Read the text and choose the correct words in the past simple.

My Favourite Toy

     When I was a child, I  **\.\.\.**  a lot of toys\. They  **\.\.\.**  mostly soft teddy bears, rabbits, mice, interactive dogs and cats\. There were also many dolls of different sizes, colours and skills\. I had one doll which  **\.\.\.**  talk\. The other doll could walk and dance\. I  **\.\.\.**  all my toys, and I  **\.\.\.**  good care of them\.  
     However, if I were asked, which my favourite toy was, I would answer a sewing machine\. It  **\.\.\.**  sound strange, but I liked making new and fashionable clothes for my dolls\. I often  **\.\.\.**  my mum to knit something for them\. When it  **\.\.\.**  to sewing, I wanted to do it by myself\.  

When my father ... about it, he decided to surprise me. On the next January 1st, when I and my brother ... up, we found a nice kid’s sewing machine and a toy machine gun under the bed. I was so happy that I ... sewing different pieces of clothing for my dolls immediately. Nobody was allowed to touch this machine except me. All my cousins and friends were jealous. They wanted to have the same toy or at least to have a chance to play with mine. I could make real doll dresses or skirts. My dolls ... to be also grateful for such fashionable clothes.
I think it was a rather generous gift.