Shopping for me with my teenage sons was such a big event I thought I'd share about it. 

When the boys were younger I would just take them with me.  Sure they would sometimes whine but for the most part they were trapped with me.  Most of the time I'd abandon my efforts to find something that fit & we'd move on - usually to something more kid related. 

Then my daughter was old enough to babysit for a few hours & I'd bask in the glory of actually being alone in the clothes section of a store.  I'd try on outfit after outfit just because I could until I had to get back home.  Most times I'd find an item maybe two but eventually I'd choose not to go at all - there were a million other errands to do & I needed to use my time wisely (unless it was a desperate - really have nothing to wear to my hubby's bosses for dinner situation).

When my daughter decided I needed some updating - she became my much trusted personal shopper.  I don't know if I embarassed her just one time too many with my mommy wear or what but at around 16 yrs. old  she could be counted on to keep me trendy.  Shopping with her is fun even if I don't find something.  We love to try on gowns we have no reason to buy or some way funky outfit - that always looks great on her but I could be a poster for "What Not To Wear". 

Needless to say the boys have been excused from these shopping ventures & it is so rare - I can't even remember when rare  - that they escorted me on just such an outing.  We are headed out of town tomorrow & I just needed to get a couple of capris.   The boys needed to get somethings.  I am down to the wire time wise so we were to be a shopping team.  They knew a shop or two for me was part of the plan. 

Going into it they were actually supportive.  Helping me find my size, giving me their opinions & making jokes along the way.  Then they couldn't fathom why I had to make sure I had mix & match outfits.  And then....I had to try it all on.  Then...they were sent on several occasions to get another size.  Then...I actually emerged only to re-examine some tops that I didn't think I liked the 1st time I saw them. 

Now I have discovered my middle son (15) is definitley a hunter gatherer type.  He decided I was just trying to make his life miserable because certainly I have tried on atleast one outfit I must have liked by now & I should just buy it & go.  He will no longer assist in picking out any more matching accessories. 

My youngest (14) who is doing his best to hang with me on this begins to lose his stamina for it but will not give in that easily.  He is my competitive one & it's now his mission to last longer then his brother.  We finally make it to the check-out & I do have some very fun outfits I am excited about. 

My youngest informs my middle son that if he expects to have a girlfriend he better get with the program because this is what you have to put up with.  My middle son said his girl will have other interest & besides he is in no hurry to get one.  The check-out girl was cracking up.  Then I had a coupon & for $20.00 more I could save $50.00.  As both the boys tried to fathom this math equation I added 6 new underware to my pile.  Thrilled to be actually getting all that I needed & all on sale - I practically waltzed out of the store.

Do you know what my sons had to say?  "Oh mom - you're such a girl."  Well I am glad they noticed.  Having my daughter move on has created a new dynamic in our home.  One where I am often out numbered but on this day - I ruled

Have a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend!!