~The first Christmas Tree, with Christmas stockings filled to the brim, at Karim Orphanage~Well, its that time of the year again, when everyone is out running around, spending money they don't have & stressed about what to buy that special loved one, family or friends. Well, we have FIVE children, that have FOUR significant others, TWO grandchildren and a Mother...in a Pear Tree! couldn't resist! So, I have ALOT of gifts to shop for. I hate to shop but I love to GIVE. The excitement, the smiles, the screams, the 'Kodak' moments of watching someone receive something that you gave them....that's what I enjoy. Most of all, I enjoy being with family and friends. This is the first time in a LONG time that all 5 of our children & their husbands/wives/girlfriends and my Mom will be together! I could not be happier and am so excited "my bum tickles" !
My children are constantly asking "what do want for Christmas? What do you need for Christmas?" The truth is...I do not want or need anything! I do not want them to spend money on ME! I don't want anyone to spend money on ME!
So here is 'what I really want for Christmas' from ALL of you:
1. to ALL my children~don't stop thinking I'm a nerd for blogging, at least you are thinking of me.
2. to my daughters, Andi & Lisa~don't stop the xoxo's after ever text, I don't know what I would do without your hugs & kisses.
3. to my son, Mike~I know your 25 years old now but don't stop hugging me when you walk out the door & don't stop telling me "love you, mom" after our phone calls.
4. to Michelle & Tom~don't stop buying me Mother's Day cards & flowers.
5. to my Mom~tell me the same story 5 times, even when it annoys me that you don't remember, and I know one day I might wish you told me 10 times.
6. to my Nephews~don't stop teasing me about my snackies "mmmmm, snackies", it makes me smile.
7. to my sister~don't stop calling me everyday even when I'm busy at work; don't stop making me laugh so hard, I snort; don't stop sharing your snackies with me; I know you want to be like me but STOP dressing like me!
8. to my #1 nephew~don't stop chatting with me on facebook, I like being 'Auntie Lizzie'
9. to my little brother~don't stop making me laugh & don't stop saying you're proud of me~I'm proud of you too!
10. to my other brothers~I want you to visit me more, I miss you.
11. to my BFF~ don't stop being a 'Princess'; call me more when you need me cause I NEED you.
12. to all my friends~don't ever stop being supportive of what I love to do.
13. to Rehema~don't ever stop calling me 'Mama' cause I will always be your Mama; don't EVER give up hope!
14. to the Karim children~ don't stop calling me 'Mama Linda'; don't stop yelling & screaming when I show up and don't stop telling me "you love me to the moon & back"
15. to my Grandchildren~ Brody, don't stop touching Nana's things even when I give you 'the look' cause I actually turn my back and smile. Natalie, don't stop smiling at me even when I know you haven't got a clue who I am yet! Always visit Nana, even when I seem to busy.
16. to my lovely husband, Greg ~ always remember why you married me, even when I loose it, when you leave your orange peelings in the sink & not the garbage. Don't stop snoring, cause I miss it when I am gone & you are not beside me. Don't ever stop supporting me in what I LOVE to do even when it means I have to leave you home alone for 7 weeks.
So, this is what really I want for Christmas! I hope you all have a Christmas full of fun, laughter & love with your family and friends. I know I will. And don't forget it is better to Give than Receive.
Love Mama Linda
