Incredibly Unique

Every Tuesday, after dropping off James to preschool, Parker and I head for a walk. Parker in the last month has refused to go in the stroller. Our power walks are now slow, painfully slow.

I try to remember what my aunt once told me: "I remember walking with my son when he was little. I was impatient and would tell him to hurry up. He would stop and look at everything. Now that he is a man, his stride is much bigger than mine. I have to say, "Slow down."This pass Tuesday I took pictures during our walk. December 9th and no snow. Got to capture that! But by the weekend, snow arrived by the buckets. On Friday night, Parker bundled up like a marshmallow took a walk with mommy. Not used to walking in the snow our walk was at turtle speed. But it was beautiful night and my aunt's words stuck with me. Near the end of our walk Parker said, "I'm tuck! I'm tuck! (stuck)" I laughed. He got mad!

A year ago it was James first time to see snow. (Picture below, Dec 07) If I could have read his mind he was probably saying, "This is weird. You Canadians are crazy to live like this!" (Yes, we are!) Twelve months later he is getting more curious: Why is it snowing? Where is the snow going? Can I eat it? And he kicked into a real Canadian when he started making snow angels.
I'm not crazy about winter. I'm not keen about the mercury dropping below -10 Celsius. But having these boys helps me enjoy some great features of this season.

Puffed With Pride

Adoption Awareness Month was in November and I truly enjoyed writing on my experience with adoption. The post "My Adoption Story" was awarded for "Post of the Day" over at David McMahon's Blog, on 11/27/08. I was flattered to say the least to have been part of his blog. Especially knowing that David, who resides in Australia, is an international published author and photographer.

Dr. James Orbinski sent me a very kind email after I shared with him my post "Act of Courage". The author, Kelly Nault, the author of When You're About To Go Off the Deep End, Don't Take Your Kids With You emailed me when I mentioned her book on my post, "Ultimate Mom". She used the words 'beautifully written' when talking about my blog. Blush!!!!

So after a couple of well received posts from strangers, I've become self conscious about posting because I fear I now can't measure up to my previous posts. Is this what they would call "writer's block" or a sign that I've become addicted to blogging?

In any case I'm embarrassed that it takes just a few little kudos to get me all gitty and nervous. Getting a couple of nice comments is nothing. Just check out Heather Armstrong's blog: Dooce. She gets hundreds, thousands of comments! I get excited when I get 3 comments on one post, and do a happy dance!

Heather Armstrong actually makes her living by blogging. Now that she has announced she's knocked up for the second time I assume her traffic will increase immensely. (And yes, this is how she announced it....)
I'm not going to have another child to get more traffic to my blog. No, that would be silly. Maybe I'll get a pet dog. No, James would have a melt down. Hmmmm, what should I write about? How Parker demands to wear James' underwear rather than his diaper, but has yet to go do his business in the toilet? Or that James has learned to use the mouse on the computer and I'm afraid he'll start blogging? I think I'll go visit The One-Minute Writer, to prompt me to write!

Here She Is Again

My mom sent me this email below after she read my post. I must say her memory is impressive. She obviously doesn't suffer from mommy brain like me. Above is the picture that is mentioned in the email.

Hi Joanne,

This doll was given to you when you were born, from Donald & Simone B, with the little outfit you are wearing on the picture of you sitting on a stool!

Yes, this doll is 37 1/2 years old! She came to you March 1971.

An antique in dolls, but not an antique YOU.

Great blogging.

Love,

Mom

Not Just a Rag Doll

This rag doll has been around for over 35 years.
She's been hugged or better yet smothered.
She's been kissed and cried on, pulled and tugged on.

I've owned many, many dolls as a little girl.
So why did I keep this one?
Some had beautiful long hair, stunning clothes, some even could make sounds.
Looking at this doll, she is definitely not a beauty.
Her hair alone is a fashion crime.

I don't remember giving her a name.
I don't have any specific memories of her.
So why did I store her away for safe keeping for all these years?
Because when I look at her my heart gets warm.
It really does.
She was my doll and I loved her.

When the boys arrived I took her out of storage.
Placed her on the very top shelf of their playroom.
I don't want to the boys to play with her.
She's too delicate. And they are too rough.
Together they would have her in pieces in no time
When they understand the meaning of being gentle they might get the honor to play with her.
But for now, she is just an observer.
Watching these two rug rats go hard!



The Answer:
58 000 is the correct answer for all six of you who responded to my question!