Today

Today has been a day like any other day. I awoke to the sounds of, "Hold me, mommy. I want Mommy's bed," while little fingers pulled my head to hers. "Dip it, mommy, dip my paci... in da water. Dip it." So I obliged. And yet another day began with a quick shower before suiting up in my short order cook paraphernalia to hand out breakfast to our 5 chirping little ones. "I want milk! May I have a waffle with cream cheese? He took my seat!!!" Ahhh.... what a peaceful way to start the day!

Our Tiny girl has had terrible asthma for the last few days. She was looking too pekid, so we called our pediatrician and settled on an 11am appointment. After struggling to get everyone dressed and all beds made, we tumbled out the door and ran a few errands before Tiny's appointment. The frame shop is not open on Mondays, so we went to the library to return books. Apparently I am not a good book caretaker, and was told I would be charged for the book I just read because of some water damage (note to self, you just can't read in the bathtub!). This made me mad at myself that I had wasted money on a book I've already read when I am trying to watch how I spend. It ate me UP as I drove to fill the car with gas. Everyone was still happy go lucky as we refilled the car on our way to the bank.

Next we had to have four forms notarized for school. Imagine the bank's delight when I walked in with not one, not two, but FIVE little ducklings all in a row. Everyone began to shift and wiggle and giggle and drive their mama crazy at this point. "Are they all YOURS?" and other questions followed. You've never seen a notary fly through forms so quickly. I think that will be my new plan of action when I need to be in and out quickly!

At last we went to the pediatrician where the crowd was even gigglier, wigglier, and wilder. We beat all pediatrician world records and were in and out of the appointment and BUCKLED IN THE CAR in 22 minutes. Perhaps Dr. B was ready to move on to the next patient after being accosted with 45 thousand questions! Tiny was given a steroid to help her little lungs, so it was off to Publix.

We sashayed into the store amidst looks of terror and fear. The questions began immediately. "Are they all YOURS? Certainly there are twins in there somewhere. Two girls and a boy. That's unusual, isn't it? At least you got your boy. I know your husband's happy." I smiled, answered as best as I could, and moved on.

My brilliant friend, W, had told me that you can EAT right there in the Publix. It was 11:30am and the troops were beginning to show signs of hunger, and my short order cook ensemble was at home. We meandered over to the hot and cold food section and managed to eat for $10!!! That is less than $1.70 a person! You beat that! While I was waiting to pay, the Publix lady let a man go in front of me. After he realized that I was waiting to pay too, he apologized and said he thought I was waiting for something. I was a little miffed because I had been waiting for a lONG time to pay (they didn't have a cashier so a sub maker had to do it), but I kept quiet. I told him it was okay, and was glad to know he didn't do it on purpose. Well, wouldn't you know we were sitting there eating our goodies and someone came from behind, put their hand on my shoulder, and said, "I felt so bad about jumping in front of you, so I bought you all dessert." He handed me some delicious Klondike bars and we all thanked him profusely. I told him he did not need to do that, and he said, "Yes, but it's kinda fun," and walked off. The children were so surprised and happily gobbled their treats!!

Then, as we left, the bagger, an older man in his 70s, gave each child a quarter. They left saying, "This is the NICEST store! I can't believe that! That man gave us ice cream and then the other man gave us a quarter!"

So, if you need to borrow 5 little peeps for your shopping pleasure, just give me a holler!