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Dirt & Noise

A blog by a left leaning mom of 2 boys

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birthday

Dear Deal on Your 16th Birthday

Ilinap · June 22, 2021 ·

Dear Deal, I write this on a cloudy day as I remember the morning you were born 16 years ago, sunny side up. You always hate when I say that. You’re a teenage boy, and I’m a 50-something mom, so you pretty much hate everything I say. But that doesn’t stop me from saying stuff … [Read more...] about Dear Deal on Your 16th Birthday

Tags: birthday, celebrate, Deal, motherhood, parent, parenting

Happy 17th Birthday, Bird!

Ilinap · August 29, 2020 ·

  My son is a fierce protector of the proletariat. His brain works in ways I cannot comprehend, and it's no secret he's always six steps ahead of me. To be honest, half the time I nod my head and pretend to know what he's talking about. He is deep. He poses questions that … [Read more...] about Happy 17th Birthday, Bird!

Tags: Bird, birthday, love, motherhood, values

Happy 15th Birthday, Deal!

Ilinap · June 23, 2020 ·

a My baby boy is 15 now. He's about to get his driver's permit (Lord, help me!). I swear I can fit both my feet into one of his sneakers. He indulges me. He cracks me up. He started talking late but has not stopped. His patience comes from within because I surely have not … [Read more...] about Happy 15th Birthday, Deal!

Tags: birthday, children, Deal, love, motherhood

Playlist for Bird’s 16th

Ilinap · September 16, 2019 ·

My baby Bird was 4-years old when I started writing this blog. He just turned 16. I swear, I blinked and time blasted at warp speed. Every damn cliche about children growing up is true. I wish I had enacted more "mores." More playing. More cuddling. More … [Read more...] about Playlist for Bird’s 16th

Tags: Bird, birthday, children, motherhood

Turning 50

Ilinap · September 9, 2018 ·

  I tell my sons not to peak early. I didn’t peak until my 40s, and it was worth the wait. In fact, if you peak late, you just keeping soaring and don’t plateau. I’m turning 50 in just over a week. I’m not sure why this decade is the cause of such strife. It’s a … [Read more...] about Turning 50

Tags: aging, birthday, thankful, women

Another Teenager in the House – Happy Birthday, Deal!

Ilinap · June 23, 2018 ·

My Darling Deal, The world is a flurry of shambles right now. I hate having to explain all the insightful and difficult questions you bring home. I don’t have answers to most of the topics you raise. The age of Trump has in many ways robbed you of your childhood and tender … [Read more...] about Another Teenager in the House – Happy Birthday, Deal!

Tags: birthday, children, Deal, kids, love, motherhood, parenting

He’s 12.

Ilinap · June 22, 2017 ·

If he had a theme song, it would be You Are the Sunshine of My Life. He was born sunnyside up, after all. This sweet child of mine is tender hearted and funny. He’s also pensive and thoughtful; I can almost see gears clicking in his head as he unravels how things work. His … [Read more...] about He’s 12.

Tags: birthday, children, Deal, motherhood, parenting

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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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