this is how we started….
good mood
ready with coffee
being silly taking pictures
no make-up and no more manicure.
my hair is wrapped up behind not chopped off
my plan was to take pictures of them picking their school supplies.
i am not always very realistic i guess.
we went past the shoes first so they each began to look.
each in different isles shouting “mom..i can’t find any.”
“mom are these my size?”
“what is my size?”
“Mom!!! i want these!”
it was still fine. they each found a pair – even annie.
i was feelin’ good.
then we hit the school supplies section…which seemed smaller for some reason.
i suddenly thought “WHAT AM I DOING?”
1. annie…into everything, no shoes on, talking non stop with a few SCREAMS in between
2. scott is helpless…can’t seem to look at a list and pick out that item
3. lauren is in her own shopping world…not to be distracted by anyone or anything
4. sean and talby can’t read but want to pick their things
holy cow it was crazy.
we finally got almost everything…i couldn’t find where target keeps kleenex?
then we got to the registers
ok…i am that woman.
the woman with all the kids and the overflowing cart…
the one you stare at or avoid eye contact…
the one you don’t get behind in line…
we had to get a second cart.
annie was screaming about chocolate
the boys were looking at something…in the way AND not helping
talby was trying to help but then the broke bag and it spilled everywhere
lauren was…there but completely spaced out…she’s 12
we are a traveling circus.
i lost my temper with all of them in the parking lot.
not cool.
as i drove i thought “this is supposed to be a fun thing.”
“this could have a been a special time”
i should have taken them in groups…or even one on one.
it should’ve been special and exciting but it was SO NOT THAT!
lesson learned.
craig saved the day by bringing home pizza
and then even taking us on a walk and out for ice cream.
we sat on the steps of the library museum and watched the cars go by.
Mamabear - I am *that* woman also. I have 4 (3/5/8/11). My oldest (a girl also) is just like your oldest: in her own world. My youngest is just like your youngest one. Cute but makes me absolutely crazy (and I am constantly thinking, “the others weren’t like this, were they?” and they really weren’t)–she definitely makes me realize we’re done. 😉 The middle 2 (one boy, one girl) talk constantly and ask too many questions and never leave me (or each other alone). Sigh. I’m just so glad to see we are not alone. 🙂
Aimee - I am that woman also! With 4 kids I am the woman that people look at and then look at the ground when you look their way. We all can be quite a circus. It makes me feel better when I see people with one child and be overwhelmed. So with that thought, we are amazing!
kristin - ooooooooo…i’m scared to go later this week…
crystal - I only have three girls and I get stressed – on a good day – maybe 20 minutes into the store. Five? Don’t think I could do it. Bless you for being so strong.
danelleI ly@yahoo.com - I can’t imagine shopping for supplies with all 5 kids. I took one and I was still ready to be done. They make those supply lists so detailed too.
amy - no one should look that cute without make-up on. seriously.
traci - LOL…i am reading your blog and just totally cracking up!!! You sound like such a great mom with the BEST of intentions and I think from what I read “most’ of the time it goes well. I have 3 kids and we broke our trip up into a few trips and thankfully started WAY before the herd. First day, clothes…. second day, school supplies and third day backpacks. For some reason backpacks turns into such a HUGE ordeal in our home so we devote a full 1/2 day to it..lol
I LOVE, LOVE , LOVE your blog!!! I have been curious about this for a long time… How did you come up with the name “Talby”…. never heard it, very cute name but am very curious since your other kids have rather common names but Talby is very unique and different..