Know what I realized?

**mommy4ever** · 06-29-2010, 12:51 AM

When my kids are grown and on their own...oh.. in about 15 years... I'm going to save SOOOO much in groceries.

My hubster took the kids to start summer vacation, they come back for Canada day.

So I am cooking for 1 for a few days. It is so easy and cheap. No one to cater to, I get to eat it HOT.

As I eat my bed time snack 4 tiger prawns sauteed in butter and garlic, with steamed broccoli that I am going to eat SOOOOOOOOOOo good in a few years..lol as the kids start moving out!

That said, i'm in no rush to have them move out, just hope I remember this when I am about to become and empty nester that I can enjoy some finer things in life, cheaper..lol

**checkerkitty** · 06-29-2010, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by mommy4ever

No one to cater to, I get to eat it HOT.

My mom fantasy. Hot food! No multiple meals! Ah, the life.

**nodmicks** · 06-29-2010, 09:28 AM

You make a very good point! My teens eat a lot. Add in the friends constantly her and it is a big bill!

**danni** · 06-29-2010, 10:12 AM

Last summer all 4 of the teenagers went away for a few weeks, either visiting family or cadet camps and it was just dh, Emily(5 at that time) and me. It was hard at first getting used to cooking small amounts but boy did we save alot of money in the food budget.

**cheles2kids** · 06-29-2010, 11:04 AM

Hahahaha...so true & to think I used to complain about a $.35 cent jar of baby food and a $10.00 package of diapers~lol

Now I have two teenagers who have bottomless pits...

**Jellybeanz** · 06-29-2010, 12:23 PM

LOL so true..

Well in theory anyway. My oldest left and moved back next door (single) so he still comes over to eat, and my youngest isn't showing any signs of flying the coop and he's almost 23 so I don't think he's planning on going anywhere soon.

I laugh because I used to occasionally have a fleeting daydream about when they left with me an empty nest.. lol well I love 'em but I must admit this momma is tired of cooking so they don't get it regularly as they used to, but if I do cook, I have to cook enough for both of them..

On occasion if they are both out somewhere I will cook up something for just me and husband and go wow.. easier to deal with cooking yes, way cheaper. ;-)

**Ssindi** · 06-29-2010, 12:50 PM

However----------------,the BIG kid (DH) thinks we can afford all kinds of stuff since it is just the two of us. I agree that we can do a few things now and again.We need to start practicing our retirement budget. I only plan to work until next June,not sure what his plans are. He can retire anytime he wants.

**Ali Lee** · 06-29-2010, 01:31 PM

Hate to burst your bubble...but... They may leave your house, but you are their mom. AND when you are @ the grocery, you will buy them some diapers or formula for your grandbaby, pick up some coffee, because they didn't have any when you were there, bake or cook a little "extra" for their supper, too. The list goes on...we just can't get away from the expense..you will just spend it on different things..you're a loving mom & we just can't help it.

**frugalwarrior2** · 06-29-2010, 06:05 PM

lol DS and 3 friends just left w/ 2 steaks,my $7.50 charcoal,a package of hot dog,pkg. of cookies,my gallon mt.spring water and this was a light haul.
They are having a goodbye picnic for one of them. How could i say no. I'll miss those steaks.sob.
At least this time they had the tin foil,lighter fluid and potaotes from some other parent. I undestand the grocery store around here doesn't let teen in to buy groceries??WTH. lol.

I think a 25% grocery bill should be great. Plus i never waste the food and forget to put it away. Heres to it.

**frugalfranny** · 06-30-2010, 01:38 AM

These posts crack me up..........ah yes, I can recall.....feeding my own plus - usually- about three neighbor kids!!

**mommy4ever** · 06-30-2010, 09:24 AM

I tend to get misty eyed when I think of all the kids grown..... not one, or two, but all 4. So I try to find the lighter side of having them grown!

**Dancing Lotus** · 06-30-2010, 04:10 PM

I was just thinking this while grocery shopping. LOL

**mndtrp** · 06-30-2010, 07:11 PM

My parents were thrilled when I got a job as a cook at 15, which I kept through college at one restaurant or another. They didn't have to worry about me overextending their grocery budget. Plus, it helped me immensely later on in life.

**Cricketlegs** · 07-02-2010, 04:37 PM

When my dd comes home she shops my stockpile........

**joyofsix** · 07-03-2010, 07:57 PM

My 16 and 14 yo ds were gone one week to camp. It seemed like we didn't use anything. Evidently they eat more than the other 5 kids combined. Oh, and an uninterrupted meal sounds heavenly.