Shortcakes with Roasted Nectarines and Vanilla Ice Cream

The focus of this blog has always been and will always be: finding the good in the kitchen and in life. For me those two go hand in hand. But sometimes, on days like today, it’s harder to see the good in life in the passing moments until you sit back and look at the whole picture. Let me explain.

I was over scheduled today and had to decline on something I’d really have enjoyed participating in for a responsibility I was already committed to, but had forgotten to make note of in my agenda book. It’s always a bummer when you say “yes” to something and have to change to “no” because you had forgotten about other plans.

Later the kids and I were at Costco. Terrible two’s for Madeline? I think not. How about an obnoxious four and a half year old instead. I’m just being honest. Wanting everything in his path, not asking pleasantly or accepting no for an answer. Kicking. Scream. Lots and lots of kicking and screaming. Lots of stares from strangers chastising me in their heads. Why would she bring two children to Costco in the afternoon? Logan running away from me while I’m trying to pay and get the heck out of there as fast as possible. Needing help to get my kids and groceries out to the car. More kicking and screaming the whole way home.

Hearing Logan screaming at me from his time out as I type this. Knowing that he’s probably covered the inside of his door with crayon marks in a fit of rage (for the third time).

It’s kinda hard to see the good in that. But I’ll tell you the good anyway.

The woman who at Costco told me so sweetly not to worry because this too shall pass. (I hope she’s right) She has a granddaughter. She understands. The man who took Logan’s hand and brought him back to me when he made a break for it while I was paying. The Costco employee who saw I needed help and did it without being asked even though she was on her lunch break. And then she talked to me for a good 5 minutes at the car and told me her son was just like this, maybe even worse. And how I could ask for her at the membership desk any time I needed help with him while shopping.

Madeline being a perfect angel through all of this. Giving me hugs and kisses. Cuddling and reading stories with Madeline before she went down for a nap. That my hubby will be home in a couple hours and do most, if not all, of the work it getting the kids ready for bed because that’s what he does when I’ve had a bad day, and lots of times on the good days too. That Logan still loves me even though he isn’t acting like it. How happy he’s going to be when I tell him that time out is over and ask him if he’d like to help me make dessert. Who cares about what’s for dinner. After a day like today, I’m going to need a little something sweet before bed.

And it’s probably worth noting that this dessert couldn’t have happened without the trip to Costco. I guess you can’t have the good without the bad.