Hey friends,
Oh, the irony of parenting four growing boys: You spend A LOT at Costco on Monday, thinking you’ve conquered the week… and by Wednesday afternoon, you’re sprinting to the corner store because someone (looking at you, Boy #3) polished off the last American cheese slice for an “emergency grilled cheese” at 3 p.m.
Yes, that happened. Again.
So today, after the chaos of homeschool co-op and a prayer that started with “Lord, give me patience… and maybe some snacks,” I dashed to our local Big Y for the absolute essentials. Not bad for a mid-week rescue mission. Here’s what made it into the cart (with my real-time mom commentary, because why not):
- American cheese slices
The hero of every “quick lunch” around here. Because when the boys declare “sandwiches or mutiny,” we choose peace - Potato chips
The sidekick to said sandwiches. Not nutritious? Maybe not. But in this house, a handful of chips + a Bible story at the table = a win for fine motor skills. Or something like that. - Cookies
For the inevitable “I’m starving but dinner’s 2 hours away” meltdowns. - Oat milk creamer
My personal sanity saver. Coffee isn’t just a drink here; it’s a sacrament. And with the boys’ endless energy, this creamy goodness is the Lord’s way of saying, “Take a breath, Mama.”
Look, yesterday’s Costco extravaganza stocked the freezer and pantry like we were prepping for winter (chicken thighs forever!), but life with littles doesn’t pause for hauls. It reminds me of that story in John 6—the loaves and fishes. We think we’ve got enough… until the crowd (or the kids) shows up hungry again. And every time, He multiplies it. The food. The grace. The laughter over a slightly burnt grilled cheese.
So here’s to the mini-runs that keep us humble, the snacks that keep us sane, and the God who keeps providing—often one cheese slice at a time.
What’s your go-to “emergency” store run item? Drop it in the comments—I might need it for next week’s chaos.
With a full cart and a fuller heart,
Mom (currently hiding in the pantry with my creamer-laced coffee)
CT Nutritious Family Kitchen
