How we eat....

No, it's not ALWAYS cake, Billy! :)

I'm amazed at the amount of food these kids can intake!  I have learned a few tricks that are working this year.  Whenever I "start" preparing anything in the kitchen, it means it is TIME TO EAT NOW in the eyes of my toddlers.  Here is a pic of Lia pulling the bibs to check out the contents in the oven! :) 

 "I eat bite."  "Lissa, I eat bite."  "Lissa, eat bite now." 

So.... Whenever I get started, I let the kids get into their chairs and start on their fruit of the day.  I've noticed that the fruit as a "side" dish to the minimally healthy (and kid friendly entree) involves a lot more waste than I'm comfortable with.  BUT as an appetizer, it is a HUGE hit!  I'm talking a WHOLE Sams size case of strawberries, 7 or more bananas, 5 apples minimum, 10 clementines, or bunches and bunches and bunches of grapes! :)

THEN comes the entree....... 
*Grilled cheese these days involves a WHOLE loaf of bread and almost a WHOLE pack of cheese.  Now, some of the kids aren't eating the crust, but it's still mostly ALL consumed!
*PPJ involves a whole loaf and who knows how much PPJ! The kids have enjoyed "making their own" and spreading their own amts with butter knives. 
*I  am now only cooking 2 boxes of mac n cheese or 2 pizzas.  Some days there are left overs, but on days I only make one, there is not enough!
*Today 25 (I KNow, RIGHT?!?!) Chicken nuggets were consumed with requests for more. 
*A minimum of 8 Go-gurts a pop! 
*If it's not a Sams box of cereal, and it's a "big hit".... the kids will consume the whole box in one breakfast!
*Made pancakes for 16 the other morning.  Not ONE left!  GAH!
*Scrambled egg mornings is about 10 eggs. 

I'm not sure who is eating what amounts of what.  I tend to put small items on the plates and trays and then let the kid request more as needed.  One kid might eat half a go-gurt when another is eating 3 whole ones.  Sometimes they eat a quarter of a sandwich, sometimes 2 and a half.  Maybe Billy is eating 6 chicken nuggets when Mj is only feeling like 2.... it kind of averages out! :)  Every body goes through their "I don't want" it today, or they only want ONE of the parts of meal.  That is okay with me.  I tend to pick my battles, and force feeding is never a winning one for me! :) 

I know the kids are only coming 3 days a week these days, but I must say I am STILL very, VERY appreciative that you guys are still sending your food items! :)  Don't worry, they are not going to waste! :)