Not all three.

On Thursday, January 27, I went to the grocery store with ALL THREE KIDS for the first time.  And might I add this might be the last time for quite awhile.

I know, I know, I know.  Many of you out there do this all the time with three, four, maybe even five kids. For me this was not a pleasant experience.  Let me share.

The two younger ones had a good nap so after the eldest came home from school we loaded up the van and headed to the border (WI/IL that is) for grocery shopping.  I was prepared with snacks in the car so everyone would be fed.  Everyone seemed to be happy and fine.

We walk into the store, I get the cart and put the baby in the seat.  BAM!!!!  3 year old begins a tantrum because she wanted to sit in the seat.  After I explained to her that it wasn't possible she begins to throw a tantrum (I mean crying, meltdown) because she now wants to sit in the basket of the cart. No problem, I put her in the basket area.

After walking down ONE aisle the crying begins because she nows wants to get out of the cart.  I lean over into the cart and begin to explain in a quiet but stern voice that I will take her out of the cart but she needs to use her words and not crying to communicate, she won't be able to return to the cart, etc, etc.  While I am doing so, a store employee approaches us and asks if everything is alright.  Now, her intentions might have been good but I was a little perturbed and honestly, a little embarrassed.  She continues to try and console my child and I just want to move on.  Finally, everyone is calm, the child is taken out of the cart and we continue to shop.

Eldest child is intent on being a helper.  She wants to help by pushing the cart.  No problem, I let her do so but I go to the front of the cart to help guide it.  This is not okay with the child.  She is intent on doing it by herself even if it means running into people and things.  We take time to talk this through and gain an understanding of what is going on.

So now I've been at the store for about 30 min. and have yet to get through half of my shopping.  I just want to get it done!!  

We continue through the aisles and I'm not liking to have to keep saying, "No, we're not buying that.  No, you can't have that.  Please put that back.  Please stop asking."

Finally, we are just about done.  I just need to get the milk.  The milk is stored in a huge refrigerated area with big plastic flaps.  3 yr old thinks these are fun to play with and run into.  I get the milk and move on.  Wait, where's the 3 yr old.  She is back in the milk area crying.

Time to go.  Thank goodness the check-out line wasn't too long.  And thank goodness the baby was all smiles and laid back through this experience.

Grocery shopping can be a great learning experience for children.  And I've had some wonderful experiences shopping with my children and will continue to have some.  But for now, just not all three at the same time.