Today was the day. The much anticipated day. After many months of waiting, Barbie as the Island Princess was released. Of course, that required an early morning shopping trip. Luckily we now have our very own Wal-Mart here in Chelsea. (Yes, it did slip my mind to tell about our new WM.)

So the plan was a quick run to Wally World, and then back home. I was even willing to time shift school. Might as well; who can even think about history or math when you’ve got a brand spankin’ new Barbie chick flick? I didn’t just fall off the turnip truck, you know. Yes, I was aware it would have been a loosing battle to try to get the little girls to concentrate on school with Barbie calling like an aquatic siren.

We drove to WM, and yes, they did indeed have the new video available. The very moment they laid eyes on it, both girls took off running to the display. You just can’t get to a new Barbie DVD fast enough. Picked up a few other things and went to check out.

Wasn’t until I opened my purse (my Tinker Bell purse!) to take out my wallet that I realized I didn’t have my wallet. Yes, I’d left it at home on my desk, right beside my laptop. DRATS! I never leave my wallet on my desk! The good news was that at least I hadn’t driven all the way to Inverness or Calera. Now, do you think I’d have a happy, peaceful day if after getting so close to actual ownership of Island Princess, I’d simply went home and said I’d just go back later? Oh, noooo. That was definitely one cause and effect of which I wanted no part. Thus I drove home, got my wallet and drove straight back to Wally World. Do not pass go, do not collect $100.

Now, one of Robert’s favorite nicknames for The Rave is “The Little Rules Lawyer.” Rave is very concerned that we all follow the rules. And Honey, that kid KNOWS the rules! And she’s not the least bit shy about calling you on a mistake. (Yes, we’ve had a few conversations regarding what’s proper and what isn’t, when and whom.)

So on the way out of the store, as we’re about to get back into the van, Raven pipes up. “Wonder what Dad will say when he hears about this?” Of course, my first thought is, “Absolutely nothing, if we all keep our mouths shut.” I thought it, I did NOT say it. Wanted to. But I was good.

Robert and I are very strict about sticking together when dealing with the kids. We’ve always been careful to present a united front. We never wanted the headache of the kids playing us against each other. Yet another thing on which we totally agree. Therefore, I’d never, never play my kids against my husband. That would be naughty. I believe it teaches the kids to be dishonest and to disrespect. No, I won’t go there.

When Robert got home from work, the kids were excited about several things (we had gone to the park, the library, we’d gotten a new American Girl catalog, etc.) But Ravie did remember to rat me out. And from the tone of glee in her voice, and the grin on her beautiful face, she thoroughly enjoyed her silly little self.

Of course, Robert loves that he has such willing spies on me 24/7. I can’t get away with anything anymore.