Hi everyone. Just wanted to drop in quick to let you know I am still alive, just kind of wrapped up in something here right now which is leaving me very little time for anything else. I will try and get back on this weekend a do a blog for real, I just didn't want you all to think I deserted you or something.

Hope everyone is fantastic. Oh, whoever added me on PSN I went on yesterday and accepted. All of them. The only one I recognize is James and Seth so whoever the rest of you are, maybe sent me a message ok? Thanks.

Hope to see you all soon.

Since there is nobody here I want to box with right now, I figured I might as well write a blog.

Christmas is a funny time of year for me. I love Christmas. I love the lights, I love the food and goodwill and I especially love watching my son open his gifts from Santa with every bit of awe that someone who still believes inevitably has. Gasps of how did Santa know, I forgot to put that on my list, I must have been really good this year always makes me smile. Watching the elder Stratford open the things I have spent months amassing also fills me with happiness. The funny part comes in because I don't give a rats butt about what I get and it drives my husband insane.

I told you about the coat. It was indeed under the tree in all it's kidskin and mink beauty. It is a beautiful coat. It is warm and oh so soft and light. Impractical me says **** it, just enjoy it. Practical me can't ever shut her mouth though and she keeps saying "take it back, it was way to expensive." That right there is rediculous because the amount I spend at Christmas could cancel some small countries national debts I'm pretty sure. Don't get me wrong, about half of the money I go through during the holidays is on Charity. I donate to several. Chris said something about it one year.I could tell from the tone it was going to be more than a friendly discussion. I cut him off. I reminded Chris of my particular child hood or lack thereof and he never mentioned it again.

I have tried to set an example for my son because I am financially very blessed and he could very easily come to expect things as his due. It's something that I always worry about. That and people trying to be friends with him because of what he has as opposed to who he is. This year my child saved his allowance for a month. He would not spend one dime. He also would not tell me why. About three weeks before Christmas he asked if we could go to walmart. I said sure, but honey it is very close to Christmas, why don't you wait for Santa? He said please mom, there is something I really need to get right now. It was his money so I said ok and off we went. He walked up and down the toy aisles, picked up several things,and looked at prices. We were there for at least 45 minutes. Finally he said, "could you take me over to Zellers please mommy?" I was completely fascinated by this point so i agreed. He repeated what he had done at Walmart, but this time he put several toys into the cart. All this Christopher??" Mom, it's my money right?" I agreed but informed him that I did have veto power. I told him I thought this was a little excessive for three weeks before Christmas. He smiled a big smile and said "Mom, these aren't for me, they are for the toy collection at blockbuster." My heart about came out of my chest right at that moment. The only thing bigger than my grin was his. I hadn't picked up any toys for their drive yet either, so I decided to do the same. I saw a couple of lego sets and was going to get them when Christopher piped up and said "Those are 6 dollars cheaper at Walmart mom. I just wanted to check the prices so I could get as much for the money I have as I could." He got what he wanted from Zellers and then we went back to Walmart. I made him a deal. He spent his money on toys for boys and I purchased toys for girls. We had a fantastic fun time shopping and then we took the whole lot of it directly to Blockbuster. I came in with a load and Janet grinned. "Oh Kelly, I'm so glad to see you. The drive isn't going so good yet." That has happened before so I came prepared. I pulled out a set of Gears of War pyjamas and said anybody who donated a toy could be in a draw for them. It worked last year and I had no doubt it would work this year. As we were talking, Christopher came in with his toys. "Wow Kelly you really went all out this year." Christopher heard her, but made no move to correct her. He just went out to the car for another load. I proudly told Janet that my son had saved and planned all of this and had spent every dime he had. I don't think that is boastful, it's pretty rare for any eight year old child to think of anyone beyond themselves or their immediate family. Janet was speechless. When Christopher came back in, she gave him a huge hug and told him how thoughtful he was. Two other employees were on and I guess Janet told them about him too.

The next time I was in Blockbuster was Dec 22. I had to pick up a couple of movies I had pre-ordered. I also wanted to wish Janet a Merry Christmas and give her a gift. Christopher was wandering the aisles and she quickly handed me an envelope which I could feel contained a gift card.She told me to put it in my pocket. Ok I said as I did what she said but why? All of us were so impressed by Christopher we thought he deserved something too. "That's really sweet Janet but he didn't do it for a reward and I honestly don't think he will take it." She nodded. "We figured. That's why he can't have it until Christmas."

Chris started a tradition that I personally don't like, but he likes it and Christopher loves it, so I go with it. We now each open one gift on Christmas eve. The only rule is I get to pick what parcels get opened for them and Chris picks mine. I let Chris open some new tips for his crossbow bolts. The are really good tips. When bow hunting it is essential that the arrows be as sharp and deadly as possible. You do not want to hit a deer with anything other than the best tips you can buy. I decided to opt out so I didn't open anything. I let Christopher open the card from Blockbuster. He pouted for a second. Mom,Daddy said we could open a present. Then he clued it. "Oh, there's something in the card." I can assure you I was as shocked as he was when he opened it and discovered the gift card was for sixty dollars. The card said Christopher: You really showed all of us what Christmas is about. Thank you for being such a caring little boy. Then what I assumed he was going to say he did. "Mommy, they should have put this money in for more toys for the kids that need them." I did tend to agree. I discreetly called Janet who assured me that the entire staff had contributed to the gift card so they pitched in 5 dollars each. She also told me that each of them had made a donation to the toy drive. Then she said "You know what Kel, I think that after hearing about what Christopher did, most of them gave more than they would have. I know I did." I thanked her and Christopher talked to her for a few minutes and then it was all good. We went today and he bought a game for his 360, and then we went to the grocery store and he bought canned goods for the food bank with the rest.

Merry Christmas everyone.

It is 9:45pm Christmas eve. I am waiting for Christopher to fall asleep so that Santa can come. He is pretty reved up so that might not be for a while.

To all of you guys and gals out there, have a fantastic day tomorrow. I will at some point be online.

Love you all

Kelly