It’s one of those times when we really have to make a plan, make some lists, get clutter (both visual and mental) under control, and just DO what we have to do.
This photo helps me visualize all that serious crapola in a fun, silly, colourful way. When thinking about stuff like tightening belts, incorporating more legumes into the menu, and how to convince small daughters that a DS is NOT ever coming from Santa as long as her parents have any say, a little ducky fun goes a long long way.
the mind does wander 
way to go – we have successfully resisted the DS as well! When it comes right down to it, they love playing with big cardboard boxes and scissors and markers more than anything else anyway…