not this cute anymore!In my defense, I only slept for about 2 hours last night. I was up early to get my kids off to school. My three littles don't give me any free time these days, so showering is not really an option until after lunch. Anyway, I wasn't planning on heading out in public, but our dear neighbors were sick with the nasty flu bug we had last week and they needed some things at the store. So, to the store I went, hag-like or not.
I tried to avoid all human contact while all the store, but alas, I ran into two friends! One I hadn't seen in over two years. That was "fun" to catch up. The other is the primary prez from my ward and she sees me dressed as Sister Friendly all the time (who is very haggish herself) so no worries. After my second encounter, I knew it was time to get out of that store... and fast.
While ringing up, all three of my kids started crying. Zack got his finger smashed by the cart. Simon wanted candy. Ro was hungry or tired.. or both. I was becoming more haggard by the minute. I thanked the cashier and smiled, in desperation, at the little 90 year old man bagging my groceries. He was moving ever so slowly. When he placed the last back in my cart, he looked at me in the eyes and said, "Wow! Do you work out? You are a real cutie-pie!" Before I could say a word, he continued to compliment me by saying, "You should be proud of yourself! You're looking great, especially with three little kids!" I was so surprised by this, I didn't know what to say, but I tell you what, I was ready to take on the world--- in my black stretchy pants and all!
I called Aaron on the way home to tell him that old men were hitting on me in the grocery store. He was super jealous. When I arrived home, I had Zack take a picture of me in all my beautiful glory. Sometimes a picture says more than words ever can.
Today I felt the power of a sincere compliment. I don't care if it came from someone who was blind and senile. It really lifted my spirits and made me remember what's important. I might look like a hag on the outside, but I've got potential.... Somewhere underneath the layers of dirt, sweat and spit-up, a real CUTIE-PIE resides.
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7 comments:
This made me smile. Is it bad that my new year's resolution is to try and wear lipstick when I leave the house? That's how it is around here. For the record, you are a REAL cutie pie!
I'm going to find a stranger today and compliment him/her -- and I hope it's a "cutie pie" mom with lots of kids! I love this post!
I'm glad you checked out before me. The old guy is always there and this time he was just in shock that I had a 2 year old, a 10 month old, and was bursting at the seams with another one. I actually got dressed yesterday to go to the store and was feeling good and no old man complimented me, so you should be feeling pretty good about yourself.
Plus, when you're pushing around a baby that cute nobody cares what you look like, and when you're doing something so nice for someone else you're allowed to be haggish.
And you got out of there just in time. I ran into Emily Bowman in the parking lot and she was looking cute and put together and had no kids with her!
Anyway, hag didn't come to my mind yesterday, awesome mom did. That's what you are!
Janet, I oculd seriously read your post all day!! Your fabulous!! And soo... REAL. Which iis the best part. Every mom out there feels like you ( I do at least, haha) and you make the rest of us feel just a little less discourage because we know others out there has the same issues. I especially liked the 3 children making life a little more chaotic at the check out ;) ... Seriously though. I just love you!
SUCH a cute story! And yes, you are a hot mama.
I had something similar on a TERRIBLE day-- JOnas painted the whole back porch (walls and doors and all), then my kids were literally climbing out of my van windows into the street and I picked up Max from school (only 15 feet away, but they are sneaky), went bizzerk on my second for the schinnanigans, then took them to the store for an awful experience, followed by a trip to the post office to stuff an oversized pillow into a miniature box to ship to my mother-in-law while my children ran out of control all over USPS. As I got in the car and closed all the doors (feeling like a real piece of work), a little old man in a sweater on a really hot day knocked on my window and held up a little chocolate. I thought he was homeless and trying to sell it so I pulled out a dollar and rolled down my window. He saw the money and said "No, no... delicious... for you." I was almost in tears and told him thank you. HE pointed to my kids in the back and said "No, thank you."
I cried the whole way home and keep the chocolate on my dresser because I felt like Heavenly Father was telling me thanks for doing what I do (even though it is SO imperfectly) and felt of his love from a stranger.
Sorry for the long comment, but I loved your story!
I love this! you really are such a cutie pie! -even when you dont feel like it. xoxo
AWESOME!!!!
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