Friday, February 1, 2008

"Awesome" Day at the Grocery Store

So, as a mother of three now, one of the things I probably dread the most during the week is grocery shopping. I don't mind when I have to run in the store and grab two or three things, but I'm talking about the MAJOR shopping trips that seem to take forever. When we first enter the store I get plenty of looks and comments. "Oh, aren't they cute?!" "Wow, you have your hands full." "Your children are so well-behaved!" "I bet they are your big helpers." The kids stick right next to the cart, the baby is asleep, and I trick myself into thinking that somehow this trip will be different from the past hundred trips we have taken. Of course, by about 15 minutes into the trip the kids are running down the aisles, touching everything in sight, begging for their favorite fruit snacks, the baby is crying, and I'm ready to put the food back and get in the car... and yet, I persevere and we manage to make it out alive, but just barely. Well, yesterday was a different story. I prepped myself for a morning full of "fun" at Costco and Smith's. I bribed them and said if they were good all morning we could go to McDonald's for lunch. Costco went rather smoothly, besides Ben getting teary-eyed because I bought Emma an Easter dress and he didn't get what he wanted, a $10 kite. I told him we would get him a nice outfit with a new tie but that definitely wasn't as exciting as a kite! We hopped in the car and headed to Smith's. Right when we walked into the store, Ben noticed one of those kid carts and grabbed it. I gave him and Emma a list of things they were in-charge of getting (saw it on Nanny 911.) Instantly, they were engaged. Of course we had an issue with there only being one cart and two children, but once they got the sharing thing down, it was GREAT! They actually had a lot of fun and I had fun watching them. Emma looked so serious, staring down the aisles trying to decide which hotdog buns to get. Ben loved arranging the food in the cart, and then Emma would re-arrange it. Overall, I would say this was the most successful shopping trip we've ever had. When I put the kids down for their naps yesterday, I told Ben thank you for helping me pick out the groceries and he said "Mom, that was awesome. We need to get one of those little carts again." So there you have it.. grocery shopping was "awesome." Maybe I should invest in one of those carts so that we can be guaranteed "awesome" grocery shopping trips every week!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are one brave mommy to take all three kids to the store. I am glad Nanny 911 advice came to good use for you! What darling, well behaved kids you have!

Love it!

Ashleigh said...

That's awesome. I wish they had those carts out here. Jayden would LOVE that. We let her help check the eggs for cracks when we get them and we let her put some things in the cart, but that's about all we've done. I need to get a little more creative. I can't wait to see you tomorrow!!!! Hopefully the snow doesn't slow us down too much.

Nancy K said...

Cute pictures-I feel that wonderful feeling like graduating from college-when i exit the grocery store with the kids and food.

Unknown said...

Do you usually bring your camera to the grocery store? They are really cute pictures. Good idea on the little cart. Wish we had those down here.

jamieschip said...

To answer Karyn's question, my camera is always in my purse. Yes, I'm a geeky mom. You never know though when you will need it. That was Jake's first comment when he saw the pics "You took pictures of them in the grocery store??!!"

Julie said...

That is so funny. I was wondering why you had a camera at the grocery store. I wish they had those carts here!!

Zach 'n' Jack said...

that IS awesome! Keegan LOVED those little carts when we lived in SLC, I wish more stores here had them! Good idea on giving them a list, I think I may try that with Keegan next time!

Iliana said...

Smtihs huh?! I need to go there... those carts are awesome! See you're a good wife. Many a times I've waited to go shopping till Dave's home from work and I'm kid free. So much more peaceful :)

Julie G. said...

I was laughing so hard at your story. I am glad shopping was a successful!

Jennifer said...

Wow, you're braver than I am to take three kids shopping..I freak at the thought of just taking my one! Sometimes we make it a family thing and Adam pushes the cart and I push the stroller..don't you know the good people of the grocery love when we occupy the whole lane..lol..