Katherine's No Good Very Bad Day

See those two little "angels"? Well. We did have six different stops to make this morning - which makes for a crappy day anyway - so I do see how they were a little bit set up. But still.

Stop number four was the grocery store. Olivia won't stay in the cart anymore and so it seemed like most of the time the three of us were headed in three different directions. But we finally did make it to the check out counter and I was digging in my purse for some coupons (for free Kraft products, which is what you get when you find a toasted bug in your cereal) when Olivia went off in search of the horsey ride. I sent Liam after her to explain to her that this particular store has no horsey ride and to bring her back. (Yes, that was a mistake.) Well, they didn't come back, but started running around in circles in the narrow area between the cash registers and the counter where you buy cigarettes. It took me a minute to notice too, because I was still digging in my purse and putting in my loyalty number and trying to pay the damn store. When I looked up my children were seriously holding up traffic. I reined them in sternly, told them to stay close, and went back to paying. This was when the usually-polite grocery bagger man said, at the top of his voice, "You have two very naughty children." And everyone within earshot laughed.

Oh my lord. I laughed too, but I was seriously embarrassed and could feel myself going red. Liam heard, of course, and was mortified, so that he behaved really well at the last two stops. Olivia, being three, didn't notice.

So right now Liam is at school and I've put in a movie for Olivia and I'm going to put on some tea and do some really relaxing knitting. And hope for a better tomorrow.

Comments

[Shannon]

I will go in there next time I'm in town with my three minions and show him what naughty REALLY looks like. He should be kissing your kids' feet shortly thereafter. :)

[sue]

I've see it; I've been there. That's why Barry did most of the grocery shopping with the girls. He didn't see much and they were FREE!!! Sooo hard. Glad you have the diversion of knitting.I think I would choose the movie (not being a great knitter). Better day tomorrow. Sue

[Kristin]

They stopped when you told them to? That alone proves that they are not naughty children. :)

I would have laughed too. :)

[Nadine]

I was expecting Olivia to be screaming that there was no ride! Liam was absolutely perfect to divert her attention by making up their own fun.

I second the cup of tea! And a quiet afternoon.

[Mo]

I remember going shopping with James when he wouldn't stay in the cart. He was probably 18 months old....old enough to run around and pick up glass bottles in his arms....When I reached the point where I couldn't keep track of him, I just scooped him up in my arms and walked out, leaving a cart full of food. Of course, that meant that I had to go back later when Pat got home.

Love the picture!

Mo

[Holly Jo]

Ugh. I am so sorry! Well meaning people who try to help with kids drive me nuts. :) Grocery stores are the WORST for that type of thing.

Hope the afternoon got better quick.

[Judy]

I completely agree with the comments:

Hey...They stopped when you told them to and Olivia did not scream that there was no ride.

.....Liam was absolutely perfect to divert her attention by making up their own fun

Also worthy of note: he was mortified...because he is the kind of person who wants to do the right thing.

You are totally on the right track with your two wonderful children.

[Lisa]

I hate it when people try to raise my kids for me.

One day at the grocery store a bagger asked my daughter what Santa was going to get her for Christmas. She replied with exactly the answer we have given all our children - "Santa does not leave presents for Jewish children. We celebrate Hanukkah instead." My kids have never, ever felt deprived (nor have they ever told a Christian kid that there is no Santa), but this person thought my child needed pity and told her Santa loved her anyway.

I was livid. With a huge line of people behind me, I chose not to make an issue out of it, since it didn't seem to bother Tirzah.