Last evening, it was discovered that we were nearly out of diapers. We had enough to last through midday today, which would normally not be a problem, except that I had to work this morning. (Wouldn't have time to run before work.)
Now that John is on 2nd shift, I'm not afforded the luxury of running out to grab some alone through the evening, or even making my usual trip when the kids get to bed. Nope, last night it was all or none. I loaded up all 10 to hit the nearest Dollar General. I had just 3 or 4 things on my list...diapers, tissues, dishsoap, and deoderant I think. Shoulda been in and out in less than 5 minutes. Oh no! Not anymore.
Alice grabbed a cart and took Frank, Emma had a cart with Rose, and I had Lucy and Charlie in my cart. The rest were on their own to run like wild monkeys through the store. Okay, they actually behaved quite well...and I promised if they behaved well, they could pick out their valentines cards.
That promise was my biggest mistake. The arguments began..."If they get Valentines, can the rest of us get something little." Oi. Mind you, it's rare, VERY RARE, that the kids ever get to pick out toys or treats at the store. We just always stick to the list. But I had the army with me, and feared anarchy, so I caved. Everyone got to pick one small thing (less than a dollar). There were a couple that just couldn't decide...my patience was wearing thin, but I stood strong. I smiled at everyone who glanced across shelves, pointed, giggled, waiting for me to lose it. I never lost it. Selections were finalized and after what seemed like an eternity, we made it to the register. The older kids helped the younger ones out to the van to buckle, while I paid. Yikes...$30 of essentials, and $10 of junk...I'm not sure we can afford for John to stay on this shift. Ha! In hindsight, it might have just been cheaper, and less exhausting, to pay a neighbor girl a couple bucks to come over for 15 minutes.
Oh well. That which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger. I know we can get out and accomplish just about anything we need to. Little tasks like these are character & confidence building...although, I'm going to go hide a stash of diapers somewhere now, in case this happens again anytime soon.
