When the kids were little, there were some Christmases when getting something at a really good deal was the only way they could have some things they wanted. Somehow we always worked out a way for me to go -- usually Robbie could be home with the children since he didn't go in until later and worked into the night. One year, televisions and vcr's were the main item. I got to Wal Mart early and found the display, all wrapped in plastic and guarded by four determined Wal Mart workers. I saw no need to worry--it was just vcr's after all. And then the signal sounded...the "guards" slit the plastic...I got ready to go up in an orderly line and get my vcr...and the world turned upside down. One woman several customers behind me pushed past all of us to get to the front. She had come with a partner, and she picked up vcr's and THREW them into the crowd. I saw my life flash before my eyes! That day, I decided that I would not be going again until someone could go with me...just in case I needed someone to call 911 or something.
Fast forward ten years. Josh and Vicki got engaged Christmas Day 2002 and married in June. That year, our new tradition concerning Black Friday began. Vicki LOVES to go on that day, so Lauren, Vicki, and I made it a point to be in town at the opening time---under conditions: We would not stoop to shoving, being rude, becoming impatient, or stampeding a store. We would go with the idea that if we were supposed to have an item, God would make sure it was there when we got there. And we had a blast!!
Now, to be honest, Lauren has never gotten a great deal done on this day. She is a really good sport, but procrastination has been one of her very few flaws. She might have picked up a gift here and there, some cute wrapping paper, some clothes for herself (to use BEFORE Christmas), but not many gifts. The year she graduated from AUM, she called me the day after graduation and said, "Why didn't somebody TELL me I have only ten days until Christmas???!!!" This AFTER our Black Friday shopping trip. Last year, she had just found out she was pregnant and was studying for her CPA exam (which she passed on the first attempt). She climbed into the truck carrying her pillow and makeup case. She did not wake up until we got almost to Prattville. She did some shopping but not an awful lot. When she said that she did better last minute, I commented that I believed our outlook might change after June. Carsyn would definitely change things.
Fast forward to this year, and the Most Improved Black Friday Shopper Award goes to....LAUREN WILLIAMS SMITH!!!! This year, Lauren called when Carsyn got up for her midnight feeding. I woke Vicki up from a dream about flying and having plane trouble, but she recovered quickly and we got dressed. We picked Lauren up -- no pillow-- and headed out BEFORE 12:30 A.M. First came a stop at Greenville Wal Mart, and the crowds were so much better since no electronics were being sold at that time. Then it was on to Prattville (we have discovered a much nicer shopping experience there). Kohl's opened at 3:00, and we had to wait in the car for the store to open! Despite having to stand in a checkout line that wrapped AROUND the store, we had fun and remained upbeat. Guess what? Most of the items we bought there were -- you guessed it -- LAUREN'S!! Target was next, and we found some awesome deals. By that time, we were starving, so we went after our traditional Chick Fil A Biscuit. Bass Pro, here we come!!
In Bass Pro we always have good luck, probably because our husbands are all fisherman and hunters. I think we could all probably get everything the men in our family ever wanted in there. Robbie showed me a really nice boat that I could get for him if it was on a Black Friday sale. Isn't that so cute?? That's what I told him.
Montgomery still reigns on Old Navy and JoAnn's, so we went there next. Panera Bread was the choice of the day for lunch because they have the most AWESOME macaroni and cheese! And then, with the truck so full we couldn't see out the window and Lauren squished into one little seat like a sardine, we started home -- HOME, I tell you, at 12:30 P.M.!!! That's right, twelve hours of non-stop shopping!! We truly did have a blast, and Vicki and I were so proud of Lauren's new shopping methods. In fact, we decided we may have to take two vehicles next year. We had invited Casey this year, but she didn't get to go :( Next year she'll know there will be plenty of room. The more the merrier!!!
Fun things I want to remember about shopping with my girls:
- Watching Vicki chase down buggies and baskets so we wouldn't be left without one
- Carrying FOUR pillow pets in two hands at Kohl's
- Rearranging the purchases in the truck after EVERY stop -- just so we could get more in
- Lauren walking into Target in flip flops and a t shirt and coming out needing rain boots and a coat -- that Arctic blast struck fast
- Having the girls help me pick out things for them and their husbands and children
- Getting to look at the little baby toys this year :)
- Having them help me find good things for Robert's babies
- Finding the special ornaments -- we give one to each child every year
- Unloading at Lauren's and realizing that she had the MOST bags!!
Memory of the day--Vicki running across Target parking lot after a buggy
Perfect Moment of the day -- Sitting with my girls in Panera Bread making plans for Christmas Day
Only 363 days until we do it again...I can't wait!!
2 comments:
So there next year! I want to see Vicki chase a buggy!
What a sweet post :)
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