Letting go

     So, I'm a bit of a control freak.  I know this is difficult to believe, but it's true.  I like things to be clean and in order.  Having four kids has completely disrupted the order of my home.  Chaos is king and flexibility is key. 
     Last weekend, I got up early and cleaned my kitchen.  By "cleaned" I mean that I scrubbed the floors, the sinks, and the counters.  The dishwasher was emptied and the coffee was brewing.  Aah....a quiet moment all to myself in a clean and orderly room.  I hadn't even poured myself the first cuppa when the oldest two came bounding into to my space wanting to make breakfast.  I offered cereal...they didn't want it.  I offered yogurt and fruit....they didn't want it.  Whatever I offered....they didn't want it.  They wanted to make their own breakfast.  Of course they did not want to make the same thing.  The oldest wanted peanut butter french toast (Darn that Rachael Ray kids cookbook!) and my girl wanted to waffles.  So, what did I do?  I let them.  The condition was that the kitchen had to be restored to its original condition when they were done (yeah right). 
   Well, the kitchen has yet to fully recover, but the kids practiced following a recipe, enjoying the fruits of their labor, and cleaning up (kind of ) after themselves.  As for me and my coffee....I think I had to warm it up at least twice before drinking it down.  But, I view this as an investment in my future.  One day they will do this without supervision.  I'll expect to be served french toast, waffles, and most importantly....my fresh cup of coffee.