Well the snow is falling here in Kansas and baby it’s cold outside.

One of the most important lessons that I’m grateful to have learned early on in this parenting thing is— to be Present over Perfect.

Rather than stop to fix your kids hat- and square it perfectly so it photographs just right– let the kid be little.

Marvel in their wonder.

 

Laugh when they laugh. Join them when they are being silly.

Let them get in the dirt- or make angels in the snow.

If you are worried about them getting their clothes dirty or wet- put them in hand-me-downs- if you don’t have any- garage sales- thrift stores- Facebook marketplace — make these places your friends.  I’ve learned to never send my kids to school, daycare, a friends – wearing, using, or bringing anything I would be upset if it later turned up broken, lost, ripped, or stained.   Make it a point to own ‘play‘ clothes- so you can watch your kiddos play- while the helicopter version of yourself is parked safely and calmly on the landing pad (I speak and have learned from experience).

If you are worried about your son breaking you Canon Rebel camera- but he shows an eager interest to learn- give him your husbands 10 year old digital camera to practice on (sorry hunny).

and when he comes inside all pumped up with bright red cheeks and says ‘Let’s make hot chocolate!’

… you don’t panic when you realize you don’t have any packets of instant hot cocoa.

Remember: Present over Perfect.

You gather your supplies:

• 1 Tablespoon Hershey Cocoa Special Dark Chocolate
• 2 Cups Total (1/4 cup and later 1 3/4 cup) Almond Milk
• 1 Tablespoon Truvia
• 6-8 Drops Liquid Stevia

Pose for your 5 year old who is more interested in taking pictures than helping cook.

Place 1 Tablespoon Hershey Cocoa, 1 Tablespoon Truvia, and 6-8 drops Liquid Stevia into skillet. Stir to combine.

Turn on medium-high heat and add 1/4 cup of Almond Milk to dry ingredients.

Bring to a boil then lower and continue to stir to combine for 2 minutes. Be careful to avoid burning by constantly stirring.

Then add remaining 1 3/4 cup almond milk and stir to combine.

**If you do not have liquid stevia you can instead use 1/4 cup of Truvia vs 1 tablespoon**

Enjoy.

Even on a snowy cloudy day-you will always be my sunshine son.

Now it’s time to watch the snow fall from inside your warm house- or count how many marshmallows you have- to see if mom stiffed you with only 2.  This would be later confirmed.

Stay warm folks.

That’s all until next time.