An Exercise in Patience

It has been really hot lately.  On this particular day it was so hot that the kids didn’t even want to be outside.  That is a rarity as most of our summer months are spent outside.  So we decided to bake.  The kids were excited.

As I’ve said before, I love to bake.  There is something about breaking eggs, pouring flour, and measuring spices that is calming.  There is something incredible about taking a bunch of ingredients, none of them spectacular individually, and turning them into something wonderful.  I take such pleasure in filling our home with inviting aromas, faces with smiles, and bellies with satisfaction. . .

Something happens, though, when you add a 4-year old and a 2-year old to the baking experience. It is no longer just an experience, it is an event.

I work to divide the tasks so they each get equal time.  Chanelle doesn’t get to break eggs yet, but Charlie has gotten quite good at it.  Check it out. . . he’s a champ.  He’s going to make some woman very happy. . . many, many, many years from now.

Another thing that happens when you add a pre-schooler and toddler to the experience is the process slows a bit.  You know, the attention span is not quite there.  This is where I am really working to ENJOY THE MOMENT.  There really isn’t anything wrong with taking a break to dance with Elmo, right?

. . . Okay, kiddos, back to work.

Cookies. . . simple, right?  Usually.

But when you add a 4-year old and 2-year old, sometimes it gets slightly more complicated. Or, shall we say. . . Messy?

Breathe in. . . breathe out. . . Chanelle was a bit traumatized by this event.  She turned the mixer on full force and was surprised with a flour shower.  Flour was everywhere.

Charlie thought it was hilarious!  And after a few deep breaths and counting to five. . . so did I.  Never mind the hour I spent cleaning flour out of all the crevices in the kitchen.  Chanelle recovered and finished her job. . . in her underwear. . . hey, we’re family, right?

Then we waited. . . and got clean. . . and ate cookies.

Overall, it was a good time.  These are the little glimpses I am trying hard not to miss.  These moments that I will never have again.  These are the memories we are making.  Simple, messy, and chaotic all at the same time.  As a bonus. . . an exercise in patience.