Decorating the Tree

We decided to pull out our little fake tree the day after Thanksgiving. I was so anxious to get the Christmas season started, I couldn't wait. Our tree looks so pathetic now with Marco and Lucía constantly pulling off the ornaments. Oh well, that's life with toddlers.

I'm almost done with Christmas shopping and have tried so hard to keep it under control this year. Another goal I've had is to read the book of Luke in the Bible, one chapter a day, until Christmas. This time of year is a time to reflect on the birth and life of Christ. I'm trying to teach that to Lucía, that it's not just about presents. But buying toys is so much fun! Yesterday I took her shopping with me (bad mistake). I got a couple of things for Julio, Dad, Tami and some toys that I tried to sneak for her. She saw them though, very slyly looking through the holes in the shopping cart. When we got in the car she said she wanted to play with her new toys when we got home. I tried to lie and said, "What toys? I didn't get you any toys." She didn't buy it and started throwing a fit. I told her I left them at the store because she was peaking and I wanted it to be a surprise. Then, she believed me. She did get revenge though when we got home. She told Julio, "Daddy, Mom got you new shoes and a belt!" So much for surprises.