This was the Christmas I was in probably 7th grade. I was old enough, to understand broke is broke. No matter the date on the calendar. And we had been broke my whole life. But that year, just seemed to kick our ass. Like we were Literally living in the side of a long time Abandoned building. So I was Not expecting to get up to a tree sporting, a Pile of beautiful wrapped presents! With My damn name on them! I was like Ohhhhh,,,,momma Came Thru, after all!!!!! Woo woo The only thing I had asked for, was a pair of cowboy boots. My mom hands me the first present. I rip the paper off. Cowboy boots y'all!!!! I was so Damn excited to open that box,,already planning my outfits in my head. Did my little happy dance, pulling off the lid. And taped in the bottom, of that Empty box, was a torn piece of paper...it said. IOU a pair of cowboy boots. I had probably 8 more Empty boxes, with iou's taped in the bottom. In EveryOne of them. I opened one Actual present, which was a dollar set of hat and gloves, from Walmart. That was my big score! Going back to school was Miserable that year. I'm sure I had my lies lined up, in advance! Lol in case you're wondering,,No I never got to cash in my iou's. I'm sure that was Never part of the plan. But I will tell ya this. I now Always appreciate Any gift given, to me. And I never Expect Anything. Whatever the opposite of entitled is, that's where I fall! Lol

My now husband was raised getting motorcycles and such for Christmas etc. Quite opposite from my childhood. This man has spent the last decade trying to make those years up to me. Years that I laugh about, stories that I've retold to send waves of giggles around the room. They've broke his heart. He thinks it's now his JOB to spoil me, the rest of our lives. He's this badass, asshole, ex greenberet. He's as tough as they make 'em. And all this man wants, is to make me smile. To him, it's not enough that I can laugh about it all, now. He also knows not to come Anywhere near me, with Pity, over some bullshit. And Nobody he can kill for me, for it. Hehehe But he's a "Fixer"! Lmao so he's gonna spoil me to Death, I'm sure! Haha. 

Listening to my family cut up, giving each other hell this morning. I was thinking about my IOU Christmas. This is what I Really missed out, on. The chaos, the bullshit, the burnt rolls. Tripping over feet, that I've told them to move 3damn times! My husband wrapped his arms around me, and I Swear I have it All!! I don't know how I deserve, this life I have now. But I'm gonna soak this shit up, and Smile!