Caught in the Act!

There was a mystery in our house...

A few months ago, I thought I was going crazy. I realized that some of our dishes seemed to have disappeared- vanished! We were down to about 5 of our smaller spoons and we were even missing some of my smaller Wedgwood plates (all gifts from our wedding- that we now need to replace).

I really did think I was going nuts. We don't bring spoons anywhere outside of our kitchen- never pack anything in the lunches that would require spoons... And then one day I noticed something- the Bigs had cleared their spots at the table, but at the sink (where they put their plates and such) we were one place setting short. When I asked them about it, Zach told me he had thrown out his old food. I looked in the garbage and sure enough, there was a plate and (in this case) a fork!

Zach and I sat down and had a nice talk. I showed him how to clear his plate off into the garbage, and then to carry his silverware and plate to the sink. He practiced a few times and I thought we were good (notice I said, 'thought'- past tense).

Before Sunday School this morning, I was running late (as usual) getting all the kids out the door as well as everything needed for a birthday party that I was taking Ali Jane to after the service. I grabbed Sean's bib to discard the stuff he left behind when I did a double take. There in the garbage was a bowl and spoon!

So I learned a few things.

1. When teaching a three-year-old to clear the table, practice with plates, bowls and all combinations possible.
2. Take frequent assessments to ensure your three year old is mastering the skill.
3. Hire a few Bigs to squeal out the three year old (Where were they? Surely Ali Jane should have seen something- she is the master of all tattle-tales!).
4. Always keep your camera handy... you never know when you will catch someone in the act- (and get good blog material!)


Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    Love it. Now we must master the skill of knowing paper products that can be thrown away vs. plastic that is saved. I am curious on what he will do at school. Will make a note to watch. :)
    Ronda

    ReplyDelete
  2. SorensonVTJanuary 23, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    Laura,
    This made me laugh! And I am so relieved to know someone else sounds like I do in the morning--tired! I will make a mental note to watch what will does when he clears his spot. For all know, this has been happening at our house too! He loves to say, "May I please be excused?" and then to take his own plate, etc. the counter. So funny. And what a cutie Z is!

    :-)
    Erin

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Laura, I'm sorry, but I just totally laughed out loud. I can't believe he was throwing his bowls in the trash! It's funny sometimes the things we assume are so obvious, but they aren't necessarily to them. Very cute.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Debby@Just BreatheJanuary 23, 2011 at 9:53 PM

    That is so funny. I guess I always cleaned away the dishes for my children. Of course I only had two so clean up was pretty easy. I should have taught them like you because they still sometimes leave the table and expect me to do it!

    ReplyDelete
  5. KellyJanuary 30, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    Too Funny! WE too experienced losing silverware once my son learned how to clean his place at the table and after eating something that required a spoon, we too soon will have to replace the silverware that is missing......

    ReplyDelete

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