only at Walmart...

Walmart is a great place to entertain the kiddos...  They are actually pretty good about "Looking" and not having the "gimme gimme gimmes."  Usually...  If we say we are not buying any toys, they don't argue and have a blast touching and playing with every single toy (except the pink ones which are "EEEEEWWWWW" to them.) :-) So, today, I needed a couple of things and needed to go get some pictures printed or my camera chip was going to explode.  Well, we all learned a little lesson.  On our way to the photo shop, we see this little boy (only not so little - I'm guessing 7 or 8 years old???) screaming obscenities at his dad.  I mean it was embarrassing.  Jacob looked up at me and said, "what's wrong with that boy and why is his dad not making him behave?"  Jonathan piped up and said, "yeah, I wouldn't do that to you mommy."  I have to admit, I was grateful.  Grateful that they noticed the yucky behavior and grateful that they understand that it is a parent's job to help children understand proper behavior and respect.  And of course, I was grateful it wasn't my kids throwing a fit.  Now, mind you, I've been there.  I have walked out of Lowes before with a screaming toddler in the buggy.  I have had to discipline my kids in public.  I have to remind them to hold my hands.  I have to say no to treats and suckers and all the other shenanigans and propaganda those stores have right at the checkout lanes (pet peeve of mine by the way!)...but, thankfully, when we are in public, most of the time my children have learned there is a proper way to behave. Praise the Lord!  Times like this remind me that this parenting thing is no joke.  Now, when we are in the confines of our house, all bets are off.  :-)

As a caveat, I'm not judging this little boy or his dad.  It just made me think a little.  Nope, it made me think a lot how much I need God's guidance every single step of the way with these three (gulp!) little ones.