Future Missionary

A couple days ago I made something for lunch that Brett did not want to eat. Once his slightly hysterical and completely irrational fit had subsided some, I told him it was good practice. When he asked me to clarify (actually, he said, "What?") I explained that as he gets older and eats at friends' houses--and especially when he goes on a mission--he will have to eat things he doesn't want, and pretend to like them. This is how the practice went:

Queen Mommy: Ok, Brett, now take a big bite and smile and nod your head like this!QM: Good! Now, say, "Thank you Sister Smith, this is wonderful!"
Brett: Thank you Sister Smith, this is wonderful!

And it continued thus: (I don't get to use "thus" very often!)

QM: Take another bite, and smile!
B: (Takes a bite.)
QM: Now say, "Thank you Sister Gonzales, this dog is very tasty!"
B: People don't eat dogs!
QM: Daddy did in his mission, (Daddy had to verify this later before he would completely believe it) and so did Grandpa. Sometimes dogs are all they have to eat. Just say it.
B: (Laughing) Thank you Sister Gonzales, this dog is yummy!
QM: Great! You are going to be an awesome missionary! Now take another bite, and smile!
B: (Takes a bite.)
QM: Good! Now say, "Thank you Sister Schmidt, blood sausage is my favorite!"

...and so on! He actually ate everything on his plate! We might have something here. (At least for a little while!)