B.L.A.C.K Friday

I went, and I loved every minute of it! 2:30 a.m., Tucker wakes up. I thought to myself, lovely only one more hour and I have to be ready to go out the door. I climbed back into my warm, cozy bed and then before I knew it the alarm was sounding. I jumped up, showered, started my coffee, and started the truck so it would be getting warm. I don't know how I manage to do it, but for the second year in a row I was bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to get my shop on! Kissed the hubby and kiddos bye, and grabbed my cup of joe and out the door I went! 

This year I was joined by my cousin Kati, and my two high school friends Amanda, and Lindsey. Kati and I stopped off at Wally World first, 4:45a.m. We parked in the garden center, and to our surprise those doors were still closed. So walking through the parking lot, freezing our tails off we enter the chaos!  People were lined up for as far as you could see. The line formed a big square through the middle of the store. I looked at Kati, and said here we go! The race was on. It was our turn to find our place in this chaos.

I was in search of good deals, Kati was in search of the same. All the stuff advertised in the paper on Wednesday, lined the aisles of the store wrapped in black plastic. People patiently awaiting the 5:00 whistle to start the shopping. I couldn't help but laugh thinking how absolutely nuts we must be to be in this store with no real desires for anything particular. We made our way to the toy department and much to our surprise, so was everyone else! Oddly enough, toys weren't in the toy department, and electronics weren't in the electronics department. Now I have to ask, why is that? Why not cut down some of the chaos and put things in there designated areas?  I mean is Wal-Mart asking for a lawsuit when a killing takes place over a computer for $300?!  Just asking.  

I did want a Radio Flyer Big Wheel for Carter. I remember playing on them as a kid, and figured he would love it as well. Umm, low and behold, it was not in the toy department, but the GARDEN CENTER!  Explain that one to me, please. Luckily, I passed a lady that had one in her cart and she pointed me in the right direction. She quickly turned around and said she did not want the one in her cart so she gave it to me!  WOO HOO... $30, can't beat it!  

By this point, I had lost Kati. I did however have myself a Big Wheel, a Hot Wheels racer thing (I don't even know what it does exactly), a helicopter thing (again, no clue), and some other small odds and ends. The one thing I was missing, a cart. I found a secure place to put all my stuff because there was no way I could carry it a long distance, and I took off for a cart. I returned to find all my items still in one place!! I then watched another lady's stuff while she grabbed a cart.  She then pointed me in the right direction for the DVD players. I found Kati, too!  

Once we joined back up with each other, we were off to the DVD players. Gridlock is the only way I know to describe the aisles. I am not one to push people out of my way, or make a scene. I heard a lady a few people back saying, "Are they going to go?  Just go already..."  Next thing I knew, she was in MY face. Very rudely she asked, "Are you going to go or just stand here?" I calmly replied well, I can't rightly go anywhere so what do you suggest?"  Her response, "just run her over!" I just sighed and told her it was not in my nature to kill people. Seriously lady... get yourself another cup of coffee, a little blue pill, or something. It's Christmas for Pete's sake, get in the spirit! I secretly hope she found no good deals, and misplaced $20!  I know, I know... that's not the attitude to have either but I only thought it, does that help?!

5:45, we were heading out of the Wally World.  Would you believe I did not wait in line not even for a minute? I walked right up and the cashier began scanning my items, ON BLACK FRIDAY! I knew at that moment it was going to be a good day!!  We headed to Chick-Fil-A for some breakfast, and then we were off to meet Lindsey and Amanda at Target. Target looked like a going out of business sale there were so many cars. Inside, it wasn't really bad though. Where all the people that belonged to those cars disappeared too, I have no idea. We picked up a few items in there, again nothing that we just had to have. Walked right up to the cashier, and out we went!

Lindsey was our rookie of the year. She had never been shopping on this dark day of the year. I think we officially have her hooked!  We made a few stops in the mall. Old Navy... ridiculous. Seriously, their prices are always pretty decent so why on earth would you wait in a line that was over 35 minutes long?!  Nope, sorry not this chick!  I did get some really good deals at Belk, and can't wait to wrap them and give them to their proud new owners!!!!

After leaving the mall, we were ready for some lunch. We enjoyed a tasty meal from Bono's, and then we were off to the Southern Women's Show! This show is always great. Tons of handmade jewelry, house decor, and good 'ole country crafts. I also love all the children's gifts that you can find there. For anyone that loves that unique gift this is by far the place to find it!

I made it home around 2:45 p.m.. I was tired, but not too terribly bad. I suppose I was still running on adrenaline! I was so tickled that I finished so much of my shopping. I had some of my shopping done prior to black Friday, but thanks to this wonderful day and great sales, I only have three gifts to purchase! I can't wait for next year. I know Kati and Lindsey are already signed up to go. As for Amanda, well we aren't counting her out but with a new little addition to their family coming soon we will just have to wait and see if she is up for the challenge! To my shopping partners, thanks for a great day! Next year, we'll do it again. 

Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, this is Thanksgiving Day!

Gobble 'til you wobble.... I didn't gobble much, but I sure was wobbling by the end of the day!
The best I could do for a family photo. Limited eye contact, kids not cooperating, husband not thrilled at all (in other words=hates pictures)... priceless!
I remember singing that little phrase, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, this is Thanksgiving Day!!!! again and again as a child. I loved the thought of Thanksgiving. All my cousins coming over to visit, the good food, playing outside with all the boys... being the only girl, it was my only option. As I grew older, things changed. We now have numerous houses to visit, and it makes for a long day. I still enjoy going to my grandparents home, sitting around the table but for different reasons. I enjoy knowing that they, my grandparents, are still here. I enjoy seeing my little Granny preparing food, setting the table, and so many times hearing her pray. Her prayer has a way of humbling my heart that is for sure.  

This Thanksgiving, my sister was scheduled to work Thanksgiving day, so we celebrated early. We had fried turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, and all the other usual stuff that goes with it. We had more sweets then real food, but isn't that the best anyways? We enjoyed being with one another, sharing and making memories.  I was some what saddened by the fact that she wouldn't be here for turkey day, but that's how life goes sometimes. We still had fun! Carter thoroughly enjoyed having Aunt Jessica and Uncle Kyle visiting for a few days. He always misses them when they go. This visit they really earned some Carter points. They brought him the Smokey and the Bandit movie, and he literally watched for about three days straight.  He's still playing Bandit while we are in the truck. If I hear "How 'bout ya Bandit, you got your ears on?" one more time, I think I'm going to die laughing.  He's serious about it, let me tell you! 

If you have not tasted these delicious cookies, go now to the store and purchase them! They are heavenly!!!!!

Thanksgiving day we set out to eat lunch with my grandparents. This is the first year that we've had lunch with them in about six years.  It was nice to be there, and it sure brought back a lot of those childhood memories. We left not long after lunch because we still had other stops to make. We had dinner with Granny Vera. This was a very difficult holiday for her, being the first holiday without Papa. She handled it well, but you could see it in her eyes that she missed him dearly. She insisted earlier that week to go through Papa's clothes and see which grandson would want which shirt. I thought that was such a wonderful idea, and a way for the boys to hold on to Papa's memory.  Travis now has five of Papa's shirts. I must say, seeing him wear them makes me smile. I miss Papa, but I know he had a glorious time in Heaven for Thanksgiving.  

We ended our night, around 8:30. I of course found my way to the couch with the sales papers, planning my route for BLACK FRIDAY! I hope each of you had a very blessed holiday. May we remember each day to be thankful, we are too blessed to let a day pass and not say thank you!!!

Carter made this really cute little turkey hat at school and we all tried it on!  I think my sister had the best look of all!

Not real sure about the face on this pilgrim.  Carter's reasoning, "He's Happy!"

And just a little sweet goodness to make you smile....

God bless!

"Giving thanks always..." Ephesians 5:20

Thanksgiving. As the turkey day approached and families prepared I was reminded as I often am, just how truly blessed my life is. I spent Wednesday helping my mom and granny prepare for Thanksgiving at their house. We always eat lunch in Callahan with Travis' family and then out to my moms for dinner. I figure the least I can do is be there to help prepare the day before. There's always the cleaning and tidying up that can be done, and then don't forget about all the food preparation. Mom still had her grocery list to buy, so off to Middleburg we went for the goods. Wal-Mart was crawling with people. As we walked the aisles I noticed that four out of five people that passed were grouchy, or just plain rude. How could this be? I mean, aren't we supposed to be preparing for a day of Thanksgiving and fellowship with our families and loved ones? It saddens me to know that we let the holidays over take our joy. We let the little things like the meal, the desserts, the things that really don't matter steal our joy.

We finished moms list, and headed back to Granny's. We immediately started the chores that needed to be done. My 82 year old papa sat on the couch and watched. I started to vacuum and he would lift his feet for me to go around him. I thought to myself how lucky I was to be spending such a special holiday with my Papa. He has seen so much in his life, faced many trials far harder then any I'm sure I'll ever face. He's a man of very few words these days. This was not the case just 5 years ago. Age has began to set in, he has the start of alzheimers disease, and he's just quiet now. I often sit and watch him as he stares off into the field, and I wonder just what is he thinking about. There is so much to be learned from this now quiet man, his hands folded in his lap as he rocks in his chair. I wonder if his health were better what would he be doing rather then sitting in that chair? Just his presence is such a blessing in my life. I don't know how much longer God will allow my family to spend with this sweet man, but I know that God knew I would need a man like this in my life. I love you Papa!!

The kitchen was beginning to fill with the aroma of different foods, and how could I dare ignore the smell of Big Granny's coffee brewing. This little woman, all ninety pounds of her, drinks coffee like it is going out of style. I don't think I've ever been to her house and not seen a pot of coffee ready for someone to drink, usually her! :) Speaking of things to learn from such a knowledgeable person. Neither of my grandparents went to college, or even graduated high school for that matter but the knowledge of life that they have inspires me. I watch Granny prepare meal after meal for our family and each time it amazes me how she knows just the exact amount of flour, sugar, oil, or water to add to any recipe. When I say that I love her home cooking that is a complete and total understatement. My favorite meal of hers would have to be tomatoes and rice with fried potatoes and don't dare forget that frying pan cornbread!!!!! I've watched countless times as she has mixed up the meal to make the cornbread. I ask her for the recipe so that I can at least try, she just responds with, "Jenny, it's just a dash here, and a dash there. I don't really know the recipe." That's not much help to a girl like me that needs step by step instructions!!! Back to the Thanksgiving preparations. Granny started me with the chopping of the bell pepper, onions, and celery for the stuffing. They usually give me something easy, because they are aware of my abilities, LOL!! I was grateful that I sat at that table cutting those vegetables. A night spent with my little granny, a night I'll remember forever.

While my mom and I were stirring around doing all sorts of things, Carter was running and playing with Uncle Faron. He loves being at Big Granny & Big Papa's house. Watching him run circles through the dining room and living room another memory from my past popped into my head. The many holidays that I ran that same circle. We were loud kids, knocking things over, giggling and laughing, but Granny never harped or got on to us. She just allowed us to be kids. I thought to myself how blessed I am that my little boy is now doing the same things I did as a kid. The circle of life I suppose, pretty amazing. Carter brings more joy to my grandparents then I ever dreamed he would. There is a little sparkle that comes to their eyes when we pull into the driveway each time. Then as it's time for us to go, the say "now ya'll come back in a day or two now!" They just adore the kid, and I think they are pretty fond of me too! :)

Driving home that evening, I thanked God for my family. For the peace they bring me, the lessons they've taught me and for the ones I've yet to learn from them. I thanked Him for the simplicity of our family, the genuineness of each person, the humbleness of my family, and for the blessings that each individual one brings to my life.

The next morning, I surprised myself by getting up early. My boys, Trav & Carter weren't too far behind me. The boys shared a cup of coffee, Carter's new favorite drink (it's mainly milk, with a little splash of coffee!). Carter helped me bake cookies, and then Travis helped him finish his Thanksgiving cards for Nana and Big Granny. My holiday mornings are usually chaotic, busy, and just frustrating. This morning was far different. We were all relaxed, and enjoyed the morning. I was even ready to go on time, can you believe that???? Me either, don't worry. We headed off to Granny Noni's to visit before leaving for lunch at Granny Pullet's house.

Lunch was superb! I must give my mother in law credit, the woman knows how to cook! The family gathered, we ate and just enjoyed each others company. Once again, I was reminded of how blessed my life is. I married the man I love with every beat of my heart, and his family is welcoming, loving, and warm just as mine is. If you must join another family, what better one to join then one like your own?! Travis' grandparents are just as precious to me as my own. There's Granny Noni & Papa Cotton that we live behind, and they are just good 'ole country people. Love everything about these two. I love their love for one another, their relationship and their patience with one another. I love that they share everything, they finish each others sentences, and still look forward to spending each day with one another. Then there is his sweet little Granny Vera, and Papa Joe. Quiet and observant, Granny Vera. The joker, Papa Joe. Papa has always teased me by calling me by some other girls name, and sweet Granny always greets you with a hug and wants to offer you a plate of whatever she may have at the time. Granny Vera reminds me so much of my late Granny Colea. Her house always ready to feed anyone that will take a minute to let her feed you, regardless of whether or not you are hungry. Papa Joe, he loves to watch the great grands play, and ride them on the golf cart. Papa Joe was recently diagnosed with cancer, and actually has his first chemo treatment tomorrow morning. This has burdened the entire family, but my prayer is that each of us finds a way to let go and let God take care of Papa. Our God is in control and we just have to have faith that all will work out. Grandparents are such a special blessing to each and every person, what would our lives be without them? I pray that Carter's little memory will remember these precious days with such sweet people.

Then we were off to Nana's. The tradition always the same, we're usually the last to visit for the day but there is always still more then enough food to fill our already stuffed bellies. When we arrived, Big Granny, and Nana were on the back porch. That porch is where we are usually greeted when we arrive. Thanksgiving day, Papa was inside though. He said it was getting a tad bit chilly for his liking. Our visit was nothing out of the norm, just a good visit, laughter and togetherness. The home cooking, and desserts were yummy! Nothing like going home for the holidays!! Carter was all about eating Tom Turkey this year. He ate a belly full at Granny Noni's, Granny Pullets, and Big Granny's house. I think it's safe to say the kid is good on turkey until next year! :)

Our day finished earlier then usual with us being home before eight o'clock. We had a wonderful day. A memorable day, and a day filled with many, many blessings. Whether those blessings were the family, the food, the fellowship, or whatever, they were blessings nonetheless. My heart is over joyed, and so thankful for every aspect of my life. I pray that each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families. Now on to the holiday shopping and a season that is like none other!!!

Ephesians 5:20 "Giving THANKS always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Many blessings to all!

Much love,
Jennifer