Just Shopping With Mom

Have you ever read a Mercer Mayer book? I just love these books! There is one called "Just Shopping with Mom" about 'Mom' and her 3 'critters' going to the grocery store.

It's totally unrealistic because at one point 'Mom' takes the baby into the bathroom to get a fresh diaper (I guess...it doesn't say, I'm just assuming). She leaves the other 2 to their own devices. They are probably 5 years and 3 years maybe. I don't know. It doesn't say, again, I'm just assuming. 

There is NO WAY in TARNATION I could take 1 little person into the bathroom and leave the other 2 to their own devices. Seriously. I have to drag every last one of them in there. And now you are agreeing that toting around the mini-potty in my mini-van is pure genius! Close your eyes for just a moment and imagine what it is like to take a 5.5 yr old and 2 almost 3 yr olds into a bathroom. AAAHHHHAHHH!! See - scared you didn't it?

I won't EVEN talk to you about what they say in the bathroom.

So, yes, in the story, Little Sister gets in trouble. DUH, but what was Mom thinking??!?! That's just not smart parenting.

But it gets better.

She then puts all her groceries in the car and proceeds to go shopping for a new dress for Sister. Honestly. Where on earth does she live??? Obviously not where I do. There is never a time that I could leave my groceries in the car to continue shopping. They would melt by the time I got back to them. And they aren't wearing jackets - so it can't be winter.

I'm just sayin'. Not realistic.

Anyway, A-Dog got to go Shopping With Mom.  Just MOM. No siblings. That alone is a true treat! His birthday is in 10 days and around here, we have to take advantage of our birthdays by squeezing as much out of them as we can (or, at least I do...). Plus, this is the big 1-3 (13) so we are making it special.

I have been struggling lately to purchase the right items of clothing for him. He has gotten more selective and I am no longer able to pick the perfect things. Sad I know. But, (ok, sit down for this) he has never really gone shopping for clothes. Here and there maybe, but never like we did on Sunday.

He got to pick out his own clothes, try things on, decide on what he wanted, regardless of whether or not it was on sale. (I know, I'm still amazed his mom let him do this!!! I think he knew what he was doing when he picked my favorite food place for lunch!).  AND, he even begrudginly admitted that he had fun. Of course, he needs to be trained on "how to put the clothes back on the hanger", not just throw it all out to me. But I loved every second of it!

But he got some nice stuff and I approve of his taste. The boy does have expensive taste in shoes though. But once we got to that point, I talked him down off that ledge and pointed him in the direction of some more affordable ones.

I can't believe my 'baby boy' will be 13 soon. He is honestly one of the greatest people you will meet. I love hanging out with him, chatting with him and spending time with him. He makes me laugh. And I do love to laugh!

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!