Yesterday was a babysitting day, which meant 10 hours of Heather on low sleep without five minutes to herself. They're good kids, really, but after 10 friggin' hours you lose patience with the little things. No, I will not go put your cup in the house, you can do it yourself. Yes, you have to wear sunscreen. Don't climb the fence! You climb it once more and you're going to your room! Eat your breakfast, no you can't have chocolate at 8:30 in the morning, and please get dressed because it's almost lunch time!

I can't even go to the bathroom by myself, because they bang on the door demanding to be let in. You don't want me to come into the bathroom with you, then you can't come in with me.

I get annoyed now, but I know when I go back to school I'll miss the crap out of those kids like last year. I miss the maple syrup kisses, the carefully coloured pictures, the bear hugs, the high pitched infectious giggles and Claire bellowing "I LOOOVE YOOOOU HELLER!" from the front door when I leave.

I didn't realize how big of an impact babysitters had on kids until I left for school. Angela told me when I was home for the summer that the kids still asked for me every week and then got really excited when they found out I was coming home.

It's a rather satisfying feeling, really.