Finger Painting Madness

Today, my children are on punishment and spending the evening in their beds for various misdeeds. So, I am spending the evening with my loving little nephew Nicky. He's great at cuddling and loves his shapes and playing with the kitties.
First we had dinner together (he totally loves my grilled chicken and can't stop eating it). Then we went for a walk to the playground. A friend of mine was hanging out there with her two kids, one of which is two months older than Nicky and got a new ride. A small electric John Deere tractor, and new boots to match! Nicky and him were racing down the slides together and having an awesome time. Then Nicky decided he wanted to try the tractor. I got him on the seat and showed him where to put his feet. All was great until he pushed on the pedal and the dang thing started to move. Then he jumped off the seat and ran about 10 feet like it was a fire ant pile and they were coming after him. He stopped, gradually turned around and slowly meandered up to the tractor and leaned on it admiring the boy's new ride.
Then, we went home, and I decided it might be fun to finger paint with him. He's very creative and give him a crayon and he can do pictures rivaling any Picasso out there. But finger paints....Nah! He dipped his hand in and then picked it up and looked at it and was like (In my imagination cartoon funny voice), "Holy Crap! This stuff isn't coming off! Holy Crap Aunti Jen! This Stuff Isn't Coming Off! HELP ME, HELP ME!!!" Which in real life was this not soo funny scrunching up of the eyes and sudden whimpering that wouldn't stop. So I took him into the bathroom and started the bath water. Then, I grabbed his shirt and proceeded to take it off over his head. Which unfortunately, as I was taking the shirt off, smeared across his belly and face. So, not only was the mysterious substance not coming off but the infection was spreading!!!!
A bath, clean clothes, potato chips with Uncle Alan and some cuddling later, all is well in the world. And just like the tractor...he turns slowly, says a few words and inches towards the paints. Maybe we will baby step him into it :)
I love my nephew, tonight has been fun.

Happiness in Marriage

I have found a great amount of happiness in marrying into the Cryblskey name.  It is not a common name, but it is one that I am very very proud of.  Alan, my husband as of March 13, 2010, is loving and generous with his time and attentions.  He is very aware of emotions in those around him and will set aside his personal things to show love and understanding to anyone who needs it.  I greatly appreciate this in him.  It is not something that I have found in many people and it is a true talent of the heart.  His mother is like this also.  So, it must run in the family and I hope I can learn to show this as well as they do.