Funny...

Isn't it funny how on one day every one knows who you are, and the next not a soul recognizes you.

Personally speaking I prefer to go unnoticed, but when your family looks the way ours does... generally that doesn't happen. I would say that 95% of places we go people know us. No, they rarely know our names (well, they usually know the boys' names)... but the moment we walk in we are met with 'hello's, my how the boys have grown... blah blah blah'. Unfortunately when I am out with them, I AM ON A MISSION, and I really don't want to chat... I want to get in and get out. I've learned over the years, though, that as an adoptive parent (especially of brood of minorities) that you need to be a visual advocate. This has caused me to rethink everything I do, from my speech to how I dress the boys and myself. Rarely do we go out looking like a homeless family. The boys are usually always dressed neatly, no holes in the clothes and as few stains as possible... that sort of thing. While there are times I wish this wasn't an issue, let's face it, we are a visual community... and appearances can be just important as the message you are speaking.

Anyway back to my point of never being anonymous while out... Rarely do I get out on my own with out the fam in tow... either just the boys or all including Daddio... which is totally fine. I like having my family about as we conquer the world... but on occasion there are a few things where I enjoy my solitude... and this Saturday I got just that.

On our trip home from Enchanted Rock on Friday Bubba got sick in the car, and once we were home Snooker was sick... and while the vomiting did stop later that evening, just to be safe on Saturday Daddio stayed home with all three while I ran the errands for the day. I needed to get check at the eye dr. for the new contacts I ordered, get the beast washed to help get the camping smell out of it, groceries, and the rare treat of getting a hair cut! So off I went.

The first thing I noticed during my morning... everything went by so quickly, quickly and quietly (if you don't count the loud music I played... although that is regular even with the boys, they love it)... when I made it to the grocery store, I was walking up when a boy scout asked if I wanted to buy batteries. What was funny to me was I knew this little boy... he goes to our church, is in our homeschool group, and has played with my boys at every function... and his dad was right there as well. I've spoken with him many times as well... including probably an hour long conversation when he first decided to try homeschooling... and nothing. They had no clue who I was. The only time they've seen me is with the boys so it was like I was missing appendages and was completely unrecognizable. I chuckled to myself and went in to do my shopping. Not a single person stopped me, stared, or asked me a question... It was blissful. I went about my whole morning being completely anonymous!

There are probably some out there who just can't understand how lovely this was for me... but I suppose you would have to know just how much I hate being put in the spotlight, or put on the spot, or even quizzed for that matter. I certainly wouldn't change my life/family... but I do have moments where I would prefer to blend than stand out!