A Precious Alex Moment

So, this week is my first week as a temporary stay at home mom....that is until I find another job.....I have been wracking my brain about things to do to entertain my three year old all day (and let me tell you...I am just a little bit intimidated being home with him all day, every day). One of the things I thought we could do together was cook and bake! I thought that once a week we could pick something out of the cook book to make together...just him and me. Today was the first day that I tried it and it has already provided me with the most precious memory and one that I will remember forever.

For today's masterpiece we decided to make banana bread as I had several overripe bananas sitting on the counter that needed to be used. Alex, of course, requested that there be chocolate chips in the bread as well. So as we were measuring out the ingredients I let him dump the flour, sugar, etc into the bowl and then feel the texture. In true three year old fashion he wanted to do everything himself. I was mixing together the wet ingredients and was folding in the dry ingredients slowly when all of a sudden Alex turns on the mixer (on high) and the flour blows EVERYWHERE! I mean there was flour on the wall, the floor, on me, on Alex...everywhere. I must admit I got a little annoyed because I had asked him not to touch the mixer, but he did so anyway.....what can you do...he's THREE!

As I was cleaning up the mess and trying to finish the banana bread to put in the oven, I look over at Alex who is COVERED with flour. Alex looks at me with his big chocolate brown eyes and says "I'm happy Mommy". I almost started crying. This one statement, this one sentence has put everything in perspective for me about my newest job loss. If I was still working, we would not have had this moment, one that will remain with me forever. Yes, times are tough, money is tight, Henry and I are both stressed about job opportunities or lack there of or where we might get the money to pay the mortgage if Henry loses his job too....BUT that one small sentence, completely melted my heart. I have the sweetest little boy in the world!!!