Black Friday Shopping

Yes, I was one of the CRAZY ladies awake and at Kohls Friday morning/night! And since I'm on vacation and not familiar with this area, my sweet mother-in-law was talked into coming with me! :) We had never done the Early morning shopping before and was shocked that there were hundreds more CRAZY people at Kohls this morning:)

We stood in line to check out for close to an hour from almost 4:30 to 5:30!! And although I wished I was tucked into my bed at that time and was slightly uncomfortable with the items I had in my arms (no carts... hahaa).... I learned a lot!!

With people grabbing more and more to add to their carts (and arms)... I tried not to get caught up in the frenzy! My mother-in-law spied a couple of things that would have been nice to have and were at very nice and super afforable prices... but we stayed in line and pondered if we really NEEDED these "extra" items...

How much do we need?
How much stuff do our kids need?
What is our focus this season?

We've decided to focus on the Babe in the Manger and not the materials things that break, loose value and can be fit under a tree:) We will still be trading gifts with our loved ones but we've really tried to keep it simple and pray that our kids learn more about Christ than the latest toys and gadgets!

While our kids slept, Brian and I headed to our local Goodwill to spy some casual pants for Momma:) I always seem to find SOMETHING at this Goodwill:) Anyway, at 6am I found a cute winter dress for Anna at Belks for about $20 as an Early Bird Special!! But at Goodwill, I found this super cute BABY GAP jumper and matching hat for $2.99!! And honestly I don't even think it had ever been washed!!! Glad I waited on the $20 dress:)

I pray though with all of the holidays and birthdays we have during this season, that we would not loose focus on the Manger and Cross! And that we would be thankful for what we HAVE and not all we want and can (or can't afford to) acquire!!

***Maybe there is a VERY, VERY good reason we celebrate Thanksgiving BEFORE we celebrate Christmas????

Treasures at Goodwill

Brian and I "snuck" out this afternoon to run some errands at the local Walmart near Grandma and Granddaddy's. What fun to shop without kiddies!!! Please hear me out....I lOVE my kids....I take them everywhere and it's hard for me to leave them. But it's soo nice to get breaks and much needed time with Daddy :)

So we hit all the sales at Walmart..he hehee! And then on our way home we decided to try the local Goodwill. I really wanted to get some bikes for the kids. Grandma and Granddaddy live in a great subdivision with beautiful sidewalks and it was warm today! The perfect day for bike riding.

When we got there we saw some bikes parked out front and a sign above them that said "Bike 50% off today"!!! I looked quickly at the selection and found the "perfect deal" for us. It was a cute little pink bike with training wheels and a baby doll seat (perfect for my baby-loving daughter). We then ventured inside, me dragging the little pink bike, and found an old Rock-n-Roll trike (I wanted to get one for Lydia for Christmas or her b-day)!! Anyway, we walked up to the check-out and I saw a cute purse with the Target tags still on it...I have been wanting a non-diaper bag purse for sometime:) (I'm not a designer purse lady...I just like what I like and if I find it at a good deal, I'm there.) So in a matter of 2-3 minutes at the Goodwill we found the items on our wish list!!!

I have NEVER been so excited to get home and see my kids faces!! I knew they would be soo excited. We pulled the bikes out as soon as we got to the house and I ran inside!! I pulled out a bike helmet (that I also found at Goodwill) and told Anna that she needed it inorder to play with the surprise we got her....she found her shoes and ran outside:)

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So, let's see:
Pink Bike $3.50
Trike $3.99
Helmet $3.19

An afternoon outside riding bikes and taking pictures : PRICELESS