Never, in my wildest dreams…

would I have imagined that “someday” the kiddos and I would shop for a month’s worth of groceries groceries in this way:

I make the list.  Mr Wonderful sets the budget. (Yeah, it would make sense to do it in reverse, but somehow that never comes to pass.)  Kiddos and I get into the minivan.

#1 and #3 get carts/buggies.  I hold the list and lead.  I point to an item on the shelf, tell #2 how many we need for a month’s meals, and she loads them into one cart or the other.

Whilst we cross aisles, #2 arranges for #3 and #1 to get equal turns walking ahead of the other, for an almost-equal number of heavy objects to be in each cart, and prevents snide remarks from #3 and/or #1.

Occassionnallyy, I tell #2, “Have them pull up here and stop” (if the aisle is crowded further on), and I grab whatever is needed off the shelf and return it to #2, who takes it from there.

We check out ($2 under budget, TYVM), drive home, and put the hatchback next to the front steps.  I unload the bags onto the porch, the kiddos (after, um, “re-focusing” #3, who is much more interested in reading the mail) bring the bags into the kitchen.  I tell them all cans go into the pantry, and load a couple of bags onto the washing machine (next to the pantry).  #3 fills the pantry shelves.  #1 puts the veggies, meat and bread onto the correct freezer shelves (I like organized shelves, even in the freezer).  #2 unpacks bags onto the kitchen table.

A month’s worth of meals and snacks.  Shopped, paid, put in storage- all in 2 hours.  There were moments they complained vociferously, but I ignored it.  Afterwards, we shared the package of Swiss Rolls, and they went out to play on the Slip-n-Slide whilst I swept the floor and prepped for my student.

Srsly, if anyone had told me seven years ago that the 3 babes (who were then in diapers) would show teamwork and willingness like they did today, I would’ve laughed myself silly.  Dang, I could’ve used a good laugh then, too- Exhaustion was my middle name at that point.

If anyone had told me 3 years ago that I would blow off the whining and griping that went on today, (short thought it was) I would’ve said that’s “getting soft” and “spoiling the kids”.  Well, maybe I am.  Exhaustion hasn’t completely left my middle, after all.

So, good night and come what wild dreams may!