The Lucky Store

Everyone knows that if you time it right, you can practically eat lunch while shopping at COSTCO. Who doesn't love the free samples, it doesn't matter what they are sampling, it's exciting and you rarely pass it by because it's free and free food always tastes better.

My kids love the samples, but this is not why they call COSTCO the lucky store. Earlier this summer we headed off to do some grocery shopping. I think I'd given my kids a pep talk on the way in. Taking 4 kids with me is not my favorite way to shop, but sometimes it's the ONLY way to get it done during the summertime. As a reward for good behavior, we got pizza afterward and sat in the eating area to eat. Just as we were finishing up, an older couple approached us and told me that they had been watching my children and were very impressed with the kind way they spoke to each other. They went on and on with very specific compliments while my children sat there beaming with pride. I admit, it made my day too. They walked away and I made note to myself that I should make an effort to compliment others when I notice something good. Then, I did something I never do. I bought my kids ice cream!

Yesterday we finished up some last minute school shopping and then realizing it was lunchtime, I offered to take them across the street for pizza at COSTCO. My kids quickly referred to it as the lucky store and reminded me of that one time when someone complimented them and I bought ice cream. We sat at a table and ate lunch while an older couple at the other end of our table looked at me and said, "are all of these children yours???" (gotta love that question)

I happily responded that yes they were all mine, and what a blessing they are. They seemed amazed and for the next 10 minutes we talked about their different hair colors, straight hair, curly hair, ages, grades in school... etc. They were very friendly and seemed quite interested in my little family. They finished up their food and as they were about to leave they complimented my children for being so good and asked me how I got them to be so well-mannered. My kids all smiled from ear to ear while I thanked them and as they walked away they said, "This really is our LUCKY store!

Before we left, we headed over to the bathrooms and on the way Hunter spotted a giant gumball machine. He asked if he could get a gumball and I immediately said no. I never let my kids buy things from candy machines unless they have their own money. A few minutes later I heard someone behind me say, "Can I buy your little boy a gumball?"

Seriously, I didn't think she was talking to me. I kept walking and then I heard it again. I turned around and some nice lady was really offering to buy my son a gumball. "Wow," I said (feeling a little smuckish) "that's really nice of you." She pulled out a hand full of change and bought each of my kids a gumball while I sheepishly explained that I couldn't buy things for my kids from the machines or they'd beg every time I passed one.....

Lucky them. Really.