A scene from breakfast

"Breakfast!" I called, as I put toast, orange juice, poached eggs and a platter of sausages onto the breakfast table.

Six hungry kids came running into the kitchen to find their places at the table.

"Eeeeew - eggs!" Marissa announced. "I hate eggs."

There was silence from Ceara, Laura and Lisa as they eyed the poached eggs.

"Ahhh, c'mon guys, " I said, "I made this really great breakfast...these are poached eggs...kinda like cowboy food...at least try them."

Marissa declared, "No-way!" There was continued silence from Ceara and Laura. Lisa bravely, but hesitantly, said, "I'll try one..." Oblivious to the egg commotion around her, Emma picked up her fork and tried spearing a sausage while Colter announced, "But I don't like poached eggs...I like sunny-side-up ones."

Looking at Colter, I brightly said, "But this is pretty close to sunny-side-up!"

A few minutes later I noticed Colter picking at his egg and examining parts of the yolk. I jokingly said, "Colter, this is not a science experiment, it's your breakfast...now try to eat some of your egg..."

A few minutes later I looked up to hear the "clink-clinking" of butter knives and the giggling of Colter and Emma as they began a "sword-fight" with their knives. Smiling, I said, "Put your knives down..."

The sword-fight continued and I heard Colter excitedly directing his sister, "Here, you hold the toast. I bet I can hit it in two..." More giggling erupted from the two of them as their knives continued to "clink-clink."

"Okay, you guys..." I again interrupted.

My words obviously fell on deaf ears. For Colter was even more excited now as he announced to Emma, "Whoever hits the knife out of the other person's hand first is the winner..." and the two of them continued their butter-knife-duel and their giggling.

A little louder this time I said, "Okay guys...put your knives down!"

The kids finished their breakfast in a much quieter room and actually ate most of the food served to them. In the end, there was one poached egg left...but lots of little leftover pieces spread out all over their plates.

Afterwards Colter said to me, "It was good mom." (pause) "I really don't like poached eggs...but I tried a little bit of it..."

Tomorrow morning...blueberry smoothies and cold cereal for breakfast...