We just received an baby announcement from Spencer and Michaela's Nanny/Friend, Amy Rowbotham that she has had a little boy. We lost contact with her when she got married a little over a year ago but she was such a great influence on our family in the early years. She loved my children and cared for them so well it mitigated the guilt a working mother sometimes has. Besides which they never looked more put together. Knowing she now has a boy caused me to reflect on my own Spence. I have often said, no man in this life loves you like your little boy. Spencer and I have had a close and loving connection all of his life. He is a bit of a mama's boy and we used to joke that if there was a way back into the womb, Spencer would opt in. Spence has so many great and gentle qualities. He is always pleasant and mostly compliant when asked to do something. He is very loving with younger children. When Kailey Jo visited Spencer would push her around the house in circles to keep her occupied. He is a wonderfully accepting child of others. I have never heard or seen him be unkind to other children and there are a couple of girls in his fourth grade class that seem to like his style. Spence excels at math and many things come easily to him. He loves GameBoy but doesn't care for GameCube as much. He prefers being indoors to outside. Spence loves to make things. He formed this funny little Minnie Me club at school. The main point seems to be pulling your t-shirt over your knees and walking around. That night he came home and made membership cards for the club members. He is quirky, loving and fun and I feel blessed to be his mom.

Enought for now...love to all.

I think I have mentioned before my immense respect for Den Leaders. This is a shot of Spencer at a recent Pack meeting. This is not a position that I covet but I am so impressed at the work this sisters do. I don't know if the scouts realize how much goes into to these quality activities. Hats off to Erica Blackmun and Janet Hale.

We had lunch this weekend with our dear friends Celeste and Cody. They are truly a unique couple. Quirky and generous. One of their favorite pastimes is shopping for clothes at the local thrift store. Cody proudly indicated that the outfit he wore on Saturday cost a whopping $5. Wish you could see the pants in the photo. Polyester vintage 1970. He is so handsome he can pull it off. Don't know if you can tell from the photo but our Celeste is 4.5 months pregnant. They just found out they are having a boy. More bitty booties to follow. We are so excited for them and can't wait to declare our psuedo grandparent-like status.

Spence and Michaela are on a mission. I gave Spence a bank that count the money as you put it in. Together they have scoured every square inch of this house looking for change. Oddly, they believe that any change withing the Tate borders belongs to them, including change in my wallet. They have a goal to buy a DS game that costs $29. Somehow they have gone from $3 to nearly $25 in a couple of days. In addition, they want to be paid for everything. We sang last night for the local Retirement Communities Family Home Evening Pot Luck. I told the kids if they would practice their solos on their own, I would pay them a dollar for singing. Next thing you know these little extortionists want $2 a song. They do make us laugh. Here is the program:

Seize the Day Newsies Spencer

Love Song Pippin Doug and Stacey

Loathing Wicked Layla and Stacey

Popular Wicked Layla

I Dreamed a Dream Les Miserables Stacey

Bring Him Home Les Miserables Doug

It went well and it is always fun to sing with Doug and the kids. They have great potential.

This afternoon I am off to Parent Torture Conference.

So enough for now...love to all.

These are the Bitty Booties--my current obsession. These are all handmade. The pattern is very easy and the fun is in the creation. The flowers on the toes of the blue ones are done with ribbon embroidery. So fun and a really inexpensive way to give a handmade baby gift.

Finally, my camera is back--so here is Michaela with her post-Locks of Love hairdo riding her Wave.

Enough for now...love to all.