Dear Children,

Just know that I am saving you from impending starvation, this is why your lunch kit is so very full.  The side items of the lunch kit would be plenty, I know.  I cannot help myself. You need the singles Pringles (catchy phrase), baggie of grapes, baggie of carrots and celery, and baggie of popcorn.  And your entrees are different, yet both filling.

Big Kid,
You receive the same standard every day since kindergarten, The peanut butter sandwich, no jelly.  And now the bonus add on Protein drink, per your request. I never waver, usually. Although today it’s no peanut butter sandwich, because there is no bread other than the tiny rye bread slices for the cucumber sandwiches I made Little Bit earlier this week. Peanut butter and rye do not mix, I don’t care how “foodie” you are.  So, left over steak is your entree today.  It will be cut up and microwaved warm, and placed tenderly in an aluminum foil packet. I think I should shape it in a swan shape like they do in the movies when you leave a restaurant, but I don’t.  I know the shape will be lost in transportation with the lunch kit in your backpack and then it will just be a weirdly misshapen wade of tin foil with a tiny amount of steak and you will wonder why your mother over wrapped this steak? and where is my sandwich?  So, no swan shape.  But I will throw in a plastic fork and a paper plate, so I can pretend you won’t eat it with your hands.

Little Bit,
Today you again will receive ramen noodles.  I know third day in a row of ramen.  I apologize.  I know you are unlike your brother.  You cannot stand to have the same lunch since kindergarten, much less yesterday.  But, again I’m out of bread, except the tiny rye.  And I don’t have the time or energy to make the cucumber sandwiches at 5:30 a.m. today.  Although for once I have all the ingredients to make cucumber sandwiches.  You can have them for your afternoon snack, My Foodie Child. Yet, points are in my favor.  I made you oatmeal and Oolong tea for breakfast and I know you loved it.  In separate bowls, I sliced strawberries and put in brown sugar. You found spices in the cabinet of cinnamon, and I have no idea what else, and made yourself a little oatmeal bar.  After stirring it all up, you noshed on three bites, took one sip of “too hot” tea and as I ran to get you some ice cubes, you darted out the door to the bus saying you would just eat the singles Pringles for breakfast instead and drink some water. Sigh.

Big Kid,
In another hour, you and the Hubs will awaken. And I’ll scramble y’all some eggs and give them juice and coffee. In a mere three minutes, the eggs will be scarfed down and the juice and coffee chugged like pros. Then y’all will grab a protein bar or a Pop-tart and head out the door, too.

Children,
All I can think to myself is “You are all fed, at least for another hour.”   And I smile, because it warms my heart to spend this time with you. This fast paced, 4-minute dash. I love to see you in the mornings, because you are a raw, not-fully-awake, not-fully-aware self.  You are unfiltered and open. You are hungry and moving fast; trying to make it out the door in time for the bus and school.  You give all you have and then some in these moments, and I am appreciative. I love these moments I get to spend with you. It is worth the effort in the mornings.  I love the time and I love you.

Love, Mom