I Hope You Dance

Tatum 

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat

But always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid life ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small 

When you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens

Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the chance to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

I hope you dance!

"It's Like Skipping Straight To Butt-Sex On a First Date"

(Mel at A Dramatic Mommy, Cheri at Blog This Mom!, Jenn at Juggling Life, Kate at katydidnot, Deb at San Diego Momma and me.  Not pictured, Laural at Mamasphere who also had on some hot shoes!)

I won't rat out the owner of the quote, but I love her that much more for saying it.

When the Bitches go out, they put away their "How's the weather in your neighborhood," questions and go straight for the goods.  For that, I am thankful.

And they know how to nibble, sip, giggle, accessorize, munch, pose, and even climb.

(Although, I think I've seen the likes of this somewhere before...)

I'm pretty sure that the guy who took our picture(s) was giving me some sort of sign.  See it?  The "check out my wedding ring" sign.  Pshaw.  Just 'cause we're giddy doesn't mean we're going to honor the title of this post.

And anyways, maybe that's not the way we roll...

Just Jamie is Just Grateful

I missed my "Blogaversary."  Only by 4 days, which for me right now is pretty good.  I've been missing a lot.  Friends and relatives' birthdays and anniversaries (sorry).  And now this?  Sheez.  So for one year, and four days, I have been a blogger.  Thank you, truly, for the many friendships I have made this past year.  I could not have predicted the true pleasure I have found in getting to know you all.  

Despite being a  tad off on the calendar, I'm not missing out on those moments, you know the moments, where your children nestle into you, their breath close by, their hair tangled in yours, arms wrapped tightly around.  I'm holding on to those, and for that I am grateful.  

Grateful.

For weekends like these...

(Daddy, Aunt Linda, Chase, Tatum & Nana)

(Aunt Linda and Tater)

(Nana & Chasey Bear)

Speaking My Language

(...or at least the language I wish I had the brain-power to say.)

It's not often that I point you to a blog ... so when I do, just know, it's THAT good.

Please see some brilliant political candor at my friend Clarissa's site, A Working Mom's Playground.

No need to comment here.  Feel free to give the moment to her.  Wow.

Picture Day

Remember picture day?  I LOVE picture day as a teacher.  The kids get so spiffed up.  The comb-overs, the gel, the curls and up-do's.  Shiny black patent leather shoes, ironed "slacks," new shirts.

The best part of picture day for me is the class picture.  I love standing next to 3 perfect rows of little people.  I love the squinted eyes, the closed eyes, the crooked smiles, the missing teeth.  The kids in the front with knock-knees and bobby socks, the ones in the back who barely peak out from the crowd.  Love it.

This year.  For picture day, I got some sad news.  Damn photography studio doesn't do class pictures like that anymore.  WHA'?  WHY?  Something to do with composite sheets, head-shots, and not missing the absent kids.  Pshaw.  Lame.  

So when it was my kids picture day last week, I did the motherly thing:  bought coordinated outfits (color schema only, people), spiffed, and used my thumb to wipe the breakfast off a face or two.  I even put Tatum in a creme colored dress on Pizza day for crying out loud.

So I sent them on their way.  But first, a picture by the front door.

And then, my damn camera broke again.  What is up with that (hint, hint:  Santa).

So, the iPhone shots:

And after only a small smear of pizza sauce, and me worrying ALL DAY how their pictures would turn out, I got the news.

Picture day is now extended to include TWO days of shots:  one day outside, one inside.  WHA'?  HUH?

Whatever happened to class pictures, and goofy smiles?  It seems life leaves little room for the imperfections that make us so unique...

My Dog Ate My Homework

I have to do it.  I've tried not to.  I've made excuses.

"I'll get to them."

"I just need one, quiet night alone."

"I can't possibly miss out."

And now...my Google Reader is at 373.

So I'm out of excuses.  I must do the unthinkable, and for that, I am sorry.

I am... marking "all as read."

Hopefully I'll keep up, from now on.  Hopefully.  Please drop me a note if you've had BIG news. 

****************************

P.S.  My "shoe", you know, from Tiny?  I got them back.  I proudly strutted around in my old faves, and then...the damn things broke again.

Freakin' Tiny.