MJ's Shopping Adventure

Several weeks ago, the boys were invited to a sleepover party. Toby and I asked MJ what she wanted to do on Friday night. She quickly decided she wanted to go to the "new Food City", which was built and opened recently. MJ talked and planned for days about this shopping trip. She wanted to push the mini-sized cart all by herself, and select and put the items in all by herself. And Toby and I were to act as the children. So it was a role reversal game. I reminded her that the mommy has to bring the money and pay for all the food. MJ didn't hesitate, but ran to her bank, and transfered all $5.84 to her purse. I asked her what she intended to put in the cart. She listed green beans, tomatoes, and apples. Impressive, I thought, that she should list three items of produce. And even more surprising, she doesn't really care to eat two of the three of those foods.

She answered that question so well, that I decided to truly step back and give her the reins. Even Toby was surprised at how much I surrendered. (I guess I'm usually pretty controlling about the grocery decisions.) I kept in mind a $25 budget for her, but really the size of the little cart was a sufficient limiting factor. And true to her word, MJ headed straight to the produce section.

Okay, I couldn't keep my opinions entirely to myself, I did steer her toward the apples that were on sale, and the $1 SaraLee bread. Also when she eyed the deli snack mix at $5 a tub, I suggested we get the bagged equivalent from the snack aisle. But other than that, I think I did a pretty good job of staying out of the way.

And MJ really did a good job of being the shopping mommy. Especially considering she can't read price tags. I was impressed with her understanding of making choices. When we got to the dairy aisle, she noticed the Trix yogurt (which had often been requested in vain.) As she put the Trix yogurt in the cart, she said, "I'll get this instead of the snack mix."

Her one indulgence came at the end. Stuffed animals are rather a weakness of MJ's. There was a little polar bear near the floral section which made it to the top of the cart. "Frostiness" is already grayish white-- the animal most likely to get dragged everywhere.

Oh yes, and at the check out aisle, MJ picked up some Rolos and said, "You guys have been really good, so I am going to buy you these." In the car, she passed one Rolo to me and one to Toby. The rest of the roll are unaccounted for. Hmmm.

What a fun and memorable evening. Simple pleasures are the best.