I was listening to a radio show today....Bob and Sheri out of Charlotte NC. Sheri was discussing how her daughters waste food and sometimes destroy new toys in 30 seconds without any regard to how wasteful that is. And it got me thinking. I remember Christmas as being a wonderful time. The excitement of decorating the tree. Checking all the strands of lights with my Dad. The anticipation of Santa's visit. In my little kid mind the living room was filled to the brim with toys on Christmas morning. But looking back I realize my parents did a wonderful job with very little. When I wanted a life sized Wendy Doll I got a child size mannequin from a store that went out of business. When I wanted a hard to find and afford Cabbage Patch doll I got a home made adoption doll instead. I still have her in my room to this day. Most of my Barbie clothes were handmade by my mom but looking at them now they are more beautiful than any of the store bought Barbie clothes. But back then I wasn't always grateful when I didn't get what the other kids got. I didn't really realize how lucky I was.
I have been Christmas/birthday shopping for Alex. Its difficult because I want him to have lots of fun things to open. But he already has so much that he doesn't play with.I want him to have everything he wants and everything I had. But I don't want him to be spoiled and take things for granted.
The thing he plays with most of all is my old wooden blocks. I don't even have the full set anymore. They have groves on the top and bottom that helps when building tall towers.