It doesn’t take too much to get Micah excited about ice cream, but I played it up, mostly to emphasize to him what a great dad I am.  We arrived at our local McDonalds, hopped out of the car, and headed in.  I proudly ordered, only to be told I couldn’t order an ice cream cone.  Their ice cream machine was broken, meaning no shakes, cones, McFlurries, etc.  I pointed out the disappointed toddler at my side, but was determined to get Micah what I had promised.  We got back in the car and headed down the street to the next closest McDonalds.

I was prepared to present the sob story upon ordering, thinking we’d maybe get an extra twist of that high-quality McDonalds ice cream on top of the cone.  I repeated the order at the second store … only to be told I couldn’t order ice cream.  They were all out of the ice cream mix.  I once again pointed out the disappointed toddler, and the cashier assured me their machine was working– it was just the mix they were missing.  Not helpful.  (For the record, Micah handled it like a champ.  He just wanted to know why the machine at the first store was broken.)

Wash.  Rinse.  Repeat.  We headed to the third McDonalds, and finally got that “free” ice cream cone.  Sure, we drove by multiple ice cream establishments along the way (including our favorite), but then I couldn’t have used the coupon.  Surely you understand.

I have always been a big fan, encouraging others to give it a try.  My recent work trip to Santa Clara was no exception.  One morning on our way to the day’s meetings, my co-worker and I went on a quick coffee run.  Pulling into the parking lot, I was over-joyed to see a Jamba Juice right next to StarBucks.  Jay would hear nothing of giving up his beloved Americano (even from SBUX), so I got my favorite Strawberries Wild (with immunity boost) and used the short drive to the office to expound on the virtues of this one-of-a-kind drink.

Upon arriving at the office, the bottom of my cup exploded and left a fruity mess all over me and our rental  car.  Jamba Juice, you failed me.  Jay got a big laugh out of the ordeal, and rightfully so.  Needless to say, I wasn’t able to convince him to give it a try later on in the trip.  Fortunately, I was able to drink an entire Jamba Juice a day later without incident.  Even so, the emotional wounds remain.

First, we received a postcard for a service called DoodyCalls.  If they had a service plan that also included daily diaper changes (for the kids, not the pets), we’d have a deal.

Second, for Christmas we received a bottle of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Topping, perfect for sprinkling on noodles, popcorn, whatever.  It comes in what looks like a small Parmesan Cheese container.  Brilliant and tasty.

I trust this has been more beneficial than a Christmas picture would have ever been.  Happy new year!

Oh, how I’ve missed you Vanilla Coke (er, I mean Coca-Cola Vanilla). Welcome back!

While on vacation my brother made the surprising discovery that Coca-Cola Vanilla was back in stores. We quickly confirmed its availability in other cities. I did a bit of research, and it sounds like it was officially released again over Memorial Weekend after a 1 1/2 year hiatus. They tried filling the void with Black Cherry Vanilla Coke, but it wasn’t quite the same (though still very tasty).

While we’re on the topic, I do not like the new Coca-Cola Cherry design (it’s pink with cherries on it). I shouldn’t have to endure ridicule by my co-workers for drinking such a fine beverage because the can is pink and looks like Tab. Perhaps I’ll need to switch my work stash over to Vanilla.

Rachel came across a new flavor this week: Lay’s Dill Pickle potato chips. We decided to give it a try. The name of the flavor gives the same sort of hesitation as the Salt and Vinegar. Unfortunately, this time the hesitation is deserved. As much as I wish I could like them, they’re not good at all. I guess some things are meant to stay in a jar rather than as a flavor on a potato chip.

After dinner we headed to Borders. Rachel believes that’s the first time Micah’s been in a book store. While you may find that hard to believe, given his mother’s love of books, it should be noted he’s already a card-carrying member of our local library, and his personal collection of books is the source of envy of most school libraries.

A couple weeks ago on a Friday night, I got a call from some of our friends at one of their small group meetings. At first I thought it was to see how we were doing in Virginia and to let us know they missed us. But I soon realized they simply wanted to let me know they now get more dessert with me being gone. This was confirmed by the picture I received in email a few short minutes after our call.

Incidentally, Orchard Hill is nearing the end of a long process to find a new pastor. We’re praying for you all!

1. drink the remainder of the milk after your first bowl, starting with fresh milk for the second bowl, or,

2. be sure you have the Cheerios in your first bowl.

If you’re going to have the sugary cereal first, not even cleansing your palate between bowls (with a Pop Tart, or swig of coffee or something) will help if you don’t allow the Cheerios their fair chance at providing breakfast happiness with a fresh bowl of milk. I should have known better; leason learned.

I always thought parents required eating the “healthy” cereal first to ensure their kids didn’t fill up on the “candy” cereals. I’m now rethinking that, and wondering if the parents knew the kids would never drink the milk between bowls, and therefore merely wanted to protect their kids from the perils that await those who don’t start Cheerios with a fresh bowl.

I find it encouraging that I am still learning about new foods at my age. A few months ago, a co-worker of mine shared a portion of his Baby Ruth candy bar with me.

I never thought I liked them for some reason, but I was immediately won over. My only recollection of Baby Ruth candy bars growing up was the reference in the movie Goonies (a movie I loved). I don’t generally enjoy a lot of chocolate, especially when nouget gets added to the mix. However, the nut flavor is very strong, and for that I’m a sucker.

It’s too early to give it an exact ranking among my favorite bars, but I certainly put it in that group, along with Butterfinger, Twix (is that a candy bar, per se?), and Snickers.

As I polish off a mini-Baby Ruth tonight, I send out my thanks to Brian for pushing me to expand my food horizons.