Getting Orangized: Food

I have a new goal!! It's been in my mind's eye for quite some time. 2 years ago we got a large chest type freezer. I earned it (free) for helping a family clean out the home of a loved one who passed on. Since this time I have been thinking about the way I grocery shop. I would like to get this down to once a month! I have the space I just have never gotten organized enough or taken the time to sit down and plan it out. When the gas was so high last summer I did manage to only go every two weeks, but I never really made a plan.....I just sort of winged it and got lucky that it worked! I have to admit here that I'm NOT a big shopper. I don't really enjoy doing it. So the idea of once a month is really appealing for me. It will save me time, gas, and money I'm sure as the likely hood of putting extra "things" in the cart is reduced :) This is going to be a process and I'm sure I'll have to do over a few things as I move along. The first thing I am going to do is sit down with the family and work on a menu. I want their input because I don't want waste either. Food in the trash is money in the trash and I don't have that sort of disposable income! Hopefully I can get this all done to try it out for February....so this is what I'll be posting about for the next few weeks....mainly for accountability and to keep me on track and stay focused. For the next two weeks I'm going to try not to shop to finish all the odds and ends in the freezer and clear self space for this new venture! I am on purpose going to buy everything it takes for 30 days of meals to see just what it will cost too! I think in the end it will be worth it to me but I'll only know once I get it done and try!! So I'm going to sit down with the family and start a meal list today! Fridays of each week are already taken care of as we do home made pizza.....so there's already 4 days done :) The only thing I am not sure of is if I will be able to manage at the store by myself. We are a family of 6.....so things for a month may present a problem in logistics. I think I can push one cart and pull another.....but I think if I stay away from pre packaged "boxed" beauties.....I can fit it all! I do not want to ask DH for help with this because his work load is already full and his hourly time is worth far more than the help he could give me. My DD can help at times, but again I'm not sure I want to be dependant on her help either as she is starting to fill her own time up as well. So the goal is to try to make it on my own..... if there is help sometimes, great! If not just as great! Off I go to chat with the kids.....whom are all home for a nice weekend as they get Friday AND Monday off from school! This is good timing as it is FREEZING here in Ohio.....coldest temps in over 13 years here....brrrrr!! I have a pot of soup on and will be making 2 loaves of that awesome bread! YUM!