Out to dinner with the kids means actually eating with the kids. (I know!)
It never gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling that you got from watching the Huxtables.
The conversation usually centers on a) if the pasta can come without sauce b) if they can get juice c) distribution of said juice d) constant reminders to sit in their chairs and use basic manners e) that the well intentioned vegetables–cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes–on the side of their plates WILL NOT ATTACK.*
But sometimes it’s good for a laugh.
Tonight?
Miss M: “I burped, Ema!”
Me: “Say, ‘Excuse me.’”
Miss M: “Excuse me, Ema! I burped!”
* This is why I generally cater to their tastes for Shabbat and make sure there is a baked sweet potato or cooked carrots; avocado chunks, sliced cucumber, or peas. Makes things easier. If we don’t have to have guests they have to try a new food, although nothing that involves visible herbs or anything like that.

5 comments
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October 26, 2009 at 2:48 pm
4daughters
You must be so happy that avacadoes are back in season!
October 26, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Kate
The Haas avocados are not in season. I don’t care for the ones you can get now, but Miss M doesn’t seem to notice the difference.
October 27, 2009 at 11:50 am
ccw
This is so cute! I love her manners. I just wish I teach my younger ones that being able to say excuse me is not really a reason for burping so loudly at the dinner table.
October 27, 2009 at 11:59 am
caramama
Very funny!
“d) constant reminders to sit in their chairs and use basic manners” — this is what is driving me and my hubby crazy lately! Why can’t she just sit and eat like she used to???
October 27, 2009 at 6:06 pm
micaela
OMGosh, do you have those big avocados that have less fat than the Hass variety? I love those! In PR, we make a thick chicken & rice soup called asopao, and two things we serve with it are avocado slices — right on top of the soup — and twice-fried plantains (tostones). I bet you’d like that, maybe the kids would too…
Just watch, when you least expect it they’ll start being great when you go out to eat and you’ll feel like all you did all night was wait for the other shoe to drop.