The Lost Gift

Have you ever bought a gift early?  Like over the summer early?  Like… you see it.  It is perfect.  You must buy this perfect Christmas gift that is perfect for your hard to shop for person….

 

I am photo sort of girl.  I love all things photo related.  I dream of Coach bags I can’t afford.  I decorate with snowmen in the winter and most of my collectibles don’t matter to anyone but me.

 

My step mother loves to read.  She reads books constantly.  (We do have this in common.) But her tastes are different than mine.  She collects skunks.  (fake ones)  She likes rod iron dragons and unique looking mystical things.  Her tastes are diverse, and in a pinch – I know a Willow Tree figurine or  a David Shore collectible will be appreciated, but earlier this year I found the perfect gift for her. 

 

While at a craft show – I found rod iron Dragon Book Ends.  Not the gift for me.  The perfect gift for her.  I mean perfect…. I knew she would love it.  I bought those suckers right away and this feeling of complete satisfaction warmed my heart as I could check her off my list.  early.  Awesomeness.

 

I lost those bookends.  Seriously lost them.  We were camping when I bought them, so I have looked through all our camping gear and the crevices in our van.  I ripped apart our gift hiding places.  I ripped apart the twin’s room, our room, and Alexander’s room.  Problem?  We have a lot of people in our house.  We tend to put things “out of sight” when we have therapy appointments, etc.  Problem?  We contemplated selling our house.  When the man came to look at our house, we did a mad clean up of the house.  Problem?  Lost Bookends.

 

After I ripped the entire upstairs apart, I moved on to the basement.  We’ve had a few bouts of heavy rain… with a little water.  So – some things have been “thrown around” to make sure they don’t get wet.  Then there are medical supplies.  Don’t forget about the clothing we can’t throw away because Alexander will grow into it someday.  *sigh*  So many boxes to go through.  I looked through these boxes… Did I shove these bookends in one of these places?  Anything is possible when you know someone is going to look everywhere in your house?  I looked in our playroom, office, and all storage areas.  I even cleaned out the space under the seats in our van… just in case.

 

At first it was funny. (this was 4 days ago).  Then I was worried (3 days ago).  It moved onto introspective (2 days ago) as I used the time to look at old toys.  Finally – today – I was frustrated. 

 

Me ~ “Where is that freaking Gift?!?” 

Ray ~ “Stop Cussing.” 

Me ~ “I’m not cussing.  Freak is not a cuss word. I would NOT cuss over a CHRISTMAS present.  That is totally wrong.” 

Ray~ “It is when you use it in place of another cuss word.” 

Me ~ “Shoot.” 

Ray~ “Stop cussing.” 

 

We all have our flaws, but for me… when I ventured into the realm of fake cuss words so close to the birth of our Savior – I knew it was time to give up.  I called my dad in tears.  I asked him what Wal-Mart gift my step mom would like …. something she would really like – because we are celebrating in an hour and this was 10pm last night.  He gave me a good idea, and I made my way to what I knew was going to be a hot holiday mess.

 

2 miles into my drive, I got a call from Ray.  I found it.  Buried under stuff at the bottom of Alexander’s closet. 

 

So… I know you are dying to see this mystery gift.  Here it is:

Not my perfect gift, but the perfect gift for her.  And I’m not going to lie.  I’m totally excited… because I know she will love it. 

 

Anyone else at the end of their rope over something silly this holiday season?  Anyone else lose gifts?