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.

 

Chanelle loves to get into it as well.  The biggest treat is using the mixer.  It is important that each get equal time.

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. 

  • SassyTimes - August 17, 2010 - 11:50 am

    My 2 year old helped me bake cookies last night and it turned out just like this. It is a great test of patience, especially after a long day. I think it makes you step back and realize that a messy kitchen isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things.ReplyCancel

  • Charbelle - August 17, 2010 - 12:19 pm

    I dated a guy whose little girl was 3/4 at the time. We used to bake, I think it taught me a lot more than it ever taught her. The thing is memories like this are so awesome.
    Your 2 helpers are just absolutely precious!!ReplyCancel

  • Trophy Life - August 18, 2010 - 10:57 am

    the flour all over C. is priceless! it kind of stressed me out for you just thinking of all the chaos, but i know that it was totally worth it in the end…ReplyCancel

  • Rachael Hammett - August 21, 2010 - 4:58 pm

    LOVE IT….ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT…priceless photos and priceless memories!ReplyCancel

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