Circling Sharks

Last night was a busy night.

Chris had to go to Drama at 6, until 8:30.

Kate had Basketball practice from 8-9.

Rob is in Pheonix so I had to be on top of things:

getting snacks for the kids, overseeing homework,

driving here and there and back and forth.

I made Chris a dinner of leftover meatloaf and garlic potatoes.

The menu last night was for artichoke pasta and Chris doesn't like it-

plus, it was just going to be too much to make the dinner, 

feed everyone and still leave the house by 5:45 to get Chris there on time.

So I fed Chris, took him to Drama and was back by 6:15.

I chopped the artichoke hearts and got them going on a low simmer.

Within minutes, Kate began sniffing the air.

A low keening moan came from the family room.

"Moooooooooom, that smells so good, is dinner almost ready?

I am soooooo huuuuuuuuunnnnngry!"

"Soon, Kate. I just have to boil the pasta," I replied.

I had to smile. 

Artichoke pasta has been Kate's favorite meal since Kindergarten.

I clearly remember going to her Kindergarten Open House.

The kids had drawn pictures of their favorite food

and their teachers had written underneath the picture.

All the photos were hanging from the ceiling on ribbons.

There were the usual suspects:

hot dogs, pizza, nuggets, ice cream.

And then this lone bowl of pasta with yellowish lumps on it,

inscribed "Artichoke Pasta."

Even then, my girl heard the beat of a different drum.

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As I was boiling the angel hair pasta,

I uncovered the artichokes to give them a stir.

Kate and Trey both came barreling into the kitchen,

whining and keening in unison, 

begging for tastes and 

"Hoooow much Loooooonnnger?"

Luckily for all of us, it is a very quick meal!