It was a horrible morning.
My wallet was gone. You decided to be up cage fighting before dawn. Before Dawn.
There were glimmers of hope.
Your father watched you in hopes I slept in against the noise. (But that’s his superhero ability.) I got some emails from some of my favorite people. It turned out I left my wallet at the last store we were at yesterday, but really that would be your fault.
Then I took you out of the house.
I should have known it was a bad idea.
It took my twenty minutes to get shoes and socks and jackets on you. By the way, jackets are not optional when your mom declares you have to wear them. And Sean, it’s not funny to keep choosing the other jacket from the one that’s in my hand.
I nearly had to drag you across the parking lot to get to the store with my wallet. Then you danced merrily as I talked to three different people in search for my wallet I was told was there 30 minutes before. At least, they had it. Then I dragged you back across the parking lot. Evan begging for lunch at a “restaurant” doesn’t work if you’re being a pain in the butt.
Then I needed to go to the grocery store. Then my brain must have stopped working because I also decided I might as well hit the dollar store before the grocery store because they’re right next to each other.
Which worked out well for the first two minutes.
Then you had to sword fight with the candy-filled plastic candy canes, ask for different ornaments, and innocently suggest we go down the aisle with the picture frames and candles.
I should have known better. The aisle led to the toys. I can only thank God that I can say “We’ll put it on your list” because it makes you leave faster than a no. We were still there too long. And Evan, what is it with you and the most disgusting, ugliest toys?
At least you both we’re adorable for the cashier as you entertained her with pirate stories.
The grocery store wasn’t so bad at first either. You helped me find apples, cucumbers, and onions. You even liked the broccoli idea.
Then we got to pick out dried fruit. Then Evan decided, after we made our decision on the dried plums you both just had to have, that he wanted dried cranberries. Next time, little dude. Then the whining began. For three aisles. Enough for a woman to shoot me a dirty look that I was happily willing to return because it was the third aisle. Like she knew that my kids acted this way all the time. He’s whining, annoying true, but he’s not stealing toys. And Sean, running around, not standing in one place, must move at all times. Ah, good times.
The whining settled to a dull roar as I finished the grocery shopping. Could you both not take off at the last five feet before we get to the cookie stand with blinking lights? Because you almost knocked down some old women to get there, trapping me behind a line of carts. I hate that.
Evan, the answer is no. Again. No to the sting cheese. No to that cheese. No to the chips. No to the cookies. No to the doughnuts. No to the Christmas decorations. No to the toy car. No. No. No.
Then the dire warning about listening to me, standing still, being good in the checkout lane fell out of your ears as we crossed the aisle to the checkout.
Just as you were about to act out, Evan engaged the woman in front in a conversation, who said “Are you listening to your mommy?” You became quiet and intent on the woman. Then Evan had a nice conversation with her. Sean stayed by me. Evan helped me with emptying out the cart. I swear the woman was a saint.
Of course as soon as she left, you tried to follow her. My attention was torn between the cashier and keeping you in the store. As we left, I discovered “the treat” I was trying to brag you with, the cardboard gingerbread house, had been moved. It was gone. The whining started again as I demanded you climb on the cart, keeping your feet up.
At least you snacked as I loaded the car. But if tomorrow is anything like today, I’m packing up, and you’re living with your grandparents.
