When Mr Large was talking about his birthday recently, the question naturally arose about what he would like as a present.
I was amazed when he said, after careful thought and consideration: "I'd like my own garden."
When questioned further he explained he wanted to grow things he could pick for us to eat at dinner. I am honestly not sure what they are teaching him at school sometimes, because it certainly isn't something he learning at home.
So I sat on this for a day or so wondering how on earth we could do this properly for him
And then like an answer to prayer, and there were a couple of those, my parents asked a couple of days later what their grandson would like for his birthday.
Now my parents as well as being spectacular people are awesome gardeners. If you'd like evidence of this they are the stars of this documentary here and if you watch for a few minutes you will see what I mean. There is footage of them gardening and doing lots of other exciting things as well.
Unfortunately for me, the green thumb has skipped this generation. My idea of fresh herbs is the tube stuff you buy at the supermarket but it doesn't mean I can't admire other people and their handiwork.
So the birthday boy's special day came. Nonna and Poppa came over and with the "help" of three, small, highly excitable individuals they made Mr Large his own garden.
And this morning Mr Large shot into our bedroom shrieking. Initially I thought we were under attack, but no. It was much more exciting than that.
We have green beans.
Garden fresh.
Guess what we are having for dinner?
Can I just say I never get over how simple it is to instill a sense of pride and excitement in their lives simply by giving them a sense of ownership and involvement in little projects like this.
It almost makes me want to get out a packet of seeds and some mulch.
Almost.