Do you know the Muffin Man?

Kingston and I spent the day together.  We went to Target to shop and he found muffin mix.  He wanted to make muffins. So, we did.  We sang, "Do you know the Muffin Man" while working on making the muffins.  Kingston did it all himself, even smashing (cracking) the egg.  I asked him where he learned to crack an egg and he said, "My Daddy taught me."  I teared up for sure.  We set the timer and waited for them to come out of the oven. I smeared butter on his muffin.  He gave it a thumbs up.  After that, we went on a "hike."  I told him I knew where a pond was if he wanted to see it.  We walked or hiked as he said to the other side of the neighborhood.  He threw rocks in the water and was so fascinated by it.  After our walk I needed to get supper started.  I started cutting up a salad.  I asked him if he knew what a bell pepper was.  He got all excited and said, "Yes, I do.  Daddy ate one of those.  He ate one and went to the dentist, and his heart stopped, and the dentist couldn't fix him.  My Daddy died."  I wasn't prepared for that.  I took a deep breath and told him, "Well, you're right.  Your Daddy went to the Dr. though. The dentist helped fix Daddy's teeth.  The Dr. couldn't start his heart again, and he did die."  We both got tears in our eyes. I said, "I miss your Daddy, do you?"  He just shook his head and we hugged it out. 

I had the best time with Kingston that day.  We had lunch with Nana and then it was just the two of us.  He does little things that remind me of Chris.  His laugh- sounds just like Chris when he was little.  It was so easy with Kingston.....so unlike with my kids.  I didn't have to be 5 steps ahead and thinking what they were manipulating me for.  The word no, simply meant NO....no argument needed.  Even when he couldn't see me, he still had a conscience and knew and followed what the rules were.  My kids don't do that.  Spending time with Kingston was not only good for him, but it is so therapeutic for me.  It leaves me wishing Luke and I had done so many things different.  It makes me realize the chaos I live in daily all because my kids's needs weren't met at a young age.  It makes me sad for them, but extremely sad for myself.  Call it selfish if you must, but it's just plain reality. 

I'll keep spending time with Kingston.  Chris would have wanted that.  Aunt Isis can teach him all the things Chris would have wanted him to know.  Family is important for sure.

Snow and Mt. Nebo

Luke surprised me for my birthday with a weekend away.  I didn't think we were going to get a chance to leave.  It snowed the Friday we were supposed to leave town. We ended up getting about 6 inches of snow.  Usually, I love snow, but this time I was ready for it to go.  The kids played outside making snowmen or snow angels for a bit.  They had a good time.  About noon, we loaded up the car and dropped them off with our friends.  I don't know what we'd do without our friends the Barber's and Morris's.  They never mind watching our kids. 

I didn't know where we were going til we got to Pottsville.  The drive up the mountain always freaks me out.  I don't like heights at all.  Luke and I stopped at Walmart for supplies and had a blast at Mt. Nebo.  We stayed at Cabin 68 on the Sunset side.  It was a rustic cabin, but it was nice and cozy.  On Saturday morning, while in the bathroom, I had a mouse run under my leg and out the door.  I screamed and never even woke up Luke!  Saturday, we went for a 4 mile hike.  It was fun being outdoors in the cold and just talking.  I had the best relaxing time.  I cannot wait to do it again sometime soon!

Asia's Easy bake oven

Asia has been hounding us to use her Easy Bake Oven she got for Christmas 2 years ago.  I finally broke down and let her.  We made chocolate chip cookies- or really just one cookie.  She had a blast measuring out the ingredients and mixing it up.  We stuck it in the oven and waited about 20 minutes.  She ate the whole thing- well, minus a few bites that Luke and I snuck.  I think she really likes this thing.  Now if I can just teach her to cook dinner. 

A day with Kingston

Last week, the kids and I picked up Kingston from daycare.  We spent the whole day together.  We stopped at Target to pick up a few things.  We ate popcorn while we shopped the store.  Kingston wouldn't smile for the camera at all, until we found some bright sunglasses.  The kids had fun trying on different things.  Kingston introduced me to his silly song, "Ants in your pants." It was complete with hand signs and all.  After Target, we met Nana at Chick Fila.  I didn't tell her I had Kingston.  The kids were playing in the play area and she looked inside and said, "Kingston's here!"  We chowed down on nuggets and fruit and even some ice cream.  After lunch, we headed back to the house for rest time.  Kingston took a nap with me.  We talked and giggled until he finally passed out.  After nap, we ate a quick snack and then went to the park.  I packed a soccer ball and the kids scooters too.  Kingston had fun riding the scooter.  We all ended up playing soccer- even me!   At one point, Kingston was standing with his hands in his pockets.  He looked just like Chris.  I went over to him and said, "You know who you look like standing there?"  He said, "Who?"  I said, "You look just like your Daddy."  He looked up at me and said, "I do?" "Yep, you sure do.  I sure miss your Daddy, do you?"  "Yes", he said he squeezed my cheeks together and said, "I love you Issis."  I think I melted right there.  Such a cute little guy.  I'm not sure about Kingston, but me and my kids were worn out and slept good after a day on the go.