February 2nd, 2016

So, here's what happened today...

Grammy took the boys to WalMart while I was working late. I got a text from Grammy that read, "Kellan accidentally took something from WalMart" along with the saddest emoticon I have ever seen. I debated acknowledging this text, but something told me not blocking out these kinds of things is the motherly thing to do.

Turns out, Kellan had grabbed 'Flurp' one of his favorite novelty toys. (It makes a toot sound, so obviously my flesh and blood would be fascinated with a toy like that). Kellan honestly didn't realize this was in his hand and after Grammy made all her purchases, they walked out of the store without paying for the 'Flurp'.

When Grammy was buckling Kellan, she noticed the 'Flurp" (it's even fun to type that word) and freaked out. She said "Kellan! We didn't pay for this!". Kellan kind of understood what happened but we explained it to him.

So when I got to Grammy and Granfy's to pick Kellan up, I explained that we were heading straight to WalMart to tell them what he had done and pay for the toy. I wasn't punishing Kellan, because I honestly don't think he intended to take the toy, but he did need to know we were going to do the right thing and explain our mistake.

On the drive to WalMart, I was practicing with Kellan on what he should say to the cashier. Camden, who's extremely sensitive, kept telling me that that was too much for Kellan to remember and he wouldn't be able to do it!

In line at customer service, I got a little nervous. Was I going to get in trouble? What words were actually going to come out of Kellan's mouth? I looked up, and Camden's behind the customer service counter with his elite school uniform on and a backwards cap asking if he could help who's next in line. (So much for his anxiety about this event). After realizing I should probably get Camden back on this side of the counter it was our turn. I took a deep breath (not enough time to take a Xanax) and put Kellan on the counter so he could speak with the lady.

Here's what Kellan said (not remorseful at all but with a huge dimply grin). "I'm sorry I took this and paid for it". The lady looked confused. I corrected Kellan and said he meant he was sorry he took this and didn't pay for it. The cashier was very good with Kellan letting him know he did the right thing by coming back in to fix his mistake. We paid, for the item and Kellan skipped away and asked me to open his 'Flurp". I looked at him flabbergasted and said, "Oh kid, you're not playing with this toy for a long time". More for the cashier's benefit, but you know, whatever makes me look good.

We went into the store to pick up a few things and went to the checkout line to actually pay for the items this time. (What a concept!). This male cashier recognized the boys because they had just been there and seemed really excited to see them again. Kellan insisted on paying for the 'Flurp', but I showed the cashier the receipt because I was not going to pay another 99 cents. By no way am I made of money. So he either wants to take stuff from a store, or pay twice. Eh, it would all even out in the end.

As we finished checking out, the young cashier said, "Well guys, I'm here for another hour if you need to come back and get anything else". I laughed and the boys and I walked out the door and into the parking lot. As soon as we were in the cool free air, Camden announced that he had to go potty. So we turned around and walked into our new favorite WalMart. Of course the cashier spotted us immediately and waved. I definitely don't get embarrassed easily, but watching the boys and cashier wave happily to each other made me walk with my head down. It didn't help that they took about 15 minutes in the bathroom and the cashier was waiting to say bye (or bye for now) when we left.

The morale of this story is, uh... just another day in the life of the Tilleys...