18yo - iPod, cell phone, laptop 16yo - iPod, cell phone, laptop (Provided by the school and only when school is in session. They turn them in for Christmas and summer breaks.) 14yo - iPod, cell phone, laptop (Provided by the school, same as above.) All have access to the family Canon PowerShot. The big camera is mine, but I let them take a few pictures with it with my supervision. They also have access to my desktop computer when they don't have their school laptops available.

Now, see, I was talking about Into the Wild. I wondered how the warrior cats entered the discussion! I was intrigued by the idea of Into the Wild when I first heard about it, but I didn't know until today that the guy went out there and starved to death. I think I'll read it anyway. I like wilderness books and I find crazy people interesting;) Going out there with only a bag of rice and a book on wild edibles sounds pretty crazy. I wonder if he had any experience or training. All I really know is the quick snippet I read on amazon.com. I bet it will be interesting for me at least.

I haven't read most of this thread. I thought about responding when you first posted it, but then thought maybe my comments were not what you're looking for because my kids do have iPods and cell phones and computers. (The middle two have laptops from the school to use during the school year. Oldest just got a laptop of his own. Youngest got dh's almost 10-year-old laptop last year for Christmas.) They do MySpace and Facebook (youngest has Facebook and My Yearbook instead of MySpace). We do not have any kind of video game system. So, while they do have some of the tech stuff, there is much of it, particularly with gaming, that they don't have. Yet, I'd say my kids are very into being outdoors and playing sports. They aren't glued to a screen or plugged in 24/7. They enjoy horseback riding, walking their dogs, playing basketball, running, lifting weights, wrestling, hiking--lots of good physical activity. The three oldest like to read. We're trying to encourage the youngest to learn to love reading. We've never been big Lego fans. The boys are very artistic, though, and youngest ds will draw or do other art for hours on end. The girls enjoy photography and use a digital camera (techy) but it gets them outdoors and doing something artistic which I'm very happy to see since they are not very artistically inclined other than with a camera. All the kids have done woodworking projects with dh and all helped in different aspects of building this house. When dh had more time, we enjoyed rock climbing together. I just don't think it has to be either tech stuff or outdoors/simple pursuits. As in everything else, it's a balancing act. There are some of the kids' friends who I feel are a little too plugged in to their technology. That gets old for my kids. I just tell them to suggest new things to their friends. Often the friends enjoy those new things. They just needed someone to show them those things could be fun. The subject has come up once or twice of things that we don't have (particularly video games and four wheelers) that some friends do have. I tell the kids it just provides more variety in the things they can do with their friends. Maybe at their friends' houses it's video games and TV or four wheelers. At our house it's hiking through the woods and building forts, riding horses, and canoeing on the river.

I'd do this! But only because I love Trivial Pursuit and among the people I know, I'd have a good chance of winning. I'm a little shy about being seen nekkid. Wait! That means I'd have to see other people nekkid! Scratch that! No strip anything for me:blush:

Uh, yeah, I have reservations about the 52 books in 52 weeks, too. I'm just going to make that a general goal, but if I have something like War and Peace I want to read, I'm going to give myself some leeway. There are books that long or close that I could read in a week, but I'm not sure War and Peace is one of them. I'd have to really be digging the story or have lots of extra time on my hands. Julie, I do my Bible reading in the morning after prayer--before anyone else is up. If I don't do it then, I have a hard time getting around to doing it later. I read for fun in the evenings before bed, but I get so tired at night that it can be hard to read much before falling asleep. Sometimes I take short (or they're intended to be short) reading breaks as a reward for getting different bits of work done. More books I've put on my to read list: Frankenstein (oldest ds keeps recommending this) Atlas Shrugged (Mom keeps recommending this) The Creature from Jekyll Island The Kite Runner (Okay, I've finally decided!) Into the Wild (I'd forgotten about this until I saw it mentioned here today.) Walk Across America (since oldest ds will be reading it and it's a subject which interests us both) The Good Earth (Thanks for the reminder.) The Book Thief (looks interesting) I think I've got a good start here, and I'm excited!

Dh has built cabinets and furniture and houses and he would tell you that a simple and inexpensive way to do this is to look in the clearance section at a lumber or hardware store. You can often find solid core doors that are slightly damaged for a much better price than the wood to build the desk. For his office in this house He built two cabinets to hold file drawers and topped them with a solid core door. He also used solid core doors bought on clearance as the shelves and dividers in our built in entertainment center in the basement. It's a cheap, easy way to go. Even if a door looks pretty banged up on one side, that can be the bottom of the desktop. You may have to ask for someone to show you where the clearance/damaged section is, but I think most stores have one.

Hey, Linda! I haven't read The Kite Runner yet either. I've been thinking about it since seeing folks talk about it here, but I'm a little worried about one part of the book in particular. I don't know that knowing ahead makes it easier. It just makes me wonder if I really want to do that to myself. I think I will put it on the list for this year.

My favorite gift this year was American Ruins from oldest ds. I love it when I get a gift, no matter how large or small that shows the person giving it really knows me and put some thought into what would bless me. Ds must know me very well. I love old buildings that are falling down. I'm fascinated by them and the mystery and history which they contain. And I love photography. Perfect gift! I am SO excited about this. Dh finished making and hanging the doors for our basement. I told him this is all I wanted for Christmas. They are rustic and perfectly imperfect. I know that's a hard thing for him to do. He is a professional and he tends towards perfectionism in his work. It takes a great deal of effort for him to make things imperfect on purpose. He also has so many other demands on his time, but he got them done. Then, he got me a stocking with a huge Hershey's Dark chocolate bar, a huge Symphony bar, Ghiardelli dark chocolate squares with caramel, chocolate dipped chocolate biscotti, a mint Three Musketeers, Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason, and the first X-Files movie. I usually don't get a stocking except for the few edible treats I include for myself and dh when I get the kids' stocking stuffers. He obviously took a lot of time picking these things out and thinking about what I would like, too. I was so blessed by his thoughtfulness. Yup, he's a keeper;) I was thrilled to see 16yodd reading the copy of To Kill a Mockingbird that I got for her. She loved the set of Twilight books oldest ds bought her, too, but she's read those recently and decided to read the new book she hadn't yet read. Both the boys really liked the books I got for them: The Martian Chronicles for 14yods and The Education of a Wandering Man (Louis Lamour) and Walk Across America for 18yods. 12yodd was not immediately thrilled with The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. (however the rest of it goes), nor would she have been with just about any book, but I am hoping she'll get into it once she actually starts reading it. The girls were very happy with their new comforter sets and promise to pick out curtains. They went to work on redecorating their rooms right away. 14yods was thrilled with the squat rack from us and dh's folks. 18yods was very excited about the laptop from us and my mom. He'll be able to keep in touch with us and his friends through email and MySpace as he travels to different schools (combat school for 3 weeks next and then possibly to Ft. Leonard Wood for his MOS) and assignments in the Marine Corps. My mom really loved her reversible retro style apron and headwrap that I made her. She's excited about the promise of monthly housecleaning from me and help with six larger projects throughout the year. Dh's mom loves the fancy headstall we got her as a combo Christmas/b-day (in February) present, but then she picked it out:D The Financial Peace Revisited book and workbook set that I got for one of the family gift exchanges (dirty Santa style) was a dud. I thought it would be a welcome and useful gift especially in these times--moreso than, say, another candle or bath set. I would have loved to have kept it for myself and I know it would have been helpful for all but a very few of the people present. The Financial Peace wallet/envelope system with $5 tucked into it was received (same exchange) with slight bewilderment. Oh well.

I have a suggestion for something a little different. Someone we know recently put out a CD. It's called Home is Where the Word Lives and has songs in different musical styles (not just your average Christmas music) which tell the story of the events leading up to, including, and following Jesus' birth as well as some about family. They are all original songs written by Cindy Bernardini. Cindy actually led a children's choir which I was in when I was in 8th and 9th grades. The album was supposed to be put out at that time, but it never got finished. My kids have grown up hearing me sing a few of these songs to them. When putting this CD together this time, I think she went for more of a family style than a choir style hoping that they would be songs that families would sing together rather than just listening to them. My three favorite songs on this CD are "Nothing is Impossible" (because Cindy sings it herself and she has such a beautiful voice), "A Story to Be Told", and "Grandpa's Story". You can find the order form for the CD ($15 including shipping and handling) here.

Now there's an idea! Start with books I already own but haven't read:lol: What a novel idea;)

Okay, I've got my planner out. I'm really annoyed that there are no extra pages in this one, but I bought this planner in August, so the July pages are blank and they are now for my book list! The Good Earth is one of those books I have been meaning to read but keep forgetting. It's written in the planner now! I'm going to go check out the others you recommended. I just thought of another book I read this year. Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh caught my eye at a library book sale. It was only a quarter, so I bought it. It was a quick read and just not something I would normally pick up. I don't read a whole lot of non-fiction just for fun, and when I do, it isn't this type of thing. It was the perfect book for me to read this year with so many changes going on in my life. It really helped me reflect on the different stages of life, what they bring, and where I am and am going. It's a book I'll probably read again and one I'd definitely recommend.

Yes, I have favorite cups. I used to have one in particular that had winter tree silhouettes and the perfect outward curve to the rim. The handle was just the right size and shape and the mug was the perfect weight and thickness. These things are important! I do still have the cup, but I can't use it because dd cracked it. I bought it at Goodwill and there are no identifying marks on the bottom so I can look for one exactly the same. I've googled it a thousand ways. I also had a mug that dh bought me for my very first Mother's Day. It had a lacy heart with a coral rose and said "Love". I left it at my brother's house and have never seen it since. (Hmmm, I need to ask him about this again!) These two mugs have gone with me on camping trips because I hate drinking from any other mug but my favorite. While waiting for a replacement for my favorite mug, I have been drinking out of either a Kansas mug with a sketch of a very cool barn on it or a blue and transferware mug with a winter barn scene. I bought one at Walmart that I really liked the looks of, but the shape and size are all wrong. I'm very picky about my coffee mugs! When I go to my mom's or my inlaws' houses, I am picky about which mug I choose there too:001_smile: Nancypants (Remember her? Does she still post here?) a.k.a. Writer Mom recently opened a Cafe Press store and she has a beautiful tree print which I love. I asked her if she would mind making it available in a mug, and if possible in one with that little outward curve on the rim. That will be my new favorite mug.:D

I've read in several places (can't remember where, but one was an article on the lawsuit with Satriani) that it is about the Crusades. I've only just read the lyrics in this post. I can't name any other Coldplay songs, but I do love this one. When I listened to the song in light of it being about the Crusades, I could see that, and I could also felt perhaps they were making a comparison to current foreign policies. I also listened to the Satriani song and one by another group who claims Coldplay copied their music. The music is very similar, and in Satriani's case, almost identical, but the words and subject matter are entirely different. Coldplay's is definitely the best of the three as far as the music goes, but I haven't listened carefully to the words of the others. Satriani's guitar playing is wonderful, but I just really love everything else Coldplay did with the music--whether they copied or not.

I was 25, and she is our last unless we adopt. We started and finished early:D

Hmmm. So what are you all planning to read? I need to start building a list. If I don't have a list on paper, I may not keep up. My list doesn't need 52 books, just enough to keep me going during times I'm drawing a blank on what I should read. I'm going to try to mix it up more this year. I've recently read two books I may never have picked up if a blog buddy hadn't recommended them (The Glass Castle and 50 Acres and a Poodle), and I really enjoyed both. Anyone read any great books they'd like to recommend lately? Any old favorites? A few on my list to read: My Antonia - Willa Cather Joy in the Morning - Betty Smith A few more I read this year and would recommend: America and Americans and Selected Non Fiction - John Steinbeck (I really enjoyed the perspective on historical events such as The Great Depression and the Vietnam War from someone who lived through them and whom I admire.) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith (I can't believe it took so long for me to read this! It only took being reminded a jillion times on this board!) Um, that's all I can remember at the moment for my to read and have read in the last year books, though there are many more on both lists. See, I need things on paper! I may lose all those papers, but I eventually find them, and they are helpful when I do.:lol: I think I'll make space in my planner for these lists, though. That should help me (if only a little) with keeping track of them.

I was really surprised when we finally watched it last week. I had heard how dark it was, but it really wasn't worse than any other Batman to me. I did not find Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker to be so very disturbing as I'd heard it described. My 11yodd watched it and she can be slightly sensitive. She doesn't like scary things, but she will watch some CSI episodes. (She didn't like the latest X-Files movie.) I'd say it would be fine unless your ds is particularly sensitive.

I think you need to watch this commercial. As much as I usually hate jewelry store commercials, this one made me laugh. We may not all want jewelry. I don't. I'd like the extra RAM memory mentioned, possibly even the vacuum. We may not all need something big and fancy. Many days coffee would do just fine for me. We all want some sign we're loved and appreciated though. I bet your dh just shows it in different ways.:grouphug:

That is freakin' hilarious! In fact, from now on, I think I shall always prepare these two items together. I welcome the jokes. Things like that can help keep you sane while dealing with crazy relatives and gift exchange tensions. I always try to include at least one gag gift along with our Dirty Santa gift exchange items. It really does help keep me smiling and relieve some of that tension that builds when I'm forced to play nice and bite my tongue for too long. Fa la la la la la la!

I voted have a private temper tantrum and get over it. I hate these gift exchanges. I would absolutely hate that I played by the rules in one that I did not want any part of to begin with and then the person who had my name did not. It isn't the lack of a present that would bother me but being put in that situation and following the rules when not everyone else did. It really pisses me off when I play by the rules and others don't. I would have quite the temper tantrum--but privately. I find that really helps a lot in being able to let go of things when they are beyond my control anyway. However, I do agree with Colleen about the reminders. I doubt I would have responded rudely to them, but I would have been annoyed. I would feel a little insulted that someone felt they needed to remind me continually unless I knew for sure that everyone was getting them and this was what the entire group had wanted. Can I just say once more that I really hate exchanges? We don't draw names for ours and I hate not being able to pick a gift that I know will be appreciated unless it's cash or a gift certificate. I hate any *exchange*. It implies that gift giving is not only expected but required. Then it makes it into an exchange rather than a gift. You don't give a gift because you're expecting something back. That isn't a true gift in my book. And I don't like to give out of necessity. I want to be free to give a well-thought gift from my heart and within my budget. I wish people would stop writing rules for gift giving!

I never expect a thank you card from someone for any gift. I don't think that's as much the norm nowadays and I don't equate not getting a thank you card with rudeness. I make pumpkin bread for family, friends, and neighbors each year around Thanksgiving, and I've never had nor expected a thank you note. When I deliver it in person, I get a verbal "thank you" and maybe an invite inside to chat for a while. When I have dh or the kids deliver it, the person usually just tells me thank you the next time they see me as well as sending the message verbally along with whoever delivered the bread. Just making and giving these things is such a pleasure. I don't think anyone expects a formal thanks or any gift in return. If they do, perhaps they're giving for the wrong reason. Seeing the smiles my gifts bring is all the thanks I need.

I feel like such a slacker. This morning I'm finishing up the apron I bought material for last December. The material sat in my laundry room, then my attic, then my closet until last night. I started one other apron, but got stuck on how to do something and decided to switch to a different style apron with this other fabric. I'm making both aprons without patterns or instructions. That's not the smartest thing to do for someone who is not an experienced seamstress to start at 7:00 p.m. the night before Christmas Eve. Actually, I started the other apron weeks ago. It's much more complicated. Maybe it will be done for next Christmas:D I need to make the kids' keepsake ornaments that they get every year in their stockings. I usually buy them and I don't yet know what I'm going to make! Every year I swear I will not do this to myself and every year I do it anyway. I wait until October to start thinking about making gifts and by then it's too late for me. I need to make at least one gift per month if they are going to require any sewing or be at all complicated. Oh! And I have granola and pancakes to make for a breakfast basket for dh's grandpa. I'm going to make him up several kinds of pancakes, stack them in containers with wax paper squares in between, and freeze them. He'll be able to take them out a few at a time and heat them in the microwave. I'll package the homemade granola up pretty to go along with it and include a jar of local honey and a bottle of real maple syrup. Food is one of the few things I can think to give certain people on my list. Other than that, the only gifts I "made" this year were some of my photos that I had printed and then put in some inexpensive frames. I've been surprised at how well those go over.

No, you aren't the only one. I would have been mortified. I'm sure oldest dd would have been also. I'm only a little less sure of younger dd's reaction. But, hey, people are different. I can understand that it would be a nice thing for some individuals/families. It's definitely odd to me though.

We are Christians who celebrate Christmas strictly as a family holiday with no biblical significance for some of the same reasons the OP stated.

It really depends on who it is. If it's someone I barely know, I may toss it with the rest of the cards when I take down the decorations. This year I'm tossing the one of our nieces. It was taken at a Princess Party place. Okay. Four little girls. I can see them wanting to do that and mom wanting to have a photo for the scrapbook. But. For the Christmas card? They're 5, 7, 9, and 11 and they're wearing waaaaay too much makeup and it makes me think of JonBenet and a CSI episode and all the horrible pageant mom stereotypes. I can't wait to take it down. It seriously creeps me out. If it were just in the context of a scrapbook page I wouldn't think anything of it. Oldest ds agrees. Dh thinks it's a little weird, but nothing for me to rant for half an hour about:lol: Youngest dd thought it was cute. (Lord help me!) The middle two either haven't seen it or just haven't commented. I won't say a word to SIL about this. If I thought she was going all wacky pageant mom on us, I'd say something, but that just really isn't her. I'm going to chalk it up to a lapse in what is usually very good judgement and taste. We've got the sweetest, prettiest little nieces though! Ugh. I hate seeing them done up like that.

Dh really likes Much Ado About Nothing. (Okay, I know it's not Jane Austen already! It just fits into his "chick flick" category.) He liked Sense and Sensibility okay and tolerated Pride and Prejudice (the one with Kiera Knightley, not the other--hmmm). He suggested we buy Much Ado About Nothing, though. I think it's the humor that gets him. He also got a kick out of An Ideal Husband. Usually he just puts up with these movies--sometimes because he likes the mood they can put me in;) It's nice when he actually likes one of them. Aubrey, you really do need to read these! The books are all so much better than the movies. I read them before watching, though. You know that they can't put every word from the books in the movies, and there is just so much you're missing by not reading them also.