Those People....

Those people...you know the ones I'm talking about.

The ones that you see at the grocery store with kids that are whining, screaming, hanging on or off the cart, throwing stuff or adding stuff to the cart unbeknown to the shopper. The ones you either pity or wonder why they are even there.

Those people, the ones you see at restaurants with the ridiculous mess under the table and smeared food and whatnot all over the top of the table - the ones you want removed from the joint so you can enjoy your nice peaceful dinner. Where did they come from anyway and why don't their kids sit down?

What about those people at church and that just can't keep their kids in their general vicinity and you see them wander all over the place? Can't they just make them behave?

Have you seen those people before???

Boy I sure have. More than once and in a lot more places. Actually on a daily basis. Every time I go somewhere I see them...or I am them. I fear WE have become THOSE people!

But give me a moment to defend some of those people. I AM of the people that attempts to keep kids in *check*. I do not let them run aimlessly around (usually), I do not let them bother others (with intent), and I do not loose them (for long). I do care. I just can't control everything they do! Believe me I've tried unsuccessfully!

It is not an easy task to get to the grocery store with a 4 yr old and 19 mth old twins. Let's back up. It's not an easy task to get a shower each day and look like I actually did something that constitutes "getting ready". That said, when I have to get groceries with my 3 younger kids, it is not always pretty and we don't always get what we need.

In order to accomplish this before snack and nap at 10:00am a lot has to be done. 3 kiddlets have to be fed and then cleaned - check. All 3 in clothes and shoes (thank goodness the 4 year old can do this on his own!) - check . Diaper bag and stash of tricks packed - check. Reusable grocery bags - check. Me ready - check (wait, did I eat? I'll do that later)! All this by 7:30am - check.

Stores have not come up with a good solution for shopping with kids (Basha's actually has - they have a babysitting area, really, I swear, but I can guarantee they will ask me to come get my kids). The only cart I can use is those carts with the annoying *car* in front 2 can sit in the car - 2 can sit in the top seat. Lately I have had 1 in the car, 1 in the seat and 1 walking (yes, Wyatt, not the twins)....not the best option, but no one is touching anyone else...mostly. The turning radius is that of a large garbage truck, and I have been known to knock over a display case or two :-). And, yes, midway I have discovered some unneeded items tucked in the *car* partially opened.

The twins (now 19ish months) recognize food. Yogurt, goldfish, fruits...and this is where it can get tricky (read LOUD). I have one taking things off shelves and 1 pointing and wanting very adamantly. I have found that to be swift is the best solution. I cannot even mark things off my list for fear of someone taking my pen. I try not to stop and dawdle or legs start climbing out of the car (with buckle on).

Yup, I'm afraid I have become those people. I am aware of the stares, I hear the comments (because they say them out loud to me), I get it. But next time you see one of US - have some compassion. We need to eat and our banshees need fresh air! Just walk up to them and say "don't forget your Starbucks on your way home, you deserve it!". I promise, it will make all the difference in the world!