Hi.

Today’s will be short and sweet.

If you have been playing along, we are switching from planning to doing. If you need to catch up, click here.

You don’t like going to the store when it’s full of people, do you? Me neither. I also want to ensure that I have no reason to try to find any place open on Thanksgiving (nor do I want to encourage non-essential places to be open.

So, how do I ensure this in a household of eight? Aside from mostly empty threats, verbal reminders, and angry glares?

Labels. Yes. It is that simple.

A sharpie marker and tape.

Do not eat. Not yours. This is for Thanksgiving. YOU will buy more of this.

It helps that most of our kids now have jobs and are becoming more aware of how money works.

Go through your pantry, fridge and freezer and label the do not touches. While you are checking your grocery items, check your toilet paper, and paper towels. Make a list of any items that are missing. You have one last trip to the store, for any perishable produce and if you opted for it, to grab your fresh turkey..

If you opted for a frozen turkey, is it thawing?

Is your table clear?

Great. You’ve got this.