Shopping Buzz

Taking them grocery shopping is one of my favorite things to do. It really makes me so happy. I love talking to them, telling them the name of everything and reciting my shopping list to them. I can talk and talk to them just like I'm talking to myself, only no one thinks I'm crazy. They get especially excited in the produce section. They proudly point and shout, "BANANAS! GRAPES!" I love it! The grocery store makes them happy too. They get to ride in the big cart that looks like a car with two steering wheels! That's the only one that will work for two kids, so I'm very glad they have it although it is a little difficult to steer. At least it fits between all the aisles, unlike in department stores (see Fairy Clothes Mothers). They even get to see their dad who works in the pharmacy there. If we go and he's not working at that particular time, Emma will call out for him all over the store: "Daddy....wa ahh you???"

They're a lot like me in the grocery store, very chatty and happy. We're out of the house! We're out of the house! They talk to each other, say hello to people as they pass. It's like a social event, ha ha! If we're lucky, we sometimes get a bite from the sample trays in the produce section, or better, the bakery. They also like to give hugs and kisses to each other in the grocery store. Now and then someone catches them, and they get a sweet smile or someone may stop to chat along with them.

 It's funny how people will talk to your kids in the grocery store and never even glance up at you. And the funny faces and voices they do crack me up. I use a silly voice right back as I respond to their questions for the kids, lol! Sometimes a person may even reach out and poke one of the kids in the side playfully, even add a sound effect, or scruff their hair. Isn't that funny? No one would ever do that to an adult stranger. But they think it's fine with kids. I should do a grocery store video documentary. It would be hilarious.

 One time when the kids were just learning to say thank you and other Baby Graces, Ethan was thanking me for every thing I put in the cart. I loved that so much. That's what he kept saying: "Thank you so much, Mommy!" It was right around Thanksgiving time as I recall, so it seemed even more appropriate. People were looking at him with the most appreciative gazes as they overheard him, and I was so proud of my little thankful boy. He was spreading his little heart's joy all over the store. What is it about that place? It just brings out the best in all three of us.

Ethan has a little celebration chant for the checkout line: "Choc'-late, choc'-late, choc'-late, choc'-late!" He grips the handle bar and bobs his head.

But I have learned that not all people share our shopping sentiments. For instance, it's best to shop when their daddy is busy working or at home. He's a grocery shopping buzz-kill. Ha ha! He nickels and dimes every item, making sure we get the best deal, vetoes most of my whims and...just takes the fun out of shopping, honestly. God knows I love him, and he has good intentions, watching the budget, yadda yadda yadda. Not much fun if you ask me. I'm not a big shopper in other areas of my life. I watch my spending; I make sacrifices, but this is food. There is no way this is wasteful spending if we actually eat what we buy. I take care to make healthy choices with a few goodies in between....

So, I rest my case.

Shop and Be Merry!