@#$%#!!! Errands

I am trying to keep this as light at possible but I have to say: AAAAHHHHHHHH and I think I need another one for emphasis. AAAHHHHHH! I just spent the last few hours at the DMV with three children. Oh that was fun. (Can you feel the heavy sarcasm I am using?)

Brett asked me to go to the DMV and register our new van. He could have done it himself, but would have had to take off work. (This morning I am really wishing he had). He was a dear and tried to get all the paper work together that I might need. I asked him if he was sure that I had EVERYTHING so I wouldn't have to go back a second time. He said, "I think so but, there is no guarantee on that." (I gave him a less than loving look for that comment).

I have learned through much trial and error that when children are in the mix it is much nicer to have everything ready and make the errand as simple as a mom can make it. Take the post office for example. If the package is labeled, stamped and all you have to do is set it on the counter, the post office is a fun adventure for the kids and the mom. However if mom has to fill out the forms, purchase stamps, talk to the postman, chase the three-year-old, juggle the baby, stop the five-year-old from tipping over the display.... well you get the picture. NOT FUN!

So thinking that I knew what I was getting into,I got my heavy artillery ready for the DMV. I packed backpacks full of crayons and color books and snacks. Checked my paperwork for the tenth time. Dolled up the kids, so even if they weren't on their best behavior... people might at least think they looked like nice kids. Put a soothing CD in the car and headed out for battle.

And yes, it was a battle. I was a very nice and cool as a cucumber mom for the first hour. Chasing the one-year-old wasn't bad. Dealing with the whining was normal. Apologising to the people my kids ran into was OK. Catching the three-year-old before he escaped out the door was a bit trying. But, it was after the hour wait and then being sent elsewhere that got me a wee bit frustrated. By then the one-year-old was screaming, the three-year-old was trying out more escape plans, and the five-year-old was wandering and I was late for an appointment.

We hustled back to the car and zoomed down for the VIN inspection and zoomed back, only to wait in line again. I was so grateful that my three-year-old had his backpack on. (Did you know that those little straps on the top, commonly used to hang the pack up, are also good for child restrains when the kid is wearing the pack?) Pretty much I was holding the baby and all the paperwork in one hand, while Ben was hanging by his back pack strap in the other. All this while listening to people around me chuckle or talk about how to make kids behave.

Finally one of the DMV clerks took pity on me and we were helped and out of there within ten minutes. I am seriously thinking of donating one of those small plastic play set jungle gym things to the local DMV. If I find one at a yard sale this summer that is exactly what I am going to do!

And so... after all that venting... I wish all of you a wonderful day errand free or at least FUN errands with very cheerful children by your side.