1> without using an easel
2> Without smugging the other portraits
3> without bending or dirtying the paper before I get to that section?
4> and to make matters worse it has to be kept out of the reach of my 2 little kids (2 and 4)
5>anything else I need to be careful of that I am not thinking about.

Any help or suggestions you can provide would be extremely helpful!

1. Use the table in the other room (away from the kiddie's dining and playing area) and when you're not attending to the work, like when you have to tend to the kids, put it away in a large homemade cardboard "portfolio."
2. Always use a blank piece of paper, to shield your work from the palms of your hands as you go around the piece.
3. See #2.
4. See #1.
5. If you're right handed start at the top left corner and work across and down til you're done. Just use common sense (and you being a Mom, I'm sure you're blessed with plenty) and be sure to HAVE FUN!

-Geary