Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Just Your Average Fall Day

One thing about having all the kids in school is that I'm a little at a loss for posting material. All my entertainment (and frustration) is out the door for several hours five days a week.

Today is what I would consider an average fall day. It's sunny, mild, but not warm, breezy, and ridiculously quiet. I'm feeling off. There is no lack of things to do, but I just don't feel like doing any of them.

I enjoyed a morning out with this season's Bible study ladies and have to run out again this afternoon to take three kids to the eye doctor, pick up one from play practice, take one to work, and pick him up again two hours later (I've been known to forget this part). Because of all that busyness during arsenic hour (that time frame where everyone is a combination between tired and hungry), supper is in the crock pot.

 I've deemed Monday mornings as grocery time. If I'm out the door early enough, I can often pick up items such as bread or chicken for 50% or 30% respectively off their original price. With this big family and the way these kids eat, that's a good thing.

 We live very close to a border city. Meaning that in a very short time, we could be shopping in the United States. Tons of our peers do exactly that, and we're constantly asked (or it's even assumed that we do) if we shop in the United States. We do not. Unless money here gets reallllly tight, I can't imagine that we ever will. If it truly comes down to being able to feed my growing children, or not, then it might be a possibility. We don't for several reasons.

There is no reason that stands out among the others except that I feel that in a country where one does not have free health care, it's a good thing that groceries are significantly cheaper than groceries in Canada. I also know that the same groceries will vary in price from one state to the next. Try getting cheap groceries in Florida or California for example.

 Another thing for me is that my time is at a premium. I have seven kids who almost all have places to go, friends to enjoy, homework to do, etc, etc. When they're home, I'm busy dividing myself between them. When they're at school, I'm busy trying to catch up (never mind keep up) with the laundry, the housework, the yardwork, etc. I really don't want to have to drive +/- 20 minutes to get to the border, spend the time on the bridge crossing the border and then the time to grocery shop, deal hunt, etc. I really really don't like shopping be it groceries, clothes, etc. I did not get that female gene.

 There are a few other reasons too, but I'd rather not mention them as I don't want to create a discussion about whys and wherefores. It is what it is for our family.

Sometimes I wished we lived at least a couple of hours from the border. Oh those poor Canadians who can't cross border shop ;o)!

Anyways, I digress. I have been for weeks stocking up on sales. I decided after putting the groceries away yesterday that aside from milk, and possibly cheese ( I also need to buy a big bag of barley yet), I really shouldn't have to go out for groceries for the next for Mondays. Think it's possible? I'll let you know. So October 30th should be my first real grocery trip again. If I go that long, I'm thinking we may need more oatmeal (breakfast of growing kids) and some baking sundries too, but we'll see. I'll let you know at the end of October how well I did.

So back to today. Today, I am going to pour myself yet another cup of coffee, continue reading Anne Frank, watch the sunlight dance among the leaves (they aren't falling too much yet), and enjoy the peace before the evening rush. Tomorrow I'll go like crazy again. By the way, I'm almost ready for a craft room reveal :o)!

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6 comments:

  1. Ooooo! Can't wait to see your craft room!

    And I'm with you about lacking the shopping gene.. I just don't enjoy it. I'm a "conquer the list" shopper!

    But how do you go four weeks without fresh fruits and veggies?

    Julie

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  2. Looking forward to seeing your craft room!

    I'd love to be able to shop just once a month... I need to do more planning on that one. :) I need to stock up my pantry first.

    We live far enough from the border to not desire to do grocery shopping there. :) We do have friends that do, although they live very close to the border. the 1 1/2 hr drive isn't worth it and , I agree my time is precious. :)

    I'm sure your days are quiet. With two gone to school this year it is a bit quieter here too. :)

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  3. You hit the nail on the head - coffee, reading, and watching the sunlight dance on the leaves sound exactly right for you today!

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  4. Glad you are enjoying your coffee and the good gifts God has given. I think I handle the fast pace of family life so much more graciously when I make getting some slow paced me time like what you have described...lingering over coffee, a book, really seeing the beauty around me. Blessings on your day!

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  5. Like you, I don't shop on the other side of the boarder. My son and his extended family do, but I've never been tempted.
    Sounds to me like you are busy enough. It's important that you take some time for yourself so that you can be well and able to look after your busy family. Enjoy your days.

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  6. My mom used to do a big shop once a month. We were an Army family, and she'd go to the commissary and load up. It was always a big day!

    I think sometimes when we have days where there's a lot to do but no inspiration to do them, it's good to just sit and relax and enjoy the quiet around us. That's when inspiration comes, after a little rest and a little nothing much at all.

    xofrances

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I love to hear from my readers!

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