Inflation

We all know it is a bad economy right now and inflation is everywhere. Well it has also hit babysitters. Yep, when I was a kid, I would HAPPY to get $2.00 an hour to make some summer cash. Those days are gone, long gone! I approached one of our teenage girls at daycare to find out if she babysat on the weekends. Yes, for $7.00 an hour. YEP, minimum wage.
So, our dream of finding a sitter that we can rely on and Spencer already knows, was shattered. It is back to enie meenie miny moe to see who gets to go with Madison to the movies.

Sissy and Little Man

It's hard to watch Spencer and Madison and pay attention to all of the details that make them who they are. I thought I would share some of those details.

First there is Spencer. My nickname for him has been Little Man, but lately it has been "turd". Yes, I said it, TURD. It usually comes out as "turdy wurd." Justin's nickname for him has always been "boy." Spencer is just over 22 months and he is constantly moving; he literally never stops. His play time involves throwing everything and the word "no" to him, means to do it again, but throw it farther and faster. UUHHGGG. His new fascination is his new basketball goal and color wonder makers.
He has has learned to whisper. He only says one word when he whispers, "hi," but it is hilarious. When he sits in his car seat or booster seat, he always crosses his ankles, always. He has quiet time with Justin sitting watching baseball before it is bed time. He is fascinated by his big sister. He calls her Madison or Sissy. He likes to help "dead head" my flowers, but tends to pick off all the pretty blooms and not the dead ones. He likes to shake it, move it, bust a move, raise the roof and any other combination of dancing.
Next is my oldest, Miss Madison. Oh where to start with her. She is smart, but common sense seems to elude her lately. She is sweet, but can be a smartass like no other. She is funny and I love her sense of humor. I am amazed at how well she can draw and sing (two things I really cannot do). She sleeps late (I suppose just like any other preteen) and doesn't like to get up early. She loves her computer game Wizard 101 and she teaches me how to play. She reads A LOT and loves to visit a book store. She likes jewelry, but doesn't have her ears pierced. She isn't caught up in brand names (yet anyways) wears what is comfortable. She doesn't like to mess with her hair; it usually hangs straight. She honestly doesn't know how to pull her hair in a ponytail. She loves shoes and purses (she gets the purse addiction from me). She loves her little brother, but loves to pull his pants down and laugh so hard when he can't pull them back up. Gotta love her.

Grandma Colleen

My Grandma Colleen was a very special lady. I have many memories of her, but there are some more dear to my heart than others. She finally has peace in her heart and no more pain, may she breath easier in heaven.
Before Justin and I had children, we had two mini schnauzers, Doc and Katie. I swear Katie was Grandma's dog in another life. The first time Grandma Colleen visited us, Katie was so excited that she peed. The trend continued throughout Katie's life, she literally couldn't contain herself around Grandma. Katie bonded with my Grandma and they always found comfort in another. Grandma always allowed Katie to crawl up and lay on her lap and Katie was always very gentle.

When Madison came along she was colicky. I had a rough time with her, but Grandma Colleen had a magic touch. She could always calm and sooth her with the special pat on the butt. I owe a lot to Grandma Colleen. When I was in my hardest semester in college (21 hard science classes), Justin got deployed to England. Madison was 18 months old. Grandma Colleen came to live with me for over a month. She took care of Madison, cooked, cleaned and took care of me. She even helped me study for my microbiology final. During this time she also taught me how to cook "old school." I would have been lost without her help and I was always very grateful to her.

Unfortunately it took us awhile to have another baby, so when Spencer came along, Grandma Colleen was much older and slower. He still loved to smile at her. This is the only picture I have of her and Spencer together. So, when I take a gazillion pictures of those dearest to my heart, please don't get upset when I ask for "just one more picture."