Breakfast

Everyone knows that, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day".  It is to not be missed! I wonder if this statement should be clarified a bit.  Like, "Eat something in the morning with nutritional value" or "Don't eat crap too early in the day" or "Don't let your four year old make her own breakfast".  

So, I am a pretty careful shopper.  I only buy organic milk and butter.  I avoid corn-syrup with a vengeance.  When writing out the week's grocery list, I always consult my family for ideas and any special requests that they may have.  I also usually grocery shop alone-except this weekend.

Ava and her daddy were having a little father/daughter tiff.  As I kissed her tear stained face goodbye before going shopping, she said, (with lips pursed together to keep them from quivering) "Mommy, I want to go shopping with you."  How could I resist?  She needed some time alone with her mommy.  Mommy might have needed some time alone with her, too.

Off my baby and I went.  Target first, then the grocery store.  The girls requests were simple: grapes, apples, and cereal.  

Ava and I went to the cereal aisle at Target.  Daddy asked for plain ol' Cheerios which we quickly threw in the cart. Then it was Ava's turn.  Usually my girl likes Cascadia Farm's organic Raisin Bran.  That's what she picked out the previous week.  This week, however, she quickly chose Cookie Crisp.  Only, on her way to sneak it in the cart before I could say no, she spotted Trix Swirls.  "Please Mommy!  I just have to have them!  They look SOOO delicious!"  ...I allowed it.  I believe that kids should be allowed to be kids and occasionally eat nonsense cereal.  Before our shopping trip was over, a box of Cheez-its also found its way into the cart.

Fast forward three days.  My baby woke up this morning and announced that she was hungry.  We walked downstairs and she asked for a bowl.  While I was busying myself in the kitchen, Ava poured herself a bowl of Trix Swirls and Cheez-its (Cheez-its first, followed by a layer of Trix).  She asked me for the milk and reminded me that SHE had to pour it. Do I deprive my children so much that they have to combine foods laden with preservatives and artificial everythings?

I handed her the milk.  That's when I noticed her breakfast concoction-Trix, Cheez-its, and vanilla almond milk?!?  I let it happen.  I let lots of things happen when tears are involved or it's early in the morning.  I had my doubts, but she ate it.  She also hummed a happy tune while eating.  Breakfast IS the most important meal of the day.  It's what makes mornings happy.