Friday, May 25, 2012

free for all at target

Yesterday I took my boys to Target.
I always feel sorry for those ladies that I see in the store that have
a trail of children tracking behind them in the store,
doing back bends off of the cart, climbing in and out of it
like it's a jungle gym.
And yesterday that lady was me.
I rounded the corner on the shampoo aisle with Addie,
the 6 year old, clinging to the cart like a young monkey.
I told the well groomed woman we walked passed, "Excuse us."
She smiled as I passed her until Jack shot out of the aisle like a rocket
and Will slid behind us on his knees
 like a rock star playing lead guitar.
"Oh! That's what you meant by us....I didn't see all of you."
She cut a wide path around us.  I didn't blame her.
"Yes...here we are....Will, get off of the floor it is filthy."
It is a mild dementia that overcomes me when I think the children
are ready for a run to the store.
Somehow I think this time will be different then the last time.
But the joy of bright objects and candy overwhelms them.
And  I feel like I am corralling frisky puppies
as soon as they hit the store.
They can't contain themselves. The environment is too stimulating.
They do the same things each time we go.
Run down the aisle! Hop down the aisle on one foot! Two feet!
Jump up and touch all the shampoo bottles!
Throw the ball! Chase the ball! Throw the ball!
Sniff as many packages of bubble gum as you can!
Toys! Toys! Toys! Toys! Toys!
And I repeat the same things over and over.
"No, we are not getting that today."
"Please stay where I can see you."
"Come put your hand on the cart."
"Put both hands on the cart."
"All of you...in the cart... now!"
Unfortunately, they are all gangly arms and legs now
and only Addison can fit in the cart.
I've thought of having Jack lay on the under rack like a surfer
and pretend he is paddling out into the surf as I wheel him around
but I think the other boys would be jealous.
But we made it through yesterday. We did.
We are all alive none worse for the wear.
And today I am going to Trader Joe's.
Before school gets out.
By myself.




4 comments:

Sis said...

Just pretend u see me, and then they will behave. Say, "Uh-ho, there's Mrs. Juarez, you better behave or she'll get cha." Heehee

scott aughtmon said...

I have never thought of using a teacher as leverage! I will do it next time for sure! :)

susanna said...

Oops! That last comment was from me...not from Scott! :)

pamelitarose said...

"By myself" two very special words for a mother of children...and I think when they are young it is the energy if the boys in the store...I take Cz & his friend & wonder each time how I forgot I vowed never again...but, then there are the teenage girls. I can't decide what is more of a challenge...to say "hold onto the cart" and use all my energy, or attempt not to be dragged into the fashion, make-up, and accessory trap. My Target bills have grown...because I think someone "always" NEEDS mascara... But as you would most likely agree, you wouldn't have it any other way...well mostly.