'Tis the season

One thing most people don't realize about me, is that I am an introvert. Most people assume that because I am loud and rarely take a breath in my conversations, that I an an extrovert. But, I'm not. I am a social hermit. I like people, but would rather be at my house with the curtains pulled in my family bubble. 

Because of this, the thought of shopping on Black Friday is enough to send this hermit into a closet with an inhaler. Crowds. Angry crowds. Shoving, loud, touching-me, I-want-that-but-refuse-to-stand-in-line-for-2-hours. Crowds. 

(When Lee and I were engaged, we attempted Black Friday shopping. I made it 10 minutes before exiting Staples, proclaiming that I would never shop again. Oh, how he wishes I was being honest.)

So, fast forward to now, the first Christmas that Nina really seems to get the concept of Christmas. Until recently, all she had asked for was a bicycle helmet for her Baby Alma, the American Girl Biddy Baby. Funny thing: THEY DON'T MAKE THEM! They have helmets for the American Girl, which is 1 1/4" smaller of a head circumference than the Biddy Baby. We looked on amazon, toysrus... They don't make them. We have resigned ourselves to getting a foam ball and hollowing it out and covering it in duct tape. Oh, how my non-crafty soul cries. 

But, come on! Even though we try to keep Christmas somewhat under control, I feel the need to spend more than $2.50 on my child for Christmas. (And a homemade present. Homemade by me. The girl deserves much more than her Christmas morning joy revolving around the craft of a girl who got a B in junior high art.)

Nina finally decided that she wants the Doc McStuffins check up center. I find it on toysrus.com and decided that I would pick it up while in Clarksburg for Senior High Convention. Great idea! HOWEVER, APPARENTLY AMERICA SOLD OUT OF THE ONE PRESENT MY CHILD HAS ASKED FOR BETWEEN THURSDAY AND SATURDAY. Walmart.com said that there was "Limited stock" at the Fairmont store. So, I skipped out on Saturday night of SHC, and headed to Fairmont. Apparently "Limited Stock" means "Never had them". After calling every Walmart in an hour radius of Knoxville (and a brother with keys ready at 10:45 on a Saturday night), I decided that I was going to end up being a crazy mom fighting in Walmart over the last Doc McStuffins checkup center. (NO! YOU CANT HAVE THAT!! HOW ELSE WILL MY DAUGHTER FIX MY CRAZY-PERSONITIS IF I DONT HAVE THIS?!) 

(I can feel your judgment from across the screen.)

Yesterday, on a whim, I happened to check walmart online for stock in Beckley. "Limited stock" which, as we know, means nothing more than another disappointed elf. I mustered up my "Please help me" voice and called my mom. She answered her phone. AND WAS AT WALMART! And just saw a woman with a check up center in her buggy. She was like a bloodhound on a trail, and FOUND THE CHECK UP CENTER!!! I'm sure there was great rejoicing in all of the heavenlies! (No nasty comments. I know I'm being dramatic.) 

So, here is to an incredible mom and a relieved elf. 

(After posting this, I saw that mom bought Fritos. My junk food soul rejoices!)

Merry Christmas, y'all. (After Thursday, of course. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday and we will be all Turkeys and Pilgrims for 48 more hours.)

 (In the snow. Even Mother Nature is being a holiday skipper. Losing battle.)