I really couldn't have put it any better my own self. Driving to Monroe always SEEMS, in theory, that it won't be that bad of a drive. Then when you're in it? You're like, "This is like being in a nightmare. Will this drive ever END?"
Anyway, today I went to Target in Monroe and got those kids their Christmas gifts. If you are just tuning in and have no idea who "those kids" are, go back the last few posts. I never shut up about them lately.
Before I begin showing you my pictures of the OBSCENE amount of stuff I got, may I just give you one aside? I mailed my cousin Katie's gift today. Now, I am gonna let you in on a little secret, just between you and me. My grandmother? When I was little? She called me Butter-Butt. I have no idea why. One could certainly say that my buttocks are still in the dairy family, but I don't think one would use the term "butter" to describe them today. Other than, say, "Wow. She must love her some butter."At any rate, on Katie's package, I wrote "Butter-Butt" on my return address. And do you know someone I know got behind me in line at that post office? Who was MORTIFIED, thinking that he'd read it? Wouldn't the town be talking then?
So, here we go. First I will show you a picture of what I got the boy (click on the photo to enlarge):
Here is what I got the two girls:
Here's what I got for them to share:
I also got two pairs of slipper socks and some bath stuff for the mom.
Now here's my question. Technically, I got more things for the girls. It SEEMED like I was getting more for the boy, but when I counted, he only got eight things (pajamas, a truck, some sort of gun that shoots Nerf balls or something, a big tank, inflatable bugs, stuff like that) and the girls got like 11 things, even though some are small (like wands and clothes for their Barbies I got).
I actually bought a bunch of stuff and had SO MUCH money left over that I went back. Twice! And I STILL have about $150 left over. Should I go get three more gifts for the boy, or just do the grocery store card? Do five-year-olds count how many gifts they get? I was an only child; I have no clue.
31 comments:
This is so awesome!
I think if he does count, it will be number of gifts to unwrap... so you could put a couple of the girls' things together in one package to make 8 gifts to unwrap... maybe?
Teri in CO
I am very proud of you for doing this. Stop with the toys and get them a grocery card.
I don't think it matters too much. They're going to be so thrilled with everything and thankful. I like the idea of using the remaining money on a grocery gift card.
I wouldn't worry about it. You did a great job!
I think a gift card for the grocery store is good for the remainder. I would be afraid to buy much more for the kids (like, next year he may be back on his feet financially, but not able to buy as much as you did this year and the kids may remember that and blah blah blah).
And by the way, I am also an only child so when you asked that question about counting the gifts, I also came up with a complete blank!
It's great that you're doing this for this family (and it's fun for all of us in the web-world to read about, too)!
Counting gifts - yes kids definitely do that.
If the boy is getting 8 gifts and the girls are getting 11 doesn't that mean each girl is getting 5.5 gifts?
Seems petty, but kids can be petty about those sorts of things.
But, great job!! That must've been so much fun. I think the giant inflatable bug is hilarious.
Grocery gift card would be my plan. If the kid is counting, he should look at the SIZE of his gifts, lol! They are bigger. Either way, I think you should do the grocery gift card. Nice of you to get the mom a little something too! Looks great!
Was it fun, Butter-butt? Snort.
I kept WAITING for someone to bring up Butter-Butt. I thought maybe everyone bleeped over that part to get to the photos. I knew I could count on you, Bronwyn, to torture me.
I like Teri in CO's idea. Another idea is that you can put his name on some of the shared presents. I don't think you need to buy more toys.
You did great with these. They are going to be some happy kids on Christmas morning. And I can just imagine how much fun you had picking out all the pink princessy stuff. I noticed that you found the Hello Kitty shoes. Admit it, you checked to see if they had them in your size too.
Did you get anything for the Dad? I know what you're doing for the kids is the best present that you can get him, but something for him to open might be nice too.
And I'm sure the gift card for groceries will be much appreciated too.
I think you just need to make sure they an equal number of parcels .. what's in them won't be the issue. So I agree with the others .. you could make one parcel out of a few of the smaller things for the girls thus ending up with 8 parcels each.
I think you are doing a wonderful thing June! You are really making a difference. :o)
June,
I put my check in the mail today, so hopefully you'll get it by Monday.
I say use the rest of the money on the gift card, it takes a lot to feed a family of 5 these days.
(and I had to snicker wondering if the Clinton book was part of the boy's "booty". -hee)
It occurred to me you could all peruse my books -- including that Little House boxed set!
I couldn't get past Butter Butt to even look at your books. I'll be going back, don't worry.
I say get something for the dad to open, then do the rest on groceries. With a bounty like that, if those kids count, they probably need a lesson in gratitude. Seriously good thing you're doing. Well done, you.
What on EARTH would I get the dad? I was gonna give him a gas card.
Butter Butt now there is a moniker for next year's blog! :)
Gas card for Dad? VERY good idea.
gas gift card is a great idea. Men are ridiculously hard to buy for. I am buying my husband a garage door opener and then he gets to have the fun of installing it, and that entails going out and buying more tools, because surely the 7 zillion tools he has will not work. I say this not as a suggestion, simply as a mild vent of the difficulty in buying for men.
I like your books, I was perusing them myself, the Norton Anthology is a favorite.
Regarding the butter butt, I'm kind of chuckling, because from the looks of things you were a teensy little wisp of a thing, I can't imagine how your grandmother came up with such a name. Fun though. Mine called me "ducky".
Look at Beleaguered Officemate, makin' the comments!
Am trying not to think about the fact that you are at office holiday party tonight. Am trying not to think about cutting a rug and eatin' shrimp.
Crap. Thinking about it.
Great job, June!
I would definitely go get the Dad something. Maybe gloves, a sweatshirt or coat, just SOMETHING so the kids don't feel bad for their Dad. Then put the rest on the grocery card.
Merry Christmas!
GREAT JOB!
Those kids will be so happy! When will you deliver them?
Good job Butter buttt. Use the rest of the money on a food card.
That way they could have Christmass dinner.
I agree with Teri. Just make an equal number of wrapped gifts.
This is so cool! Thanks for sharing with us.
I agree about wrapping things together to make an equal number of packages. No need to get more kid presents.
Gas card is a great idea for Dad. I'm kind of with Burbanmom on having something for him to open, though. Maybe some warm gloves and hat and an ice scraper? I don't know if you are someplace cold and icy, I'm a new reader.
My family is still known to call me Sarie-Berry from time to time, but that's not quite as embarrassing as Butter Butt. :)
June, you are a wonderful person. I'm with the others who say have the same number of packages to open for the kids however you can do that. More presents for them are not necessary. This will be a great Christmas for them. Kids are aware of much more than we give them credit for and so I agree with those who say get something for the dad or the kids will feel bad. Thanks for doing this and letting all of us share in it.
Hey, I sent my check, I am hoping you got it! :) I agree with the wrapping of the presents to equal the same number. :) Hugs!
Tam
Hi June,
Great great stuff! Excellent job doing this for this family. I'm betting there will be tears of joy from the Dad...
How about a nice sweater or something for him? All men should have a navy blue crewneck sweater for winter...
You're the best, June! :)
Oh, and by the way, Butter-Butt, my grandpa Gerhardt would call me Fred.
He wasn't known for his creativity...
Love ya, June!
What a wonderful job & thank you for sharing it with all of us---nice that we can live vicariously through you! You did a fantastic job.I love the inflatable insects---just might have to get some for my grandson who is only a year old! And yes, I think the Dad deserves something small, too. Have a great Christmas yourself! Mum's "new best friend"
What a wonderful job & thank you for sharing it with all of us---nice that we can live vicariously through you! You did a fantastic job.I love the inflatable insects---just might have to get some for my grandson who is only a year old! And yes, I think the Dad deserves something small, too. Have a great Christmas yourself! Mum's "new best friend"
I also want to cyber pat you on the back, unless you accidentally ended up buying some of those toys that release the same chemical as the date-rape drug when they come in contact with any children's saliva. I'm really hoping Target pulled them off the shelves though :)
The Butter Butt incident cracked me up!
Wrap equal number of presents for the kids. Get Dad a gas card and some other little gift he can open and spend the rest on a grocery card. It's tough feeding five and that way they get to select the foods they like and enjoy.
You are soooo kind to do this for a family in need. Blessings to you.
Holy crap! You are making our presents look like the equivalent of a stick compared to your awesome presents! A stick, June.
Jamie
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