I am separated from my mom and dad by a couple of states so I don’t get to see them very often. And I certainly don’t get a chance to go shopping with my mom so it’s something we try and do when we get together.

Today, we decided to check out the shops on Armitage and Sheffield in Chicago. Cute, trendy boutiques. I found a beautiful, unique necklace made with murano glass beads. Mom bought me matching earrings. There were great clothing boutiques and other stores with housewares. A very fun way to spend an afternoon. Then we went to the mall so I could help mom buy a birthday gift for her son-in-law and we couldn’t help but walk past the shoe display at Nordstrom. I bought myself a really cute pair of shoes; Mom bought me a pair of really cute shoes.

This is where I say living out of state has its advantages. I guess the joy of Mom being able to shop with me made her so happy she had to buy some things to commemorate the afternoon. I believe that if we shopped together more often, I’d get less stuff. While I miss my mom a lot, I certainly treasure afternoons like this. For the loot, I mean the quality time.

Jacob suggested Mom set a budget for our visits. Blasphemer! These shopping sprees are what bind a mother and daughter together. If it gives Mom pleasure to buy me things, than so be it. We’re dealing with a higher power. You can’t put a budget on that kind of delight.

On a serious note, I love my mom. And I’d love her even if she didn’t buy me stuff. When she’s ready for the old folks home, I’ll splurge for a room with a window and for an extra fifteen minutes of exercise for her.