As a mother of three girls, I have lived through various phases over the past eleven years.

 
Diapers, Dora, Dance and now, “Don’t look at me,” and “Do I know you?”

 
I asked Hanna’s grade six teacher what food item I could send in for the last day of school party knowing I would not be making friends with anything less than a chocolate/whipped cream cake wrapped in cotton candy.

 
I was assigned the veggie platter. Kids love veggies right?

 
I knew when I was making the platter the kids were only going to be eating one, token carrot because they could hear their mother’s voices saying, “Eat one carrot and then you can have something from one of the fun parents who like their kids.”

 
But the veggie platter is something I’m quite happy to send. I just didn’t think my eleven year old would have an opinion on it…..like at all.

 
Last night she asked, “Oh, did you buy the veggie platter for tomorrow?”

 
“Well, I bought the veggies and I’ll put it together in the morning before school.”

 
“What do you mean you bought the veggies? I thought you were buying a platter of veggies?”

 
“I own many platters (motioning to the cupboard overflowing with platters) so I bought the veggies and I will display them and send them in. Is that okay?”

 
I got a look I can only describe as that reflection in the mirror when you realize your hair dresser just shaved you bald when you had specifically asked for long, curly layers.

 
“Well everyone thinks you’re buying the veggie platter already done.”

 
“Um, why would ANYONE care if the platter was done at the store or in my kitchen?” Had there really been a class discussion on this?

 
There was an awkward silence before bed. I asked myself, was this something I had done? Are our platters a complete and utter embarrassment to eleven year olds? Unless I send the veggies in one of my training bras, I can’t imagine this should be an issue.

 
Then this morning, it was time to bring the platter to school.

 
It rivaled any chocolate/whipped cream/cotton candy cake. The secret of course: hummus.

 
When we arrived at the school, my daughter refused to walk the veggie platter into the building. It was that bad. DIY veggie platter has ruined the last day of school.

 
I can’t wait to pick the kids up at the end of the day.

 
Veggies really are the new black.