christmas shopping started!

I have started looking for presents for the boys and have a couple things in mind so far but am really trying to think purposefully about the toys I buy this year.  We have so much at times it seems, yet they tend to play with the same things all the time...cars, trains, trucks, vehicles!  :)

Have you bought any Plan Toys before?  I was looking at the City Garage.  It has good reviews and the boys love things to play with their cars on.  It is a little pricey, but it could be Mark's big gift and I feel pretty confident it would get played with a lot.

And for Zach...he has been really interested in playing on my computer lately which I would really rather him not ;-)  So been thinking about one of the educational handhelds.  Leap Pad, V-Tech or Mobigo?  Or something else?  Would love to hear your thoughts or suggestions on that! :)

Have you started your shopping yet?  Any good finds or sales yet?

Christmas...already?

It is not even Thanksgiving yet and I already feel myself getting stressed over Christmas.  Anyone else feel like that?  The stores have been carrying Christmas stuff since before Halloween....the catalogs are coming in the mail...and I am sure Christmas music will be playing soon!

I am starting a list of things I would like to have completed before Thanksgiving.  Have you started working on your lists yet?

• Order Christmas Cards
• Address and Mail cards
• Inventory Gift Wrapping Supplies
• Schedule Outside Lights to be hung
• Order all photo gifts (calendars, brag books...good stuff for the grandmas!)
• Make and Post a December calendar for entire family to see!
• Start making Christmas lists and watching sales

Anything I am leaving off that you like to tackle early?  How do you stay sane during the holidays and keep your focus on the reason for the season?