Lady Liberty

Can you spot the real Statue of Liberty? 

This was Christian's first year entering the Reflections contest at school.  The theme this year was "Diversity Means..." He really wanted to enter the 3D category and make something out of Legos. He decided on the Statue of Liberty. It took him about a month to get it just right.  Other than my purchase of the spray paint, I had no part in his design or construction! The hardest part for him was to sit down and write his artist statement:

 On November 3, he found out he was a winner in his division at school and would be moving on to the Council Level.  They called the participants up in his category, and started announcing participation, then honorable mentions The look on his face was priceless as he started to realize that he was one of the last ones standing, and was going to be a winner. He went on to win at the Council Level as well, and went on to compete in the Regionals. 

He even added a little light lego for the torch!

We have got to figure out some way to tap this bizarre Lego building talent - I guess he could always be one of those creepy grown-ups who works for Lego and sits around playing with kids toys all day.  But I think he could aim higher...engineer, architect, hmmm....

I Just Want to Eat You Up!

Have you ever said this to one of your kids.  Well I actually mean it.  This is my sweet Joey.  He is the sweetest happiest little boy I have ever seen. This is literally how he looks 90% of the time. In our crazy house of four boys, he gets drug around everywhere.  The precious nap schedule that I would have sacrificed life and limb for with Christian, is gone.  Naps or no, he is still happy. He has the most mellow nature.  His brothers mall adore him and so do his parents.  I am sorry if it causes permanent psychological damage later, but I probably kiss him 1,000 times a day.  He does however, have one very stark flaw.  He refuses to say "MaMa".  I think I heard him say "Franklin" the other day....hmmmmm.  Here is a video of him a couple weeks ago, with Mommy trying to coax those words out.

I am worried about his mental capacities.  This seems like an insurmountable problem.  I will keep running drills with him daily.  Any other helpful suggestions?