Grocery shopping

Several months ago I realized as I pushed my sons in the cart while Molly was attached to my back, that there are many people who will never experience shopping with three kids.  This epiphany gave me pause as it has become my status quo.  There are days that I hate it.  One in particular I remember thinking that the baggers should tip me rather than the other way around.  Though, to be honest, I don't hate it because I have three kids with me.  It is probably more because the aisles are crowded, the store is out of stock of something, and I didn't eat lunch before going.  Funnily enough, I would never, ever, attempt to go shopping with my kids without having first fed them, but I will often go on fumes.  Eric has commented that this affects my mood.  I'm not convinced...But, I'm getting off subject.

For the most part, I really enjoy taking the kids with me.  The boys love riding in the car or spaceship contraption and Molly has been quite content to ride on my back.  A few times I have managed to squeeze all three kids into the cart.  This has been met with much amusement as I push them up and down aisles.  One woman complimented me on how well they were behaved to which an older gentleman quipped "They can't move!". 

We always receive comments as we travel the aisles. We get a fair share of  "You have your hands full!" and "You have a beautiful family".  One man looked me straight in the eyes and told me that I was his hero.  I was taken aback once when someone thanked me for having such well behaved kids.  I don't think I deserve any credit.  The boys love to be together, so they have a great time keeping each other entertained.  I rarely have to interrupt my train of thought to discipline either of them.  And Molly, is always content to observe the comedy routine going on in the cart.  I'm not sure what I would do if any of them actually disobeyed me in public.  I'll just keep my fingers crossed it never happens.

As it is a weekly outing to go grocery shopping all together, the rare times I go out with only one child are extra special.   Will and I recently went to the commissary to collect a lost shoe.  He held my hand the entire time and kept up a steady stream of commentary as we picked up a couple of extra items.  I loved it despite the fact that William apparently has only one volume level : LOUD.  It was our special time together.  If I had gone by myself, it would have just been one more thing for me to do, but having Will there made it one of those unique times that I will always remember with a smile.