santa and Grandparents, cousins.... that is our Sunday activity. Showing Gratitude.