Thursday, May 16, 2013

Eating Veggies, Prince-Style

Almost everyone at Prince Elementary School eats the lunch that's provided by the cafeteria.
 As the construction on campus proceeds, the offerings become less creative, although the uses to which they are put continue to amaze.  Yes, that is apple sauce being eaten -???- through a straw.  

                                      There are quasi-healthy alternatives, of course.
Mostly, the boxed lunches involve packaging.

 I heard my mother's voice emerging from my lips as I admonished this poor child.  
"Don't use your teeth!!" sounded much harsher than I'd intended, I'm afraid.
I never realized that a small, peeled, baby carrot 
would be frightening 
even when your friend is right by your side. 
 She tried it.... with attitude... but she tried it 
and she kept her eyes open. 
Some were tentative.
Some were not sure what all the fuss was about.
There was generosity,
 and a certain savoir faire alongside a valiant effort to eat just one,
 but mostly there was silliness.
 There was lots
 and lots
 of silliness.
Was it a cigarette (I hope not) or are they sticking out their tongues at me? 
 Who cares?  It was silliness.
 Shyness and silliness and lots of Grandma love,
 even for those who are just about too cool for school.
Of course, there were those who ate the whole thing
 and were proud to share their accomplishment.
Lest you think that I was encouraging play at the expense of nutrition, 
let me assure you that every carrot which went into a mouth was swallowed.
Sometimes, this was followed by a surprised look and a nod of satisfaction.
Another carrot lover was born.
Being the Official Adopted Grandmother of Prince Elementary School has many perks.
Encouraging kids to eat their veggies is just one of them.

5 comments:

  1. Sooooo cute! Love all the pixs. My kids do some of those same things with carrots. All three of my kids love fruits and veggies. We bought one of those huge containers of strawberries on Saturday from Costco and by Saturday night they were all gone! I cannot keep apples and strawberries in the house long enough. Carrots are one of those veggies we always have on hand 'cause my oldest daughter just loves them.

    Thanks for sharing the pixs with us. They are precious. :)


    Megan xxx

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  2. How wonderful to see all these smiling faces! The sillier, the better! I wanna hug every blessed one of 'em!

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  3. Very sweet! I have a nephew at prince. I looked closely but didn't see him. It's so good to see those kiddos eating fruits and veggies. My own kiddos have been known to drink applesauce through a straw. Sometimes, whatever works to get it into their little bodies is ok with this Mama! Our school district has a nice fruit and veggie bar for the kids. It makes me feel a little better about the mystery meat served alongside the fresh fruit! ;)

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  4. Next step- spinach on ritz crackers!!

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  5. Glad you all enjoyed the smiles :) As I've said before and will say again, it is impossible to be sad when surrounded by little kids.

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