AnneOnParenting

Brrr, it was really cold today.  For many in the United States it was equally cold.   For some it was even colder.  I layered up and made some hot cocoa.  And after some hemming and hawing decided to go out with Frankie and her best friend Bren.  They are seniors this year and today was the second day of finals for the semester.  Both were fortunate enough to be able to exempt their exams and did not have to attend school today.  Lulu and Benny scored a 2 hour delay to start their school day.  Yes, it was that cold.

Frankie, Bren, and I headed off to the mall in search of a Prom dress for Bren.  Frankie already has hers.  We looked at the slim pickings at JCPenney and decided to move on.  American Eagle had a decent sale.  If you really believe their jeans are worth $79 in the first place, then $29 is not a bad price.  I really miss Steve and Barry’s.  Everything was $8.99.  Could be why they closed.  Maybe SJP will move her Bitten line to another store in my neighborhood.  Please.

Then we stop in at Chik-fil-a for four medium fries and a Dr. P, no ice for Bren.  Frankie spots a sign at Wet Seal, $1.  Sounds interesting.  We immediately proceed to investigate.  We bought a skirt and top for Frankie at $10 each, socks with musical notes for $5, and a long, brown scarf for $1 for me.  The socks were just too cute to pass up.  Bren bought a sweater and t-shirt.  No prom dress yet.

Next stop, Barnes and Noble for Starbucks coffee.  Yes, you would think we would get hot coffee.  But since we had been walking around a bit we decided to get Frappuccino’s instead.  Then we found a good book for Frankie.  Actually, it was three good books in one for less than $10.  She loves to read and I am not one to discourage that.

Old Navy is a must for any shopping trip. We bought two skirts and a shirt for less than $6.  At the checkout I remembered a $10 coupon, but we were running out of time and the girls had already gone to Macy’s without me.  Next time, when I have more time.  So I headed to Macy’s.  We looked at several dresses and Bren tried on a few.  She found one she liked and plans to return to buy.  I hope it is still there.

So, Frankie and I take Bren home and head to Wal-mart for some light grocery shopping.  We forgot a few things, but nothing that could not wait.  It was getting late and we wanted to get home.  It was nice spending the day with Frankie and Bren.  It is especially nice when teenagers are not ashamed to be seen with a parent in public.  I hope that never changes.

That is it.  Just a day spent shopping with the kids, or was it?  I think it also was a day spending quality time with the kids.  It was not about the money spent.  It was all about the time.