I'm in love...

I mentioned in yesterday's post that we went to Trader Joe's this week during our break, and I'm now officially in love with the place. Until Tuesday, I was pretty much a TJ's virgin. I'd been there twice before, but it was to pick up something specific, and I never really did a shopping trip there. Now, if you know me in real life, you know that movies like Supersize Me, and the pictures of McDonald's fries failing to decompose have never really deterred me from enjoying fast food. When I was little, my mom used to tell me that I was going to turn into a french fry. My aunt likes to tell Finnboo about the time I almost ripped her hand off when she reached to take one of my beloved fries. Before children, I used to say that I wasn't going to feed them McDonald's, and that would be the changing point for me, but you know what? Everything in moderation. I get it, it's bad for you, if I eat fast food more than once a week I start feeling gross, but I don't deprive myself of a double cheeseburger when I want a double cheeseburger.

However, as Finnboo and Kieksy are growing and exploring food, and more and more information is coming out about artificial ingredients, etc., I have become more conscious about what goes into those little bellies. I've always tried to stick to non-sugary cereals, and we've been shopping the organic section at Wegmans more and more, trying to skip super processed foods, but this has caused a rise in our weekly grocery bill. After asking friends and family who are regular Trader Joe's shoppers about prices there (the consensus was prices were reasonable,) I decided to check it out.

Armed with my list, the 'boo and Kieksy, and some tablets/doodle pads and pencils, we set out. I figured they wouldn't have double carts, so Finnboo would be walking. (He's not always so good at listening when there's a lot to look at in a store.) I knew there wouldn't be trains and all that there is to look at like Wegmans, so I pulled out the tablets and pencils for something new and different to occupy them. As soon as we walked in, I was in love with everything-the small size, the reasonable prices on staples (milk, eggs, yogurt, etc,) produce, and the helpful staff. I even learned how to use the coffee grinder and am enamored with their coffee. The whole atmosphere of the place was relaxed, and because of that, combined with the tablets?, my kids were better behaved than they'd ever been in a store. Finnboo quickly became a favorite with onlookers as he walked along drawing the things we were putting into the cart and saying "check!" as he checked them off his pretend list. I was a proud mama as fellow customers smiled at him and told him what a big help he was being. Kieksy enjoyed the TJ's minted peas and ham he was offered in the ready to eat section, and wrote away in his Cars notebook with his Cars pencil. I know that the behavior could be a one time thing, but it added to my overall impression and newfound infatuation.

John asked me upon my return if I thought it was something we could "incorporate into weekly grocery shopping," to which I said, "heck yeah!" The difference in price between TJ's and Wegmans was negligible for most things (I'm not a couponer, and don't have exact prices memorized, but I have a general idea) and a lot of items were actually cheaper at Trader Joe's. The one thing that was priced higher was the meat, which I expected. I'm still on the hunt for cheaper meat. (That's what she said.) The fact that there's such a variety of all natural and organic products definitely makes the trip worth the while.

So I ask those of you that shop Trader Joe's, do you have a favorite Trader Joe's product? Johnny's sold on the Kalamata olive hummus, and we're both sold on the TJ's "Joe." (freshly ground at $4.59?!!) Let me know what other items we should try.

Did I mention that these two were angels?

Kieksy still writing away when we're back in the car!

**This isn't a paid advertisement for Trader Joe's, just a proclamation of new love. ;)

Go to Sleep!!

Here I am, halfway through Spring Break, and so far it's been a good balance of fun- Philadelphia Zoo, visiting the chicks that hatched in Finnboo's class- and errands-Trader Joe's, Finnboo's first dentist appointment (which was great: he was so good, the dentist was awesome, and Kieksy even cooperated for a little tooth check and fluoride treatment!) Some of the photos I've caught along the way....

 I'm also trying to throw some cleaning in there, but someone is not cooperating with his naps this week! I'll give you a hint as to who that might be: the angel (I use that term lightly- he was in time out twice today) who knows what "we can go outside and play AFTER you take a rest" means.... the one who if he didn't take a nap, I'd still be able to accomplish something...is sound asleep!

It's like this other child of mine knows that I have a master plan to go crazy decluttering the 3rd floor bedroom!

So 1 1/2 hours later, he's still climbing out of the crib. (The kit to convert his crib to toddler bed is on order. Then at least he can safely get out of bed 10 million times in an hour.)

This kid......
God give me strength. He's out of his crib again! I may resign to the fact that a nap isn't happening today and the decluttering will have to wait!!

** At around 3:30, I gave up:

He just wanted to watch some Pixar Short Films....as usual....

Happy Anniversary!

11 years ago today, I was a senior in college. I was hanging out with my roommates after a night out to celebrate Danielle's birthday and it suddenly struck me that it was my parents' wedding anniversary and I had forgotten to call them. I felt like the worst daughter in the world, and decided that I must call-right then-at 2 am. My panicked mother answered the phone (even though it's been some time since I've called and woken her up I can still hear and perfectly imitate her middle of the night "hello") and I started crying hysterically as I apologized. Once she figured out that I was alive and unhurt, she proclaimed me drunk, told me not to worry about it and to go to bed. I swore that night that I'd never forget again.

And I haven't since. Even though my mom hasn't had my dad here to celebrate with for the past 3 years, I make sure to tell her Happy Anniversary, and will continue counting the years with her. (37 for the record.) I'm so thankful for the amazing example of "real-life wedded bliss" that they gave me through all those years, and strive to be as happy as they were in my own marriage. (So far, so good Johnny boy..... ;P) 

Cheers....I love you guys!

Mom and Dad on my wedding day, about 1 month after their 30th Wedding Anniversary
(Excuse the blurry, taken with my phone photo!)