Going there always seems like such a chore. Perhaps it is because the toothpaste is strategically located about a mile away from the milk. It is never an in-and-out job - I always end up doing the full lap. It is especially dreadful when I have little helpers with me, which is about 90% of the time. The kids, however, think it is a wonderland - m&m's, Littlest Petshop’s, basketballs and just about anything else their active brains can think of, all under one roof. I merely mention the place and their anxious little eyes light up. When I was unpacking my groceries after the last run I came across a few unfamiliar items. My first thought was that some little hands had been helping me fill the cart. Then I realized I had a full bag of someone else’s groceries. I remembered the young mom in line in front of me wrangling her restless toddler. It was her baby food, salad dressing and Raisinets staring me in the face. I have been in her shoes before, you know the one who gets home and realizes that the package of diapers I just paid for didn’t make it home with me, and the baby is wearing the very last one. So frustrating.
Today, this little bag of groceries that has been sitting on the countertop in my laundry room for the past week, made its way back to WalMart. It wasn’t a big chore to return what wasn’t ours to begin with. In fact it provided material for a discussion on honesty with the kids. However, despite doing the right thing in the end, I have to admit I was more than a little tempted by those Raisinets all week long (chocolate has been a little scarce around our house). A good deed should never go unrewarded. Wouldn’t you agree?
A box of donuts, even the good ones with chocolate and sprinkles, for only $2.00. Guess that’s why we keep on going back.
I understand the wrestling with kids. Just yesterday I first experienced the joy of dropping off the kids in the play area of the grocery store. I was able to shop for an hour without pretending to be a train, watching for "extras" that made their way into the cart, or having everyone in the store learn my 3 year old's name because of the constant hollering for him to keep coming. When I picked them up they were much happier also, all begging to be able to come to the grocery store again. Grocery Shopping just took on a whole new meaning
ReplyDeleteYummy! Will you share? We feel like we live at Wally World. Everything else is truly outrageous. We sure miss you and the summer get togethers.
ReplyDeleteNice post. I had a good time reading it, although I can't relate to having kids in tow. My frustration is going to Wal-Mart while talking on the phone to Kevin. I wander around aimlessly because I can't focus on what I need to buy AND carry an intelligible conversation. I finally had to tell Kevin that if I'm in the grocery store, I'll have to call him back. It has saved me HOURS of my life.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what you're talking about. I love the Walmart! I was so excited when one opened by us I was there opening day. I wish we were neighbors again so your kids and I could hang out there together :) my kids won't go with me. Plus you can order a Happy Meal and eat of while you shop! What's not to like?
ReplyDeleteNatalie, I love this post!! I hate Wal-mart with a passion and I keep going back! It's just cheaper, plain and simple. And they're frozen veggie section is better than winco. So there you have it. I was feeling the pain for the mom with the groceries and then you having to take it back and what a great lesson. Loved, loved the whole post. Great job! I hope you win our drawing tonight. Sshhhh...and I don't cheat.
ReplyDeleteWe are Target women ourselves!
ReplyDeleteBut then we do find ourselves entering under the ugly W.M. sign at least twice a week... The donuts are a good bargain as is the rest of the stuff in the store.
Natalie, this is one of the best posts we have ever read! Good job from refraining from eating the rasinets! Honesty always Pays, Hope you win the prize tonight!
I completely agree with you about Wal-Mart. In fact, my children no longer call it that. After years of announcing that I need to go to "Crazy"mart, my children now call it that. But they too love it and beg to go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for finding me. I love your blog and will be adding it to my list of blogs I stalk.
Natalie, I didn't know you had such a ROCKIN' blog. LOVE it, love it, love it. I am glad I found you!! You are such a great writer...and photographer. And I completely share your feelings about WalMart. I avoid it for as long as I can.
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