When the kids drive with me, all sorts of craziness may be happening in the van. Today, we had chanting about favorite hockey teams, singing funny songs to make Jillian happy, debates about lunch choices and random noise-making challenges. Maybe 5 - 10% of these activities would occur if my husband was behind the wheel. You should see how much work it takes for me to keep the peace while he drives. I'm wiped out before we even get to our destination :)
I like that the kids want to have fun while I drive. I do my best to tune out most of the chaos as I focus on the road. I think I tuned out too well because I noticed that they were playing a "rip up every piece of paper" game. My husband would have gone crazy if it was his SUV.
Overall, we had a fun day and the kids enjoyed window shopping. When my husband comes to the mall, he is all business. Where do you have to go? Are we almost done? Which way to the exit by the van? The kids and I like roaming around without a specific agenda or time line. I tell my husband that we will miss these days when the kids are always with us. Soon enough, they will be off with their friends, and they will not be as ready to go anywhere with their parents. I want to treasure this time while I can.
As we passed a smiling woman offering massages at a booth, I told her that I wish I could stop for a quickie massage. She suggested that I get the massage while the kids watch. I told her that the kids staying still for those ten minutes was not conceivably possible. Also, I wouldn't be able to relax while checking on them each minute. As most moms know, it's practically impossible to shop for one little thing for yourself when the kids are around. A massage would be a real stretch. However, I do think the kids would have thought it was funny to see me in the massage chair.
We've been back for about a half hour, and the kids have already asked about when we're going to the pool. I sent them to clean up all that paper in my van. I wonder how long that will keep them busy. I wish I could borrow their energy :)
Here's a little Family Circus comic fun for you today.
26 comments:
sounds like a busy, busy day for you...but that's probably not new with you! i'm exhausted just from reading about your adventure at the mall! although it's busy, i'm glad you had a nice time. i hardly ever visit our mall anymore with so many strip malls with Target, Michael', JC Penny all together in one place, i hardly venture to the mall.
enjoy the pool! and i hope all those little pieces of paper got cleaned up!
You rock! I have little patience for chaos in the car....I like it fairly quiet. But I am getting better...I just hate the hitting and screeching.
So funny about the mall...my husband won't even go. He hates shopping and usually just stands outside the store and waits...good fun ;)
Thankfully I have 2 girls and they love to wander around and look at everything.
I like that you are willing to put up with the chaos of kids. You're right that time moves swiftly. There's a country song about that, how time moves in a bink of an eye... good for you for enjoying it!
I know, where do kids get their energy? We were out all morning...went by my old office to say hi, lunch with a friend, Target, Costco, a baby boutique and now we are home. I put her down for a nap thinking she would be exhausted and she is singing to herself in her crib. I have no idea how they have that much energy. I wish I did!
I think it's funny that you posted that family circus comic - I totally imagine your house like theirs!
Sounds like a successful mall trip. I'm off to the outlet mall this weekend to use some coupons and get T Rex some fall items. I cannot keep up making clothes for this growing child! And school starts next week (for me) - time is running out!
Isn't that the kicker about going places with kids -- the car ride to get there takes more energy than anything! I'm glad you made it to the mall and back with most of your sanity. It's a task I won't try until months have passed with the newborn!
I can't believe you took them all to the mall! I don't even go alone. :) Glad you had a good day.
I think a day at the mall by myself with back to school sales going on would be enough. With kids along, I would be napping by now.
I am glad that you made it out of the mall alive. I took the kids yesterday. I think they were so tired from school that they were ready to just stop after an hour. Thank goodness! I can't stand shopping.
Oh man...I love the car...all those sweet little darlings restrained with nylon straps!
Sounds like a very busy, fun day! I'm very much like your hubby when it comes to shopping...all business and get outta there. It's nice to take a road trip every now and then. Glad you and the kids had a great time.
This post touched me so... I have so many fond memories with the Family Circus too! :) Thank you for sharing your fun day!
Blessings
Kringle
I love to hear about other moms who enjoy chaotic and disorganized, but fun shopping trips with kids! :)
How well I remember those days of driving when the kids were small! Seems like it was just yesterday!
I cannot imagine what it would be like to take four children out. I find it difficult to take my two out by myself sometimes. It sounds like y'all had a pretty great time though!
My girls are 2 and 3 and already they are doing the 'my side of the car, no mine!' with their feet. We've gotta get our dvd player fixed!
I love those chair massages. I'm not sure how relaxing it would be with four children 'watching', though! :)
Shaune's the exact same way about the mall or any store that doesn't sell tools or stereo/tv equipment. I've sometimes had to take Deaglan with me to get my eyebrows threaded and those were very unpleasant times for both me and Suk. I can't imagine trying to corral four curious minds.
You're absolutely right! Those kids are little for so short a time. It goes by way too quickly. We did a whole lot of singing in the car. That seemed to work most times.
Men are so weird, aren't they? Hubby is exactly the same way. Sometimes he'll say, "Take as much time as you need. I'm not rushing you." But I feel him tensing up, and getting fidgetty.
"We can have fun without being wild," was one of my refrains when the kids were little. Too many adults, especially dads, make the mistake of putting "big heads on little bodies." Kids are kids, and they need their fun times too. (I usually only cracked the whip in the car when it was raining, there was heavy traffic, or police activity. For kids, chaos and fun are close companions; however, I think kids have the most fun, when they know where the lines are.) Sounds like you're striking a great balance; plus, your kids get to experience the more "serious" dad mind set: "We're going to the mall to buy stuff, not shop. Let's get this thing done."
Ah yes, we know the "rip up every piece of paper" game. Our children would surely play well together!
Uh no. No way I could do a 10 minute massage with my three little ones "watching." I'd be having to pay them for all of their massage oils and lotions that my children opened and tried out while they weren't watching. Sometimes I'm just sure these people who ask these questions have never had children of their own. Just like I think half the people who write teacher's ideas books have never actually taught the lessons they propose to a class of 22 five-year-olds. ;)
I think we may be married to separated-at-birth twins!!! : )
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Cute comic. Malls with husbands don't seen to be as fun, do they? I am glad the mall adventure went well. One day we will look back on these child filled moments and miss them dearly.
There are days when I love taking my kids out and there are days when I hate it. I just wished I was psychic so I could work out which day I would love.
Your kids are sweet...and smart too...I know who I would choose to go to the mall with too.
Oh, I love it! I'm so glad to know that my daughter is not the only one who tears up paper all over the car! And my husband FREAKS if he happens to be along... Glad you had a nice time at the mall!
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