Grocery Shopping - Uggg!

I am so tired right now I can hardly move.  Is that normal after grocery shopping?  It is for me.  I have to admit I greatly dislike grocery shopping and I put it off as long as I can.  My wonderful dear husband will often run and pick up a few items that are needed on his way home from work, but I know that we end up spending more money when we go to the grocery store multiple times a week.  It has always been my goal - dream - to be one of those moms who plan out their meals every week, make their grocery list, clip their coupons and do their grocery shopping on the same day every week.  Of course, not straying from the list at hand while in the store. Oh, what a dream!

That has not become my reality - as often as I have tried to make it happen.  Honestly, since coming home from Korea in May - yes, 3 months ago, I have only gone and done two major grocery runs.  That is when my cupboards are so bare - everyone is complaining and I'm really struggling to figure out what to make for dinner.  I will interject here that we are part of a fruit/veggie co-op, so every two weeks we do get an overflowing basket of fresh fruits and veggies.  Often, this wonderful delivery gives me just the excuse I need to make it a "few" more days without the dreaded grocery shopping.  We also have a deep freezer in the garage - so I can stock up when I do go, so the essentials to make a meal I usually do have on hand

Today's grocery trip was quite an experience as it was my first large grocery run with my newest son.  I usually try to go grocery shopping by myself or possibly with one of the older kids.  This is probably one of the reasons why it's difficult to find the time to get to the store as well.   However, today I had the joy of grocery shopping with our newest son Bumble.  Wow - what an experience!  I'm sure his presence at the store with me is partly responsible for my current state of exhaustion.  Let's just say everyone knew we were in the store.  I decided to go to the commissary on base as we had to go on base for some medical tests this morning anyway and it saves us a bit of money.

Bumble's two favorite things to do are to eat and to empty/clear things and throw then on the floor.  Not a good combination with grocery shopping.  As I put items into the cart, Bumble would decide he wanted some of it.  Now Bumble's communication is a bit difficult right now to say the least.  In fact it's one of our biggest hurdles.  So, often Bumble let's me know he wants something by letting out a high pierced shriek.  Then if he does not get what he wants he begins to fuss increasing in volume every few moments till he is full out tantruming.  He is very persistent.  Well, obviously he couldn't have everything he wanted.  I did open some baby rice crackers that he liked and munched on happily for a few minutes until the next item came into the cart that caught his attention.  At this point he would drop - or more like throw - his cracker on the floor.  As the cart became fuller he decided he wanted to "sort" through it.  Everything within his reach was quickly dispensed with once again onto the floor.  Oh we got the "oh, isn't he cute" looks, the "I'm so annoyed by this screaming kid" looks, and the "I feel sorry for you" looks.  I also had a few dear women who would try to talk to him in a sing-songy voice, which often would make him more upset.  Eventually a box of raisins did detour him for the last 20 minutes, just when I was ready to give up. I quickly finished loading my overflowing cart!

Of course I get to the check out and realize I left my military ID in the car.  Oh boy!  What a blessing that the checker turned the screen and allowed me just to type in our ID code without my ID.  One of the other blessings of the commissary is the baggers who bag the groceries and help you load them into your car.  Of course, collecting, purchasing and getting the groceries into the car is only half the battle.  I arrive home to five hungry mouths who want to sift through all the bags to see what goodies have come home, while I try to organize the fridge and pantry to make space for the abundance of food that has been purchased.  Since I don't like grocery shopping, I have a tendency to stock up when I do go!

Well, now we have full shelves in the pantry, refrigerator and both freezers.  The kids are happy, I have many choices to make for dinner and I don't have to go to the grocery store for at least another month - right! Maybe I will try and do that meal planning next time!