My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com
Bug: The oldest of the Guilty Parent children, 16 1/2 and learning the rules of the road with his temporary license. He is a true guinea pig in my parenting endeavors. He dreams of one day being a video game designer. Though he’s officially taller than me, he manages to stay in my good graces with his off-the-cuff wit. When he’s not showing off his unique sense of humor (by saying things like “When mom dies, she’s going to the big website in the sky”), He’s the head livestock wrangler. Bug earned his nickname when he was young as he was always “bugging” me.
Bebe: The only girl besides the dog, the cat (neither of which count) and me, Bebe is 12 going on 21 and most definitely a girly girl with a hidden tomboy side that only her brothers see. More energetic and enthusiastic than I could ever be, she has a passion for learning, creativity, and art. She knows my sewing machine better than I do. Painting her nails and “girls only nights” are the perfect end to her week. I am convinced the girl will one day be a world famous artist. Bebe is conquering her first year of middle school with her own personal style and will tell anyone who will listen just how smart she is.
Shorty: Don’t let the name deceive you. This pint sized 11 year old powerhouse has more charm and energy in his little finger than his dad and I do in our entire bodies. The sportster of the family, Shorty plays Football and and is an extreme video game enthusiast. Easily described as my most challenging child, he is a true perfectionist. His fortune cookie once read that he will always gets what he wants because of his charm and after a decade of succumbing to his wishes, I am beginning to believe it’s true! He has refuted all allegations that he is talented and gifted because it will take away his recess and other class time and will result in extra homework. (Heh. Did I mention he’s smart?)
Peanut: the youngest of the family but not to be ignored! Peanut’s sparkling blue eyes and his infectious laugh has made me a believer that I saved the best for last. Now that we’ve started Kindergarten mom has become second fiddle. Peanut can be a lover one minute and a fighter the next but he’s anything but boring. He’s playing his first year of soccer and is in love with the sport (as long as he gets the ball!) He’s a true “baby” of the family; spoiled rotten! He’s got his sister and his oldest brother wrapped around his finger with phrases like “that’s not possible” and “Can I sleep with you tonight? I promise I won’t kick”. Action figures, trains and Hot wheels make up his day but when it comes to settling down for the night, “Bear” is his best friend and dream time confidant.
Brian Hater of cameras and most things digital. He married me in February 1996, and he still doesn’t know why. He is my polar opposite. He’s a man who believes that working hard is the only way to get anywhere and proves it time and again. Though he doesn’t always understand the blogging and social media that I have embraced, he smiles and nods in the right places, lends a shoulder when I need it most and has learned that the sexiest phrase in the world to me is “get your traffic up” (swoon and sigh, ya’ll). He prefers to relax by playing poker with friends and in local tournaments or sitting in the woods during the coldest time of year, aiming at unsuspecting deer while I become a hunter’s widow. He owns more movies than we have room in the house for. Though we don’t always see eye to eye and have vastly different parenting styles (he being more strict than me), we agree that this society isn’t the same as the one we grew up in. It’s scarier, and there is far more pressure for kids to grow up fast. We also agree that marrying him was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Me: I wear a ton of hats and each of them is slightly askew atop my head: I’m the oldest of five kids, slacker mom to four, haphazard wife, a freelance writer, blogger and social media strategist. I’m also a horrible cow chaser, lover of adjectives (my favorite song is “Unpack your Adjectives” from School House Rock, do you know it?), an education activist, and firm believer that everything happens for a reason. I wish I could knit like Debbie Stoller, bake like Betty Crocker, and rock the “hooker boots” like best friend Mardi. Beyond that I’m just your average working, tweeting, facebooking, soccer, football, marching band boosting, girl scout volunteering, writing, blogging, socializing, wife and mom.
