an olsen family update

Today I re-learned some lessons the hard way.

When I woke up, I decided to have fun with the girls today. So we went to some yard sales, then we went and got their hair cut (swimming lessons are coming up and bobs are so much easier to comb out), and then we ran to target to get a few things. Then it was time to go to the Mommy and Me playgroup at church. The girls were really excited. So we left Target and headed out to the parking lot but when I got the girls in their car seats, and went to turn on the air conditioning, I got nothing.

My car battery was dead.

So I called AAA. I love them. But it took a few minutes to get to me and even longer for them to replace battery. It was hot out (of course, we live in AZ) and I wanted to cool us off so I decided to take the girls to Famous Footwear. It was right next to Target and would be a nice distraction. Bad idea. I should have gone back to Target and kept the girls busy with popcorn.

The girls were running around, and being loud in the store. I was trying on a few shoes, hoping the AAA guy would call me and say my car was done. At first I really got on the girls for running around and being loud, but it was hard. They were tired, I was tired. We had been out all morning, we were hungry, and the playgroup was not going to happen. 

And then a lady yelled at me from the other side of the store. Yelling that my kids were "brats," and "wild indians" and that I should "control them."

I was mortified. I took the girls and left. 

As I was walking away, I got mad. I wanted to go back and tell her, "Listen Lady, I am doing the best I can. I wouldn't even be here if my car wasn't broken down outside. We are in here to just keep cool and look at pretty shoes. I know my kids are being crazy, but they are tired, hot, and hungry. And they are children, for crying out loud!"

I cried when I got home. Then I called my mom and like always, she reassured me that I was not a bad mom. 

And this is what I am going to take away:

1. I NEVER want to be the person who is critical of other moms. It is hard work. It is not easy and kids don't always act perfect. But we are all trying. Moms need compassion, not criticism.

2. When I seeing a struggling mom, I want to offer help. Even if it just a smile of encouragement. 

3. Stay out of stores without carts. Carts help me corral my kids.

Now, I know my kids are good, and are not brats. Today was a hard day, but that's not how it is every time we go to a store. And I wouldn't trade my kids (or my experiences with them) for anything in the world, even on the worst days. We are all learning together.

Thanks for letting me vent. 

:)