Innocent Magic

I have never been one to dive into all the St. Patty's activities, but this year I decided to do something a bit different. Last year the girls were required to make leprechaun traps for school, so that sparked their interest into St. Patrick's Day. No traps needed this year, but as we recalled the memories from the previous year (the leprechaun wasn't caught, he messed up their classroom while they were gone to activity, he left four leaf clovers and glitter everywhere, etc...), I had the perfect idea to make this year memorable. 

Leprechaun Magic. Oh, yes. You read that correct. We had some leprechaun magic in our house this past Tuesday.

As the girls were getting dressed I was in the kitchen getting their breakfast ready. It wasn't anything elaborate, just cereal and milk. Bay kept creeping into the kitchen and was in danger of ruining everything. But I managed to distract her just enough. I worked my, er, I mean the leprechaun, worked his magic, and then the big reveal.

"GIRLS!!!! IT'S LEPRECHAUN MAGIC"!!!!!!!

Bay with her green milk and cereal with green milk. 

They were confused, but came running anyway. And they were blown away when they noticed their milk had been turned green. Success! They loved it and were so excited to tell everyone at school. Off they went.

When I picked them up from school they told me who got pinched and how they told Mrs. Thomas about their milk. The afternoon turned into evening and then it was time for dinner. 

I had made chicken and dressing and hadn't intended on making mashed potatoes, but after the morning success, I had to see if I could pull it off again. Plus, Bran would be home and he could participate. 

So I made the potatoes. It's a tradition in our house to have the girls lick the beaters. (Oh yeah, I mash with my electric mixer, not a real potato masher.) Well, I mashed up my potatoes and handed them their beater. I handed them the beater that had WHITE mashed potatoes. As Bran stirred the gravy I quickly dropped some green food coloring into the pan and stirred away with my spatula. He kept a look out for me and made sure no one was headed our way. When they were green enough I didn't bother with transferring them to a bowl. I just put the lid on the pan and sat it on the table. 

And then the magic happened.

We called the girls to dinner and Bay was the first one at the table. Knowing mashed potatoes were in the pan, she quietly lifted the lid. I'm pretty sure she was going to sneak a lick, but was too surprised once she opened it. GREEN MASHED POTATOES! Bran and I watched from the corner of our eyes, and I wish I had hidden our video camera. It. Was. Priceless. 

She opened it up and her mouth DROPPED. And she stared at the potatoes. I wish I knew what was running threw her head. Bran turned around and said, "Bay, what did you do to the potatoes?". And she instantly said, "Mom! It's leprechaun magic!". 

Doesn't that look slightly disturbing?!

Oh, I can't tell you the joy we had at dinner that night. With our green mashed potatoes we also had green beans, and I'm pretty sure my dressing had a hint of green from all of the sage. Such a fun evening, but it really got me thinking.

My girls are at a great age. They are old enough to comprehend a lot of things. They are learning things in school I still have trouble with (fractions and the skeletal system). But they still have that childlike innocence about them. It's precious and I know it won't be long before we have moved from leprechaun magic to makeup. 

But until that day comes we're going to embrace this season of life. It's beautiful.