A couple of weeks ago Emersyn told me that she wanted to make mud pies. Hmmmm, I thought to myself, sounds like fun. So I set her and Maximus up with some cupcake pans, utensils and of course water and dirt. They had a GREAT time and were so dirty! GROSS.
But dirty is just fine, because I don't do baths, that joy falls squarely on their daddy's shoulders. Don't get me wrong, I have been known to give a bath in desperate daddy hasn't been home in a week circumstances, but they usually include bathing suits, Jacuzzi tubs and older siblings. :)
By nature I am not a "player." I am much better at setting the kids up with activities than getting down on the floor with them. Realistically I just don't like the silly games, or running around like a nut. I don't love doing projects with my kids and I don't like playing Polly Pockets or Little People. You will rarely find me coloring with them. I will board games when they are old enough to play. Just sayin'.
You know what I do like though, finding that one super fun idea that they will just go ga-ga over. I don't care how messy or annoying it is. Play-doh or finger paints, goop or rice. Shaving cream with food color. Highlighters on the windows. Water play in the sink. And, of course, mud pies. I don't even mind picking it up when they are done. The 20-30 minutes of peace I get while they are occupied with something fun is worth the trade off to me.
Their father on the other hand is a whole different animal. He finds giving baths relaxing, and you will NEVER find him breaking out ANY sort of messy toy or craft; I actually think the thought gives him hives. He would much rather run play baseball with the kids or practice hip-hop moves in the living room. Wrestling is also a much loved past time. And even now as I write this he is out in the yard with the kids playing a loud and annoying game of Capture the Flag.
Me, I am going to finish this, post it, and then go inside to get the ice cream ready. Give me a good mud pie any day.
'til next time,
*please disregard the fact that I have no lawn. Lesson learned, don't buy a house in the dead of the winter without asking if there is grass under the snow.
