What is that on the baby?

Some of you have asked what was all over the baby -- finger paint. Yes, finger paint.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

And the award goes to.... Me? Gee, thanks!

I'm not a playa, I jus' crush a lot


My darling husband gave me my first award, and I am determined to find the time to accept it. I know that statement makes me sound self-important and vain, and I am, but that's not what I currently mean. I talking about how life is doing its damnedest to kick my ass.

First there's the unusual: My brother had a baby shower on Friday, so we had company (well loved and welcome) this weekend in our teeny, pink house. The Pumpkin Man's lips have developed this lovely new violet hue -- "Violet, you're turning violet, Violet!" So we had to go to the doctor's.  The Peanut is losing weight (again), so we had to go to the doctor's, and make appointments for specialists. My (Ivy League) student teacher is a little rigid and petulant, which leads to lengthy conversations about the trials and tribulations of teaching in a poor, urban school.

Then there's the mundane: We didn't un-decorate from Christmas/Hannukah until last night. Peanut is potty training (read: laundry, laundry, and laundry). The Pumpkin Man is getting his molars (read: no sleep for the weary). We haven't slept in my house for three years anyway (if you have advice, kindly keep it to yourself -- after 3 years we've tried it, trust me). My students need letters of recommendations for college and their probation officers. My boss needs a hand with progress reports and cluster meetings have started again.

Add lesson planning, grading, being a mommy, and squeeze in a side of wife -- and you have the current state of my life. Anyway... back to the award. I'm not going to use my 10 on the obvious. So, I'll state them here -- my kids, my husband, my family in general, my brother in specific, my friends, money, books, music, art, rainbows and sunny weekend afternoons. There. Now, on to things that may say something about me.

Things that make me happy:

1. the sound of loons in the evening
2. my job (even if it is hard on some days)
3. the fact that my kids' doctor is very level-headed
4. the excitement of seeing wildlife in the wild
5. fresh cut lilacs, but flowers in general will do
6. Maine anytime except at the height of black fly season
7. weekend morning magical mystery tours with the family
8. water --  everything about it
9. clean bedding
10. and if I'm honest, a "romantic" evening with HM that ends well (wink) -- and if I'm totally honest, it doesn't have to be evening.

As for giving this award, I'm not going to bother anyone with my faint praise, as I have not been doing this nearly long enough to matter. But these are some of the people I enjoy most, and have become part of my reality. If any of you want the award, you have surely earned it in my opinion.

 People who deserve this award:

1. Lenore because she has the coolest, slickest blog I've ever seen. When the teenagers I work with act like they're too cool, I just take a take a reality check with Lenore. She is where it's at.

2. Allie  because she is is so brilliant and crazy that I can't wait to see what she'll do next. Besides, she is the funniest chick on the web.

3. Hossman because he's almost as funny as my husband. Almost. Besides, I think he makes HM a little jealous, which can't be all bad (see 10 on happy list).

4. Girl with a flour in her hair because her writing is so open that it inspires me to be honest, and her cakes look like they rock (my birthday is in June -- hint, hint).

5. Hadjare because I find her perspective refreshing, her writing clever, and her pictures adorable, and I hope to get to know her better. Besides, we both like Joy Harjo.

6. Last but not least, Viv . She almost didn't get it just because my husband gave her one. But what can I say? I adore her, and that's the simple truth.




6 comments:

  1. That ends well? With both of us still awake? Great post honey!

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  2. That was a great post, even better for the simple reason that somehow you managed to find time to write it. Thanks Tumbleweed, it makes me smile to see your name pop up in my reader every time!

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  3. Okay I need some stats. Exactly how old and how much does Peanut weigh?

    This was a really good "Getting to know you" post.

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  4. HM: if I'm going to be really, really honest -- it doesn't have to be that romantic.

    Viv: I thought you might be able to sandwich kids between the awards and keep them warm.

    Hadjare: Peanut is almost 3 (April) and 22.5 lbs. At this point, her brother is only about 3 lbs behind her -- and he's only 2% on that F---ing chart.

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  5. Ok, I will not keep my advice to myself, because there is one thing you have not tried and that is MOVING TO MAINE!!! FREE BABY SITTING FOR LIFE!!!!!!!

    Plus, you always get some sleep up here, and I have the blackmail pictures of HMM zonked out on the couch to prove it!! LOL

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  6. For any of you interested, there's a creative and practical take on
    Orchid Children and Dandelion Children on the
    Committed Parent blog (http://committedparent.wordpress.com)
    this week. This somewhat revolutionary way of identifying children and their needs, and what we as parents can actually DO, is clearly and simply addressed on Dr. Brady’s compelling blog. Although nothing is ever black and white in the world of child development, it does seem that depending upon the environment they're raised in, our kids can turn out as superstars or psychopaths. As the mother of two “adult” boys still struggling to come into bloom as they approach 40, I can attest to the importance of being able to make the Orchid/Dandelion distinction early. I would urge anyone who is interested in the latest information on early childhood (emotional and brain) development to read and bookmark the Committed Parent blog.

    ReplyDelete

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