Throwback post. This was when our third son was in 4th grade and playing on a football team his dad coached. We talked often to the boys about having a goal to accomplish each year. One they could set upon and achieve. This was in hopes of establishing healthy habits.

(Scene: In the truck on the way from one football field to another.)

Dad: “Did you eat the apple you brought?” Son to dad, “Yup.”

Dad: “Okay, pass the core up to me and I’ll put it in the garbage bag up here.” Son: “I can’t.”

Dad: “You can’t, why not?” Son: “I ate it.”

Dad: “You ate it?” Son: “Yup.”

Dad: “You ate the seeds?” Son: “Yup.”

Dad: “You ate the inside pieces?” Son: “Yup."

Dad: “You ate the little brown bottom and the stem?” Son: “There wasn’t a stem but if there was I’d have eaten it.”

Dad: “Why?” Son: “I try to eat one whole apple every year; been doing it since kindergarten.”

Dad: “So now you’re good for this year right?” Son: “Yup.”

Goal setting? Probably not what I had in mind but perhaps this will lead to bigger and better things in the future.