Fresh Starts

Objective: Spending Time Together, Taking the 'mundane' out of meal prep and presention
Challenge: I'm already busy with a long to-do list for the day, no time to cook, and my 6yo daughter needs breakfast
Solution: "Tea Party" and Time Together


Story: In our house, during summer vacation, everyone wakes up slowly. Sometimes the boys aren't even up until 10:00 (or later) and I'm fine with that. But that means that breakfasts aren't usually a big deal. Sometimes we'll have an egg and toast, but mostly we have leftovers, or a bowl of cereal and a piece of fruit. Today I thought I'd change that up a bit.

Picture this: It's Wednesday morning. I have a list of things to do as long as my arm, and I'm really wishing I could just give my 6 year old daughter a granola bar and keep working on the project I started at 5:30 AM. But that 'mom guilt' is tugging at my heartstrings. So here's what I came up with ...

I dug in the cupboard and found some whole wheat ritz crackers. I put a little dab of peanut butter on 6 of them, then sliced thin 'discs' of banana and 'stuck' them onto the peanut butter. I arranged them on a clear glass plate and added a quick shake from the 'cinnamon sugar' shaker. Next, I poured her chocolate almond milk into a 'fancy glass' with little pink flowers on it. For extra pizazz, I served this all on a flowered lap tray with an embroidered hanky.

Now, I realize that this isn't necessarily the most wholesome start to the day, but the look on her face when I 'served' her was priceless. Here's the best part .. I SAT DOWN with her while she ate. Now, that doesn't sound like a big deal to some folks, but in MY reality, it was a lovely start to the day.

Pic Comment: Mac (the cat) inspecting my work and keeping me company while I prepare C's breakfast.