Drinking The Kool-Aid

My friend Kathy writes blog posts the revolve around and include a scrumptious recipe. This post is like that.

Minus the scrumptious part.

I woke up with a raging migraine and managed to stumble downstairs in time for Jeff to leave for work. The boys were scavenging for food when Zach stumbled on a giant Kool-Aid canister. (I’d like to note here that neither of us have ever bought a Kool-Aid product. But someone brought it for a party and I never threw it out. Because, while I would never buy it, it is kind of delicious.)

“Mom, can we have some Kool-Aid?”

My migraine is making me want to throw up, I’m on the phone with a friend, and I can’t imagine how I am going to muster the energy to do anything remotely like school today. Plus, recent evaluations of the boys’ ability to follow directions put one at the 2nd percentile and one at the 9th. Maybe we can get a win-win out of this, I think.

“Sure, you can have some Kool-Aid. But you’ll have to make it yourself.”

“I can’t do that. You need to help us.”

“No, you guys can do it. Read the directions and follow them exactly.”

I take out a pitcher for them, point to the directions on the canister, and head back to the couch. The boys get busy.

I hear them reading instructions.

Using chart below, measure KOOL-AID Mix into large plastic or glass pitcher. Add cold water and ice, stir to dissolve. Do not prepare or store in metal container. The enclosed scoop holds 3 tablespoons.

I hear a lot of discussion. I see a lot of activity.

“I think we should put in some more ice cubes.”

“Why?”

“Cuz ice cubes will make it cold.”

“Okay. More ice.”

“What’s next?”

“Stir to dissolve.”

I see lots of stirring, two little heads bent over the pitcher.

“It doesn’t look like Kool-Aid.”

“Well, we’ve gotta get the ice dissolved.”

“Hey, guys?” I yell from the couch. “I think you skipped a step.”

“No we didn’t.”