Cookie Conundrum

Are they Samoas or Caramel deLites?

Our family has a MAJOR weakness for Girl Scout cookies. One of our favorites is the second-most popular cookie, behind Thin Mints. We have noticed that they are called Samoas some places and Caramel deLites in other places. In the past we wrongly assumed that they had changed the name of the cookie to be more Politically Correct (I guess some Samoan was offended that a delicious cookie was named after him). Anyway, we indulged in both cookie names this year, and I wondered if it was a regional thing as one box was purchased in NJ and the other in MD. Otherwise, the MD girl scouts are passing off REALLY old cookies. So I did some research.

There are two baking companies that make cookies for the Girl Scouts. ABC Bakers is in Richmond, VA and makes Caramel deLites. Little Brownie Bakers is in Louisville, KY and makes Samoas. I guess it depends on what bakery is supplying which troop.

From experience, both cookies taste alike. However, I have found through my research that Caramel deLites are healthier with 140 calories as opposed to the 150 calories in Samoas. Both packages list the serving size as 2 cookies! Who can eat only two?! I can easily polish off a whole box in one sitting if no one is watching!

I have also learned that Girl Scout Cookies are Kosher. You can also claim them as a tax deduction if you pay for the cookies but leave them with the troop. What's the fun in that?!

I propose that we organize a taste-off of the various types/names of Girl Scout Cookies. Anyone want to share a box with me?

Tinkle, Tinkle, Little Star

Katherine is well on her way to being completely potty trained. She very rarely has accidents anymore and when they happen, it's because she's very preoccupied or overly tired. As a precaution, she is wearing pull-ups during naps and nightime. But they are usually dry when she wakes up. Woo hoo!

I came across this handy little item tonight.

It is an ancient Greek potty training chair. There is some speculation whether it was a potty training chair or high-chair type device. Given the holes, I am leaning towards potty training. Either way, it doesn't look very comfortable. Given the amenities that come with some training potties these days, it's hard to believe that anyone was able to learn on something made of clay.

2009!!

Here is our New Year Baby!

Need I say more?

Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas holiday. It wasn't nearly as hectic and rushed as normal. Katherine got her beloved "cooter" and "puter". Otherwise known as a scooter and computer. That's what she asked Santa for. Her computer is a Vtech laptop that she can grow into. It has all kinds of modes to work on letters, numbers, words, etc.

She also got all kinds of other great gifts and she adores all of them.

Maybe Santa was so nice because of the cookies and milk she left for him, and the carrots she left out for the reindeer. Santa even left a thank-you note.

Here are some pictures of her on Christmas morning at home. She was also able to try out her scooter a few days later when it was unseasonably warm. Can you tell she loved it?