I’m no June Cleaver, but bake sale makes me officially grown upI love being a mother, but I’ve always tried not to let it define me.By that, I mean I’ve resisted the urge to brag non-stop about my children’s accomplishments (though I’m quite sure they’re smarter and better-looking than any other children I know), I don’t drive a minivan (though I could use one) and I still socialize occasionally with grownups (outside of soccer and little league).But last week — Wednesday night in particular — was a defining moment in my life. I was in charge of a school bake sale, and every time I heard myself say it, I giggled. A bake sale, to me, was something that June Cleaver took charge of while wearing a tailored house dress and ruffled apron.It was something I never thought I’d find myself a part of, much less in charge of.But the fourth-grade accelerated reading program needed money, and at a parent meeting I found my hand in the air to help.A few weeks later, I found myself in my kitchen surrounded by pots and pans, ingredients and baking utensils that I hadn’t used in years – some of them ever. Suffice it to say I was not June Cleaver. My ratty old U of M sweatshirt was spattered with batter, and my bare feet were tracking through sticky spills on the linoleum.Because I had ventured so deeply into unchartered waters, I was a bit tense, especially when the kids ventured into my work space. They, of course, weren’t happy to learn that the fuss in the kitchen was for an end result they wouldn’t get to enjoy.But, despite my insecurities, there was something comforting about all the domestication. Did all this mean I’d finally grown up? As a little girl, I somehow imagined this to be a quintessential scene in my grown-up life — commandeering the kitchen and all its components. Of course, I also imagined myself running the country … but there’s still time for that.If nothing else, I can say I’m a better person for the learning experience.oI learned that a can of evaporated milk should be discarded if it’s been collecting dust for a decade.oI learned it’s good to review ingredient lists before starting. The boys and I made a trip to town for necessary items such as brown sugar, light syrup … and, of course, evaporated milk.oI learned that next time my children’s causes need a bake sale, I’ll write a check. For all my efforts in the kitchen, I figured my contributions would net a whopping $10 for the reading program.There’s still time to ‘play grown-up’The second night of our bake sale is tonight, and even if you’re not June Cleaver, you can still pretend you are.Bring your quarters to our table, which is set up just inside the elementary school front doors. If you buy enough stuff to spread on a dinner plate, you can set it out for dessert and feel very grown-up.