One day, it simply happens. Parents and teachers will know what I’m about to write. The little one shows you a drawing. You don’t have to ask what it might be. You just know. Snap! Like that. It has morphed from “oh, honey, that’s such a nice….um, tree?”

“No, it’s NOT a tree, it’s a train!” Oh, sure. I see that now.

My youngest child has crossed over. From the drawings where I was afraid to guess what the subject matter might be to the ones he proudly presents to me and I SEE IT. Clearly. Some, a bit more clearly than others. He’s four. But every single day, his interpretations of objects he admires and chooses to draw really do look like what he intended.

I’ve recently displayed a few of his proudest creations on the tile over the fireplace in my office. That’s another thing, they love to tape it up anywhere. Check out his Gumby. I’m so proud.

Gumby, a rainbow, mom in a dress (yes), etc…

And I could cry. I just might. Okay, I have.

This is one of the many reasons I know I am blessed to stay home with my two youngest children. I’m mostly working from home now. Artwork surrounds me. Really good artwork, especially for a four and eight-year-old. I’m in no way biased.

I have enjoyed wonderful artwork from my oldest children, now young adults. But because I worked outside of the home when they were budding artists, I would get the stockpile of artwork from the daycare center or grandparent’s home upon pick-up after a long day in the office. Sometimes those descriptions of what they were drawing got lost in the shuffle. Or they simply forgot some of what they were trying to draw. Now that I’m present when the art is actually in progress, it seems richer, somehow. Hard to explain. Maybe I savor it more because I actually can see how they linger over their work. I see them sticking their little tongues out while coloring, shading, shaping. And I flash back to how my older daughters must have been the same way.

I have saved a lot of it. Not all of it. Goodness where would you keep all of it?

Some of my favorite creations are framed. That’s something I’m happy I’ve done over the years. Thankfully, I have more to frame.

I’ve stifled many a giggle when presented with something that clearly looks NOTHING like what they describe. But I wouldn’t hurt their feelings or pride for any amount of money. Plus, art is subjective. Way subjective. And I love it.

What have been your favorite pieces of artwork created for you by your children, your students, your nieces, nephews, grandchildren or any little Picasso along the way?