Manners

This week has been stressful to say the least. Preparing Madison for Jr. High and Spencer's 2 year appointment, short staffed at work, preparing for the huge consignment sale and scrapbook convention this weekend has put me onto the OCD planet. If you don't believe me, just ask Justin.
Madison got her schedule on Monday and there were problems with it, so I called the counselor to find out what went wrong and left a message. That night I sent an e-mail.
Last night was orientation and it was mass chaos. Trying to meet teachers, unlock lockers, track down the counselor (never did find her) and sign up for PTA put me into a frazzle. It wasn't because it was hot or because there were tons of people, it was the complete lack of respect and manners that the PARENTS showed toward the principal and other parents.
Where have manners gone?
Here are some notes that I have taken over the last few days.

• When you are in a line to meet the teacher, it is customary not to cut in front of everyone else because your son was in his/her class last year.
• When the principal is speaking to the parents with a microphone, but I can't hear her over all of the parents in the back talking, it is rude.
• When someone calls you to leave a message and also sends an e-mail, it is appropriate to return the phone call or e-mail. Even if you don't have the answer, at least acknowledge that you received the message.
• If you are walking out the door, it is polite to hold the door, so it doesn't crash into the person behind you.
• If you are complaining about the dress code, you, as a parent, should look in the mirror. A cami with no bra and pajama pants are NOT appropriate attire for school.

So, to all of the teachers out there: I am sorry that you have to deal with rude, disrespectful and idiot parents. You all know they exist and many of you have probably had to deal with them.

Thank you, I feel better now.

Birthday Cake

We celebrated Spencer's birthday on Saturday with good friends and good cupcakes. It is amazing what difference a year makes. Last year Spencer really didn't get the whole gift thing. He definitely got it this year. Each gift that was unwrapped was followed with an ooooooo or aaaahhhhh. He REALLY figured it out this year. It was hilarious to watch.
He also REALLY likes cake.

Three Became Four

Two years ago or family was turned upside down with the arrival of Spencer Scott. The three of us were "3" for so long, it was strange to add another person to our family. It was weird to say the word "kids." Ten years and ten months is a long time between children. We were so blessed to have Spencer and I am thankful for having two very special children. Happy Birthday to my baby.

2 Year Old Pictures

Justin, Spencer and I braved the heat today and headed to the park for some pictures. I wanted to get some pictures of Spencer since he turns 2 years old this week. It has been an amazing road with him. I enjoyed today, but I have a new appreciation for professional photographers who try to capture anyone under the age of 3.
Spencer definitely did his own thing, I just followed him with the camera.

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!