While my wife and I were in Texas seeing to her heart surgery, the boys stayed home, watched over by relatives and friends. These relatives and friends went above and beyond the call of duty, not only living in our house with the kids, but also dreaming up exciting and interesting things for them to do.

The boys had a great time, and still talk about some of their adventures.

The other day, as my wife was puttering around the house trying to figure out what to do for dinner, my oldest son piped up. “Why don’t you make cheezey poofs?”

She  looked at him.

“Cheezy poofs,” he repeated. “We made them with aunt Helene. They were really easy.”

I am familiar with my sister’s cheezy poofs. They are quite delicious, especially when they’re still hot. However, the preparation of them is by no means “easy.”

“I don’t think we have time,” my wife said.

“You can do it, Mom.”

My wife’s eyebrows went up.

“I’m sure you can do it,” I said, patting her on the shoulder. “After all, if aunt Helene can do it…”

She glared at me.

“I’ll help,” my son offered. “She showed me how. I can show you!”

My wife started coughing.

“Really?” I said.”You know how? ’cause I never learned.”

“Well,” he said, gesturing vaguely with his hands. “Maybe you can call her for what I forget.”

“We’re not making cheesy poofs,” my wife grated.

“But – ”

“No!”

“Maybe another time,” I said to my son. “Momma’s not feeling quite up to cheezy poofs yet.”

“Okay,” he said with a shrug. “Just let me know when you want to learn.”