These photos are not the best lighting..

Normally I take pictures in the late afternoon, but I took these before heading out Black Friday Shopping around noon..

Not a good time for lighting…Lesson Learned..

I ordered these plaid legging from Old Navy, along with a polk a dot pair 

It really was a great outfit for the day of shopping…

The poncho was perfect instead of a coat, which I know doubt would have removed and ended up carrying. 

I ordered this poncho off season, so no info for you there…

I will say, I saw ponchos everywhere today…

Burlington had an entire row labeled Jackets, that was actually ponchos and wraps..

My daughter even picked out her  first wrap, a lightweight black one. 

I also bought a red poncho  at Burlington Coat Factory, where we spent the most money today, and the longest time…I tried it on near the men’s fitting room and was using the outside mirror to see myself, which was surrounded by women waiting for their guys… They noticed me and parted ways so I could see the mirror and then all exclaimed and told me they loved it…. for just $16.99 -sold…my only self purchase. 

I am tickled pink that my 3 adult children all wanted clothing items for Christmas…

They are surprised themselves.  A great discussion about how they have great electronics and no other real needs took place… As did the point that college is taking so much of their time, that it lessens their needs for things like games as well.  My oldest has always loved clothes and a definite style, my daughter is opening up to this for the first time, and my 19 year old son, is growing up his style now that he is in college and is adding jackets as completer pieces- 3 so far…

I got the biggest kick out of the woman checking receipts at Sam’s Club, moving her hand up and down to indicate my outfit and saying,  “Beautiful!”  

I have to say while shopping with DD that a few thoughts went through my head…That I love seeing her relaxed and giddy(she is such a focused stressed grad student) , I loved that she finds delight in the simplest of things,  a trait we share… For example,  she loved that the Dillards sign had a Santa hat attached to the D… I also noticed mothers and daughters in the dressing room with contention between them, while Ashley and I were having so much fun!  Her facial expressions leave no doubt  whether she likes something she’s tried on.  I also noticed a lot of mothers who seem to have given up on themselves and it makes me quite sad.. 

I dream of having seminars for mothers, to remind them to put themselves on the list.  So many women take care of their families and lose themselves… I am so grateful I had a mother who put herself on the list  by having friends, hobbies,  nice clothes, perfume, and accessories. 

It truly was a beautiful day, because we really enjoy each other and their is so much humor and laughter with us all participating.. We noticed so many families in the mall who looked like zombies going through the process, while our eyes were twinkling and we are all totally engaged in pointing things out to each other.  We all walk together in this tight group, not wanting to miss discussions , but then at moments break off in two’s or threes, then come back tight together again.. It feels like a family dance.. I wish I could explain that more poetically…

Dear Readers, I hope that you enjoyed a wonderful holiday with family and friends… 

Gratitude

I am so grateful for time with all my children present… I know change will happen soon enough, but while they are all single and still so much a part of each other, I will cherish it…

I am grateful that my children who all have Iphones, aren’t addicted to them and didn’t bring them out during our day together...more importantly that it was their choice with nothing said by us…

I am grateful that I still have two more days with my middle children before they head back to college.  

I am grateful that after just two and half weeks they will both be back for winter break, lasting almost a month.

I am grateful that we finished  a huge portion of Christmas shopping done between online purchases and shopping. 

I am grateful that my husband took the boys off and had time together, allowing my daughter and I time alone.. (Living with three energetic brothers means girl time is important!}  

I am grateful that I didn’t gain any weight from Thanksgiving, and in fact lost a pound overnight… LOL.. my daughter told me it was because I never sat down the entire day…Not true, I took a break and let them peel potatoes…lol..