I was determined to get outside today. The sun was shining, the air crisp, and I had a plan. I'd take the kids to Target during Danica's long nap time and buy them a few cold-weather clothing items.
Everytime I thought Danica was ready to fall asleep, someone (who shall remain unnamed. You pick one. you're probably right.) would yell something at the top of his lungs.
By the time we got out the door, none of us having eaten lunch (except Danica, of course) it was almost 2 pm. A quick stop at McDonald's and we were off.
Target has new carts. The baskets in said carts are too small to hold two large toddlers comfortably. Yes, they have nice new carts you can strap two kids in the front of. I think they ordered two. And pretty much every family of young kids in the county decided to shop at said Target this afternoon.
The thought occured to me that maybe this expedition was doomed. But, I perservered.
Danica, exhausted, lets out a few half-hearted squawks and passes out. Maybe this will be fine. We proceed to the clothing and find several cute things, inluding a top gun shirt we buy solely for the F-16 on the front. Was it $3 extra because it said "Top Gun"? Yes! Does it say "Daddy's Wing-man" which makes it sound like Nick is using the twins to hit on women? Yes! DID WE BUY IT ANYWAY BECAUSE IT HAD AN F-16 ON IT? YES!
So far, so good. We head to the most dangerous of all areas:toys. The boys have been promised some new Play-doh. No big, costs like $1.80 for four colors. A deal! Except, they don't have any singles & the only four pack has 2 pinks, a purple & a blue. So I scout around & find a little case with some toys included for $5.50. Cool. We head to groceries.
A few little things later, we're ready to check out. The play-doh case has been removed to the bottom of the cart, where the boys can stare at it longingly but not fight over it. Danica's awake, and threatening a storm. The lines are ridiculous. But, efficient Targeters open new lanes and we're speeding throught the check-out. Danica starts to scream. The boys are smooshing the groceries. I am hungry, having not eaten my hamburger.
Out the door, into the car. Good grief that was expensive. I glance at the receipt. WHAT!? THE PLAY-DOH WAS $15.50! ARGHHHH.
Now, having verified online, after stalling the boys with a popsicle, that it really was $15, I have a dilemma. I would never have put that play-doh in my cart knowing the real price. No fits, the boys would've been happy with their $1.69 4 pack. but now they've been staring excitedly at it for the better part of an hour. We're home. It will, in fact, do its job of keeping them happily occupied.
Which is how, in the course of a few hours, an item I was only willing to pay $5 for became worth $15.
(except, you realize I'll be swearing at myself everytime they play with it--no matter how often it is--foreveer)
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5 comments:
Sounds like a familiar trade off! I totally agree about the value changing, it is amazing what you are willing to do during a shopping trip that you would never have with a "clear mind" which dissappears with me if I have more than one with me when I shop.
You are doing such a great job Janine.
I'm hoping that I am not at fault for sending you that gift card and therefore creating the desire in you to go to Target in the 1st place :)
That's the life of a mom and somedays it stinks! I cant believe they can charge $15.00 for PLAY DOUGH!
Every time I take the kids to the store, I swear that I am not going to do it again. Then when I need something, I forget and make the mistake of taking them again. I told Samuel he can't ask for things but he can tell me what he wants for his birthday. I think he is going to be very dissapointed when he does get all 502 things that he has shown me.
Drop your boys off. Seriously. Even if it is just so you can take a nap or sit and do nothing. They crack me up.
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