Even though today was a glorious festive occasion (Mother’s Day, that is), and I was feeling much better than I did yesterday, I had learned my lesson. John provided a huge feast, but I ate in moderation. The fact that the grilled ahi and chicken isn’t exactly on my vegan diet helped. I did have him throw a tempeh steak on the grill, but I can’t say it compared with what the rest of the family was eating. I enjoyed the fruits and vegetables, though, and that was enough, especially after the miserable day I had yesterday.

Anyway, it wasn’t about food today. It was about Mom, and celebrating her sixty years as a mother, and Suzanne, who has been a mother for over half as long. It was also about the youngest members of the family. Aiden and Kylie made it a holiday even for those of us who are not mothers.

When I got there, they wanted to play tag with me out in the yard. I gave it my best effort, but I couldn’t last very long. Aiden explained it to me: “Do you know why smaller people can run faster? It’s because they don’t weigh as much as big people.” I have to admit, he pretty much nailed it. Earlier he had told Mom the reason he beat her at arm wrestling: “It’s because I’m younger.” He likes playing that card, and it usually works to his advantage.

Kylie was perfectly happy playing along. She liked the running part of playing tag, and she enjoyed being chased. Being tagged didn’t do much for her, because it would have meant she should stop running, so whenever she was tagged, she just ignored it. It’s not that she doesn’t like physical contact, though, because when the game deteriorated into wrestling around on the grass, she was really into that.

The two of them played together well, too. Aiden was very careful not to do anything that could hurt his little sister. I don’t know if he always does it that well (I’d guess probably not), but he was on good behavior today.

When we were turning over rocks and looking for bugs, Aiden wanted me to move one of Suzanne’s big planters so he could look under it. I said I thought it was too heavy, so he suggested, “Do you think a four-year-old and an adult could move it?” How could I say no to that? And there was a nice beetle underneath, so it was totally worth it.

I think I’m ready to admit that four meals a day are too many. I’m not sure how I’m going to resolve this with the diet from the book, though. I know that by following that menu plan, I’d be getting all the nutrients I need to stay healthy. When I started the diet, I was all gung ho on making sure I did things exactly right. I did a pretty good job of that, but I don’t think I need to be quite as faithful to the book. In fact, after eating less today, I feel better already.