As many of you know, our family has been through a big transition lately. We have moved to a new location and our house hasn’t sold. My husband also started a new job and did not receive his first paycheck until this past week.

I was determined not to go into debt for Christmas. And how does one do this? I shop throughout the year and buy things on clearance for my kids. I use theitems for their birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or as special treats.

My kids had plenty to open this year. Take a look at some of my bargains. (In case you’re wondering why the date is weird, it’s because we let the kids open the gifts from us before we left town to see family.)

Cuddlebug likes his new car. I got it 75% off after Christmas last year. Paid $2.50 for it.

Alligator was excited about her new Hello Kitty bookbag. Got it at Target, 75% off for $4.24.

A pretty new purse and wallet with butterfly sequins. My friend found this deal for $1. It had a Sears tag on it for $13. And the cool pirate hat is from Dollar Tree.

Carter’s fleece pajamas bought at Sam’s Club for $3.81.

Carter’s fleece jacket, $3.

Hat from Children’s Place, $2-3?

I got this V-Smile game at Target at 75% off for $6.24.

There’s lots more, but you get the idea. I know that not all kids are this easy to buy for, but I try to buy things that I know my kids will like. It certainly saves a lot of money and my kids are able to get more things since I didn’t pay much for them. I’ve already started shopping for next year.

Do you buy things throughout the year?

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I am still unpacking from our trip and I hate it. Why does it seem to take an hour or so throw everything in a suitcase but an entire day to unpack it. And I came home with all CLEAN clothes. Now I just have to find a place to put all these new toys.

Also, I now have another broken suitcase. So much for my great deal on a new set of luggage!

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Let me let you in on a little secret … STAY HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. We didn’t and I am still exhausted. So I thought I would share my holiday with you so you can see how staying home is an option worth considering.

I would like to say, however, that we really enjoyed seeing family. We only get to go home once a year but this year seemed especially hectic for some reason.

Dec 23rd - I worked a 10 hour shift and packed some

Dec 24th - I worked an 8 hour shift and packed some

Dec 25th - We flew to Houston and then took a 1 hour drive to my dad’s. Total travel time: 11 hours

Dec 26th - We visited with my dad, mom, all my sisters, and had Christmas at home

Dec 27th - We took some time to go and see Kemah Boardwalk. I was amazed at how hurricane Ike tore up Galveston.

Dec 28th - We said goodbye to my family and drove 3 hours to my aunt’s house in south Texas. There we had a good time with my mom’s side of the family. This was the first year my grandma wasn’t there to great us and it was very hard for me.

Dec 29th - My kids got to feed the cattle and ride around on the ranch. They had a great time with their cousins.

Dec 30th - We ate lunch at my favorite restaurant from childhood and drove 2.5 hours to my sister’s house. My mom and sister met us and my older sister and her two kids for dinner.

Dec 31st - We flew to Missouri to see my mom and dad. Total travel time: 11 hours

Jan 1st - We celebrated my dad’s birthday and had Christmas in Missouri. Turkey Butt finally got Chou Chou. She didn’t put that silly doll down for days! My allergies kicked in so I started taking Benadryl every 4 hours until Monday.

Jan 2nd - We played with the kids and mom and my dad even got to hang out with Turkey Butt for 2.5 hours while we put away the tree. I had to call my doctor’s office to get DH an antibiotic as he was ocne again very sick.

Jan 3rd - We took the kids to the park for a while.

Jan 4th - We finished packing and flew home. We fell into bed around 1 am. Total travel time - 10.5 hours

Jan 5th - I had to be at work at 7:30 am. By the time I got home, my eyes were bloodshot and my face still had lovely hives from my allergy attack at mom’s. My co-workers said I looked like I was wasted!

Jan 6th - I took the kids to school and baby sitter and then took a nap.

Total travel time: ridiculous and I lost count

Total allergy/sick time: way too much

Total family time: priceless

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I have had some technical difficulty and haven’t been able to blog for 3 weeks. Did you miss me? I sure have missed you guys, but I am back and am looking forward to hearing from you and telling you all about my crazy holiday soon. How did your holiday go?

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