He's a farmer at heart.

I was born and raised on a farm in the middle of Nebraska. The first job I had was working for my dad, irrigating, walking beans (before RoundUp existed), mowing and anything else he told me to do. Which really means that my first 'real' job was in college. Crazy, I know.

Add to that, I married a farm-raised man. Whose heart is still there, but whose head knows better...for the most part. Both our parents still farm and have livestock. We both love visiting and our children are equally infatuated with the country. Open land. No noise other than the birds and an occasional cow. Yep, this really is the Good Life.

My point is, and I've actually realized this years ago, my son is a farmer trapped in a four year-old's body. His eyes light up like it's Christmas Day each and every time we come within a mile of either of his grandparent's house. And I have to admit, my heart softens a little every time because I love that he see's what I see. That he understands that urban life is great but there's something very magical about rural living.

The most recent trip was to spend three days with my in-laws during their county's fair. We met for pizza half way for the exchange. As soon as we stepped outside, put his booster seat in their gigantic, four-door pick-up, he was asking grandpa to put the windows down so he could rest his elbow on the window frame...just like he's seen grandpa do a million times. It's a sure sign that there's work to be done somewhere on the farm. And the only way to get there is with the fresh air blowing in your face.

I will admit that I am more likely to roll the window down and turn off the air when I'm back home. It's the smell of freshly turned soil, pollinating corn and freedom. From any politics or societal pressures.

And at the age of four, my son seems to get that. Better yet, he genuinely appreciates it.

Creativity is a fragile thing.

As an official 'creative' I vowed that if I ever had children, I would nurture their creativity regardless of how limited their talent or interest is. Luckily, my son seems to have creative thoughts oozing out of him.

But I do have to make a conscious effort to let him be creative. Which could also be a sign of independence I realize. For example, a few weeks ago it rained several days in a row and the end of our driveway was a huge, deep, inviting lake to my four year old. One night in particular, I busted out of the house with full intentions to reprimand him for taking his trucks and shoes and socks and balls and other random toys through the muck. But when I got within five feet, I caught myself. This was a prime example of my son being creative, flexing his free-flowing mind muscle. What he was doing is really no different than what I do every day (and get paid for it).

So instead, I watched for awhile and applauded his ideas. I may have even joined in a little bit.

Skip to a few days ago. We had visited his favorite restaurant...yes, I take him to McDonald's and along with the toy was a sheet of temporary tattoos. This made him very excited and also reminded him that both mommy and daddy have tattoos. I saw him sneak a look at my wrist that celebrates my love for him and his sister and wasn't surprised in the least when he asked if he could put one of his new tattoos on...which was followed by when he'd be able to get one like me that doesn't wash off.

This question arises from time to time and I always tell him that when he's old enough to find some image or words that really mean something to him then I will allow him to get a tattoo. Feel free to judge but not only do I believe that tattoos can be an expression of your creativity; I more strongly believe that they serve as a reflection and a reminder of where you've been and where you're going. I have no regrets and I hope that through my son's gigantic heart and creative mind, that he can find the same satisfaction and empowerment...whether it be a tattoo or job or hobby.

The last thing I want to do is stifle his creative spirit. I happen to think it's his most beautiful trait.