Front Talk

Ahhh, the joys of growing up. At the moment we are learning about respect and not talking back in the Bean household. The other night we had a fun friend over for dinner (the ever so sweet Kami Jones), and I had to point out to Joshua Stephen that he was talking back, which is strictly prohibited in the Bean household. Joshua Stephen thought to himself for a moment and then in a very upset tone he said "I am not talking back, that is front talk". He wanted so badly to make his point, he just didn't know how to do it politely. Of course, I tried to respond appropriately, but I just couldn't keep from laughing. Then Joshua Stephen broke into a big smile and started to laugh.

Who knew I could learn so much from my four year old. And to think I didn't even know that "Front Talk" existed until I was blessed with this creative Little Man. Ohh, the joys of parenting- at least my kids keep it fun along the way.

Star Wars Book

Joshua Stephen is working on the most incredible Star Wars book (not that I am at all biased). Our Little Man just loves to draw pictures, and lately he has been drawing lots of Star Wars pictures. So I decided to put them all together in a binder and call it his "Star Wars Book". He also loves to share his Star Wars book with others, but often times people find it a little too long (since he has currently drawn more than 40 pages for his book).

But our Sweet Little Mary Beth just loves to watch her Big Brother show off his book. (But then again she likes just about anything Big Brother is doing.)

Mary Beth makes such a great little Padawan for Joshua Stephen. She is a very attentive audience.

My Sweet Heart

My Joshua Stephen is so sweet- he melts my heart daily. He delights in loving on his little sister and he is such a great protector for her. He loves to give her kisses and he will go to great lengths to make her smile and giggle. He gets so excited with each of her new developments and he points out to me everything new she is learning each day. Anytime he sees a pink or girly toy (or any item of the like for that matter) he says "Hey Mom, we should get that for sister. I think she would really like it." I find him giving Caleb spontaneous hugs and encouragement (as well as tackling him and wrestling him to the ground).

He is quick to share his treasures and prized possessions with those he loves. He has gotten into the habit of saving his favorite part of his school snack to share with me- which always just melts my heart. It is so sweet to pick him up from afternoon Pre-K and hear him say "Hey Mom, I saved you your favorite color fruit snack from snack time today". (And he smiles from ear to ear as he hands it to me.) He came home from school today and decided to share all of his Valentine's treats with each member of the family. He picked out a special Valentine and pencil for each one of us from the treats he had been given during his class Valentines party. What a sweetheart!

I am so encouraged by Joshua Stephen's sweet and caring nature. (Sure we still see our fair share of the not so kind and caring stuff, but I just praise the Lord when I see how wonderfully He has made my son.) It is so sweet to see how God is growing a kind and caring spirit in my Little Man. Praise the Lord that He is constantly at work in our hearts. We are so thankful He is in the business of molding us into the image of His Son.

Daddy's Littlest Hunter

I just couldn't resist getting Mary Beth this cute little camo onesie. I mean who can resist camo and lace, especially when your Daddy likes to hunt.

Mary Beth just loves to get "sugars" from her Daddy.

Talking about all of the big outdoor adventures they're going to have.

Look out deers here they come.

Camo Crawl

Mary Beth is just t starting to crawl. She has been getting around for awhile, mostly by rolling, but tonight she decided to show off some of her crawling skills.

Doesn't she look cute in her camo and lace
(especially with a little bow on top).

Taking a break to strike a pose for the camera.

Having fun making a turn.

Look at those incredible push up skills.

I guess I better keep the vacuum handy so I can keep up with all of her new exploration.

My favorite monogram

I just love, love, love monogramming things. And I think Mary Beth looks absolutely adorable wearing her monogram (which makes me want to monogram things all the more).

Here she is at almost 8 months old showing off her adorable chubby cheeks.

Such a sweet, happy little lady!

Look at those big girl "toothers".
(She has two bottom teeth and one top tooth.)

I must confess that when we started taking pictures Mary Beth wasn't in the best of moods. But Big Brother Joshua Stephen can always bring a smile to her face and make her laugh.
(Thanks JS for helping us get some great pictures of little sister.)