The other day I decided to make a fall garland for our front door. I collected leaves while walking with Jude and then laid them all out on the table to string together. Of course, Jude immediately started to meddle, picking up leaves, taking them out of order, ripping them, throwing tantrums when asked oh-so-politely to cease and desist. I felt frustrated and nagged him to leave (pun intended) things alone and go into the other room. And then I gave up and just decided to let him help me. Jude sat on my lap and chose leaf after leaf to string on our garland and we did it together. It still turned out nicely and Jude was so excited about our garland and proud of our work together. I learn slowly. He just wanted to be a part of what I was doing. Both of us felt happier when we created together. 
And Gabe helped, too, by drooling on things and being beautiful.
