Getting a tattoo?

Since my 40th birthday I have said that I want to get a tattoo. Ok, I am a little past 40 and I am still thinking I want a tattoo. Just one. I want it to really mean something to me. I want it to remind me of the people I love when I look at it. When I first found out that I was going to be a ...grandmother, I wasn't sure if I liked the idea. I mean, I'm still pretty young. Right? Then once she got here, bam I was in love. Now, I happily long for my life a few years from now when I get a whole house full of those little darlings. Any how, I thought maybe I would get a small violet flower tattoo, you know marking my entry into grandparenthood. Well, that did not fly around here. The girls kept saying that unless I planned on getting a tattoo for every grandchild, I could not do it. You see, we do not allow favortism regarding grandchildren in this family. It is a bigger taboo than a tattoo! In fact it would warrant, stoning. So, since then I have still been trying to decide on a tattoo. I think I have finally chosen. Since Jaley was born, I started signing Christmas cards, gifts, etc with this mark. J6. Representing all of us. Well, that is going to be my one and only tattoo. Jordan came up with a whole slew of ideas for me. Now, I think I have chosen one, but I don't know where to put it. I vote for my shoulder, but the girls say my foot. Mmmm.

Several of the girls are saying that they want to get their own version of J6 tattooed on them too. I know it sounds kinda crazy, doesn't it? I didn't know I was such a rebel. Well, on second thought, maybe I did.

Christmas 2008

My shoulder still hurts and I can't even decorate the tree. Violet is so much fun! Justine came home for a visit! Everyone has a cold. Violet is so much fun! Jill is making us crazy with wedding plans and she isn't even engaged. Jeff works too much. My shoulder still hurts. Justine came home for a visit! Violet is so much fun! Baby, it's cold outside. Jaley goes to school without complaining! Jordan made good grades! Everyone still has a cold. Violet is so much fun! Jill got engaged! Jeff got bit by our dog on Christmas morn & got 3 stiches, we spent 4 hours in the ER. Baby, it's cold outside. Violet is so much fun! Jill is still engaged... Jeff needs to work some more! Violet is so much fun!

Christmas Eve Tradition

(Mr & Mrs Peepaw)
Christmas 2000

We have this tradition of giving PJs on Christmas Eve. Every year the girls get to open one gift and one gift only. It is the gift marked with a heart, and inside is always a new pair of pajamas. We joke alot about this because when Jill was about 8 years old, she said hey...is this gonna be stupid pajamas again? We also usually try to go to the movies on Christmas Eve, then come home open our PJs and then sit around the fire and read the Christmas Story and sing caroles. The last few years have been a little different because Violet isn't really up for the movies just yet. But, next year should be a different story. This year we had a little Christmas party and invited Matt's family. So, we had a pretty good crowd at our house feasting on tamales, cheese dip, spinach artichoke dip, brie, shrimp cocktail, homemade chili, lil smokies, etc., along with an assortment of sweets made by Jill and my sweet friends, Trisha & Martha! We had a great time.

Then the time came for us to open our PJs, we usually don't do it with anyone but family there and usually everyone that is there gets PJs, whether it's Grandma & Grandpa or the girl's boyfriends or whomever. But this year Matt's family was there and so we just went along with our tradition. Everyone opened there PJs and Miss Violet was already wearing her new slippers and we realized there was an extra gift for Jill. So I gave it to her and told her that here was a gift for her and Violet to open. She said ok, ...like she didn't even think that was strange. (remember 1 gift and 1 gift only on Christmas Eve her entire life!) Then as she began to open the gift she found a candle and said this is pretty, who is it from? Matt then bent down on one knee in front of the entire room (Jill, Violet, Matt's Mom, Matt's Dad, Matt's only sibling, Brett, Me, Jeff, Jordan, Justine, Jaley, Jaley's boyfriend, Jeb, and Jaley's best friend, Zach) and asked Jill to marry him!

Because you see tied to this pretty little candle was a beautiful engagement ring. She thought it was just an embellished candle! Sometimes I wonder if she is really my kid?! Crazy girl. She was completely caught off guard. Which is exactly the effect Matt was going for. It was great! You see, everyone knew except Jill.

I gotta run! I have to start planning the 'wedding of the century' on a budget!

I am going to post something...

but probably not until tomorrow. So be sure and check back then. In the mean time.

9 Words Women Use

1. Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
2. Five minutes: If she is getting dressed, this mean half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
3. Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.
4. Go ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it!
5. Loud sigh: This is actually a word, but is non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here, arguing with you about nothing*. (*refer back to #3.)
6. That's okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
7. Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. This is almost always true unless.. she says Thanks a lot, that is pure sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say you're welcome, that will bring on whatever.
8. Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying #@% you!
9. Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?" For the woman's response will be #3!

I think that Jeff is an expert in this type of theory!

TAG...I'm it!

TAG RULES.
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about you.

Mmmm. 7 weird or random facts about me.

1. My driver's license says JulieT. Not that I am named Juliet, just Julie. My maiden name begins with a T.
2. I met my husband after a rowdy ride on a motorcycle with 2 other people (riding on the same bike) and I was well, sort of arrested. He was at the police station with his best friend, a cop.
3. My husband and I both have 4 brothers and 1 sister, giving my children 20, count it 20 aunts and uncles!
4. I won Miss Mansfield, twice. Miss Burleson & Miss Keller, once, and was runner up to various other pageants. I think my mother truly wanted a Miss America, but alas, all she got a Mrs. Henderson!
5. I only like to watch movies that have a happy ending, real life is sad enough. Titanic was so disappointing to me, my kids said, come on Mom, surely you knew it would sink. I can hope, can't I?
6. I like to do genealogy research, I can trace my paternal grandmother all the way back to the 13th century. I am related to Edgar Allen Poe & Ulysses S. Grant. I think that might explain alot.
7. I have no memories of my life before the age of 12, except those that have been told to me in the past few years. And that is a story for another day.

I would love to hear some random, crazy stuff about you too, drop me a note and let me in on your secrets.

Kevin & Kim's Wedding

Our neice, Kim was married last weekend. It was a beautiful ceremony. We were so happy that we got to share in their big day. They are still honeymooning in Hawaii, 2 1/2 weeks in paradise! Lucky girl.

Violet talking to the bride & groom at the rehearsal dinner.

Jaley did Peyton's hair (my niece, the flower girl)

Justine did Kim's hair and Jill did her make up.

Violet dancing with Uncle Dennis (father of the bride) at the rehearsal dinner.

More redheads! The girls with cousins, Brian & David

Easy does it...

I am still taking it easy, but I have been perusing the super highway in the slow lane and I have come across a few things that I want to share with you. On Election Day I posted a picture of what looked like a sucker, marked VOTE. It was actually something called a cake ball. Here is a Thanksgiving version. Cute, huh? Stop by Bakerella by clicking on the turkeys below and see how you can make your own.

Shoulder Update

After 5 weeks of weekly doctor visits, an MRI & an EMG I have finally been diagnosed. I have carpal tunnel and shoulder tendonitis/impingement. I go to the therapist tomorrow and back to work, however, I can't do much of anything. This typing w/ one hand is harder than it would seem, especially if you want to spell words correctly. :)

Those girls voted! ?

Those crazy girls... I just found out that two of my girls voted for a Libertarian just because they liked his name. I wonder who it was? Neither could remember his name after the fact. Good grief!

Election 2008

I voted!

Read anything good lately?

I think I might go to the bookstore and get something to read besides a magazine. Has anyone read anything good lately? If you have, don't keep it a secret, let me know!

Misery loves company...

How come? Why do people that are unhappy want everyone else to be unhappy too?

I have used this cartoon pain scale more times that I can count in the past 5+ weeks going back and forth to different doctors. I bet you didn't know it was called the Wong-Baker Pain Scale, did ya? That's all I have to say about that, just useless trivia for a game of Trivial Pursuit.

I have noticed since my arm has been hurt that some people enjoy telling me how bad it is going to get. For example, tomorrow I am going to have a nerve study done. Everyone that has ever had a nerve study (EMG) or knows of someone that has had one practically relishes in the fact that it is going to be painful. I even got a call today from my case worker today telling me how bad the test was going to be. Yippee! I cannot wait. I am nervous about the test, but more than that, I am just ready to get this over with and an EMG along with last week's MRI should get me one step further down the road to recovery.

To those of you that are reading this right now, if you are happy .. I jump for joy with you! I am happy for you and if you are feeling blue, I am sad for you. I don't want any company on the misery train. So keep off! This train if full. Now go on, be happy!

ps- I have also figured out that after about 15 minutes of typing my arm starts seizing up and hurting, so if I can keep this posting to a minimum of about 5 minutes, I am good and pain free.

Halloween 2008

Creative Jordan playing with photoshop
cavewoman

geisha girl

jordan, jill, matt & v

jordan, v & grandpa

me & v

We had a good time at the Fall Festival @ church. V particularly loved the cotton candy and hot dogs. She also was quite taken with the dog shaped blow up bounce house. Violet had her first hayride with Aunt Jawjie, Grandpa & me. People asked Jeff & I what our costumes were? I said I was a 'broken grandma' and Jeff said he was a 'broke grandpa'. It's always about money for Jeff! :)

I apologize in advance for this joke, but remember...I'm bored

This joke is from my friend,
Trisha, a real live So. Cal. Hillbilly!

Never Choke in a restaurant in the South

Two hillbillies walk into a restaurant. While having a bite
to eat, they talk about their moonshine operation.

Suddenly, a woman at a nearby table, who is eating a
sandwich, begins to cough. And, after a minute or so,
it becomes apparent that she is in real distress. One of
the hillbillies looks at her and says, 'Kin ya swallar?'

The woman shakes her head no.

Then he asks, 'Kin ya breathe?'

The woman begins to turn blue and shakes her head no.

The hillbilly walks over to the woman, lifts up her dress,
yanks down her drawers and quickly gives her right butt
cheek a lick with his tongue. The woman is so shocked
that she has a violent spasm and the obstruction flies out
of her mouth. As she begins to breathe again, the Hillbilly
walks slowly back to his table.

His partner says, 'Ya know, I'd heerd of that there
'Hind Lick Maneuver' but I ain't niver seed nobody do it!'

Top 10 things I am starting to miss

10. Clean laundry

9. A clean house

8. Working in my flower bed

7. Cooking dinner

6. Shopping

5. Playing on my laptop

4. Working at the church

3. Sleeping all night

2. Dancing with & being twirled by Jeff

#1 Carrying and holding my Violet Girl

Still in a holding pattern

yep, it's me again. Dear friends if I can be so bold as to ask... please pray for me, more specifically my arm. Because, this is starting to get old.

Just can't post.

That's me. I really can't post until after next Wednesday, Dr.'s orders 'no using my right arm'. And since I am a cheater at heart, I am just not going to post at all, because I will use it. I am going to ask that you follow Jill's blog for a few days to keep up with us and our family until then. Thanks to you all for your great support.
Julie

Do horses go to heaven?

I am not suppose to be typing. Strict orders about my shoulder, but I could not let this go without sharing it with you. So, shhhhh on the 'illegal typing'.

Tonight Jeff and I went to the visitation for my nephew, Michael at the funeral home. The place was packed with family and friends. It was a precious sight to see. As Jeff and I stood, saying our last goodbyes to Michael, a little girl about 7 or 8 came up to us. She didn't know me, but I recognized her right away. She was the spitting image of her mother, Lisa, who is Michael's older cousin on his mother's side. The little girl came and stood between us and Michael and then looked at Michael and looked closely at us and said, "are you friends of his?" I said, "I am his Aunt Julie, his daddy's sister." She said, "Oh." And then paused for a second, "Did you know that Michael's horse also died in the accident?" I said, yes. Then she said the sweetest thing I will probably ever hear. This little girl said something profound. She said, "I am so happy that Michael knew Jesus and asked Him into his heart so now he can live in heaven. I think he is probably riding his horse right now and he is happy."

I really can't add anything to that. God is good and loving and gracious and even this little girl can see that. Oh, that we could all have the trust and certainty of a little child.

Gone Too Soon...Why?

Last night, my nephew left this world and went to heaven. That sounds so crazy to say. It reminds me of that Kenny Chesney song, Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to go now.

I remember when Michael was born, we called him our little Spook because he was born the day before Halloween. Jill couldn't say Michael and she called him "Guy kul". I also remember how incredibly proud my brother was of his first born child. Michael was the cutest little boy, even won some kind of contest for being so darn cute.

Last night, the question on every one's lips whether voiced or not was, why? His mother even said to me, why? I know that she didn't expect me to have the answer, it's just what people say when things like this happen. All I could think to say was, I don't know why God would ask this of you. But I know that because He has, He will give you the strength to get through it. It sounds so simple to say and I almost felt like I needed to apologize for giving her such a 'kindergarten type' of answer. But, that's all I know for sure. When tragedy strikes, sometimes only God in His infinite wisdom knows the 'why'. And I am reminded that God is not the author of our pain, He doesn't plan our hurt, but sometimes He allows it. Why? To bring us closer to Him. Plain and simple.

My pastor has this saying, when tragedy comes, it will do one of two things. It will either make you bitter, or it will make you better. Today, Michael is rejoicing with the angels. So our job is to celebrate his life, honor his memory and glorify his God. Because through Him our reunion is possible and guaranteed.

I would covet your prayers for Michael's parents, his brother, his wife and daughter and countless friends and family who are grieving his passing.
Michael Williams
October 30, 1984 - October 20, 2008

Do Horses Go to Heaven? more about Michael's passing.

The Circus

8 tickets to the circus = $160.00
1 program = $2.00
1 popcorn, 2 bags of cotton candy & 3 sodas = $25.00
1 spinning, whirling, light up thingie = $10.00
1 ride on an elephant = $16.00
watching Violet ride an elephant and then call it a dog... priceless!

Shoulder Update

Ok, I have gotten an x-ray and two shots in my shoulder and it still hurts. Time still might heal all, but, only time will tell and apparently 'time' isn't talking to me just yet. Not sure where we will go from here if this doesn't work. I have a renewed and deep heartfelt sympathy for anyone living with chronic pain. ~Warning. Never spend 3+ years (or even 1 day) working with your keyboard on top of your desk, because one day when you're not expecting it, out of the clear blue... BAM! It's gonna HURT.

PS...

My children are driving me crazy! All four of them have some kind of issue today. It feels like I have been in a land slide. I was 12 minutes late picking Jaley up from school and she informed me that if this continues by the end of the school year year she will have wasted 56 minutes waiting on me. Seriously, I mean seriously did she really say that? I have wasted years waiting on her. And Jordan has burned 3 sheet pans of chocolate chip cookies in a row... I gotta go and throw open the back door now before the smoke alarm goes off. Oh crud, that means I have to keep Olive at bay while the smoke clears. Wish me luck!

My Job as the 'Church Lady'

What exactly do I do? I joke and say I am the 'Church Lady'. I am a child of the 70's and Saturday Night Live was big then, maybe bigger than it is now. It's pretty crude these days or maybe I am slightly more refined than I was in the 70's. I still think it can be pretty funny, so remember I said slightly more refined. Ok, I got off track. I do that from time to time. I skip around from one topic to the next without ever missing a beat. So pay attention and keep up. Perhaps I have ADD, but I don't think so. I think that's just the way creative people operate. Also, I think that I am the most least likely person you would ever find in a church. I was a heathen, born and bred until God got a hold of me and cleaned me up from the inside out. I joke and say it even took me two baptisms to get clean. Back to the subject at hand. I work at a church. I work at the same church that I rode the bus to on Sundays mornings as a little girl. As a young mother I brought my children here. Myself and all my girls were baptized at this church. My dad, mother and father-in-law were laid to rest here. I have a lot of history at this church. And for the past 6+ years, I have worked here. My job is to make things look... pretty or edgy or classic. Whatever the case may be. I manage the website, make graphics, logos, posters, etc. So you say why does your blog look so... generic? Because I have an extremely busy job. And remember I am typing with one hand most of the time these days. Still have that injured shoulder remember? My kids think I don't do anything at work. They always say your job is easy. I will have to admit that working at a church is so much harder than I ever thought possible. It is stressful and everything is personal. Why is that? I guess because everything has such a potential for significance. My job as menial as it is, still has the potential to help change lives. If only in a very small way. I am blessed to be able to serve my Savior daily and get paid to do it. I only wish I always deserved it. But that's the great thing about God, He gives us what we don't deserve instead of what we do deserve.

Collecting...

I don't think I have shared this with you yet, but my husband and I are obscessed. We are... Collectors. I mean, we got it bad.

Here is one more tale from our Arkansas weekend.

On Saturday afternoon Jeff and I were wondering about this little antique mall and I came upon this little chair. I knew that I wanted it right away and the price was right, it was only $35. It needed to be cleaned and the vinyl seat cover needed to be replaced, but other than that it is in perfect condition. And it was one of my favorite styles an Emeco Office Chair. Upon further inspection I realized that it was an authentic Emeco chair. It still bore the metal label and the paper label under the cushion. Yippee! I couldn't recall at the time what the chair was actually worth, but I knew it to be well over $400. So, yep we threw that puppy in the car. Today I am cleaning up my new chair and went to the Emeco website to see what kind of fabric I needed to get to recover the seat, thinking it would be leather. Nope the originals are covered in vinyl and a new chair today will set you back around $800! I know what you are saying... this is a vintage chair and it will not be worth that. Wrong. These chairs are classics and are made of polished aluminum, virtually indestructible. They have not gone out of style since they were first made in the 1950's. They have a life expectancy of 150 years. They are classic and retro at the same time. Beautiful.

One more revelation about this weekend ...

I will never step foot in a port-a-potty again! NEVER. In Hicksville they are called a "Willie Makeit". Seriously. And in most cases, Willie did not.

Home Sweet Home

Our whirwind road trip is over. We had a great time. The weather was beautiful. Glad to come home and see our girls.

Arkansas Female Phenomenon

It is incredible the number of women I have encountered here in Arkansas that are missing their front teeth. Is it some kind of weird phenomenon or is it hereditary? Is it a strange coming of age ritual? I don't know. I am assuming it is the lack of affordable dental care. So I wonder... is it just that they don't have the funds to take proper care of their teeth? As I contemplate this I am reminded that I saw all of these women ranging in age from teens to 50's or so, in a festival that required a $15 per day admission. And most of them held a beer in one hand and cigarette in the other, which in Jeff's words would put their 'sin tax' at about $10. So they are not completely without disposable income. I am mystified by this. Jeff says that where he works, which is a prominent and very large factory, where the benefits and pay are good. That there are people walking around all over the place with severe dental problems. Let me make this clear this employer provides 100% preventative dental care and free cleanings and exams every 6 months. There is no need to go without. It is starting to look like a 3rd world country or something. Are people really that frightened of the dentist that they would rather walk around with no front teeth than to go see the dentist? Do we need to start a national ad campaign regarding our front teeth? I am telling you if you could see the women I have seen in the past 2 days it would break your heart. It is extremely sad. Jeff says these gals prefer not to have their front teeth, instead they like their 'cigarette holder'. I know he is only joking. In fact here is a joke he told me. - What do you get when you get 32 Arkansas women in one room? A full set of teeth.

Oh my goodness. What is going on here in Hicksville? I am not making fun of or criticizing these poor souls, but come on people. This is completely treatable, right? Missing your front teeth isn't good for your body, your mind or you soul.

Music Fest, Day 2

Tonight we are going to hear Shooter Jennings (Waylon's boy) & John Anderson, along with some new ones we hope to become fans of. Last night we heard a couple of really good bands like Reckless Kelly out of Austin and Will Davis' Shady Caballeros (weird name, great group). Let me first say that all the good guys are coming out of Austin! WhooHoo!

This festival is a little unusual. We are use to Main St. Art Fest in FW. It is big, I guess it is true that everything is bigger in Texas. Let me first say that El Dorado is a small Arkansas town, and you can see that the downward economy has taken it's tole here. But they are putting on these festivals in this quaint little area of old downtown and it is incredible. They aren't drawing the crowds like they would in Texas, but the sponsors are doing a good job of footing the bill. Main St., El Dorado is quaint and adorable and the perfect venue for a festival. I am just amazed that they are putting these on and so successfully, because the crowds are so small. It is truly amazing. The festival vendors leave a little to be desired. There are only about 5 food vendors and maybe that many retail vendors. Not much to buy in that area unless you want a do-rag. You can purchase roasted corn on the cob for 3 ears for $5! Crazy. The weather has been a beautiful 75.

More about my arm. I have what my dr is calling severe tendinitis. I am to begin therapy next week as well as have an x-ray. He has asked that I tie it up in a sling whenever possible. Not much fun. And it hurts like the dickens. I am on a pretty strong anti-inflammatory so it doesn't allow for an pain killers. Yikes. So, this is a good weekend to be gone. No reason to lift anything except my Diet Dr. Pepper and I can do that quite well with my left hand. What I really want to be holding is my Violet girl, but she's in FW and I'm in Hicksville with a sore arm. Just as well I suppose. ok, this typing with one hand is taking forever. Gotta run now, Pale plays at 6:30 and they are suppose to be pretty good.

El Dorado MusicFest, XXI

Road Trips, Kenny Wayne and Chile Rellenos

I am writing this from a lovely hotel room in El Dorado, Arkansas. I know that sounds like an oxy-moron to all of you that have actually been to El Dorado, AR. But it is a very nice room at the Hampton Inn. I am sitting here at my laptop trying to get some work done while Jeff is looking for an antique shop. At breakfast this morning we read the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, ok it is official we are in Hicksville, USA. I have come to a couple of realizations in the past 24 hours:
1) I do not particularly care for road trips anymore. Jeff and I have decided that if we are going to travel 5 hours we want to be in Northern California or Southern Florida.

2) You should never... let me make that perfectly clear. NEVER. Eat a Chile Rellenos in any state other than Texas or possibly New Mexico. Hence the name Tex-Mex. It should be illegal to even have them on the menu. For some unknown reason I had one in North Texas and one in Arkansas yesterday. And neither one was any good. So let me restate that, Never eat one North of Denton! Period. ~ Disclaimer. I feel that I am a chile rellenos authority, I am only telling you this because I have your best interest at heart. So when in doubt of your geographical location, just don't do it. :)

3) I think everyone smokes in Arkansas.

4) Kenny Wayne Shepard puts on a fabulous show and he alone was worth the drive. We knew that before we came and that is why we suffered through the rest. God Bless Kenny Wayne Shepard!

That's all for now. I have work to do. I do have a few other revelations to share with you, so maybe later.

Bye from Arkansas!
Julie

ps - I am writing this one handed because my right arm is now in a sling. Ouch!

House WORK!

It's a beautiful Saturday morning and I want to play outside, work in the yard. Something, anything but...NO I must do housework. I have been avoiding it for sometime now. I had 6 light bulbs that were burned out in the kitchen, living room and hallway. When I replaced those this morning , oh my goodness I saw the dust. It is everywhere. You see, my street has been under construction since April. That's 6 months of a dirt road, complete with a backhoe that literally sat in my front yard for almost a month. They are almost finished with the construction, all that remains is to put our grass back in. But all that dirt from the street has traveled into my house. So today is the day. I went to Target and bought a new mop and I am going to clean this floor. I have forgotten what color it really is. I better get a move on because My Violet Girl is coming over and when she gets here the cleaning will cease. No time for that when the girl is in the house! And today we have a surprise for her. Aunt Jaley & Jawjie bought her a pair of Cinderella Twinkle Slippers from the Disney Store. They are adorable. They even have light up heels. Can't wait to see our little Princess wearing them. But for now, I am Cinderella and I gotta get to work!

Favorite Quotes

This is one of my favorite quotes of all time.

"Walk with God, and you cannot mistake the road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, permanent love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you." ~Charles Spurgeon, 1834-1892

Wow! Isn't that profound? Just reading it makes me feel better. I keep a copy of it on my message board above my desk at work and read it from time to time. It clearly spells out God's devotion to us and soothes my soul. We are not alone. We have guidance, love and power. And a Defender. See... don't you feel better already?

Blisters and the East Coast Swing!

Ok, it is official... I am a dancer. Ha ha! Is that a laugh or what? Well, I do have blisters and I am wearing Violet's 'Hello Kitty' bandaids.

Jeff and I have been practicing our steps, what a hoot. Jaley's friend, Zack was over last night when we were 'waltzing' around the living room and I asked him how we were doing? He said, "at what?" looking shyly at the ground. I said, "dancing." Then he looked up and said, "Oh, I thought ya'll were doing something I wasn't suppose to be watching." It cracked me up! Then he said, "not too bad." I think he might be 'fibbing'. Tonight we are taking a group class on the East Coast Swing. I am really excited. Then another Swing class on Friday. Yikes! I hope we can keep this up.

My Twinkle Toes...

Hurt!

Darn, darn, double darn, dang! Gee whiz, golly bust, goose devil, dang! Darn, darn . . . dang!

Violet Spends the Night

Our grandgirl finally got to spend the night without her Mommy. She was such a good girl. GiGi (that's me) bought her a ball pit with 175 balls! She loved it. We played and ate Cheetos and then played and ate Cheetos again. Grandpa took her out to play in the rain for a bit, she loved that too. Her Grandma K bought her some rain boots and she wore them. Adorable. On Sunday we took her to eat at Captain D's for lunch. We would eat at Cap'n D's almost every Sunday after church when the girls were growing up. It was a fun walk down memory lane with our new little girl. Can't wait until next time.
PS-Aunt Jaley says that NO house should have 175+ balls in it! It was her job to pick them all up. Jaley is a good aunt. :)

Puttin' on our Dancing Shoes

That's right. Jeff and I took our first group dance class last night, the Waltz. We will take our first private lesson on Monday. It was such fun, not that we were any good. It was just so much fun to watch all those folks dancing. I mean really dancing. We want to be able to do that too. And boy, it was a work out. Today, we will be checking around to see if we can get some real dancing shoes. Apparently, you gotta have 'em. We have been looking for a new hobby or something. You know we are pretty much 'empty nesters' these days. So we are rediscovering a life without children. So far, it has been fun! I'll let you know how we are doing in the days and weeks ahead.

Play some Stevie Ray, Man!

Jeff and I love Blues music. We don't often get the opportunity to go and listen to any live, but Saturday night we did just that. We hit a couple of joints, and finally found our nitch at this little place in Northside. We heard James Hinkle, a Fort Worth native. He was really good. We had fun with some crazy folks sitting next to us. The woman was quite intoxicated and kept yelling all night, "play some Stevie Ray, Man". (I think that there has been a theme all weekend of me sitting by drunk women... what's up with that?)

Yesterday we made some tentative plans to try and go to the El Dorado MusicFest in Arkansas later this month. Our absolute favorite (living) guitarist will be playing there, Kenny Wayne Shepard! Kenny's voice is not what you hear on his CDs, he is a guitar prodigy! FYI: He's married to Mel Gibson's only daughter.

Try a little Blues, it's good for your soul.

Rangers vs Red Sox

Last night Jeff and I went to the Ranger game. We had great seats! This was the 3rd time this summer that we had been given almost the same seats by 3 different people. 3rd row, behind 3rd base. Lovely. The first time, there was a guy that stripped and jumped the fence right in front of us and paraded across the field until he slipped and fell down in center field.

Last night the stadium was full of Boston fans. It was kinda weird when the chanting would begin... Let's go .. Rangers, because it would soon become, Let's go .. Red Sox. They just took over. Rangers lost, but weren't quite skunked. However, it was probably the most fun we have had at a game in quite some time. Even trumped the streaker. One reason was because these two girls (13 years old) were at the game and set between me and the couple to my left. We were in a very small section only 6 seats wide. So you kinda got to know everyone right away. Anyhow, these two girls seemed out of place, hadn't ever been to a game before. They didn't understand how to tell score, etc. So, we were helping them along, reminding them that many fouls fly through our section and to stay prepared, etc. Soon they grew bored and left. One funny thing about the girls is when they asked why everyone would cheer when the Rangers made a mistake. I told her that the stadium was full of Boston fans and that they were cheering the Red Sox not the Rangers. She said, "Oh, isn't Boston a really far drive to come to a game?" Everyone on the row started laughing. They were too cute.

Over the course of the next few innings friends of the people sitting behind us came and went, 'borrowing' the girls seats from time to time. During the 8th inning 2 women showed up and settled down in the seats behind the seats the girls had previously occupied. We we all curious about why they would arrive at the game so late. They were fun and well... inebriated and chatted up with everyone. They said they had been to the bar upstairs and had no idea that they had almost missed the entire game. They began flirting and cutting up with everyone in our section, they were fun and we wished they had been there the whole time. Perhaps they wouldn't have been as much fun sober, but maybe. Anyhow one of the women asked about all the Red Sox cheering and we told her the same story we had told the girls. She said "Wow, isn't Boston to Arlington a really far to drive to watch a game.?" We all laughed and then suddenly it dawned on me and I said, "Hey are you related to the two girls that were sitting here earlier?" About that time the two girls showed up. Yep, they were the moms of the little teenie boppers.

She said they were from Ranger, Texas and had made the drive just to watch the game (or uh... drink at the bar upstairs). I hope they all made it home safely. Thinking about it today, I wonder if any of them thought that Monday was August 32?

Swearin' & Cussin'

For some reason I was thinking about this old saying today. My mom taught it to me when I was a girl. I don't remember much about my childhood, but I do remember the day my mother taught me to swear. It seems really funny now since my mother could out cuss a sailor! But she once told me that if I felt the need to swear that I had her permission to say this...

"Darn, darn, double darn, dang! Gee Whiz, golly bust, goose devil, dang!"

Now say it again really, really fast. Are you feelin' naughty yet?

Friendship

I met up with an old friend for lunch today. It was nice. She and I use to be really close and have drifted apart over the years. Mostly, my fault. You see, I just don't like people. My kids tease me about that all the time. They are pretty much right. I don't know why that is. I am sure it has something to do with my mother. Yes, it's all mom's fault. Boy, now that is a line I have heard before. You know, I have alluded to my childhood before and about how difficult it was. I am certain that there are some social skills that I just don't have because of it. But that is no excuse now. So, I am been trying to work on that part of me. I miss my friend, she has gone through a difficult time in the past year or so. I know that others were there for her, but not me. Not that she needs me, it just hurts to know that she suffered and I wasn't around. She is doing great now, and that makes me happy. I have another friend who is in the midst of a crisis. I ache for her. I guess that is why I wanted to get reacquainted with this lost friend. I have finally realized that I am not an island. I am not self sufficient. I guess... I need people. There I said it. Are you happy now?

What is today's date?

First of all my kids keep fussing at me about not using their real names. I told them I am protecting them, they say they don't need it. They give their permission for me to use their names. So here goes. Yesterday the whole gang met up at our house for a Labor Day BBQ. Jeff cooked up some awesome ribs. Matt said that when Jill got up this morning she asked him this question. "Is today September 1st or August 32nd?" Jill said that she thought that August had more days in it than any other month, so she wasn't sure of the date. Matt answered her by saying, "No, it's July 64th."

I swear to you, she really asked this. Sometimes I wonder whose child she really is.... Matt and his friends call this a "Jillism", that's really funny because he didn't know that we call it that too!

Legend
JP - Jeff
JL - Jillian
JR - Jordan
JM - Justine
JB - Jaley
JT - Julie
VK - Violet

Happy Birthday Jawjie (JR)!

Wow! It's hard to believe that JR is 23 years old today. I remember so vividely the day she was born. I went into labor on her Grandad Walter's birthday and was convinced that if she were a boy I would have to name her/him Walter Howard. Ugh. But, tada.... she was a girl! I was so happy. You are probably wondering was I really excited to have another girl? Oh yes, I was thrilled to have my two little girls and then 3 little girls, and so on.... That sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? Oh well, happy birthday Jawjie! You have grown in to such a beautiful young woman, inside and out. I am so very proud of you! Much love, Mom

Hip, Hip, Hooray for Sarah Palin!

I have been dreading the upcoming election. I know that the Republican Party seems to be in trouble. Try as I might, I just cannot get behind Obama. I am in complete favor of a black president, we as a nation are over due for some color in the White House and every where else for that matter. I hope that is not an inappropriate remark. I know that my generation says things that can sometimes be offensive because we just don't use the right lingo. And if I offend, I apologize. The election was starting to feel like the Republican Party didn't have a chance and then.......Sarah Palin joins the team. I am suddenly so pumped! I mean I am seriously considering becoming a McCain/Palin volunteer, roadie, groupie, whatever. I think this just might work. I don't know everything about her yet, but when I read her press release after the birth of her 5th baby, I was hooked. Regardless of who wins the election, this is going to be a monumental, historic election..... a white guy and a MINORITY in the White House! Woohoo!

Last First Day...

Yesterday was JB's first day of her senior year. As we were driving to school she made the comment that this was her LAST first day of school. Wow! I guess it is. I hadn't thought of it that way before. Then it hit me, I have been driving children (my children) to school for 20 years straight. That makes me.... ancient. Well not really, but it makes me feel old. I started thinking about when JB was little. Since the distance between JM and JB is 3 school years. I had a lot of time alone with JB. It was just the two of us. She was my little sidekick, my partner in crime, my alter ego. She was always my girl.

I remember when I was pregnant with her and people would ask why I was having another baby? (Sometimes people can be so rude.) I would jokingly say that I wanted one of my own, one that preferred me over JP. They always loved JP and still do, but JB is my girl. Finally, I got one! Probably only because everyone else was at school, and I was her only choice. Oh well, I still got her... even if it was by default.

Good luck with your senior year 'SweetPea', you have a wonderful future ahead. I can't wait to see all the things you'll accomplish. XOXO Mom

Olive goes to school, TOO!

JR signed Olive up for obedience classes. She was suppose to start last Monday, but it rained all day. So her first class was last night. JR came home an hour and a half later exhausted. Olive misbehaved and they were sent to the back of the class. But, we have high hopes. I'll keep you posted on her progress.

Nuf' Said........

Home Again...

JR moved back home yesterday. Hold the champage, we can't celebrate, she has not graduated college yet. I think she is just burnt out and needs some time to rest. I am glad she feels like coming home can do that for her. JR is still going to North Texas, she will just be commuting 2 days per week. You see... she has a new love in her life. Olive. Olive, the veloci-raptor!

This dog reminds me so much of those creatures in Jurassic Park. Any how, Olive cannot live in an apartment, so JR has decided to move back home and commute rather than do with out her puppy. I hope we survive it. Not the JR moving home part, the Olive living in the backyard part. Hopefully, with a little obedience training she will calm down. Right now, she is just a tornado with legs. Aside from that... Welcome Home JR. I've missed you!

PS- JR just came in from taking Olive for a walk. The first thing Olive did was wiggle out of her collar and leash. JR had to chase and catch her to put it back on because Olive thought it was a new game. Then she (Olive) tangled herself around a passing jogger. See what I mean? Attack of the Velociraptor!

Foot Fetish?

I am starting to think that my husband has a foot fetish.

These are the two cards that I received from him recently, in fact just 8 days apart. One for my birthday the other for our anniversary. Coincidence?

I think it has more to do with the fact that our little grandgirl is obsessed with shoes! She checks out your feet before she lets you pick her up. It's like... I don't know if you can hold me, are you wearing cute shoes?

Oh my goodness, are we in trouble! She loves shoes. But she comes by it honestly, her mother and aunts are shoe crazy, too. I can remember one time we went on vacation and I counted more than 30 pairs of shoes in the hotel room!

Watch out Imelda Marcos, here comes VK!

ps - do you think I will get any unusual visitors to my blog because of the title of this post? :)
(PSS- yes I did! see previous ps.)

Blogging... cheaper than therapy?

This is a copy of the email that I sent to my friend Shan yesterday.

Dear Shan:
Ok, I have been keeping a secret. I have a blog. A stupid blog. JL begged me to do it and so now I have one. I have no clue what I should write about, as I myself am boring. But, here it is... my blog. I am certain that I will live to regret it. :) I feel like an idiot, but I have a blog. Like anyone cares to read about me or what I think. I have a dumb blog.
XOXO
J

As you can see, I signed it with hugs and kisses as I was subconsciously trying to convince her not to ridicule me. And being the good friend that she is, she didn't. Thanks Shan. If you write a dumb blog I will encourage you too. That is what friends are for, besides misery loves company. I think I need some company in the dumb blog department. So come on over. I am certain this blog thing is going to be cheaper than therapy, so I am giving it a try.

ps - I also think blogs are a lot like chia pets, everybody secretly has one.

Feeling Blue

VK looks how I feel. Blue.

Today I am just feeling blue. Why? Lots of reasons. I know that God is in control of all things. I know that He knows that I am blue, I know that He cares, so why am I still blue?

I am disappointed in someone and that really stinks. Someone that should be behaving better, but isn't. I was reminded by a couple of friends that we all make mistakes. That people will disappoint us, but God never will. That is encouraging, that is life changing, but, I am still blue. When I am like this it takes more than just a little pep talk to bring me around. I have had a problem with severe depression in my past and some days are just harder than others to shake stuff off. This is one of those days. Right now I feel pretty weary and exhausted from it. I just really want to tell this person off, but alas... I cannot. So, this will be a lesson in self-control for me. Just let it go, say a prayer for that person. And let it go. That is easier said than done, afterall I am a person that makes mistakes and disappoints, too. I am glad that Jesus doesn't, aren't you?

My Wild Child

JB is my 'wild child'. I don't mean that she is bad in any sense of the word. I just mean that she marches to her own drum. She is a Vegetarian. She is a Tree Hugger, PETA Supporter, Defender of the Under Dog, Pro-Peace, Anti-War. Artistic, Compassionate, Smart & FIESTY. She is my little hippie. She is also a contradiction. She is flashy and flamboyant and yet Mother Earth all at the same time. She wants to act and be treated like a grown-up and yet she will still wants to climb into my lap like she did when she was a toddler and watch tv. I guess she will always be my baby.

JB has an unusual assortment of friends, too. I think some people are put off by these kids. I am just being honest here. I too was kind of suspicious of them at first. They have multiple piercings, tattoos, wear chains on their pants, wear alot of black clothing and crazy hair. I think maybe in the beginning I was a little afraid of them too. I just wasn't into that 'look'. I didn't understand it. I associated it with a certain type of person, you know...the kind of person you don't want your baby to hang out with. But over the past few years, I have come to love these kids. They are just like everyone else. They want the same things everyone else wants. To be happy, to be loved and to be accepted.

Sometimes I'll come home from working at the church and find them all piled up on my sofa. It is the funniest sight. Here are all these rough and tumble looking kids watching 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' or something like that. What I am trying to say is, these are just kids and if someone is prejudice against them because of what they look like, then they are missing out on an opportunity for a relationship with some really great people.

I worry that people will judge my girl because of how she looks or who she hangs out with. I get all caught up in what people will think of her and I guess, truthfully I am afraid they will judge me too. But when it gets right down to it, we only have one Judge and His name is Jesus. And I know this to be true... Jesus loves all people. He offers salvation to everyone, no matter what they look like or how they dress. And at the end of the day, I want these kids to know that this 'church lady' loves them and so does Jesus. And I want them and my girl to know that they are valued as human beings and deserve to be respected. I know my girl already knows this. I tell her frequently. This post is not for her or her friends. This post is for every 30+ person that might be wary of a teen that looks a little different than what society says is innocence. They might look rough and tough, but they are still just babes watchin' 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'. They are just kids, some with experiences and heartaches way beyond their years and through no fault of their own. They are children...our future...don't ever forget it.

Roughin' it at Lake Texoma

JR and I went to Oklahoma for a 'camp out'. Ok, I confess. We stayed in a cabin, complete with cable tv and air conditioning. But we were 'roughin' it'. There was only one bathroom for 5 women! It was a get to know you weekend for an online group that JR belongs to, and me being the over-protective mother that I am. Well, I couldn't let her go to another state and stay alone with complete strangers that she met on the internet! We had a good time. It was an interesting mix of women. There was JR, the 20-something, incredibly smart, beautiful, adorable college student. Me, well... you already know about me. Shannon the 30-something divorcee, lab worker & nudist. Linda, the 30-something, tiny closet dancin', blue grass playin', mother of 2. And Laura, the quintessential Wisconsin girl, single, tattooed & transplanted to Austin, TX, aptly named Miss RockABilly. An interesting & diverse group. We spent one day and one night at Lake Texoma making small talk & trying to get to know one another. We had a good time, after all we had to eat and we all have that in common. Did I say this was a weight loss support group? Well it was. Guess what mine and JR's contributions to the meals were? Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie. Peppers stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon and Brie with apples and crackers. Bad, bad, bad girls... aren't we? I think everyone had a pretty good time. JR and I actually left before the rest of the group. JR had to work the next day and there was another group of ladies coming in the day we left. They were planning a huge BBQ for later that day, but we missed it. Shucks. I had to get home too. After all it was mine and JP's 28th wedding anniversary! I made it home for a late supper. JP is a good sport, he cooked up a terrific meal on the grill. Rosemary Chicken, Asparagus wrapped in Proscuitto, and Summer Squash. Delicious. JP is a really good cook. There is a joke at my house. I cooked for the first 20 years, he gets to cook for the second 20. However, I have already seen a flaw in this plan. The first 20 years I spent cooking for 6 people, 4 of them extremely picky on a really tiny budget. He cooks for 2 maybe 3 people and has probably triple the budget. Sometimes life just isn't fair! ;)

Those Red Head Girls

When the girls were little, people couldn't tell them apart. I guess they still can't tell them apart. I don't know why that is. They were never called by the right name and that really bothers them. They take it personally and consider it extremely rude. I don't know why. I guess because they have shared everything their entire lives and they don't want to share their name. I gave birth to them and still call them by the wrong name. People think it is only because we are all J (s). That's not it. My mother did the same thing and we had all different kinds of names. People in the neighborhood and at church just called them 'Those Red Head Girls'. Everyone knew who they were. Maybe not their exact name, but trust me they knew. It is hard to miss us when we are all together. We are a crowd, a party, a MOB. It's just fun being together. When we go out to dinner it's like we take over the place. We don't mean to. Did I also say we are well.... kind of loud. Can't help it. We are just having too much fun. We went to San Francisco a while back and went to China Town. What a trip! The girls got so many crazy looks. It was like they thought the Amazon Women were coming to take over. And when they were younger we went to Mexico and of course they go alot of attention there. Apparently it's good luck or something to touch red hair. It was a little freaky at first. But now the girls are use to it. When they were babies, people actually asked me if I dyed their hair. Who dies a newborns hair? There has been a rumor saying that red heads will be extinct soon, but apparently that is not true. In our family there are 8 true redheads and several more that have a red cast to their hair. It has been skipping generations though. I think if we have anything to do with it... red hair is here to stay.

Today is a new day....

God is good all the time and all the time God is good.

One of our favoRED things........

Let them (me) eat cake!

The deliciousness that is......."Red Velvet Cake". What words can describe our favoRED cake? Sweet, dark, creamy, delicious, yummy. Is it only our 'fav' because it is red? No! Well, maybe...it's chocolate too! Is it really the cake we love or is it the frosting? Oh, yes we love the frosting too. But it is the combination of a cake that is not too sweet, and a frosting that it deliciously sweet. A cake that is red and lovely and a frosting that is white and creamy. It is everything about it, that makes it so delicious. During the summer months we will celebrate 6 of our 7 birthdays! Leaving only poor JM in the wintertime. But that is what is great about her birthday, she doesn't have to share it with anyone else. Back to the cake... we celebrate a lot of events with this cake. We don't usually bake it ourselves because we have a wonderful bakery that makes the absolute best about 20 miles away. 20 miles you say, that's pretty far to drive for cake, NO IT IS NOT! Please excuse my yelling. I lost control thinking about the cake. I'm sorry. I don't kid around when it comes to cake. We do bake it at home and when we do we use this fab recipe.
Red Velvet Cake~
Vegetable oil for the pans 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring (1 ounce)
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease & dust 3 9inch round pans.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, & cocoa powder. In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, & vanilla. Using a mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and batter is smooth.

Divide the cake batter evenly in the 3 prepared pans. Place the pans in the oven evenly spaced apart. Bake, rotating the pans halfway through the cooking, until the cake pulls away from the side of the pans, and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

Remove the cakes from the oven and run a knife around the edges to loosen them from the sides. Invert the cakes onto a plate and then re-invert them onto a cooling rack, rounded-sides up. Let cool completely. Frost.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, softened
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Using a mixer, mix the cream cheese, sugar, & butter on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high, & mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Add the vanilla, raise the speed to high and mix briefly until fluffy. Store in the refrigerator until somewhat stiff, before using. May be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days. Yeah like it’s gonna last 3 days!
Enjoy! jt

My Little Women

The most important role of my life is... Mother. I love my husband, but as a little girl I didn't dream of being a wife, I dreamt of being a mother. I guess it's because my own mother disliked me so. Oh, I know that she loved me in some way, but most of the time, she flat out hated me. So, I guess I always wanted a child of my own, one that I could completely adore and one that would know without a doubt that I am in love with her. I hope I have accomplished that. Somedays I feel like I have screwed too many things up. I have made stupid mistakes, said the wrong things, made foolish choices. People have often said that I sheltered and over-protected them too much. My life as a child was difficult, I knew about all kinds of horrible things first hand. I vowed my girls would not share that burden. So through it all, right or wrong...I have loved and adored my four babies, my girls, my little women.

Now that they are getting older, I have to step back and let them find their own way. Even when it means that they will get hurt. They have to make their own mistakes so they can be responsible, compassionate people on their own. I have to let them go. I have tried my best to teach my girls right from wrong. To be compassionate. To be loyal and kind. To know right from wrong. To treat all people equally and with respect. But to let them go and to watch them make mistakes is almost too much pain to bear. This is harder than childbirth, more painful than their first shots, more heartrenching than watching them get stiches in their heads (yes, all four have had stiches in their heads, competitive little things arent't they?). And more cruel than knowing that the bully at the playground called them names like 'red-head witch' and made them cry. This is suffering. I am suffering. My girl is suffering, God, please hear this mother's prayers. My girl needs You. The Bible tells us to 'train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it'. (Prov. 22:6) We have done our best to train and teach her, I believe in Your Word and I believe in You. God is not a man that He should lie. (Numb. 23:19) My hope is in You, Lord. My trust is in You.... always and forever. Amen.

A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words

Half way between D-RANGED and PMS Week!

How appropriate.

(Hodad's, San Diego)

One of our favoRED things.....

Big Red Ice Cream! Cold, sweet, yummy and delicious! There is nothing better on a hot Summer day than a bowl of Big Red ice cream. We have been making this for at least 30 years in my family and it's still our favored. Don't know what Big Red is? It's kind of a red cream soda. Big Red is actually the brand name in Texas. I guess you could use a substitute, some people I know use Orange Crush and pineapples. That would never fly around here. Give it a try, here's the recipe.

Big Red Ice Cream
2 cans sweetened condensed milk
2 small pkgs frozen, sliced strawberries, thawed
1 (2 litre) bottle Big Red

Electric or hand crank ice cream maker, rock salt, ice

Open milk, pour it in the cylinder, add the strawberries to the milk, pour in Big Red to the fill line on the container. Start freezing. That's it! Enjoy! jt

JP and all his girls

Everyone always says, poor JP. All alone with all those girls. Surrounded by nail polish, lipstick and feminine products. It must be terrible. He probably never gets to speak. Never gets to watch sports. I bet he even has to use shampoo that smells like Apple Blossoms or Peaches. Poor JP.

Poor JP! You have got to be kidding me. This man is KING! From the time they were old enough to talk, they asked for him, they preferred him. They adore him. He can do no wrong. This man has got it all... He is the True Ruler of the Women.

the disgruntled queen,
jt