This week, my son came bounding in with bright eyes and jubilant exclamations, announcing that we got some very cool icicle formations hanging from our swing set.

I went about my morning getting ready for the day, when I heard a very suspicious “POP!” This was followed by some screams, a ruckus of footsteps alighting up the stairs, and a new report, that our fireplace glass had just shattered. Luckily, no one was hurt!

Two curious brothers were playing with science in a live lab, our family room, that morning. The story went that brother A suggested to brother B, that Brother A should see what would happen if they melted one of those amazing icicles, right on the hot fireplace glass.

And what is the first thing I said?….

“Go get your Dad.” Thank the good and dear-lovely Lord, my helpful wonderful Husby works from home.

I had actually J-U-U-S-T prayed, “Help me to split our duties more equally,” (I feel I lean on him too much, and our family’s finances suffer due to that)…

Nevertheless, good old Dad lectured a little, and ordered the next phenomena…Clean up and money gathering! T-h-a-n-k you, Honey Bun!

The boys set to work on the clean up and it was pretty sweet to see them gathering and sharing their money to help contribute to the repair.

I was there to provide distraction, support and guidance. SOMEHOW, we studied the Declaration of Independence through it,(thank you You-tube videos and up-coming zoom clas deadlines).

The kids were reminded that they need to ask permission for the inquisitive ideas that they get. The effects of the ‘experiment’, life’s natural consequence, likely taught them this the best.

Again, very thankful that no-one got hurt during this playful curiosity. Consequently, our boys understand what great contrasts in temperature can do. And meanwhile we see that…

Play affords opportunity for growth in empathy and working together, and valuable life lessons. And will often happen…

Whether we like it or not!