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Happy Thanksgiving

November 24, 2011 By 2 Comments

I wanted to take this opportunity to say Happy Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving is a day that we all share.  No matter or religious belief, no matter what we are all united as Americanson this day.  Many people have a tradition on Thanksgiving of saying what they are thankful for and this year I thought that I would share it with all of you.

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  1. I am thankful for my family.  No matter what is going on they are always there.  While I know many people cannot spend time in a room with their families and in-laws I actually am lucky enough to enjoy their company.
  2. I am thankful for my babies.  I had been told when I was 20 that it would be near impossible to have children.  I remember feeling as if my life was over.  All I had ever wanted was to have a big family.  Having a Dr. tell you that your dreams could be shattered is never easy.  I showed them though.  I have 4 beautiful babies and the big family I had always wanted.
  3. I am thankful that god gives me the strength to deal with things such as bipolar and cerebral palsy on a regular basis.  I will admit that there have been days that I have been crippled by dealing with these illnesses.  I have resented god for giving my babies such challenges.  I have asked why me?  I have asked why them?  Now I accept it and we make the best of it all.  I would not trade them in for anything
  4. I am thankful for my husband who no matter what is always there by my side.  Again it is not always easy but love has shined in our lives and we give each other the boosts we need.
  5. I am thankful for my health.  In church there is a teen who has spent her life struggling with diabetes.  Recently it was discovered that she also has cancer.  As I pray for her each evening I also thank god that I am healthy, that my babies are healthy and that my husband is healthy.  There are so many things we take for granted.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to share what you are thankful for.  I know that some days it seems as if nothing goes right and that your life is terrible.  I think that what is important is that you put all of that into perspective.  Thanksgiving is a time to evaluate.  Thanksgiving is a time to truly look inward and discover your inner thanks.  What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Becca

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Black Friday Ruined by Retailers

November 22, 2011 By 3 Comments

For many Black Friday is a kick off to the holiday season.  This year retailers have chosen to change the game a bit.  Many retailers will be opening on Thanksgiving Evening. Santa where are you?  We need your help so that Christmas does not ruin Thanksgiving and Black Friday traditions. While I completely understand corporate America’s desire to rake in the Christmas cash I think that we all have to re-evaluate a few things.

A Turkey.

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  • Thanksgiving is a NATIONAL holiday.  This is the only nation holiday that almost everyone has the opportunity to be with their family and friends.  It is wrong to get rid of this holiday for monetary reasons.  Christmas on the other hand is a religious holiday and no retailer would dare to be open on Christmas day.
  • Many people shop on Black Friday. How much more money can they rake in by opening 4 hours earlier?  Is it worth the impact that will be felt to open that 4 hours early?  Will they lose out on sales because they have made many shoppers annoyed?  I know many people who will not be shopping on Black Friday this year.
  • Why are we so driven by retail?  Because of the retailers big push this year, I am completely stressed and it is not even the Christmas season yet.  By the time Christmas gets here I think we will all be quite tired of it.  The neighbors are already decorating.  any people have their trees out and the Salvation Army Bell Ringer is already out.
  • Will Christmas overtake Thanksgiving all together?  This holiday that has been in existence for so long seems to be losing the Christmas battle.  So will we all soon throw it away all together to make more room for Christmas?  Also what will happen to black Friday is we continue to move the shopping earlier and earlier?  Retailers will not have the ability to have one big make it or break it day!

I know that many of you think that I am nuts.  For goodness sakes I have a holiday countdown every year so how hypocritical can I be.  The truth is that I believe that preparing for the season in advance is important.  I think that in budgeting and planning we find some peace and certainly less stress.  I would never, ever start decorating my house before Thanksgiving.  While Christmas is a very special time in my heart, so too is Thanksgiving.  Having worked in retail for years I really believe that it is time to reexamine what is important.  I know that it is economically tough times but is it worth sacrificing people’s ability to spend Thanksgiving enjoying family?

On the other hand what is wrong with all of us.  I know that many of you reading this will be out there Thanksgiving night to get a hot deal.  While I can respect your desire to save money and get the items you want I am asking you to stay home.  Hold your babies a little longer, enjoy the pumpkin pie, talk to family members you may not have the chance to see through out the year.  Let Thanksgiving be Thanksgiving and start Christmas in the morning.

The truth is that the hot item you leave your family to go out and get will be gone before you get there anyway.  They only buy 10 of those hot items and the employees buy it up and hide them before the doors open.  Show corporate America that they do not have the power to ruin another holiday.  Let Christmas and all of its glory start Friday.  What is the next holiday to be sucked up and ruined by Christmas??  Perhaps Halloween will be the new Thanksgiving.

Becca

 

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Christmas Countdown 2010

November 23, 2010 By 1 Comment
Santa Claus with a little girl
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So as many of you have noticed I fell off of the Christmas countdown wagon yet again!  I have been having some personal medical issues but am hoping that I will be posting again, daily.  Thank you all for making sure that you have stuck in there and kept on watching to see what is new in the world of Christmas.  This Friday is the official start of the Christmas season and of course the biggest shopping day of the year.  Black Friday ads are already online and the secrets are already out!  So for today, a post of fun…A few questions to answer for you.  I guess you will get my answers as well… Please play along.

  1. What is your favorite Christmas Song?
  2. What is your favorite Christmas Movie?
  3. What is your families most precious Christmas tradition?
  4. When do you put your Christmas tree up?
  5. How early is too early to turn on your Christmas lights?
  6. What was the best present you ever received under the Christmas tree?

OK so here are my answers:

  1. My favorite Christmas song is the “Christmas Shoes” by NEWSONG.  I cry each and every time I hear it.  It makes me remember how blessed we are this and every Christmas to have each other.  I also love the classics with Bing Crosby and the gang!  “Santa Baby” still makes me feel cute and in a fun mood.
  2. My favorite Christmas movie is a tough one.  I am not sure that I can pick just one.  I love “It’s a Wonderful Life” because it again shows that all we need is one another.  I also love the original “Miracle on 34th Street”.  This is the movie that I must see Thanksgiving night.  It is a child who has no faith who sees that things are not always what they seem to be.  “Love Actually” is a movie that I usually watch this time of year as well.   I love British film and this movie met all of my expectations.  As far as some funny Christmas comedy, “Scrogged”  takes the cake.  It is a non traditional story with a whole lot of laughs.  So as I said earlier… how can I pick just one.
  3. I think that my most precious Christmas tradition is Elmer the Elf.  He has blessed the children in our family for almost a century.  Elmer works for Santa Clause himself.  He watched the children in the family and reports back to Santa daily.  If you are good he leaves a few small trinkets through out the Christmas season.
  4. We usually wait with our tree until a few weeks before Christmas.  We always get a real tree and if we put it up any sooner it would die before the new year.  My mother-in-law has an all white and silver tree.  It looks so beautiful but I cannot copy… so I have my miss match tree and it looks beautiful!
  5. I stand strong in the belief that the day after Thanksgiving is the EARLIEST you should turn on your Christmas lights.  Now I know here on the east coast the weather has been warm so I can understand if you have put them up so that you do not have to do it in the freezing cold weather.   On the other hand… this in no way means that you should be lighting those lights before we celebrate Thanksgiving.
  6. I would have to say that the best present under my tree was a shadow box that my husband made for me.  All of our children were in there and the things we like to do together.  It is a special thing that will live with me forever.

So there you have it.  I have shared… now it is your turn…

Becca

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200th Post!

November 4, 2010 By 3 Comments
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I wanted to take a quick moment to say that this is my 200th post.  Thanks to all who have been so supportive of Ask Becca over the past few years!  I feel like there should be so many more posts.  Life gets in the way of blogging so often.  I know that many of you understand where I am coming from!  Having three kids, 2 girl scout troops and a house to keep up are all time consuming.  Then I have my baby (askbecca.com) and my newborn (bipolar Kid Connection).

There are only 2 more days until I kick off my Christmas Countdown!  I am super excited and motivated to be sure that I post each day!  I usually get really crazed as the holidays get closer and my writing falls off.  I am committed to assuring the the 50 days of Christmas Countdown will be a complete success this year and I am hoping that you will all stop by and join in the holiday fun!

Becca

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Target Great Holiday Toy Sale

November 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Illinois Target Store
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54 Days to Christmas!

Today is the big day.  With 54 days to go until Christmas Target is starting their sale prices early.  Starting today, Target stores will be offering great deals on toys.  Beginning November 2, 2010, which is today, you can examine all of the great deals in their Target Toy Book.  It is a clear sign that black Friday is just around the corner!

In looking at the Target Toy Book I am deciding that Christmas is closer than I think.  There are some great toys in the Target Toy Book, I just want to shop around some and make sure that they are good deals.  I am pretty sure that I am not alone in thinking about my budget this year!  I did notice that there are a lot of coupons.  I guess this is so that they can put the item in the Target toy book and not give everyone the discount.

I am not even sure what the kids want this year.  They are not excited about  any toys!  What toys do your children want this year?  What items do you all see as being hot sellers?  I would love some ideas!

Check out Black Friday Ads.  Shop till you drop on black Friday and Get ready for 50 days of Christmas beginning this weekend on November 6, 2010!  My 50 Days of Christmas Countdown is sure to help make your holiday special yet again this year!

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43 Days Until Christmas

November 14, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Little Drummer Boy, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Pa...

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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just about two weeks away. It is a holiday that often gets overshadowed. I think that it is quite unfair but I also fall right into it. I do not rush though it and start my Christmas season early but I still look forward to all that it brings because it is Christmas.

What are the things I love about Thanksgiving?

  1. It is a sit back and enjoy kind of holiday. We usually eat somewhere else so I have virtually nothing to do other then assuring my kids are dressed an in the car after the parade. We sit and chat while the men watch Football and the kids play outside. It is a holiday where you do not have to buy anyone a present, you do not have to be dressed to the nines and you can relax. It is really a day OFF!
  2. We have a chance to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and see all of the floats and balloons. It is the most special part as far as I am concerned. It is a Thanksgiving tradition and one that I never want to end. I love it.
  3. Most stores are closed. Thanksgiving is a holiday for EVERYONE. It is not based on being from a certain racial or religious background it is all about being American. Some store have ruined this tradition and I want to say that I think that it is wrong. People in America should all have the ability to go home and enjoy this holiday with their families and any store that stays open, yes I mean you K-Mart, are un-American.
  4. It is a time for family with little stress. There is no hustle and bustle yet. You can take it all at your own pace. You can enjoy each other. Family is not always traditional. I have a few friends who are “family”. They know that they are always welcome for any holiday to be a part of our family! You can have discussions with people you only see a few times a year.
  5. It is a time for giving thanks. How may other holidays do we have where we sit all together and talk about what we are Thankful? I can not think of any!

All in all I would say that Thanksgiving is a special day that comes only once a year. Make sure that this year you sit back and enjoy all that it has to offer.

Becca

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65 Days Until Christmas

October 22, 2008 By 2 Comments
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Traditions

A huge part of Christmas and the entire holiday season are traditions. I was thinking about the things I remember as a kid and have been thinking about what new traditions I can make for my family. Don’t get me wrong we already have a few that we have brought from our childhood. I think that it is important to have one that is new to us if not completely new.

The first and biggest tradition in my family is Elmer the Elf. Elmer has been watching over this family since the 1800′s. It is a tradition that has not died and continues to be passed. Starting on Thanksgiving, the children know that Elmer is watching. He works for the big guy and is there to assure that you are being good and not bad. If he catches you being good he will leave you a small prize the next morning. It adds excitement and certainly keeps the kids on their toes. They want to be good at the hectic holiday time. There have been times in my family that we have had to call Elmer but he always takes care of it. Elmer is a special magical part of our holiday season. Sometimes we know he is watching because he leaves his hat behind.

Another family tradition we have is to spend Christmas Eve. together. It is a time that is cherished. All of the kids get together and play while they anticipate Santa’s arrival. We have a beautiful dinner, chat and enjoy each other. It is like the end to all of the running around and hustle and bustle. We track Santa on the computer and usually get home just in time.

We also, like everyone else I know, leave cookies for Santa and a few carrots for the reindeer. Sometimes we leave egg nog instead of milk because Santa likes it a little more. It is the second to last thing before bed. Of course we read twas the night before Christmas right before bed.

A tradition we used to have but that has died was movie time Sunday. On Sundays from Thanksgiving to Christmas we used to get together and choose two holiday classics to watch. Everyone had their week to share the two that they like the most. While watching the movies together we would do crafts, enjoy each others company, wrap gifts or write our holiday cards. It was so special and I miss it. I think that this year I will start doing it again! I hope that others think it sounds fun!

So there are the traditions we have already. I am looking for a few new ones to start. I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions. I have a few in mind but thought that it would be nice to know what you family does for Christmas to make it special.

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67 Days Until Christmas

October 20, 2008 By 3 Comments

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Christmas Cocktail Party:

So here we are with only 67 days to go. It is all going to quick already! My husband, Rob, thinks that I am nuts. He has reminded me that there are still things that need to be done for Halloween and Thanksgiving and has yet to understand why it is so important to keep Christmas in my mind. Men do not always get it. We were at a friend’s house last night and it got me thinking that we have made good friends in the last few years. Having kids has really been wonderful for our couple social life. Before this point we ALWAYS had separate friends. Now we have a wonderful group of friends.

With this being said I am trying to think and think about how we can make it a little special with friends as well as family this Christmas. I have decided that I would like to have a cocktail party. It will of course have to be an adult only party!!! This seems like the best way to go. Kids, while I love them, can take the fun out of plans from time to time.

Because the holidays book quickly for people I would like to send out invitations around Thanksgiving. This way people will know not to book the night and it will be saved for me. I think it will be a great chance for all of us to get together and have some good old fashion fun. Sometimes I wish I lived about 100 years ago when people all gathered around the piano and sing carols together with a cocktail in hand. People now will think that I am nuts! If I ask men to gather around a piano and sing a carol they may have me committed. I am not sure when it became so uncool to sing and have a good time with friends. Perhaps we will try it anyway. At the very least it would give us all something to laugh about later.

If I am going to have a small holiday party I am going to have to prepare. As I have said this month and half of next month are the times that I have to prepare and plan. I will have to go through my party planning checklist. This will assure that I will be ready. I am planning on sending out invitations online. I often use EVite.com because it is so quick and easy. Perhaps you would like to plan a holiday party as well. What will you do at your party? Please feel free to share. I am looking for some good ideas!

Becca

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68 Days Until Christmas

October 19, 2008 By 4 Comments
SAN FRANCISCO - NOVEMBER 24: People shop for ...

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Black Friday is a vital way to save money. If you plan it out right you can save a ton of money and be just about done with your shopping. Every year the female in-laws and I hit the the pavement at about 4am coffee in hand to get all of the best deals! Here is a step by step guide of how to make Black Friday the best one ever.

1. The first thing that I like to do to prepare for Black Friday Shopping is to check out the ads. Before I was an experienced Black Friday shopper I would wait until Thanksgiving night to look at the ads and then decide from there. Now that I am a little more experienced I know that there are many ads available before the holidays! Here is a small list of the best!

http://www.blackfriday.info/

http://www.black-friday.net/

http://bfads.net/

2. Compare the ads to your list that you had the kids make! I find that this is important because I can make smart money choices. If something is even $2 less somewhere else I would rather go there first.

3. Plan out your route. This is a very important step. I find that the mall is not the best place to start. While it is the place that the most stores are the deals are often not the best.

4. Look at how many hours the deals are good for. If one store only has early bird specials until noon but another is having them only until 10am go to the one who ends at 10am first.

Tips To Remember:

  • Electronics are limited in numbers in each store. Find the second or third best price and go there first. This will help to assure that you receive the deal you are looking for.
  • Deals and many others are offered at midnight online. Shop for some items online. Remember that you may have to pay shipping for these items.
  • Wake up EARLY and arrive at your first store about one hour before they open. I know in NY it can be cold to wait but it is worth it if you are there for something specific.
  • Many stores offer early bird specials on Saturday also. Make sure it is going to be worth the stop on Black Friday.

The most important thing to remember is to get into the mood. Have fun on Black Friday. Do not get nasty and ruin the spirit. Sing along with the music. Make it a special tradition for you and your family and friends.

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69 Days of Christmas

October 18, 2008 By 2 Comments
Father Christmas // Santa Claus // Père Noël

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So here we are with only 69 days left until Christmas. At this point I want to get an idea of what the kids want this year. I think that accessing what they want and what are priorities is an important thing to do! Abigail has said that she is going to ask Santa for a Wii. Because I know that they will be getting harder and harder to find as we get closer to the season I think this should be near the top of my list.

Emma has not asked for anything. She is a challenge at Christmas. Her birthday is at the end of November so it is had to choose what she wants for what! I think that for her birthday she will like the new Barbie movie. Perhaps the doll for Christmas. She also may want some American Girl Doll stuff. I know this would be a fine hit for either of them.

The crime of it is that none of my Children NEED anything. Year after year we get more and more toys in this house. We live in a VERY small house! We can not handle one more doll, Barbie, play food, dress-up or anything. I am sure that we are not alone. This year because I have some time to plan we are going to have a Thanksgiving Give Away.

Rules of the Thanksgiving Give Away:

1. Each child must choose at least 10 toys that are in good shape that they do not play with anymore.

2. These toys have to be in good shape. If I find one that is not I will throw it out and they will have to try again.

3. The kids will come with me to bring their chosen toys to the GoodWill. This will show them that we should give back!

All of this will then make room for new toys and treasures. I think that cleaning out the old and making room for the new is not only a good lesson but it will teach them that it is ok to let things go. I think that this is an important lesson. So many people have trouble getting rid of this. I am included in that which is why I want to teach my children that it is ok. It is reusing as part of reduce, recycle and reuse. I think all in all we will leave with a great lesson and give another child a toy which they may not be able to afford otherwise.

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