Culinary Masterpiece

Did you know being a parent is a tough job? If no one has ever told you this before then consider yourself forewarned {you can thank me later}. It so tough in fact that every once in awhile I just don't want to do it. You heard me right! One or two days a week {okay seven} I take some time to myself and just chill. Whether it's with a book, a hot bath, a quiet walk, or some precious hours of afternoon sleep. About an hour to myself in the afternoon and I can handle the rest of the day. This is an especially important time when the kids are in school because as soon as that school bus arrives we are slogged down with homework, ball games, dinner and the coming day. When I take this time however, it leaves my children to their own defenses. I'm mostly okay with that. It has encouraged independence and tenacity in my kids AND leaving them to their own wiles has also taught them that if mom doesn't want to be bothered, then they just have to do it themselves.



These past few days every time Braden is left to his own defenses he has been experimenting with his culinary skills. This last time happened the other day while I was in the office taking my break on the internet {hey Larry gets a lunch break, why dont' I?}. I heard the banging of pots and pans from the kitchen above and knew that I would soon be treated to the delicious flavors of salt and pepper soup, Braden's specialty




Apparently the soup has to simmer in the oven for a few minutes as well.


It's a good thing he showed me these little plastic dishes hiding in the oven lest we have a situation like the one Courtney created {she was about the same age actually} when she put a stick in the oven and mom turned the oven on not knowing about the stick. Did you know that if you leave a dry piece of wood in the oven and turn it on to about 400 degrees that said wood will start on FIRE. FYI for anyone needing an indoor campfire.

He was good enough to clean up after himself everytime he spilled soup on the floor.

I don't know about you but I think I've got a chef in the making.

GOOD! Here in about two more years, he can make dinner and I can have a BREAK!