It all started the night before Christmas when nothing was stirring except a spouse. Michelle analyzed the children gifts and determined child number one of five (Gavin, our ten year old blond headed Christmas worshiper) was missing the wow factor. The guitar, six pounds of chocolate, high powered telescope, and 47 other gifts were deemed as lacking oomph. Having imbibed an adult eggnog and with several lengthy toy construction tasks lying ahead, a Grinchland (stores open on Christmas) visit was deemed inappropriate. Michelle and I began to ‘grainstorm’ (brainstorming after a few barley pops).
Dismissing ideas such as shaving Sister Lulu (the pet dog) and telling Gavin it was a rare giant Chinese hamster, we brilliantly opted on a Pet Smart hamster gift card. Only one small problem existed – Pet Smart was closed. Our resident graphic designer, Michelle, took matters into her own talented hands. Plying her Macintosh, she created a faux Pet Smart gift certificate, signed by Santa, good towards a Teddy Bear hamster. We sneaked the certificate into Gavin’s stocking and congratulated ourselves on our cleverness.
Excitement permeated the nighttime air and sleepy children were not sleepy. The munchkins thought Christmas morning came at 1 AM; raced to beat Santa at 3 AM; gave it a college try at 5 AM; finally made Christmas official at 7 AM with two very sleep parents. Five children raced downstairs and began devouring wrapping paper, inhaling glitter, and sacking stocking as Mom and Dad found wakefulness in a mug, very large mug, of coffee.
With caffeinated Christmas excitement, we watched Gavin sink into his stocking, pluck out the faux certificate, read the words, and comprehend the meaning. Opa! Score one for Michelle and Tim’s grain brain brilliance – Gavin scored an eleven out of ten on the wow factor.
… story to be continued (trying to keep my once a week blog commitment – is this cheating?)
Tim for Tim 
Haha! This one could go anywhere! Congratulations on your new family by the way. I’m on the postaday…it’s rough! Good luck with your weekly’s…a little at a time.
DARN! I was fully hoping for a picture of a hamster pulling Santa’s sleigh, flying through the night sky, rosy nose lighting the way.
Uhm, and I will answer your last question (since I’m all bitter I chose PostADay)…YES!!! You’re cheating! I want the rest of the story! Now!
There, I now feel so much better 🙂
This is actually a true story. I’ll finish it one of these days.
Yes, and true stories that are fun to read are always the ones that keep your audience waiting with bated breath. By the way, love the Spinal Tap reference & video.
Thank you for the laugh to push me into work!