Christmas Shopping

Last week I took the boys to the store. Sean really wanted to buy a new watch. I told him he could take his own money to buy one. I wondered where this sudden urge to buy a watch came from, until he said to me, "Mom, don't worry. I know right where the watches are." Then he turned to Warren and said, "Warren, make sure you don't tell mom what dad bought her for Christmas." I promptly put the puzzle pieces together. Darin had taken the boys shopping earlier in the week and they bought a present for me. My watch has been missing for over 6 months. Sean suddenly knows where the watch section is. Hmmmm. I wonder what I'm getting for Christmas! Just call me Sherlock.

As a little side note, this was the most refreshing shopping trip I have had in a long time. Even with the holiday hustle and bustle, we were met with smiles and kindness all over the store. Our cart was heavy laden with kids and stuff, so it wasn't easy to steer. Several times I almost ran into other people, and without exception, they smiled and said, "That's o.k. I totally understand." (Well, I guess they didn't all say those exact words, but you know what I mean.) As our shopping trip came to an end, the boys were asking all sorts of questions about the checkout procedure. It was the first time I had had them pay for their own things (normally I just have them pay me to eliminate any hassle), and I wanted it to be a positive experience. I was hoping that the person who helped us would understand what was going on. I was not dissapointed. First Sean, then Warren, put their goods up on the counter. She talked to each of them about their cool purchases, smiled, gave them their receipt and said, "There you are, sir. Thank you for shopping at WalMart." (Yes, I said it. I shop at WalMart. Frequently. And I'm not ashamed.) As I left the store, I felt holiday cheer consume me. I actually got a little teary-eyed knowing that with all the crud that goes on in the world, people are mostly good. It made me happy.

Friday night I was telling Darin about the watch conversation I had with Sean, which led me to wonder where in the world my watch could be. The last time I remember having it I was on the couch downstairs. I have taken the cushions off the couch and checked in the cracks more times than I can count. With renewed determination, we went downstairs to look one more time for the missing watch. Darin was reaching in the cracks, then he pushed down on a little bar (with all his might), and opened a whole new world! He used a shoe to hold the bar down while he pulled stuff out. We were laughing so hard with each new thing he discovered. At the risk of embarrassing myself, I'm including a picture of the treasure trove. If anyone has valuables they would like to store, I have the perfect hiding place! I cannot believe all this stuff was back there! Even with the cushions removed, none of this was visible. It was really quite amazing. Sadly, there was no watch in the midst of the treasure, but I have a feeling my wrist will only be bare for a couple more weeks!