No Cream For My Coffee

I need to go to the grocery store - again! It seems that I spend more time, not to mention money, at the grocery store these days. Part of it is the summer schedule; I typically would shop while my 5 yr old is in preschool. Now, not only is she glued to my hip, but so is her nephew, who is 2. The grocery store, with two kids hanging on the buggy? No Way! The last time I went was to Wal-Mart. No big deal.... just a quick in and out and we're gone, right? I think I lost half my mind (the half that I have left is still cowering in the corner). Dealing with two kids and a cart that wanted to stray to the left was bad enough, but then factor in the senior citizens who also were wandering around - plus the one woman in the electric cart that seemed to be 20 feet in front of me but always blocking the aisle! No wonder I'm getting a headache just thinking about it, and my hand started cramping up just as I was making this week's grocery list!

The other part of this grocery store merry-go-round is that we now have 5 people to feed instead of just 3. My step-daughter (22) moved in with her son (2) in late April, and boy, can they both eat! Cooking for 5 is a challenge, especially finding meat packaged with the right number of pieces. No one in this house will eat leftovers (except me - and then I do it only out of guilt) so I try to cook only the exact amount. This has backfired occasionally, and has actually helped those in the family who are trying to lose a few pounds (they know who they are). No second helpings!

I am constantly making a grocery list, cutting coupons, and now more than ever looking at the sales flyers. For years I have made a menu - one week at a time - but for the past few months I have not had time. So this morning I'm planning out the menu, glad to be back in some kind of control of this food frenzy.