My little guy...

So...my in-laws came over on Monday night to celebrate Jaime's birthday. They ended up taking all three girls home with them to stay for the week. It's been just me and little man during the days. I have been loving it.
I am always up way earlier than any of the kids, but this week, I've tip-toed around even more quietly than I usually do, 'cause once this boy is up - he is UP! He makes the Energizer Bunny look wimpy!
I decided to really take note of a recent blog post I read about mentoring. Really getting involved and not just giving orders.
So, we've been playing, counting, laughing, wrestling, running, chasing, more laughing, butterfly kisses, eating...I can't get enough of this kid. He really has changed my life.
Yesterday, I had to work on an order for Etsy. I could've just stuck a video in the t.v. and shuffled him off to the other room, but the thought of it practically broke my heart.
I asked him if he wanted to color while mommy worked.
Duh. What kind of question is that? All of my kids have a special fondness for anything art related. Hmmmm...wonder where they get that from?
The following pictures are of him just having a blast. I let him use my beloved Mr. Sketch smelly markers. They truly are the best markers ever.
No, he did not color everywhere because I was too involved in my project...I let him. At first, I tried to stop him and then I thought - "Why not? It's washable."
So I let him go to town.
I love him. I love him,especially, all painted up.
I needed this week with him. Being the youngest of 4 in a very busy family is not always easy. You tend to get shuffled aside more often than not. I get to focus on him and him alone. Ahhhhh... my guy.

Love Post #2 ~ My 4 babies...

(The girls wearing purple and gold for spirit day at school)

Hannah - my first born, my big girl, my little mama. I don't think I could do all the things I do without her. She cooks, she cleans, she watches the little ones... She really is so much help. Now, don't worry. I make sure that she has a good balance of responsibility, fun and free time. She loves life and has a pretty positive disposition at all times.
Taryn - my little bear is sensitive about others' feelings, she is confident and a go getter. She has suffered with asthma and many allergies since she was little - yet, she doesn't ever let it slow her down. Oh and humor! This girl will make you laugh out loud!
(Marco and Naomi eating their conversation hearts - all in one sitting!)

My little Naomi - my little princess. She is calm, thoughtful, doesn't rush into anything. She is very particular about certain things, just like her mama. She has a favorite Princess Purse that you can usually find in every picture (it got cropped out of this one) because she always has it. It doesn't matter if she is playing or whatever - her one hand is clutching her purse. She just got the Hello Kitty watch that she is wearing in the picture and she is kind of doing the same thing. She is very close to her little brother and she wants to marry her daddy when she grows up.
Marco Joseph - my big guy. Aghhhhhhhh! My life is so different now with him in it! He literally has changed how we live...in a good way. =] He is so active, he keeps us on our toes at all times, and you never know what he is going to be into next. On the other hand, he gives the best kisses, does "Nice" (he tucks his head down to his shoulder and gives the sweetest smile and says "Nice"), counts to ten in the sweetest way and even says "Happy Birthday, Hi or Bye" to anyone that passes.
These are my babies. This is my life.

Have you "Bean Boozled"?

One of the items I got in my goody bag at the scrapbook retreat this weekend was this box of jelly beans by Jelly Belly. They are called "Bean Boozled". They have some interesting flavors. Just look at the picture below:

Yup. Your eyes do not deceive you. Let's say you pull out a black jelly bean. It could be Licorice or it could be Skunk Spray. Speckled orange could be peach or vomit. Oh, yes. So nasty. Of course, you know the kids are going to love it. So when we passed a Jelly Belly store - I had to buy a few extra boxes. I even bought one for my hubby to use at Youth Night at church. LOL Here are a few cute reactions:

Hmmm...they both chose black. Licorice or Skunk Spray?

Can you guess who got what?

Now Naomi's turn...Cream colored. Cafe latte or Ear Wax?

"Ewww...dat's nasty!" Yup. Ear Wax.

She bravely tries again. Yellow with brown speckles...Top Banana or Pencil Shavings?

Must be Pencil Shavings. She said it was "odd", but not horribly bad.

Well, there you have it! Thanks to Theresa who introduced me to these. Great stocking stuffer, don't you all think? =]

SS Blog Challenge #4 - Survey your kids!

This weeks blog challenge is from Beth (Basket Lady)

I finally finished reading Stacy Julian's The Big Picture a couple of weeks ago. I loved how she interviewed each of her kids, so I did the same with my older two in late January. I plan on interviewing them every year on their birthdays, just to see how their answers change.If you don't have children, interview a parent or a sibling.Here are Stacy's interview questions:

I decided to interview my two oldest since my 2 year old only giggled and my 6 month old just stared and drooled! =]

Hannah age 12 Taryn age 8

(1) What is something that mom always says to you?

"Shutty, shutty" LOL "Mom's know... [(and then I say EVERYTHING)]"

(2) What makes mom happy?

When we obey her and think about what she says. When I don't fight with Hannah.

(3) What makes mom sad?

Disappointments Talking back

(4) How does mom make you laugh?

Says the craziest things ever. When she acts silly.

(5) What was mom like as a child?

Sporty Active Tomboy

(6) How old is your mom?

37 or 38? 36?

(7) How tall is your mom?

I don't know, 5'6"? I don't know 6'5"?

(8) What is her favorite thing to do?

Scrapbook, umm.. clean...read... Be alone and read.

(9) What does your mom do when you're not around?
Alters stuff, scrapbook...eats ice cream without us. Go on dates with dad!

(10) If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Singing Being the best mom

(11) What is your mom really good at?
Everything Everything...you are, trust me.

(12) What is your mom not very good at?
Nothing You're good at everything

(13) What does your mom do for her job?
She homeschools She teaches and Sunday School

(14) What is your mom's favorite food?
The sandwiches I make for you Mexican Food

(15) What makes you proud of your mom?
She's a good influence She spoiles me

(16) If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Trudy Proud Lucy from Peanuts

(17) What do you and your mom do together?
We scrapbook Shopping

(18) How are you and your mom the same?
Same shoe size and same interests We love reading!

(19) How are you and your mom different?
I don't like reading. I am brown and you are white

(20) How do you know your mom loves you?
'cause she tells us what's right and wrong You buy stuff for me, you pray for me