Finding activities Josiah will engage with and focus on for longer than 30 seconds is a challenge. Over the years we’ve tried them all it seems.

He likes balloons.  He likes to jump on his trampoline.  He likes to ride in the van.  He likes beads and string toys. That pretty much covers it.

If you offer edibles while working through a new activity with him, he’s likely to show a bit of interest.  But, once the edibles are gone, so is Josiah.

Why then would I think to try baking with the boy?

In my defense, I had everything measured and ready as if prepping for a cooking show.  All the ingredients (there were only 3) were in little unbreakable bowls, needing only to be gently poured into the large unbreakable mixing bowl.  The portable mixer on stand by, was plugged in, ready to go.  Josiah was at the table, hands washed, sitting contentedly in his ‘spot’ after consuming 2 pre lunch snacks.  The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

Except that it wasn’t.

The instant Josiah saw the large mixing bowl approaching, he reacted.  He lunged forward and grabbed at it. He’s quick.  But, I’m quicker.  I whisked it out of reach and planned a different strategy.

I handed Josiah an open packet, hoping to guide him in pouring it into the bowl, while simultaneously dumping in 2 already cracked eggs.  It was not meant to be.

He scooped out some of the powdered contents faster than I could pull everything away. Muffin mix dusted the table top, Josiah’s clothes and the floor.  His arms flailing about, he made large sweeping arc motions through the dust, waiting for my reaction.

Mocha, our ever present,  hopeful-to-receive-whatever-may-drop-down-from-up-above, dog scrambled into action, cleaning up the floor as quickly as she could.

I calmly snapped pictures.

Josiah was well aware I was lurking nearby. He paid no attention to me, but continued to play in the powdery mess.  At one point, he decided to taste it.

The baking fun included a bath, a hair washing, a table wiping (Josiah helped with that part), a floor scrubbing, clothes washing and much more cleaning than baking.

I managed to sneak away while Josiah soaked in the tub to mix up what was left of the muffins, pop them in the oven and clean up a bit.

It was then I noticed the box.

QUICK Bread?  I beg to differ.