Hoarding

I'm sure many of you have seen the TLC show "Hoarding." I find it repulsive, yet I watch. How do people get that way? About three weeks ago, we adopted a Shi Tzu from the local shelter and named her Moxie. Being a shelter dog, we didn't know anything about her. Here is what we have learned:

• She likes stuffed animals (ALOT)
• She had been fed table food
• She likes to "dig" in the bed
• She likes to attack your hand for no reason at all
• She likes to go and visit the neighbor's yard by digging in the mud and sliding underneath
• She likes to "attack" your feet when you get home
• She likes Madison's fuzzy green slippers (ALOT), probably because they look like a stuffed animal
• She is NOT the cuddly little lap dog that I wanted so bad

With that being said, Spencer has decided that he really doesn't care too much for her. He feels a need to hide his toys (typically under his butt or legs). When he has more items than his butt can handle, he moves them into the recliner. In the corner, he will place 2-3 books, plastic fake food (typically the can of soup), his orange tow truck, his stuffed monkey and 1-2 of his blankets. On top of this heap, he will add a couch pillow to discretely disguise his treasures that lie underneath.

He has been doing this for about two weeks now, so I think he is afraid that Moxie will take his toys.

A few nights ago, it went into full hoarding mode when I found him in his bedroom surrounded by every toy in his room. Yes, there was two whole walls that were completely cleaned out and and it was all piled up around him with his favorite couch pillow right next to him.

So, when the TLC executives start calling, I am for sure we will make it onto the show. After all in order to be on TLC you either have to dress really badly, have a ton of kids, be of small stature or have an OCD illness.

Painting Picasso

Madison took a painting class at the community college this past week and she learned lots of new techniques. I am so proud of her. I absolutely lover her paintings and can't believe she did these herself! LOVE THEM!!
Flowers painted at the community college during her last class period. She "whipped" this one up. I actually like this one a lot.

This was painted at a studio called "Paint Your Art Out." It is an instructor led painting class and it absolutely amazing. These are "Tree Branches." We will definitely be visiting this place again.

This was the horse that she painted during the week at the community college.

SOOOOOO cool. Once again, love all them. I definitely could not paint like this.

Guitar Heroine

Madison has been wanting to learn to play the guitar for a few years now. We had put it off as nothing series, but when the community college offered guitar classes, we gave in. Our hope was to purchase a used guitar or rent one. Well, that didn't happen. We couldn't find any decent used ones and it was pointless to spend the money on renting one, so we ended buying one.

Not just a guitar but, a FENDER guitar. Holy cow this thing is beautiful! Madison offered to pay half since it was a bit more than what we were planning on spending.

I had never seen a real guitar up close and I am still amazed at how beautiful it is.

You can see the wood grain.

The back is mahogany.

She started classes on Monday (the only girl in the class) and has learned how to tune it, play chords and more. She is my budding rock star!

Watch Out Tiger

We were headed out the door on Friday night and Spencer wanted to wear a hat. I had just bought him a plaid newsboy hat that he really liked, so we took that one. He decided he didn't want to get into the van, he darted straight for the outdoor toys. The following pictures were not planned in anyway - this was ALL him.

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."