31 May
I was getting dinner ready tonight, cutting up a head of cauliflower, when Wesley came in. He eyed the cauliflower suspiciously and announced, “I’m not eating that.”
“Aside from your tasting bite, you mean?” I asked.
He folded his arms and said, “I don’t like it.”
I said, “You’ve never tried it. Maybe you’ll think it’s delicious.”
He looked at the cauliflower and said darkly, “I have my doubts, missy.”
29 May
The garden is taking off–despite a ruthless battle with the slugs for dominance of the lettuce and kale.
Cucumber:
Peas!
Wesley checking out the rolled-up tendril on the cucumber:
And here’s a bonus pic of the kids:
18 May
Wesley asked, “Why do we call her MaryBear?”
In answer, I produce the following exhibit:
17 May
Summer is almost here. Inspired by a friend, the kids and I made a list of 100 things to do–because otherwise it is all too easy, especially when it’s hot, to flop down and watch movies all day.
You might be able to guess which items the kids contributed. But Mary’s first two suggestions were “go get ice cream” and “learn about snakes.” I’m not sure why.
It will probably look small, but if you click on it, you should be able to read it. Our plan is to use highlighters to color in the boxes when we do things.
13 May
Maggie and Jim came to visit for Maggie’s graduation–she’s Dr. Maggie!
Wesley declined to be photographed, but Mary was all for it.
8 May
So, Mary is sick and Wesley was exhausted, so the kids went to bed at 6:30. After I put them to bed, I came downstairs and started making dinner for the adults (braised leeks from Smitten Kitchen).
I was busily braising my leeks–which smell more or less like heaven must smell–and I heard Wesley coming down the stairs. He trotted into the kitchen, fixed me with an accusatory look, and said, “Are you COOKING while I’m in bed?”
I said, “Yes, I am. Are you hungry?”
He said, “No, but I still might WANT some of that.” He stood up on tiptoe to try to see what it was, and then said, “You’re not supposed to cook unless I am here to eat it.” And then he turned around and stalked back upstairs to his bed.
3 May
Mary got started filling up the pool–as usual, I had to remind her that the pool will not fill up if none of the water actually goes into it.
The all-important hair-washing:
This year, Wesley is brave enough to participate!
Wesley hollered, “But she is WET AND COLD!”
Silly faces:
2 May
Conor and I were reading that kids Wesley’s age should eat at least 4 half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Mary should eat six servings. I should eat eight. EIGHT!
Anyway, I’ve always thought that we were fairly healthful eaters most of the time. In particular, I try not to feed my kids junk. But I made a chart for each kid (and one for me) and we’re keeping track of the fruits and vegetables.
After about four days of this, I have reached a conclusion: that is a fuck of a lot of fruits and vegetables.
Seriously, it’s crazy. I had no idea how short we were falling. Partly because Wesley is a carbohydrate fiend, and I always focused on getting him to eat SOMETHING else (protein or whatever), I didn’t realize how few fruits and vegetables he was eating. And I hadn’t realized that I was getting so few, either, especially on teaching days when I’m not at home for a leisurely breakfast and lunch. Mary eats a fair number of vegetables and fruits, but she just doesn’t EAT that much. If she gets six servings of fruits and vegetables, that’s a huge percentage of what she eats in a day…which, I suppose, is the idea.
They’ve accepted the challenge, though, and they’re doing very well with it. Wesley is a bit limited on what vegetables he likes, but he’s tried a few new things and I think he’s going to branch out if we stick with it. Mary likes coloring in her chart with the colors of the foods she’s eaten.
But still. That’s a LOT of fruits and vegetables.
30 Apr
We went strawberry picking on Saturday–Mary took some pictures.
Getting started:
Wesley:
Looking for a good spot to pick:
Mama picking berries:
Conor took this one:
the rest of the family:
Finally–last but not least–the chickens.
24 Apr
Conversation between Mary and Wesley this evening…
Wesley: Did you know sometimes people say there’s a bunny about Easter?
Mary: The Easter Bunny?
Wesley: Yeah!
Mary: Yes. But he is pretend.
Wesley: I know. I KNOW! But he is still for Easter.
Mary: Yes, he is.
Wesley: He is not real though. Easter baskets are from Mama and Daddy.
Mary: Yes, like the quarter from the tooth fairy.*
Wesley: The tooth fairy is only for you, though.
Mary: Uh-uh! Everyone gets the tooth fairy. Except that’s really Mama and Daddy too. It’s pretend.
Wesley: Why would the tooth fairy come to me? I have all my teeth.
Mary: Someday they’ll fall out.
Wesley: [gasps, covers mouth]
Mary: But then they’ll grow back.
Wesley: WHAT!?! You have GOT to be kidding me.
Mary: I knew you’d want to know the truth.
* Yes, a quarter. I’m a cheap bastard–what can I say?
Bonus–a buddy pic from this weekend:
