Dinner Commentator

I try for an average dinner plate in our home to resemble the new and improved food pyramid. I agree, it's not perfect, but I try to include protein, vegetables, dairy and a grain.

Of late, a food moderator has joined the family dinner table.

If Dagny notices that someone finishes his/her serving of a food group, she will be the first to point and joyfully announce, "Done, done, done, done, done, done, done, done."

If one is in the middle of a conversation and does not properly acknowledge the moderator, said moderator, increases the volume of her voice, "DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE!!" until someone responds, "Yes, I have finished my vegetables."

So, we continue with the meal, until the next food group on a fellow dinner companion's plate disappears, "Done, done done done done done done done."

"Yes Dagny, Valerie finished her macaroni and cheese. Are you finished?"

"No."

"Okay, eat some more of your vegetables!"

Eventually, either Ken or I will finish our dinner plates, "Done done done done done done done. DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE!"

"Yes Dagny, Daddy finished his dinner. Are you finished?"

"No."

"Okay, let's see if you will be part of the clean plate club tonight."

And the meal continues until Dagny finds another opportunity to point and shout, "Done done done done done done done. DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE DONE."

Please do not be surprised if Ken and I begin to respond with one word answers in your future presence.