Have you ever been so busy that you completely delete all emails that you think are going to interfere with your “fight or flight” instincts?  You know what I’m talking about, right?  A week that has so many overlapping, flapping, strappin’, all for nathin’ bouquets of crap tied up in pretty bows and balloons…called your eldest daughter’s birthday.

Now one thing I larn-ed from my mammy is that birthdays are the bestest thang evah!  And in order to have one, you have to be treated like a princess.  I know some authorities may disagree with this theory, but thumb up the nose to them!  It’s my party and I’ll go all out and crazy if I want to…

I always felt so special on my birthday and so will my girls, just a warning to the men out there who will someday marry them.  This will be an expectation and I will give you this advice on your wedding day!  So…this year we decided to only have three parties for her and not have one for her HUGE group of friends.  I thought this would make life easier on all of us, and she would still get THREE parties. COME ON!!!  All good, right?

Well, just when you think you have it all under control, the school decides to celebrate her birthday by having every child in the school look their prettiest and wear their nicest clothes.  Just. For. Her.  They happened to call it “School Picture Day.” But we knew better.  The problem with this VERY kind gesture from the school was we already had a busy morning planned, with the big celebration, the fancy breakfast, presents and now the children had to go to school looking better than just presentable?!  Oh, Miss Calgon…can you draw my bath, please?

So fast-forward a bit – they made it to school sans library books that were due that day (fail), wearing strappy sandals on PE day (FAIL); but introverted, terribly shy birthday girl proudly announced to anyone who didn’t wish her a happy birthday right off the bat, “Guess what? Today’s my birthday!”  She had the entire school giving her birthday well wishes and hugs.  Hip hip hooray, for her!

Back to my previously mentioned email which I deleted due to the birthday extravaganza:  luckily, a colleague was persistent and wondering why I ignored her email which was kind of a big deal.  Since it didn’t involve pink streamers, chocolate or disco balls in the subject line, it was shot right into the trash.

“Ms. Dumas, you have a call on Line One!”

I was selected as the Kansas Chapter’s of  Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) “September’s Featured Member!”

First, I would like to thank the Academy, and my Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Valerie Howland who taught me how to read, and…

Really, this is quite an honor and I appreciate the surprise even though it is half way through the month and I was in the dark the other half.

Actually, that’s pretty much how I roll these days.  Clueless Jo’Mama!

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© 2012, Stacey Hatton.  All rights reserved.