Trader Joe's Thursday

I'd love to say that this is the beginning of a blog series for me. But if history repeats itself, this will be a one week thing. Maybe a two or three week thing if we're lucky. It's who I am; at least I own it.

I love Trader Joe's. I feel sad for myself that I've only really known the Joe for the last two years. I also feel sad for people who don't have a TJ's close to them. It's unfortunate and I will pray for you.

Trader Joe's has so many great items at even better prices! Everyone is always so friendly and I constantly find new things each time I go. Griffin loves going because he gets a sucker, stickers, and is on the lookout for the hidden stuffed frog while we shop.

Side note, I actually didn't realize he was looking for the frog until we went on Monday. I'm always the one who says, "Let's find the frog! Where is he?" but I'd forgotten in my glee of finding the perfect bunch of tulips when we walked in.

We're the frozen aisle and Griffin starts saying something that sounds mysteriously like a vulgar word that starts with F. I can assure you that my child has NEVER heard that word (ironically until yesterday when our mail lady said mother****** in front of him and his friend-- she was talking about the RAIN. I was livid. It was so uncalled for). I was concerned because although I knew that wasn't what he was saying, it sounded an awful lot like he was saying the F word. I started panicking because other people were around.

I basically started shouting "You want a fork?? Why do you want a fork?? You can't eat now!" to be sure the other patrons understood that my child wasn't expressing himself with the worst profanity of all time. It was a stressful situation until I realized that he'd seen the stuffed FROG sitting on top of the pizza case. Thanks be to God, my child is just a genius who'd found the frog and wasn't swearing his way through the frozen delicacies. I made sure to loudly praise him because not only did I want the other people to know what he was really saying, but I also wanted them to see my boy wonder who found the frog all on his own. I just realized I am THAT mother. That's a painful realization.

Anyway, all that to say I love Trader Joe's and so does Griffin.

I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things with you each week (or really maybe just this once) so that if you have a Trader Joe's, you might find something new!

Rice Orzo Pilaf

This is so, so good. It's the best rice pilaf we've ever had and it's even just the tiniest bit creamy like risotto! It makes a great addition to any meal, but I usually pair it with some kind of baked or grilled chicken. If you need a rice side dish, try this. I've always got a few boxes in the pantry!

Highbrow Chocolate Chip Cookies

I was a little skeptical of these... until I ate one. They are a thin, crunchy chocolate chip cookie and I prefer thicker, chewier cookies. But there's something about these that just make me want to eat the entire box in one sitting. And because they're thin, a whole box isn't too bad for you! That's my justification. I actually don't think Tyler ever got to try these because I ate them so fast. Putting these on my grocery list now...

Cinnamon Schoolbook Cookies

I bought these specifically for Griffin. I don't really like cinnamon, so I knew I wouldn't be tempted. It's a fun way to work on letters even though I have my teacher doubts about how effective that method is. But it is fun to give him a few after lunch and review our letters. His current favorite letter is W and he loves finding it anywhere... especially when it's in cookie form! This could be a fun kindergarten manipulative for all you K teachers out there! 

Teeny Tiny Potatoes

I learned about these from Tina and her recipe for the potatoes is just perfect. It goes well with a burger or with a chicken sandwich! They're tiny and crunchy and a fun change from french fries or sweet potato fries. I tend to get in a "grilled meat sides" rut during the summer and this is a great recipe that allows me to change it up. 

Island Soyaki

I blogged a little bit about this marinade here but we were big fans. It made for a delicious chicken sandwich, but I want to try it on grilled pork chops and grilled chicken thighs/ legs next! It had the tiniest hint of sweetness. If you like to grill, try this with your meat this summer.

Three Layer Hummus

I got this hummus on my very first trip to TJ's and I will be so sad if it ever goes away. It's red pepper hummus on top, traditional in the middle, and cilantro on the bottom. I'm a lover of all things cilantro, but it's actually my least favorite of the three layers! This is delicious with carrot chips, Triscuits, tiny bell peppers, and with a spoon. No, really. It's that good.

I really want to keep going, but I need to save some things for next week! I'm planning to share one of my favorite snack ideas next.

What do you like to get from Trader Joe's? I'm always looking for new favorites!  

Chewy Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies

It's no secret that I love to cook and bake. I would have to say I prefer cooking to baking, but I've never turned my nose up at a baked good.

The first two things I learned how to do in the kitchen were how to scramble eggs and make chocolate chip cookies. According to Griffin, I make a mean scrambled egg and the boy is like his mother and has never met a baked good he doesn't like. Does that officially make me a successful mom?

Truth be told, I've always made chocolate chip cookies for the dough. I've used the old Nestle Tollhouse recipe which makes a delicious dough, but not the best cookie in my opinion. Maybe it's just me, but they always seem flat and kind of blah.

On another note, is the Nestle Tollhouse episode NOT one of the best Friends episodes ever? 

Back to the point at hand-- cookies.

My friend Megan shared her go-to recipe for chocolate chip cookies with a group of us girls from church a few months back and my cookie life has been forever changed.

These chocolate chip cookies are to die for. They are the fluffiest, chewiest chocolate chip cookies I've ever had. When we made them at her house for the first time, we all just kept eating cookie after cookie. We couldn't believe how good they were! The recipe says to make them jumbo sized, which I did last night for small group. They were a huge hit! I usually make them regular sized, but the jumbo cookies were a treat. 

I want to share the recipe with you because I'm a giver and I believe everyone should have access to a good chocolate chip cookie recipe. It's the Land 'O Lakes cookie recipe, but I don't feel any loyalty to that butter. I like the butter that costs the least amount of money at Kroger. Can I get an amen?

Chewy Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies 

Makes 24 jumbo sized cookies, about 50 regular sized cookies

• 4 1/4 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tbsp vanilla 
• 1 12-oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips 

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl; set aside.

Combine butter, sugar and brown sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla. Continue beating, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Gradually add flour mixture, beating at low speed until well mixed. Make sure you scrape the bottom of the bowl and be sure the batter is well mixed, otherwise you will have crumbly dough in the bottom. I use my stand mixer to mix the dough. Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop dough by 1/4 cupfuls, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. I typically only bake 6 large cookies at a time. Bake 10-14 minutes (I always go the full 14 minutes) or until light golden brown. Do not overbake. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; remove to cooling rack.

Side note #1: When I make the jumbo cookies, I use my 1/4 cup measure. I scoop the dough, then pop it out into my hand where I kind of make a rounded shape, if you will. That way your cookie is rounded on top and not the shape of your measuring cup.

Side note #2: Why are my baking sheets so stained? I promise I wash them each time! 

Side note #3: Last side note, I promise. But it's important! If you want to make regular sized cookies, be sure to adjust your baking time to 10-12 minutes at most. Since this recipe makes so much dough, if I want to make regular sized cookies, I usually scoop dough balls onto a sheet pan, freeze the pan, and then put the individual dough balls into a large Ziploc bag and keep it in the freezer. If we want a few cookies after supper or we have last minute guests coming over, I can have fresh baked cookies in less than 15 minutes! 

I hope you enjoy these cookies as much as we do! 

Baking with the boy

Something I find myself saying a lot as a mom is that each stage of babyhood/ childhood is my favorite. I think one stage is my favorite, but then I change my mind when we get to the next stage. But right now might really be my very favorite.

Griffin is old enough to participate in and enjoy things that I enjoy. It's so much easier to go places now because I can just throw a few diapers and wipes in my bag with a sippie and a snack and we're good to go. No more diaper bag packed for anything we might need at any given time in the next month. 

It's an easy and fun stage except for the behavior training and the diapers. Oh, the diapers. And no, neither of us have any interest in potty training anytime soon, thank you. 

Griffin has figured out recently that I love to cook. Anytime I'm doing anything in the kitchen, he'll tell me, "Mommy cook! Mommy mix!" I also love toddler speak. 

Last week, I had to bake a cake for cake pops and cupcakes for his birthday party. In the past, I typically bake and prep meals while he's taking his nap, but I decided to let him help. I am so, so glad I did. He loved dumping the water and oil into the bowl and using the handheld mixer. 

I didn't get any pictures of the actual process because I wasn't thinking of it. But afterwards, I let him lick the beaters both times. This child was in heaven. I'm not sure I've ever seen him so delighted. I grabbed my camera and got some good shots.

The chocolate batter face pictures are my favorite. I can't even handle how cute he is. I have moments every day where I can't believe this little sugar is mine. Thank you, Lord! 

I'm so thankful for my little companion and that I have a little baking companion... even though I don't get to lick the beaters anymore. It's worth it! 

Menu Monday... on Thursday!

I'm pretty late to the game this week, but I wanted to link up with Rachel and share our meals from last week!

Skinnytaste's Bangin' Grilled Shrimp Skewers with sautéed shredded brussel sprouts and rice pilaf

Holy smokes. These were so, so good. I grilled them indoors on my grill pan and we each ate two skewers. If you're a shrimp fan, you'll love these! I bought the pre-shredded brussel sprouts from Trader Joe's and sautéed them with a little butter, olive oil, salt & pepper per Kate's recommendation. This is definitely our new favorite way to eat brussel sprouts. Deeeeelish. I also served Trader Joe's rice & orzo pilaf which is one of our favorites. This meal knocked it out of the park! 

Slow Cooker Peach BBQ Chicken Sandwiches with spicy sweet potato fries

I served these with this coleslaw and slices of avocado. We liked these, but they were almost a little too sweet for me. I might try using a tangier BBQ sauce next time! I want to give them another shot. These are the Alexia frozen sweet potato fries. They were really spicy! I think I prefer non-spicy sweet potato fries. 

Trader Joe's Kung Pao Chicken with TJ's Veggie Fried Rice and frozen spring rolls

This was a low effort meal on small group night. We loved it! It's a great alternative to take out Chinese food and it had great flavor. The only thing I'll change next time is to throw in an extra bag of stir fry veggies. 

We had Griffin's second birthday party last weekend, so I didn't cook a lot during the week, but I wanted to at least share what I did make! I also made Southern Living's tomato and tortellini salad which is alway a great meal. It's important to use sweet summer corn, but luckily, I had some in the freezer! Come on, summer corn! Mmm... one of my favorite things about summer! 

Happy Menu Thursday! 

Easter 2013

Easter felt like it came and went so fast this year! Maybe it's because it was in March or maybe it's because we've already had a whirlwind of a year, but Easter always feels to me like the start of spring. If only the weather would cooperate!

We had a really nice day! We have stayed here over Easter the past two years, and I have to say that we love it. When both sides of the family live out of town, it's nice to stay put for a holiday now and then. Easter seems like a good fit for that.

We got up and went to church. Our pastor absolutely killed it. I've been in church for 27 Easter Sundays now and it was hands-down the best message I've ever heard on Easter Sunday. His words hit me in a fresh way and I left so overwhelmed and grateful for the incredible sacrifice Jesus made for me!

We've had a difficult year so far and if I'm being honest, I've questioned at times whether God is really good, whether He is really for me. As I sat and listened to the graphic details of how Christ suffered and died a humiliating, excruciating death for me, I thought of how I could ever let Griffin do that for another person. The answer is a big fat no stinking way. But God let His one and only son do that for me and Jesus did it willingly! Not only that, but in addition to a horrific death, Jesus had the weight of every sin ever committed square on His shoulders. He did that so that I can have Hope. How can I question if God is good after being reminded of that? He is good. He is for me.

There's an Easter rabbit trail for you! Pun intended.

After church, we came home and tortured Griffin with some pictures. He hates getting his picture made right now and it makes me so sad. I was bound and determined to get a few good shots, so I bribed him with a lollipop. Parenting at it's finest right here, folks! Could you not just die at how sweet he is in his little seersucker pants and vest?? I know I'm a little biased, but I think he is the cutest thing ever. These pictures aren't the best quality, but that's what happens when it rains on Easter and you have to take pictures inside.

I can't even stand that last picture. My sweet little man child.

After the pictures, which were akin to pulling out Griffin's fingernails one by one, we ate lunch and put him down for an early nap. When he woke up, we all changed into our sweats and headed over to our surrogate family in Cincinnati. My friend Le, her husband Bob, and her parents have welcomed us into their family with open arms. We love them so much and Griffin is basically obsessed with all of them. He asks for "Bop, Yee, Nee-Fa (Neva, Bob & Le's daughter), and Gigi (Le's mom)" constantly. Of course I didn't take a single picture at Gigi and Granddaddy's house, but I do have this video of the next day. When I went to get him from his crib in the morning, the first person he asked for was Neva. He's a boy who knows what he wants!

We ended up giving him his Easter basket late, but better late than never! Everything that I got for him was stuff he needed or things I found from the dollar bin at Target. It's easy to spoil your child a little bit when they're the only one! Am I right?

One of the biggest hits of the Easter basket were the confetti eggs! I happened to see these at Kroger one day and picked up a box. My only regret is that I didn't buy several boxes to last us over the next year! Griffin had a ball smashing them on the driveway and we had a lot of fun watching him. There's something about smashing eggs that aren't gross and slimy! These were so much fun and Griffin will definitely be finding a repeat box in his Easter basket next year. 

He loved the other little goodies in his Easter basket, minus the socks. I can't imagine why socks weren't a big hit for a two year old. He loved his chocolate bunny and kept hugging it. His "Minnow" (Nemo) Pez dispenser was the other favorite. I love doing little mom things like filling up an Easter basket. 

I hope you all had a great Easter celebrating the Risen Savior! 

Build 'Em Up :: Remembering You

I'm linking up again today for Build 'Em Up with Kelly, Erin, Jennifer, and Courtney! 

I would venture a guess that this topic, remembering ourselves, is a hard topic for mothers.

I remember when Griffin was born thinking that any time I took for myself was selfish. I had been fed that lie by someone who wasn't even a mother yet. I should've known better! 

Slowly, I began to realize that time for myself wasn't selfish, but that it was necessary and life giving for me. I'm not talking about anything crazy, but just taking time to remember that I was still Rachel. I was Mommy now, and it was the most blessed thing, but I was also still Rachel. 

The best way that I've been able to remember myself, if you will, is to just take a little bit of time each day to do something that I enjoy or something that helps me to relax. On certain days, it's only ten minutes and on other days, it's a few hours. Some days, it doesn't happen at all, but that's okay.

I don't think it's always necessary to spend money to remember yourself, either. Don't get me wrong; sometimes, I do think it's necessary! Every girl needs a manicure once in awhile. I remember one week about a year ago, I had a little time to myself after running some errands. I could've counted the solo errands as some good alone time and headed home to check things off my to-do list, but I didn't. I stopped at Barnes & Noble, grabbed a book I'd been wanting to read, and bought myself a piece of cheesecake from the Starbucks cafe. I didn't stay for long and I didn't even buy the book, but it was refreshing and I was ready to go home and see my boy when I was finished.

We live far from both of our families... as in 4 hour minimum drives. This doesn't allow me the luxury of dropping Griffin off at my parent's house so I can get a pedicure or grocery shop alone. This also means that I am with Griffin nearly 100% of the time. I love that child with every fiber of my being, but sometimes I need a break that isn't during nap time. Does anybody hear me? I think he needs a break from me too! I have some incredible friends who have offered to keep Griffin from time to time and it's a huge blessing to me. If there's anything I can recommend to moms, it's that you find a friend who doesn't have local family and offer to babysit for her once a month or so. Just mark it on your calendar each month to remind yourself! Our friends who babysit for us have been such a blessing to me.

I don't think there is a perfect formula to remembering yourself as a mom. I think it depends on the individual and the circumstance. I know a lot of women find a hot bath relaxing and once in awhile, I do too. But most of the time? No thanks! I would much rather sit on our porch with a cocktail and my book. I love to cook and if he's able, Tyler will occupy Griffin while I make supper each night. I love streaming a show on Netflix and putting together a meal for my family. I love to grocery shop. Weird, right? I love meal planning each Sunday and going to the grocery store on Mondays... with Griffin. Yes, you read that right.

In conjunction with that last confession, I've learned that sometimes, remembering myself can't feasibly be done as a solo activity. There are days where we have 4 activities, weeks where Tyler is out of town, or times when Griffin just doesn't leave my side all day. Sometimes, I like to remember myself with my little companion by my side! I really do love to grocery shop. I am a weird, weird woman in that I actually prefer to grocery shop with Griffin. It's a sweet time for the two of us where there are little distractions and a lot of time for interaction. I love to share the experience with him. In that, I feel rejuvenated and able to be a better version of myself.

I think it's key to figure out what works for you. How do you remember you? What rejuvenates you? I'd bet that most moms who read this post wouldn't agree that grocery shopping with your two year old would fall under that category. By itself, it surely wouldn't for me either. But paired with other solo moments and time spent reading, cooking, driving alone, having dinner dates with my husband and my friends, etc., it's what does it for me. And I am grateful.

I am always striving to be the best Christ follower, wife, and mother I can be. It's not always an easy process or road. In fact, it's rarely easy. But I do think that taking marked time out to remember yourself isn't selfish, but vital in motherhood and in just being the best version of ourselves. I know that the time I spend away from Griffin typically leaves me feeling refreshed, renewed, and missing him so much I can hardly stand it. 

Motherhood is a wild ride, but if there's anything I've learned, it's that you have to do what works for you. Don't let anyone tell you lies that taking time for yourself is selfish. Ain't nobody got time for that! 

Menu Monday

I'm linking up again with Rachel to share what we had for supper this week!

We had a busy and fun week because Nana and Poppie were in town! It was Tyler's mom's spring break, so she and Poppie came for a visit. It was fun spending time with them and it gave me a little break, which is always nice!

Nana made her famous mostaccioli, which is one of my favorite pasta dishes. Griffin loves it, too! I didn't get a picture, but once I make it for us, I will share it. It's the best recipe!

I only cooked a few times, but it was a good food week for us! Please excuse the iPhone photography. Dinner time is usually the last time I can pull out my camera!

Spicy Sausage Pasta

I first heard about this pasta from Hillary, then again from Rachel! If you're looking for an easy meal this week, make this. There is nothing bad about it other than the fact that it's not the healthiest supper. Just use the turkey sausage and whole wheat pasta and you'll be good. At least that's what I tell myself. I served this with a green salad and little Sister Schubert individual baguettes from the freezer section.

Cheesy Taco Soup and Chi Chi's Sweet Corn Cake

In the fall and winter, we always have soup on Fridays. This was a winner! It's delicious and filling. Unfortunately, Tyler is a little picky on what he eats during the summer, so I think this recipe will be filed away for the first cool Friday in the fall. I picked up some of this Chi Chi's Sweet Corn Cake mix and it was perfect! I loved the sweet side with the savory soup. It reminds me so much of the corn side you get at Don Pablo's. If you're having any Mexican meals this week, I'd highly suggest this as a side! I found it in the Mexican aisle at Kroger.

Grilled Chicken Sandwiches and Smoky Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

I was inspired to have grilled chicken sandwiches after Rachel posted about them a few weeks ago. I marinated chicken breasts in the marinade above. It was my first time using that Trader Joe's marinade and I can't wait to use it again! It added the perfect flavor to the chicken. We topped ours with extra sharp white cheddar slices (from TJ's as well), tomato, avocado, and bacon. We enjoyed the teeny tiny potatoes on the side (again, from TJ's, I have a problem). They were the perfect salty addition to our sandwiches! I'm suddenly realizing that I took the world's worst picture of these. I am clearly not cut out to be a food blogger or photographer.

Trader Joe's Macaroni and Cheese

image via

Tyler went out on Saturday night to watch basketball with some friends from small group, so I stayed in, tidied the house, and had a date night with this macaroni and cheese. Hands down, it is the best mac and cheese I've ever had from the freezer! I can't vouch for the calories, but it's worth it. I just ate this. No salad, no green vegetable, nothing. Me and my macaroni and cheese-- it was a beautiful night. I'm realizing that a lot of our meals are based on things I can get from Trader Joe's. Maybe I should do a TJ's post soon!

Happy Monday!