Why I'm NOT a cart returner...

     So...about a month ago, I saw a post going around my newsfeed about how awesome a person you were if you returned your cart at the store.  I gave an eye roll and kept scrolling.  Yada, yada, yada.  I call bull.  Because I'll be honest and real, y'all...I typically don't return mine either (unless the hateful lady at food lion is watching, I'm a little scared of her).  Sometimes it's because I'm scared of someone calling me in for leaving my kids alone in the car, while I run that buggy back to it's homeplace.  Or because I have something epic to do (like put my child on her potty seat before she pees her pants).  Or I might be losing my sh#t, because my kid screamed all during checkout and I really need a coffee or a cig. I'm kidding, mom   But, most of the time it's for her.  I know you've seen her.  I may pass her on the street,  you may know her from church, or maybe you are her.  So here's to you momma...

For the momma at Sam's Club, praising Jesus for their big carts to fit her wild tots in.  I leave it for her.   The one that is on her 5th day of dry shampoo and knows how to rock a CC beanie like no one else.  Who hopes she won't bump into anyone she knows because she hasn't had time to apply makeup.  Because they may not recognize her because she hasn't slept much since 2010.  AND unless your name is MAC or you're a snapchat filter, you can't hide those dark circles.  Whether that baby be 8 months or 8 years, she still rocks them and comforts every bad dream.  She lays awake at night when the house is quiet and worries about the bills, food allergies, and that bully at school.  She's secretly plotting how to put that kid in it's place.  (Perhaps at the next halloween party)

To the working momma who is trying to multitask and still keep it all together.  But loses her keys, her bra, and her mind daily.  She only has half an hour for lunch, so she jams out to nineties at noon and promised to pick up craft supplies to volunteer at her kid's school.  She is fueled by coffee runs, mom guilt, and the treadmill if she has the time.  She regrets signing up for the duty of room mom, but thought she could handle another task if it was for her child...  

To the momma roaming aimlessly through the aisles of Target, trying to find herself...but only leaves with diapers and butt paste, never anything for herself.  She appreciated the stranded buggy, because she didn't wanna carry her 2 tots in the rain to get one.  She is rocking the black yoga pants, because no matter how hard she tries, those cute jeans never seem to fit right anymore.  And if she sees one more workout video or post about water, she's gonna blow her fuse.   I see her trying to juggle the monthly budget and still buy the leotard her little girl has been eyeing for weeks.  She may look like the product of a 3 day binger, but the last party she attended, included mickey and minnie mouse.  Momma's just worn out.

To the momma running into Lifeway for a new devotional to get her through this phase she's in.  She prays for wisdom and grace with the whole parenting thing, and her tad bit of a potty mouth.  And her kid with the potty mouth ✋✋✋✋✋✋✋✋.  And wonders how to get her kid to stop saying that his last name is asshole, to anyone that asks in friendly conversation.   She prays about how to talk to her daughter about self worth and humility in a world full of selfies and crop tops. And she's trying to learn how to cut herself a little slack when it comes to the tough stuff.

To the baseball momma who's running in Kroger to quickly for goldfish, because it's her turn for snacks again. Can't forget shout spray for those dirty grass stains from last weeks game.  She wonders how she's ever gonna conquer that laundry pile that awaits her, and the dinner that has to be served by that ball game at 6.  By the way, where are those stinkin blue ball socks?!?   And hopes her boy hits a homerun tonight and believes in himself , and knows she's his biggest fan.  

  The momma at Hobby Lobby dreaming of decorating that porch for fall, but will be happy to settle for a couple pumpkins, a few empty slushy cups, and pairs of tiny tennis shoes by the door. She's also wondering WTH they make their buggies so small?  I mean, how do they expect us to put our kids in there and buy things?

AND FINALLY... 

  To The momma at Chic Fil A, whose kid got massive diarrhea, while venturing down the slide at the play land.  It wasn't brought to her attention until  the 7 year old was covered in sh*t.  After she and her humiliated hubs  tried to warn the other kids that weren't hers, none would listen or obey the stern warnings!  So she made a run for it, like she stole 500 chicken sandwiches.  All with her red faced hubby and kids in tow  and gave a courteous call about sanitation from the road. All while laughing hysterically like a grade school girl.  Anyone know her?  I don't...

 You see, I always appreciate those lonely buggies in the parking lots, because I always have my brood with me, and if I'm alone...that lonely cart serves as a little sweet gesture to help me accomplish my shopping a little easier.  We all push a different cart, that no one knows about, and God made no momma the same...but we're all in this momma hood together.  The happy ones and the sad ones.  The friendly ones and the shy ones.  From the bottom to the top...one crazy momma to the other.  From the sweet ones, to the mean ones.  And if you're one of the mean ones, I wish your Mondays to be long and coffee to be cold...and those stray legos in the hallway to be sharp 👊 But for real ladies... just keep on pushing, even on the days you're winded!   And if you just happen to leave that cart stranded sometimes, just think of her that's like you... and don't feel so bad.   

Much love to all my friends and followers!  The next post will include LOTS of funny Dax stories along with many of my other wild munchkins.  SHARE if you can relate.  Gotta build a following for that dream one day...