DO YOU KNOW THE MUFFIN MAN?  I’m quite sure you have not only heard but have sung this song to your children or grandchildren along with a few other nursery rhymes. And perhaps ,like some of us  have changed a word or two, or even three to tailor it to your child or grandchild.

Several months ago, Zhuri became interested in helping out with chores around the house like she does when she’s at home with her mom. At first I felt it was too early, she was only two at the time, but when I saw how eager she was and how upset she would get when we didn’t allow her to do certain things; we eventually gave in. Of course this meant anything (within reason)  a two year old can do. We didn’t want to push the envelope. We have plenty of time to capitalize from free child labor ( within reason) before she grows up and becomes less interested.

INTRODUCING THE MUFFIN GIRL:

One day my wife (Zhuri calls her BeBe) decided it was time to take it to the next level, “Why don’t we sing the song as we’re making muffins.” So she asked Zhuri if she wanted to make muffins. “Yes!” She was so excited.

We sang the song as BeBe gathered the ingredients and set everything up. Then she coached and guided Zhuri on her muffin making journey as I viewed from the sidelines like a cheerleader, doing my best  not to interfere with the process.

The Muffin Man is a traditional nursery rhyme, a children’s song of  early nineteenth century English origin.  Victorian households had many of their fresh foods delivered, such as English muffins which were delivered door to door by a vendor known as a muffin man. Like other nursery rhymes, this one also has other nefarious interpretations. One of which I became recently acquainted with was that the muffin man was a child serial killer who lured children with a string of muffins to his doorstep and then knocked them out with a wooden spoon. I’d like to add that none of this was actually proven.

It may be true that some of these nursery rhymes have come from bleak and dark times in history. However, when it comes to our children we want their light to shine. We want to nurture them and expose them to good, wholesome things. When those muffins cooled enough to eat;  Zhuri tasted her creation and said her muffin was “Good!”  It was so worth it to see her smile and of course a round of HIGH FIVES was also served.

So, for right now our house is on DRURY LANE.  Wait a minute…why don’t we just rename it to HAPPY LANE.

YES!   WE KNOW THE MUFFIN GIRL, THE MUFFIN GIRL, THE MUFFIN GIRL...

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THE WHEELS OF THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND… ROUND AND ROUND…ROUND AND ROUND…

If you haven’t read the DPL’s blog, THURSDAYS WITH ZHURI, you will perhaps understand, a grandparent’s love for a grandchild.  Of course, I love my children. And I helped raise them to the best of my ability. It’s is a different time now.  I’m retired. I’m not working. I’m older, more mature and have a lot more time on my hands. So when Zhuri comes over all of my time and energy is devoted to her. We’re joined at the hip. 24/7. We read, play, dance, sing and sometimes take naps together.

Sometimes when I call my daughter, Ashleigh (Zhuri’s mom), I do my best to build up her confidence, especially at times when I feel she may be a little insecure (although she always claims she isn’t).

” Dad you don’t really love me. I know you’re just calling to ask about your grandchild,” she says half jokingly.

” Of course I still love you honey. How can I not? You’re the mother of my grandkid.” Okay, I’ll admit it. Perhaps I can be a little selfish.

As far as I’m concerned, the wheels on the bus can keep on going round and round. And for a few precious moments I can jump on that bus with Zhuri and be insulated from all of the negativity, chaos and confusion that exist in this world and enter into a SEA OF LOVE, 

The wheels on this bus can keep on going round and round. ZuZu and her BaBu riding and riding all through the town. And there are so many more towns just waiting to be explored.

THE WHEELS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND, ROUND AND ROUND, ROUND AND ROUND…

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