Back to Costco...obviously with weekly trips to Costco, all of the employees know us and especially know and love our kids. They see us coming and have samples ready to go for all of them (love that!). Anyways, yesterdays trip was interesting indeed. I sometimes forget that we are quite the mystery as a family every time we step out the door. People are always trying to figure us out....most don't say anything, they just stare and you can see it all over their faces. Some are bold enough to ask, "Do you run a day care?" And when I tell them, "No, they are all mine" they are usually satisfied with that answer and tell me how beautiful our family is and how blessed we are...I AGREE!!
Well...yesterday's trip had the normal 3-4 day care comments UNTIL the toast lady!! Still don't know whether I should giggle or steam. The toast lady (aka Costco sample employee) stops us mid-shopping to offer the kids toast and the conversation goes down like this:
TL: Hmmmm, let me guess (finger on her chin)...that one...that one right there (pointing to S, our blondie)...now she's yours.
Me: Yep...they are ALL mine.
TL: What, how can that be...they are all yours?
Me: Yes, maam...they are all mine.
TL: Same dad???? (in her loud, theater voice)
Me: YES! Same dad! (now I'm starting to steam...HOW RUDE...I haven't had this question in years and I forgot how much it makes me mad because of all that question implies!!)
TL: Noooo, can't be! What ethnicity is your husband?
Me: (SERIOUSLY...DID YOU JUST ASK ME THAT???) Yes, it can be and it is! He is caucasian. (I was sure her head was going to spin off in disbelief the way she was shaking her head no)
TL: I don't understand how that can be.
Me: We are an adoptive family...and I do have to say that the questions you are asking are rather rude and personal especially in front of my children.
TL: Well, I was adopted, my brother was adopted...I have 2 step brothers...although, I don't call them my step brothers....blahh, blahh, blahh....
Me: Wow, that is wonderful. Nice chatting with you...I need to finish our shopping. (absolutely baffled that if this woman was adopted, how in the world did she not recognize or even consider that just maybe we were an adoptive family, too)
As offended as I was, I couldn't stop giggling about how much fun I could have with that one. My kids even giggled a bit. After each 'encounter', I like to follow up with my kids and make sure they understand what was happening in that situation and see if they have any questions.
These situations always remind me that we don't look like the typical family and that we are watched closely. With that in mind...it is so very important that we are an example of Christ in all that we do...even in how I respond to situations like this. MAKE ME MORE LIKE YOU JESUS!!
SERIOUSLY....I get the privilege of being their mama...with one more on the way...it's an absolute dream. Lord, cause our family to bring you glory!!
