Sauerkraut

Tonight's menu consisted of Sauerkraut and Sausage, pinto beans, Mac and cheese, and tomatoes.

We try to always make our boys try at least a bite of all the food on their plate and tonight was no exception. We knew the sauerkraut would be a problem, but all we ask is for one, "no thank you, Ma'am" bite.

You know the one: you're a guest in someone's home and they serve the one food your Mother always tortured you with. The food she only served when you were in trouble. The food that made you wish you were an "inside dog family" so you could feed Fido under the table. Mine was liver and onions, complete with boiled okra and carrot salad. Even though it repulses you, you take a bite and when the hostess ask if you would like seconds, you smile politely and say, "No thank you Ma'am."

So tonight we decided to start with the easy one first, Hunter. He will eat almost anything you put in front of him. He willingly took a bite and smiled while he chewed. Swallowed. Then said,"That's not good." Chris and I silently giggled and allowed Hunter to move on to his favorite, the Mac and cheese.

Heath doesn't like to try new foods. At. All. So when he got his plate he immediately spotted the Mac and cheese and dove in. It wasn't until Chris took his plate away and placed a fork full of sauerkraut instead did he even notice it was an option. He began to grumble and cry and complain and grumble some more.

Then, the sweetest thing happened. Hunter told Heath, " Look Heathy, I'll eat it.". With a very fake smile on his lips he picked up another fork full of his own sauerkraut and ate it. He smiled the whole time he chewed and swallowed but it was obvious to the parents in the room that it was very forced and inside he was choking it down. What a sweet brother. Hunter repeated that a few more times, too.

Heath finally did eat a bite, just so he could get back to the Mac and cheese, and he didn't even gag like he does with scrambled eggs. Ornery little toot.