Makeshift Slide

I came in from the kitchen to find this scene. Loved it. The moments I live for. Creative new entertainment for Ked (courtesy of Sam); my beloved strumming and crooning a spontaneously fashioned song; and happy, active boys. Oh, and a tolerant baby brother. Ked now often requests the slide, and if Sam's around, he demands he play the guitar and sing.

I didn't notice until watching the video that in the beginning, Ked is pulling Tyn off the table and pushing him underneath it and saying, "Go down the bridge, Tyndale."

(If you think we are rough on our furniture, well it's true, but the couch was already broken when we inherited it, and the table was $10 at a yard sale.)

My Extra Set of Arms

The day has finally arrived. I have sprouted the extra set of hands that I've wanted ever since I had my first child.

Being a parent of only young kids, I'm not sure what's typical or not. So maybe this is typical, but it's also exceptional because normally even I have a really hard time getting our active little Tyndale to eat. (I often beg Sam to either hold him or entertain him while I sneak food into his mouth.)

Respite

(originally from BBW blog)

I've been telling my family that in the past few weeks, I've felt like I've been in the eye of the storm, so to speak. That after several somewhat crazy and exhausting (yet wonderful!) months, I feel that life is "normal" again, a lot of my stresses have decreased, and I can be a little more relaxed and focus on things other than just the necessary and the essentials. Things are just as busy, but not so stressful. And now I'm praying for help in using this time wisely before the next wave hits!

I read this the other day, and really appreciated it. (But it also concerned me a little. . .  if things are easier now, what's to come?!) 

"Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more (see Proverbs 3:11-12). He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where He wants you to be requires a lot of stretching, and that generally entails discomfort and pain. . . . This life is an experience in profound trust--trust in Jesus Christ."

I'm grateful to be able to look back and see where that "stretching" was a conduit for growth. Too bad I have so much more room to grow! I'm enjoying the respite, but know that more challenges will come. And maybe they're already starting. . . Tyndale just started teething. . .