O: Where is life's pause button?

Wow. All I can say is wow. I really do believe I'm having the best summer of my life thus far. Is that weird to say? Oh well, I'm just gonna say it because I just feel so richly blessed. Each of my 3 kids is truly at a point where I wish I could just hit the pause moment for a long time. Such sweet ages 6 (almost), 3.5, and a hilarious but busy 14 months. I find when Kurt comes home its a very welcome surprise and not a moment when I scream FINALLY. I think its so good because its been filled with special extended family moments AND in our own little family precious, precious time.

My oldest (by the grace of God) has outgrown some really challenging years. There were of course sweet, moments and days during those years but also some challenges that at points felt unsurmountable and wondered what the future would have for us. He struggled with sensory integration issues which caused for some hard, challenging times for all of us. For those of you not familiar with sensory issues, its basically a catch all that shows up differently in each child. Every child has something, but some children are more severe and benefit from occupational therapy (OT). Its hard to explain how it affects your life but one example I can give is that we lived through tantrums lasting A LONG TIME every.single.day in the summer because he couldn't stand the feel of sunblock on his skin. He would scream as if I were putting burning water on his skin. I was so thankful today as I took all 3 kids to the pool, applied sunblock, and thought that was sooo easy. It definitely helped us to have some perspective we would have not otherwise have had. I remember telling the OT one day years ago what a good day we had that week. She said at some point we would have good WEEKS and that having a "bad" day would be unique. I remember laughing at that and not seeing how it could happen. But sure enough of the course of the last year, it has and we give God ALL the glory. Through therapies and maturity HE unlocked such a special little boy we are so thankful to have!!

And for my middle, he always has been such a joy and came out of the womb pressing the "easy to love" button. He has his hard headed/sinful moments of course but his compassion and caring at such an early age is such a blessing.

And our mischievous toddler who loves to smile, clap his hands until he falls down, and proudly struts around sticking out his baby belly is just at a fun age. I think two may be a challenge when I see how strong willed he already is, but will face it hand on with God's grace and mercy and find joy in the journey!

I know that the future will have its share of challenges -- some we know like Grant being in all day school :-( and some will surface that we aren't aware of now but I pray that we take it a step at a time and just pause and thank God for His goodness and letting us experiencence this season of joy and happiness in our lives.

I'll post some pictures of our fun summer and we look forward of what's to come (but it can take its time getting here), in the meantime we'll be by the pool enjoying what God has given us:-)