Viewpoints

GM, TJ, and I went to Central Market this afternoon. Oh, how I love Central Market! My little ones still like it, too, because they get to put a quarter in the piggy bank and pick a banana or an orange. And then at the floral counter before we check out they get to put a quarter in that piggy bank and pick out a flower. And because Mama is a sucker for the dry goods section and lets them get tiny portions of candy for like twenty-seven cents. And because she's euphoric to be in Central Market she lets them eat all of it in the store and then happily pays for the empty little bag.

My older ones don't like CM so much. It's too crowded and narrow and noisy for them. I can see their point, but come on, it's Central Market! What's not to love?

Anyway, so we wandered the aisles and found our goodies. Had plenty of time today so we could go slow and soak up the sights. That was nice, and I was able to observe GM and TJ taking in the world through their eyes. I'm trying to remember to do that more. It was pretty peaceful even having to keep young-uns out of the way of oncoming buggies (no easy task inside that store).

Bought veggies today for a party on Thursday. GM loved touching the ice around the broccoli. Okay, and some of the broccoli. The lady beside us didn't quite feel the joy, but she kept a polite smile.

Stopped to check in on the crabs and lobsters. Answered, for the millionth time, "Why do they have those bands on their hands?" I'm sad that one of these days GM and TJ will have the horrific realization of what happens to those critters when they get home to someone's kitchen.

Stopped for a potty break but took the kids in the family room because the women's was being cleaned. As we're going in GM asks quizzically, "Why is there a man AND a woman on the sign?"

Buggied past the wine section. TJ always asks, "Is that ALCOHOL?" "Why do people drink ALCOHOL?" (We've had some familial situations which have required more explanation of alcohol, and the effects of too much thereof, than most 3 year olds would need to know.)

Snatched the cracker from GM's hand mere milliseconds before he returned it to the sampler roundy-round. He'd taken one out, held it, then decided he didn't want it. Caught the eye of yet another lady as I said, louder and more slowly than if I'd remained unnoticed, "No, dear, we don't put them back after we've touched them." Quickly ate the cracker myself to dispose of the evidence.

Bought some coffee beans (for the party), and used the grinder machine. Never done that before. The kids got a kick out of seeing the machine jiggling and a' bouncing, and that little paper sack shaking it's heart out. I felt grateful that I'd figured out the machine and still had all my fingers.

Checked out the cookie section. Another couple walked past us and we only heard a snippet of their conversation which happened to be, " ... we're not married ...". TJ turned her head to gaze at them, then turned around and said in a hushed/surprised tone, "They're not MARRIED!" Man, what's society coming to? Shopping at CM and you're not even married. My, my.

Found another sampler bin, but this time it was flavored water. I took a small cup over to TJ and held a cup for me. You know, those little plastic cups, about twice the size of a communion cup. (Well, a typical southern Baptist/CofC/non-denominational cup anyway ;^) ) She started to take a sip, then stopped quickly and said in all seriousness, "Wait. We forgot to pray." I laughed but then said, "Well, let's pray then," and she offered up a small prayer there in the aisle for the cup she was about to receive. And this child doesn't even take communion! I am realizing more and more how observant she is.

Tried some bread samples. Strolled through the cheese section with GM hugging each gigantic wheel of cheese, in awe that there really was actual, real cheese in there.

Wrapped up our purchases, bought two 25 cent flowers. GM was bereaved because the one he wanted wasn't "blooming" (it was a tulip). I managed to convince him to take a purple fuzzy stalk-looking thing, also non-blooming, because I showed him that it looked like a sword. That sealed the deal.

Paid for the food while GM and TJ were sword-fighting in the checkout lane with their new flowers. Pulled them close and explained, again for the millionth time, that we do not sword fight in stores. Let them take a few laps on the outdoor planter ledges. Strapped in for the ride home and rejoined our family and a good friend for a lovely meal and hours of catch-up talk.

Bonus - while the little ones and I were gone, the older ones had vacuumed, cleaned bathrooms, cleaned the fridge, and cleaned their rooms, in preparation for our guest.

Very nice day. The Lord is Good to bless people with friends, and food, and time to relax and chatter about anything that comes to mind. Seeing the world through 3-year-old and 4-year-old eyes was also very sweet.