RamFamInNOVA

I found this on our food blog(http://diningwithramfam.blogspot.com/) I wrote it April 25, 2008.
Let me paint you a picture:
It's five o'clock in the afternoon on a Wednesday. I pour the last drops from the last gallon of milk for the baby. I resist the urge to put the empty jug back in the fridge, just so it will look like we have something in there. No. I can't deny it. I must go grocery shopping. The kids will be hungry soon and we don't have anything that matches: cereal, no milk; lunchmeat, no bread; noodles, no sauce, etc... So I pack the one year old, the two and half year old and the seven year old into the car. We drive in rush hour traffic to get to a completely packed grocery store, which has terrible selection, but is the closest one to the house. I argue with the two and a half year old over why we can't get the car cart (because at this time of day we will hardly have room for a regular cart!) I buckle the one year old in, or rather I don't because the cart doesn't have buckles, and put the two and a half year old in the basket. With the seven year old trailing behind, we begin the journey. After about 45 minutes I have: four gallons of milk, three dozen eggs, one loaf of (now-squashed) bread, some lunch meat, two boxes of diapers, one box wipes and hopefully something to eat for dinner. Now, we just have to check out. Another 45 minutes because of course there is only one lane open for people with basket loads of stuff. After averting the seven year old's attention from all the wonderful literature and the two and a half year old's from all the nutritious snacks and re-seating the one year old who is successfully climbing out, we finally make it back to the car. Twenty minutes to navigate through the parking lot, a short drive through rush hour traffic, a pull through McDonald's (because there is no way I have energy or patience to cook or clean now, and the kids are STARVING!!) and we're home. To put away our groceries and eat cold fries. This is a weekly senario in this house because I HATE grocery shopping and only go when forced. So I decided to make a weekly menu of easy to prepare and clean meals that all of us will eat. It may not be terribly healthy, but we are going to go with it for now. When I get more confident, I will work in changes.
Sunday
Breakfast: Bacon, Eggs, Biscuits
Lunch:
Dinner: Chili dogs and french fries
Monday
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Tortilla Pizzas
Dinner: Spaghetti
Tuesday
Breakfast: Egg Tacos
Lunch: Ham/Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches
Dinner: Hamburger Helper
Wednesday
Breakfast: Quiche
Lunch: Quesadillas
Dinner: Enchiladas
Thursday (grocery day)
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: Frozen Pizza
Dinner: Rotisserie chicken
Friday
Breakfast: Cheese and mushroom omelets
Lunch: Tuna/PBJ Sandwiches
Dinner: Salmon Steak (Shrimp salad for Thom)
Saturday
Breakfast: Bacon, Eggs, and Pancakes
Lunch:
Dinner: Out
The simple grocery list:
1 pkg bacon
2 doz eggs
1 pkg hotdogs
1 pkg hotdog buns
3 cans chili (two are for enchiladas)
2 bags of chips
1 bag of potatoes
1 box cereal
2 pkgs flour tortillas
1 pkg corn tortillas
2 cans spaghetti sauce
1 pkg angel hair pasta
1 pkg frozen corn on the cob
3 pkgs frozen veggies
1 pkg shredded cheese
1 block of chedder cheese
1 onion
1 pkg lunchmeat
1 loaf of bread
1 lb ground beef
1 hamburger helper
2 frozen pizzas
1 rotisserie chicken
1 salad mix
1 box mac and cheese
1 pkg chorizo
1 can tuna
1 bag salad shrimp
1 lb salmon steak
4 gal milk
5 gal water
1 can nuts
Once I buy this grocery list, I should be able to put aisle numbers and it will be even quicker! Of course, we also have our usual snack items: yogurt, string cheese, cottage cheese, ramen, biscotti, juice, soda, etc. Also the staples that we have to check for and buy less than once a week: flour, sugar, margarine, peanut butter, jelly, toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, baby soap, soap, toothpaste, deoderant, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, bleach, dish soap, sponges, coffee, coffee filters, etc.
That all sounds pretty easy and delicious, right? How do you do meal planning and shopping? Is there an easier or healthier way? Have any secrets you'd like to share?