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Dirt & Noise

A blog by a left leaning mom of 2 boys

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parenting

Family Dinner Time Above All

Ilinap · November 24, 2014 ·

There is one thing that is sacred to us, family dinner time. I joke that I have the least scheduled kids in America. And believe me, I hear all about how it's a disservice to my sons to not have them participate in traveling teams and perform in recitals. I've been told they will … [Read more...] about Family Dinner Time Above All

Tags: cook, family, food, parenting, thankful, values

10 Ways Having a Tween is Like Having a Toddler

Ilinap · October 8, 2014 ·

Spontaneous combustion is highly possible, also known as a temper tantrum. There can be screaming and crying for (apparently) no reason. You still have to remind them to wash hands, brush teeth, and flush. At least one article of clothing is ruined on every play … [Read more...] about 10 Ways Having a Tween is Like Having a Toddler

Tags: children, kids, motherhood, parenting

My Son Wants to Be Kim Kardashian When He Grows Up

Ilinap · September 25, 2014 ·

My son asked me how Kim Kardashian got rich and famous. I didn't really know what to say. The answer is both simple and complex. She has a raging mom who pushed her daughters into the limelight. The family searches to overcompensate for some sort of emotional cocktail of … [Read more...] about My Son Wants to Be Kim Kardashian When He Grows Up

Tags: America, parenting, pop culture

Mom Counterpart – 15 Things I Wish My Middle Schooler Knew

Ilinap · September 20, 2014 ·

I just turned 46. I was 10 years old when I started middle school. Those middle school years still taunt, tug, and tease me. I was a runt. I was smart, shy, and socially awkward. Oh, so awkward. Lord, I shudder at the thought of it. I was the ugly duckling who didn't think her … [Read more...] about Mom Counterpart – 15 Things I Wish My Middle Schooler Knew

Tags: Bird, children, motherhood, parenting, school

Happy Birthday, Bird!

Ilinap · August 29, 2014 ·

They said the time swoops in a mad dash. I didn't believe them. I was mired in the muck of motherhood. Diaper pails, baby wails, parenting flails.  The milestones were a flurry of excitement in the early days. There were simple yet stunning achievements, and we cooed at every … [Read more...] about Happy Birthday, Bird!

Tags: Bird, birthday, family, kids, love, motherhood, parenting, thankful

“Kid-Friendly” Food is a Disservice to Kids

Ilinap · August 4, 2014 ·

  I loathe the term "kid-friendly" when it comes to food. That is too often synonymous with fat-laden-greasy-sodium-overdose-fried-processed-garbage-cut-into-bite-size-nuggets. Let's just call it FLGSOFPGCIBSN for short. Now don't get me wrong. There's a time for … [Read more...] about “Kid-Friendly” Food is a Disservice to Kids

Tags: Bird, children, cook, Deal, family, food, health, home, kids, parenting, responsibility

About Me

Ilinap · June 1, 2014 ·

When I was in first grade I wanted to be President of the United States. In a not so nice (or PC) manner, my teacher, Mrs. O’Neal smirked and told me to pick something else because I could never be President since I wasn’t born in America. Then I swear she pointed at me and … [Read more...] about About Me

Tags: 5:00 Fridays, community, education, motherhood, North Carolina, parenting, politics, writing

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Writer. Marketer. Energizer.



Progressive, mom, writer, reader, traveler. Believe in good manners, home cooking, spending $ on experiences, not things, Oxford comma. ENFJ.

There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl's complexion. - Holly Golightly
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