Black Friday Shopping

Since we are quickly approaching the busiest shopping day of the year, I thought I would reflect on my feelings about Black Friday!

I can't remember back to too many Black Friday shopping days where I didn't do some sort or shopping or venturing out.  My mom was usually the catalyst for any number of these crazy days and for that I am thankful. I have fond memories of Black Friday craziness:  sitting on Santa's lap, Christmas music, sometimes snow, hot beverages, getting dressed nicely, etc. 

Shopping and I did not always agree.  As a child and a young girl I would always complain about having to go to the mall or stop at a number of stores in one trip.  My mom said I always said I had a headache about 30 minutes into the shopping trip.  Go figure - I am sure my husband wishes this were still true.

Of course, like most adult women, that sentiment changed very quickly!  I now enjoy shopping and it's actually taken on a whole different tone these days.  The evolution of my shopping interest went from seriously high, to normal and now to disappointment that, with a 2 year old I don't get to actually go very often.  In fact, I find myself buying only for her, or for our home now and not usually for Jim or I.

So, we come to Black Friday 2011.  I can't remember which specific year changed my mind, but I will not be venturing out on Friday at ANYTIME of that crazy day with all those bargain shoppers.  The deals aren't really that good (in my opinion) - most deals actually get better the closer you get to Christmas due to retail desperation.  And, if you have the time and energy after the holidays, you can find incredible deals right before New Year's.  I have also grown extremely tired of fighting for parking spots, waiting in line at the food court, for Santa, at the cash register, you name it.  Probably some of my lack of interest comes along with a small child as well.  Any of you with little ones will understand what I mean!

So, enjoy your shopping.  Drink a hot chocolate or nice cup of coffee for me.  Watch your kiddos squirm and scream as you wait for the perfect Santa shot.  Just don't expect to see me anywhere.  I will be somewhere other than a mall or a store - enjoying the calm and quiet!

Potty Training...HELP!!!

So, for the last few weeks, as we've been spending more time at home.  We've helped Abby make some transitional changes.  The first change we made was moving to a big-girl bed.  It only took one night and went rather smoothly.  Often during naps and bedtime, she won't go right to bed, but look through a book or play with a toy.  Most times when I go in to check on her, there will be a book or toy right next to her in her bed.  Nonetheless, she always makes it into the bed!

Our next transition is to use the big-girl potty.  I am getting increasingly frustrated with the process and therefore, am asking all of you seasoned mommies and daddies to help!  I feel as if I've waited for Abby to show me that she's really ready to do this.  She let's me know when she is going pee-pee or poo-poo and she always comes for a diaper change when she's really uncomfortable.  She already knows how to flush the potty and what you do with toilet paper.  My biggest problem is that she only wants to play with the parts to her training potty and not use it.  When I put the little seat on the big potty she cries incessantly and refuses to sit down.  I'm not sure what else to do...if I can't get her to at least sit down, then how can I get her to go?  We've tried singing songs, reading books, looking at pictures, anything to get her to sit still.  But alas, this is probably every 2 year-old's problem.

So bring it on everyone.  I need suggestions, constructive criticism and help.  What do I do next!