Chubby hands, Flinstone feet, and Toddler kisses.

What do these have in common? Chubby hands, Flinstone feet, and wet but very affectionate kisses? My birthday boy! Ben is three today. He has brought a special joy to my life - the life of my family.

(for the record, each and every one of my children is special and wonderful in his or her very own way - each and every one of them is a tremendous gift and blessing from the Lord)

So, back to Ben... He's got these wonderful chubby cheeks that just beg to be kissed. His smile is like a lightbulb in a dark room. His brown eyes sparkle with joy and mischief (because, after all, he is ALLLLL boy.) and he tells terriffic jokes for a little guy!

Knock knock...
Who's there?
Fish... (huh? ok, I'll play along...)
Fish who?
Bless you!
(ok, I didn't see that coming - but have heard it a million times since!!)

then he graduated to...

Knock knock...
Who's there?
Atch... (atch? what's an atch??)
Atch who? (oh, that's what... hahaha)
Bless you again!

I hear it a million times, but coming from my little guy, it's still funny, if it's possible for a joke to be funny on the millionth and third time around... Cute might be a better word for it at this point.

And is he shy? Only if it suits his purpose... Most of the time he is warm fuzzies and outgoing and smiles and sparkling eyes of intelligence and curiosity. This boy loves to create, to build (told you he's all boy!) He has been a balm to my soul more times than I can count - he has this way of knowing you need a hug and just being there, all chubby arms and smooshy kisses, and "I love you, Mama". *happy sigh*

When I go out to check on the chickens or to take care of the horses, he's right there, "can I come wif you?" He's only ever broken one egg - no small feat for those little hands... he's very careful - and he loves his eggs fluffy and scrambled!

Did I mention his laugh? It's sooo contagious! We sometimes tickle him just to hear that giggle... when something pleases him, he lets out a little laugh that makes everyone smile - and he's not hard to please, either, so we get lots of smiles a la Ben!

Someday, when he's grown up, he is going to make a wonderful husband to some very lucky wife! Until that day, I hope he takes his time growing up, and stays my little man for a long, long time.

Happy birthday, my sweet boy!