What is crazy?

I took the four with me grocery shopping yesterday while the older two were at school. Will I ever learn? That is an exhausting experience to say the least. We only had five things on our list fruits, veggies, eggs, yogurt, and medicine (for me, bronchitis. The doctor told me to rest. Ha, ha!)

When we were at the pharmacy the woman on the other side of the counter said, “I still don’t know how you do it. I would go crazy! My one kid drives me crazy.” I smiled and bid farewell as usual, but I started thinking.

What makes a person crazy? Isn’t being crazy defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? Well, here I was in the store with the kids again expecting them to behave and not ask for much just like I have so many other times. Nearly every episode ends with my vow to never take them to the store with me again.

Yet, I continue to repeat it even though I don’t have to. I could go shopping while they are at school. I would rather read or do laundry else while they are gone and deal with the chaos of trying to shop with the kids. That is crazy! Why does everyone say, “I would go crazy”? Don’t I look like I am crazy? There is certainly more than once that I have felt crazy!

I take them with me in hopes they will learn how to plan for a meal, save money for what is on the list, put things on a list for future purchases, and keep a budget. (Don’t worry about them learning how to do laundry. There is never a shortage of laundry!)

Yesterday, Marek asked for Chinese food. Letting them be involved in our routine of life brings new and unexpected experiences. I wouldn’t expect my kids to eat Chinese, but since he asked for it we got it. The kids all helped make dinner and then they actually ate most of it!

We had a great evening! Homework was done before Daddy got home from work, dinner was finished right on time, and three of the kids had haircuts while watching a movie after dinner. Everyone was bathed and ready for bed almost on time. Then we tried to agree on what type of cookies to make for Christmas. Needless to say, we did NOT end up going to bed on time, but everyone was happy.

At the store earlier the pharmacist was trying to figure out which of the kids are identical. (none are) I had them stand close together and smile for her. They are so adorable! They melt my heart. They were actually sitting in the waiting chairs being good! Maybe I’m not so crazy. After all, the results do seem to be changing.

I have heard more than once, accompanied by a sigh and look of pity, “better you than me.” I say, “That’s right!” I am so glad to have all my little miracles. They really do make life more exciting.