Mommy Torture!

After having to postpone something I had promised the kids because we were all sick last week, I finally made good on my word and took the kids shopping yesterday.  I ventured to the mall with all three kids trying not to break the budget and keep everyone happy.  As my kids get older I am finding this balance of shopping on a budget and keeping everyone happy, harder and harder!!  After 3 1/2 hours in the mall and a trip to Target, we were semi-successful.  I am taking an extra-long coffee and blog break this morning to reward myself for keeping my sanity during this crazy shopping trip.  Somewhere along the way of kids and more kids, I have totally lost any desire to ever do any kind of shopping.  I HATE SHOPPING!!!!   I have totally lost the shopping gene most women are born with (ok, I probably really never had it to start), but now just the thoughts of a shopping trip make me cringe.  This is not good considering Christmas is upon us....I have tried online shopping, but find it hard to really get good deals.  They either stick it to you with shipping or free shipping but higher prices.   Thinking I may start early and try and do short trips with specific things in mind.  I am afraid I have a long road ahead of me.  Both my girls seem to love to shop, especially S.  There is nothing that speaks her love language like some quality time with Mama on a shopping trip. I do not want my kids to feel like I never ever took them shopping or bought them anything, and maybe even more than shopping I hate making returns!!!  So therefore I guess I must be resigned to the Mommy torture of shopping with my kiddos.  There is no other way around it.  I am thinking that they may have to accompany me on a trip to the park or a nice hike in return for all this shopping!!   Maybe when S gets a little older, I can put her in charge of all my shopping.  Now there is an idea!