Yesterday, I did my monthly grocery shopping, and went a little wild buying candy. I haven't had any for ever so long, and so many things sounded good. When I came home I hid my stash for future consumption, and began making dinner.

A little later than usual, Barry comes home from work bearing a gift. A huge bag of candy for his wife. AH hah! With a little guilty glee I snatched the bag with a thank you and a hug. At that moment, Ellie, who accompanied me to the grocery store, started to say something that started with "but she already..." was promptly hushed and given the evil eye.(Which in my case, can be quite evil). Thankfully she hushed.

Next day.

Dishes done,
House cleaned,
Laundry washed and ready to be folded
Ellie napping

I broke out the candy bag.
Sitting in the middle of the living room, I poured out the bag.
What a sight of colorful gems.

James, who was NOT napping was quite interested, to say the least.
He promptly walked over and plopped his diapered-self down beside me.

I decided to share my treasures

First, James tried a SweetTart. Not what he expected, but acceptable
Second, James tried a Cinnamon Bear. This poor bear's leg was given a small bite and
swiftly rejected.
Third, James tried a Carmel, and then folks it was all over. He took one bite and let out the longest most sincere "Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm", that a little boy could make. Then he held out his little palm and said "plezzz" in his sweetest voice.

As I looked at his little outstretched hand, and his little dark brown beggar eyes, I thought, as I have thought a hundred times in so many months, "This little boy is after my heart."

Carmel's being by far my favorite and best candy in the whole world.

So with the guise of folding laundry, little James and I sat side by side on the living room floor in a short but efficient assembly line. He'd select and take the Carmel out of the bag, hand it to me, I would unwrap it, he would take a bite, and I would finish it off.

Many happy minutes followed and many many carmels were enjoyed.