This is the Lunchables countdown

I don't know what it is about Lunchables, I just say "No." Patrick asks again and I say "no" again. Well, maybe I do know....

1) They are nasty. I can't get away from my memories of eating them as a child (meat isn't supposed to have holes like that). They were nasty and processed when I was growing up and they are still chock full of artificial ingredients, not to mention more sugar and salt than my kid needs.

2) I enjoy MAKING lunch, it is a trapping of Motherhood and I like it. When Patrick started preschool, packing his lunch was a novelty for me. Partly because it symbolized a milestone and partly because it was part of my mommy routine.

3) They are kind of expensive. If I am going to spend extra money on food I am going to buy filet mignon, sushi, shrimp, artichokes, pomegranates, and other Patrick delicacies. I don't know how much a Mommy Made Lunch costs but I am sure it is cheaper than a Lunchable.

The Lunchable argument wasn't a problem for a long time because my son's freak flag proudly displays a huge piece of cheese with a big "X" through it. And he definitely is not going to eat processed cheese, Brie YES, cheese product NO. Enter peer influence...
And my dad. Okay, so my dad didn't buy my son his first Lunchable, I did, but he is still part of this story. I bribed Patrick with a Lunchable several months ago. I don't remember the context of the bribe but I do remember that he chose Pepperoni Pizza Lunchables (with the Star Wars Clone Wars cross advertising, can't help but appreciate that!).

My dad called me (at the behest of my mom) one night prior to taking on the care of my two boys for a few days.
DAD: "I went to the grocery store in preparation for the boys' visit. I got some things and I need to know if it is okay for the boys to eat it."
Me: What did you get?
DAD: "Well.... let's see, I picked up some Jello."
Me: Jello Pudding or Jello gelatin?
Kevin starts his Bill Cosby Jello Pudding act
DAD: Yes, pudding and I also bought OREOs. Can they eat Oreos?
Me: Yes, that's all fine in moderation.

And then at some point he bought Patrick a Lunchable. I am assuming the little barrister made a compelling argument and pinky promises galore to get the Pizza Lunchable. Then there was something about it being put in the freezer on accident, I wouldn't let Patrick take it when we left so my dad hand-delivered it. And then the Lunchable sat in the refrigerator for 3 whole days as Patrick counted down the days until it was a school-day again and he could take his Lunchable.

That was just a couple of weeks ago and Patrick has been begging for another Lunchable ever since. I finally gave in and bought him THREE (yes, three) lunchables to close out his last three days of Preschool. If one was to visit his first Preschool lunch the comparison would be startling. Gone are the baby carrots, fresh berries, water and baked chips (if you're lucky). This lunch is MAXED OUT, man. Rockstars eat Lunchables right?