Archive for the ‘kids do’ Category
The Lunch Dilemma
Lunch Box via Land of Nod
My kids (particularly my son) love school lunch.
They like the daily variety. They love chocolate milk. They like a warm meal… especially in winter. They love dessert almost everyday. They love Pizza Fridays.
They don’t want to take home lunch. “Home lunches are boring!”
Oh boy, what a dilemma! Chocolate milk and dessert everyday is not healthy. Processed foods everyday is not healthy.
What’s a mother to do?
So I’ve struck a bargain with my kids. Four days a week they will have home lunch. And I promise, I really promise, to try to make them awesome. I promise to include foods they love. And once a week, they can choose to eat a school lunch (my guess it will be Pizza Fridays.)
Now that I’ve made the bargain, I’ve been wracking my brain for school lunch ideas that will keep things interesting and healthy for the kids.
If I’m honest with myself, school lunches also need to be EASY.
Here’s a few ideas I’ve had… I’d also love to hear a few of your favorites.
- Sandwich wraps- My kids will love a turkey, cheese and veggie wrap… it’s a perfect way to break up my old standby of PB & J.
- I’ll mix up the old sandwich routine with some pasta salads… especially if I have something leftover from the night before.
- I’d like to invest in a small thermos
for soup or warm leftover on cold days.
As for the side dishes…
- Frozen Edamame from Costco. By the time lunch rolls around they’ll be perfectly thawed. -Thanks Marcie for that idea.
- As a compromise, I’ll throw in a few “fun” foods, like Pirates Booty – my girl’s absolute favorite.
- Frozen Simply GoGurts will help keep the lunch cold.
- Cheese- string cheese, Babybel Bonbel, or a Light Laughing Cow wedge
- My favorite local apple grower, S and R Fruit will sell me very small apples. My kids prefer a whole apple, since cut apples are turning brown by the time lunch rolls around. If the apple is small enough, they can eat a whole apple and waste not.
- Every once in a while, I’ve got to throw in a homemade cookie or peanut butter bar.
And last but not least… I can’t forget to put a note in their lunches. My mom used to write a sweet or encouraging note on my napkin and I still remember how that made my day…
I just ran across the Owl Lunch Bag
Do you play croquet?
Alice: [curtsying] Yes, Your Majesty, but I just wanted to ask you…
Queen of Hearts: I’ll ask the questions! Do you play croquet?
Alice: Why, yes, Your Majesty. Queen of Hearts: Then let the game begin!
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My husband received a croquet set for Father’s Day this year.
It was Emma’s idea. She played croquet in the last week of school and fell in love. That day she came home and asked when Father’s Day was. “In June.” I said. “I have the perfect gift to give daddy,” she said, “croquet… I just know daddy would love it.”
She was right.
My husband grew up playing croquet with his family in their large, shady backyard. He has fond memories of their competitive games…. and he couldn’t have been more thrilled when he opened his gift. We lost no time getting out into the yard and setting up a game. If you haven’t played in a while, let me remind you what an absolute riot it can be.
There are a few things I’ve realized since we’ve gotten our croquet game:
- We are a competitive bunch.
- My husband has a vendetta against me…. he takes every opportunity to knock me off course.
- My son is gallant. He takes every opportunity to defend me. And to knock his dad of course. It warms my heart.
- Emma is a natural at croquet… she can really hit the ball for such a little lady.
- Lily is hysterical to watch. She hits the side of the mallet more often than not, but she does it with great flair.
- Laughing and playing as a family is priceless.
- I hate playing poison. Especially since my husband is a better shot than me.
If you’re looking for some outdoor fun this summer, it doesn’t get any better than a game of croquet.
