Early Christmas Shopping, New Arrivals, & The Light At The End Of The Tunnel!

I know what you're thinking... "Christmas shopping...NOW???"  Well with everything that has happened over the last 7 months, and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel finally, at least with the re-construction of the house, that my husband and I are very much looking forward to climbing into a real bed and completely relax... for at least a month!  Waking up late, walking out to a real kitchen, and making a real breakfast is a fantasy right now, that looks like it may happen by the end of this month. 

We have had to re-purchase everything we once had.  Only, this time we made a list of what we needed.  We had to put a list together for the insurance company of everything we owned before the fire, and attach prices to those items.  After looking at that list, we stepped back, and reviewed the whole thing.  Though we had a lot of belongings, we both knew we did not need everything we had, nor did we use everything we had.  Since we had to buy many items for the house, we purchased many items through online stores through My Points and through Reward Port.  We did this to earn points and redeem for gift cards, so we could cut our Christmas shopping expenses.  I know in previous posts I wrote that we would be cutting back on items we buy, and we are still sticking to that, however, our daughters, though only 12, have been so remarkable through this life transition, never complaining about losing everything, never complaining about sleeping on an air mattress, pitching in and helping with a lot of hard work, now that we no longer had many of the comforts that make daily living easier, like a dishwasher for instance, never complaining that they didn't have anything to play with, that my husband and I decided to make this coming Christmas, a very special one for them. 

We did replace their Nintendo DS's for them, so they would at least have something to play with.  We looked at the toys that we had put on that list, and realized they too, had lots of things they no longer played.  We also took into account the fact that they were quickly approaching the dreaded teenage years, and would probably no longer want those Bratz Dolls, and Hannah Montana items they had before the fire. 

Their toy room is being transformed into a beautiful teenagers dream room.  Not packed with a room full of toys, but strategically organized, with some select items that will keep them busy, entertained, and a place they can go to study, learn and relax if they choose.  Several items that have been purchased for their room, have been reclaimed from believe it or not, yard sales!  We found a great small kitchen table that had only 2 matching chairs, we had purchased for only $8.00 that will be perfect for this room, and it's in like new condition.  Currently it's being used as my computer desk downstairs.  We knew that we needed to get them a good, reasonable sized table and chairs as one of their "big" Christmas presents is this:

 They are getting their very own laptop computers, ones that will allow them to burn their own music CD's, do research for homework, create their own movies, and so much more.  Now, we have already purchased and received these, and they are currently hidden within the house.  The best part of this offer was these were both entirely purchased with Amazon Gift Cards, we received from Swagbucks, and My Points rewards!  We were also able to purchase an AM/FM CD player, laptop accessories, MP3 players, headphones, several board games, and a few DVD's all with Amazon gift cards!  We also were able to get them Nook, ebook readers for half price, all from reward gift cards!  We can't wait to see their reactions come Christmas morning! 

Now, with fingers crossed, by next weekend, we are hoping that we will be able to cook in our own kitchen!  The flooring is due to be installed at the beginning of the week, the counters were measured for granite this past Friday, so hopefully by the middle of the week, we will have counters, the appliances are due to arrive on Friday.  So here's hoping by next weekend, the kitchen will be completed! 

 And last, but certainly not least.  Lucca, has finally come out of hiding, and is starting to explore his new home.  He isn't afraid of either of the dogs, um, horses some would call them.  He's not aggressive with our other cat, though she wants nothing to do with him yet.  He weighs in at 16 pounds, and is one very large cat.  We decided to adopt this guy, though we really weren't looking for one, well because we knew we had the room for another cat, we were down to one, from three at one point.  This is one area where my husband and I definitely see eye to eye on.  We don't adopt kittens, because everyone likes kittens, and they usually don't ever have a problem finding a home.  Cats on the other hand need a little help.  I will say this though, we have in the course of 13 years  now adopted 4 cats, and two kittens.  From our personal experience, cats are so much more grateful.  Especially when they come from a bad situation, and land here, at our home.  The life of Riley some would call it.  Cats seem to know when they have stepped into a better life, and always seem to be more thankful than a kitten. 

Not to get on a soapbox or anything, if you're considering adopting a cat or kitten, consider your costs.  Spaying and neutering can cost upwards of $200 dollars.  Many cats in local shelters have already been fixed.  When you adopt a kitten, you must take into consideration that kittens need series of vaccines, and will need to be spayed or neutered.  Though you still need to bring your new addition to the vet regardless of age, adopting a cat is cheaper than adopting a kitten.  Now I am in not saying you shouldn't adopt a kitten, what I am saying, is take into consideration your life style, and what your budget is for adopting a new pet.