ANOTHER TIMELY REMINDER

So today started out the same. Coffee with some much needed time alone to reflect. I sat down at the computer and cleaned out my email, perused FACEBOOK for a minute and then promptly headed over to YOUTUBE. I did the usual --- looked at fan created videos of Meredith and Derek. (LOL, yes people I am a romantic DORK at heart.)

But then I wanted to watch some more praise and worship videos from HILLSONG. I pulled up a song I found yesterday --- HERE IN MY LIFE, decided to post it to my FB page, and then without any fanfare, I felt directed toward a song called DESERT SONG performed by two of the other female song- leaders. I hadn't heard it before and had no idea if it was really any good. As I watched and digested the lyrics I smiled and realized that He was doing it again --- reminding me of WHO HE IS and WHO HE HAS BEEN in my life. He was reminding me to praise HIM through every circumstance --- the GOOD and the BAD. Sometimes easier said than done, huh?

I was so moved that I researched just how the song came to be. Wouldn't you know that it was in that moment that HE ever so gently put me in my place. I then giggled and said out loud, "I hear ya and I got it." Good thing the kids were still sleeping or they might have had proof that I may be one fry short of a happy meal these days.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE33ejdgWIY

How's that for perspective. And right now, that's all I really need. Just grace for the moment today.

Here are the lyrics to this song gift given to all of us through another woman's journey of loss. I hope they speak to you as they did to me.

Verse 1: This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger and need
My God is a God who provides

Verse 2: And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames


Chorus: And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain
I will rejoice I will declare
God is my victory and He is here


Verse 3: And this is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Bridge: All of my life In every season
You are still God I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4: This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow



Thank you Lord. That's all. Just an humble and heartfelt thank you.

SUR-REALITY

I've been wrestling with God lately. Alot.

Confronting many different issues from long, long ago. Connecting the dots. In other words --- processing how I got from there to here. Sunday evening, I tried really hard to articulate myself at small group but couldn't quite spit the words out in a manner that made a whole lot of sense. Ughh. But then Monday morning arrived and it hit me straight in the face like a Mack truck!

FEAR.

I've had a lifetime of it. Carried it with me in my back pocket. FEAR enabled me to be easily swayed and misled often by well meaning people --- some who were even in the ministry. FEAR persuaded me to care too much about what others thought and not enough about what God was whispering in my own heart. FEAR persuaded me to allow others to define what HIS VISION was for my life. FEAR IS ONE SMART MONSTER! I allowed it to set dangerous precedent that I'm only now beginning to confront.

So, I've been experiencing these 'moments' in the last couple of weeks. During some quiet times, GOD has been gently reminding me of His provision. The many miracles He performed in my life despite all those FEARS that were hanging out in my back pocket. He has been reminding me of the woman who spoke more about the PROBLEM SOLVER than the problem -- regardless of whatever form 'the problem' took.

As you can imagine, much has been going on behind the mask I call my face. I've been taking my own spiritual temperature so to speak. Sunday afternoon I asked myself --- is loving my neighbor really just about the ones who annoy us while driving or scream too loudly while out on the baseball field? (of course not) Isn't the more realistic application then to LOVE the cast aways of our society --- the prisoners, the drunks and drug addicts, the gays and lesbians, those of differing religious beliefs, the doctors who perform abortions, liars and thieves --- my real world NEIGHBORS? In other words, the people created by the same God I feebly attempt to follow, who look, speak, act and often believe differently. Neighbors who may also perceive me to be just another religious nut job who doesn't walk the walk they talk!? Quite frankly, loving the annoying people --- not so much of a stretch. But showing love to someone of the same sex that might secretly find you attractive (or not) --- that ramps it up a bit don't you think?

I've also been wondering to myself --- what am I to do with the next phase of my life? I'm nearing the end of the 'all hands on deck while raising 3 kids' part. My teens are now able to speak, wipe their own noses, and other asundries, and they smell nice too. LOL. Time is beginning to stick around throughout my day. It's kind of weird when I think about it. I've been wife and mother, full time, for the last 20 years. But back many moons ago, I was a writer and singer who traveled extensively. But if I'm really going to be honest here --- I haven't felt a whole lot of self worth in a long while. I know what you're thinking, --- SELF is a dirty word, right? But that's the artist in me and --- sadly, the truth. No sense trying to deny it anymore. Especially to the one who created me.


However, as if to gently prove me wrong --- to remind me that I matter to HIM --- He sent me a gift via YOUTUBE. It reminded me that, even today, some of that artistic worth I laid down years ago is still spinning out in HIS universe and it's being utilized for worship, without pomp and circumstance, in places like an obscure little church somewhere in the Philippines.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ7JAHWcKI0




I was stunned. It was surreal. And yet, as I listened to those words that flowed from the well spring of my soul way back then, I realized that, in the here and now, it's the very heartbeat of what I'm still called to do.



TAKE THE NAME OF JESUS

In a day of endless struggle
as we pray for strength to fight
our lives we will surrender
to walk by faith not sight
to proclaim his name victorious
so all the world will know
till we someday we meet the son of man
we must let His truth be known


In the streets are hungry children
who are starving for some bread
they only want to find a home
a place to lay their head
have you heard the still small voice inside
saying what have you done with these
as you've given to the least of them
you've given unto ME

we'll praise His name
no matter what the cost
we'll raise Him high
so the world won't be lost
and if by chance He calls us home
before we meet again
won't you take the name of Jesus
to the hearts of this great land

With courage we'll fight the fight
to set his people free
we must take his light and love to all
so the world can finally see, can finally see

we'll praise His name
no matter what the cost
we'll raise Him high
so the world won't be lost
and if by chance He calls us home
before we meet again
won't you take the name of Jesus
to the hearts of this great land



The lyric above needs a few edits now. But it was written in a moment of FEARlessness. And yet, something tells me it may just become my anthem again, with greater context --- the here and now --- in my own back yard --- loving my neighbors.



Sur-reality. (to me) A moment when God reaffirms that you and your dream of long ago, whatever that may have been, still matters so very much --- to Him.

Tale of the 'Greedy Bitch' and 'Lying Bastard.'

I'm sure you have seen them in the news. Jon and Kate Gosselin of Jon and Kate plus 8. One of my favorite TLC cable shows about a couple doing the best they can to care for the blessings of their 8 kids --- twins and a set of sextuplets. Well, the 'shitolla' hit the fan in the last couple of weeks and you can't go to the grocery store without USWeekly or even PEOPLE magazine filling you in, by way of their covers, on the latest juicy bit of gossip associated with this now celebrity couple. I've heard some really nice people take aim at Kate, calling her a greedy bitch and only in it all for the money and fame. Really? On TLC? Did I miss their move to Hollywood or something? (ahhh man , bet that was a great episode.)

I can only imagine how hard this whirlwind must be for both of them. I am not debating the facts here, cause quite frankly, don't know what they are --- neither do you my sweet readers. I just don't understand why a brother of the 'alleged mistress' would sell his sister out to USWeekly. Oh yeah, MONEY. Nice family.

Kate's family isn't much better as we have now heard from her brother and sister-n-law. Ka-ching

By the looks of it, they seem to be the ones grasping for their piece of the proverbial fame pie. By the looks of it.

Did you catch the CBS morning spot on 'whether the Gosselin 8' are SAFE' ???

No lie. The morning anchor put on her best gravely concerned face and asked GLORIA ALRED if the children were being negatively impacted by all the frenzy and the way in which Jon and Kate snap at each other all the time..... (I guess morning anchor didn't consider the NETWORK'S blatant salacious story to be adding any pressure to this already hostile, not good for the kids and about to explode environment)

CUE ominous music.

Did we really need to ask that? And did we need to get that opinion from one of the most notorious female attorneys in the country and lead the interview with 'Are the Gosselin kids SAFE' hook? Yes, Attorney Alred occasionally dons her super human leotard and tights and fights the fight of the downtrodden but somehow this seemed waaaaaaay over the top and ever so slightly disingenuous for this particular situation. She's never met them. Never read their contract with TLC. Never been in the same room with the children but has all this first hand wisdom in dealing with THIS family. I somehow think CBS decided to use ALRED because she has attached herself to the other OCTO mom, you know the one, Angelina's look alike?

This story truly has the makings of a modern day Greek Tragedy. I hate it for them. You may say to me, "but didn't you hear they had an open marriage arrangement?" (gasp, is this where I'm supposed to be shocked?) or "she's just in it for the money."

I then ask, "have you considered how much money it costs to raise 8 kids in this modern civilization we're living in OR would you prefer the Gosselins to be living on WELFARE?" Hmmm, I believe there are quite a few people that would prefer it that way. SAD isn't it?

Why do we as a nation, when observing someone down, decide it would then be an even greater idea to kick them even harder? The media has been doing it for years, so true, but it seems to have taken on a much harsher tone. People seem to glory in the pain of others. Its a modern day take on a public execution --- think GUILLOTINE --- and that about sums it up.

I have not a clue what's really going on behind THEIR closed doors but I sure hope they can manage to somehow pull together and work as a team in raising their 8 beautiful kids. I'm not sweating their success or Kate's books about her experiences in being a mom of multiples. I'm glad they found a way to provide for their brood.

I haven't really heard anything that makes me desire their destruction. I live in the real world with all the rest of the screwed up people who like to believe they always have it together. They don't, none of us do. We have good days, maybe even some great days, but then there comes that moment when we are humbled --- again. We're just lucky that 'the world' isn't up our butts and in our business reveling in our pain.....

This couple signed up for a reality cable show, not Hollywood on crack. They are being treated to the worst it has to offer. And just so you know, I'm pulling for the 'greedy bitch' and 'lying bastard' to get their family back. They might even earn new nicknames --- like mom and dad or even better --- SURVIVOR.

A MOM 4 ALL OCCASSIONS

I can hardly believe it, but come this December I will have officially been on the job as mom for 19 years. I haven't counted the number of diapers I've changed or the bottles and boobs I've nourished with. Well okay, I only used the same two boobs, but you know what I mean.

Today is MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

It's the hyped up holiday brought to you by HALLMARK CARDS. I'm not complaining really, its nice to be recognized, but it'd be great to be appreciated the other 364 days out of the year when your up to your eyeballs in laundry and the countless to-do lists brought to you by the fruit of your womb. You know those 364 days when they don't feel obligated to buy that HALLMARK CARD or take you out to get your nails done. Come on, I know you're feelin' me.

Gregg is my near 19 year old man-child. The dude's been quite the 'experience' as far as sons go. I LOVE MY BUBBY. But one of the many attributes he has going for him is his ridiculous desire to shock people --- HARDCORE! He wants to challenge the mind visually and contextually. He's also stinking hilarious. On most days, at least once, I am dropped to my knees by something he has said. He challenges everything --- political views, religious hierarchy, musical tastes and trends of fashion. This young man takes nothing at face value but loves gazing at faces filled with BOTOX. He is an oxy-moron. And no, that isn't a subliminal jibe at my son. He can out-think and out-wit most people. He is well liked by his teachers and adored by most of my adult friends. The others he scares the proverbial crap out of. 19 years is a long time to stick with one job. But I think he's been worth the effort. He is a like water --- effervescent, always moving and a force that must be reckoned with. Gregg has many naysayers though. He's been written off by youth pastors because he didn't comply to their program, had some really difficult questions that couldn't be answered in the typical GOD IN A BOX way, and then, to put the cherry on top of the sundae, when time to pray and listen --- well, my boy heard crickets! Yeah, CRICKETS!

So what's this mom to do? Tremble in fear? Shake down the youth pastors for such limited narrow vision? DEMAND that the crickets talk GOD-SPEAK!!?? Nope. Not a chance. I am absolutely sure of one thing. This man-child has a purpose for being on this blue ball in the sky. He has a journey to make. I don't know how that will take shape but I have seen just a glimpse of the man he is becoming --- powerfully perceptive, hard-working, incredibly intelligent, intuitive, creative and not willing to put up with crap! He is intense. He does challenge the status quo. But he is so worth the effort.

Savvy. Well, I blogged about her a couple of days ago so I don't want to bore you with my redundancy but, she is my girl that is itching to start her own life. She has the guy and they have the dream. (See the pics above) She wants to start now. NOW! As you can see she is so very beautiful. She can make my heart swell like the ocean. She can also p*ss me off so badly that I want to forcefully borrow some of that long brown hair from atop her head. (I'm keepin this real people) Thankfully, that doesn't occur very often but when it does --- STAND BACK. LOL. Gregg says we can square off like no two others. I don't really get why it is that way with her. Maybe its because we are so much alike or maybe I just want so much for her that it scares me how fast the world could eat her alive. She's itty bitty teeny wheeny --- THE WORLD ISN'T. I marvel at how she can argue her way around the bush and back though. The girl has a mind like a steel trap. Seriously, she could probably convince the POPE to wear leather pants!!!! You want this girl on your team if it involves taking a stand for a cause you believe in. I know I want her on my team --- FOR LIFE.

Jaelyn is my baby. She is, as they say, DOPE. A fearless performer who suffers occasional panic attacks. Go figure. She has no patience for boys and their head games. Can I get an AMEN! She isn't long suffering at all when it comes to play acting stupid. The girl will shoot the truth straight through your heart! She works with the special needs kids at school and that makes me so very proud of her. She also adores her daddy immeasurably. Yeah, she's got her dreams of entertaining millions, but at the end of the day, she'd probably be happy being a dentist --- just as long as she doesn't have to live but a short distance from home. :-) We've told her that she is the character played by Joan Cusack in Raising Helen --- a natural born mother who is strong yet nurturing. We think we'll keep her around. She was our surprise baby. And there has never been a day where she hasn't surprised us. Like today for instance. She came home and was suddenly taller than her mother. YIKES! No kidding.

Today on this HALLMARK holiday, I've walked down memory lane. I've been thinking back to some of the funnier moments that have occurred with my kids. Moments like when I scared Gregg half out of his wits when he was just about 10 years old. Or the time when he decided to scare Savannah with a fake spider on a string while she was showering. And then Savvy, attempting to deliver pay-back, nearly breaking her head and the tub faucet lying in wait for Gregg to exit that same shower.

I've been reminded of the harder moments as well --- Gregg begging God to heal him as he lay in agony with his first migraine that required a hospital visit. Or Savvy fighting 3 strains of Salmonella at once. Jaelyn battling OCD with Anxiety after my best friend, Kim, passed away of Melanoma. You know the much harder less talked about times of motherhood.

I've thought about my dad today --- how he called Savvy his little princess and Jaelyn his poogie puss. I've remembered my mom and her incessant worrying over each and every single grandchild she has been blessed with. Yep, there are so many memories we mom's can conjure up on a day like today. I won't keep you any longer with mine. I'm sure if your a mom, you have plenty of your own to muddle through.

"MOM!!!?????" Yep, right on cue........

So in honor of Mothers Day I celebrate the best gifts I have ever received --- my three kids. I can always count on the unexpected, lots of laughs and the occasional hug that doesn't come with an alterior motive. LOL.

How does it work in your house?

SHE ROCKS MY WORLD

My last blog was all about my youngest baby girl, Jaelyn. Today I am inspired to write about my older baby girl, Savvy, aka Prada, nee nee, sissy boo sissy or her given name, Savannah Michelle. I am over the moon proud of this young woman in the making. We were informed yesterday that she was awarded a PELL GRANT in addition to her HOPE SCHOLARSHIP. How cool is that!!! She has been rewarded for all her hard work and diligence. Its an awesome wonderful thing when a woman in our society has the potential and the ability to educate herself and excel toward her plans and goals. Go nee nee!

It was about a 100 years ago in this country when young women were still denied the right to vote. Can you imagine that? How about the century where women weren't permitted to own land? Or even better how about the time IN THIS NATION when a husband was permitted to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb??? I'd be hiding me a black ironed skillet for that dear boy, LOL.

I am a huge fan of the Women's' Suffrage Movement and those incredible beings who had the where with all to go after and change the the laws of this nation. I'm referring to women like Lydia Chapin Taft, Abigail Adams, Elizabeth Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and a more obscure female abolitionist, Lucretia Mott. But even today there are still so many injustices occurring against our sisters in other parts of the world. Some African tribes still practice female genital circumcision. %$#!!!! And no ladies and gentlemen, that isn't performed in a clean and sterile hospital environment. There are countries where women have no choice as to who they marry. There are cultures today where women are still DENIED an education. I look back with a grateful heart to the above aforementioned women. In 1920 our country ratified our 19th amendment granting me, my daughters and all women in this nation the right to vote our conscience. In 1948 the UN declared it international law in the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS.

One of my favorite books is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I adore reading about this time period but am so grateful that my daughters greatest achievements in life do NOT have to center around WHOM they are given in marriage to. I am thrilled that they have the opportunities to move forward in society as people first. I want them to be able to stand up on their own two feet and seek God for their direction. I sometimes wonder if the women in our nation realize how truly blessed they are --- or if my own daughters ever pause to reflect on this. Our choices are no longer just marriage, governess or prostitute. Savannah was born in a time where the law clearly states she has the right to an education and the privilege to work and the ability to own property IN HER NAME. She has so many choices afforded to her now because of the courageous women that fought for her rights without even knowing her name. She will begin the next step in her life's journey this fall at MTSU. I am so very proud of my daughter. SHE ROCKS MY WORLD! I cannot wait to see what she chooses to go forth in.

And so today as I look forward to her future, I humbly look back at the women who have gone before her and say --- THANK YOU!

Thank you so very, very much.

TAKING A BITE OUT OF THE BIG APPLE

It was a very exciting week for this mom and her baby girl. We were flown to NYC for a meeting with an A&R rep of a recording label to talk about a possible development deal for Jaelyn. This wasn't a plan executed by me, it was one of THOSE stories you sometimes hear about. You know, the ones where the incredibly famous actress states she was drinking a milkshake in a famous 5&10 store with a burger grill located in the back, when lo and behold, a talent agent walks up drops his card and states,"stick with me sweetheart and I'll make you a household name?' LOL Yeah, it was kind of like that, except NOT. Gregg and Jaelyn began her YOUTUBE video channel about 7 months ago and she has been recording video 'covers' at her leisure. The thing is this former singer KNOWS she is gifted. No auto-tune or verb --- N_O_T_H_I_N_G processing her voice into sounding THAT good. This is a case where the HYPE lives up to the REAL DEAL.

So we were contacted by the VP of A&R from this record label. It required some digging on their part to even attempt to figure out how to reach us and who Jaelyn's authority figures were but after a few tries --- that was indeed accomplished. The talks began, the tickets were purchased ----- the meeting was a GO.

Jaelyn and I braved the planes. I chuckled as I remembered a friend, deathly afraid of spiders being poured down his shirt, relating to my not so much love of flying fear and phobia. Yeah, THAT helped me, LOL. Anyhow, the flights were smooth but still nerve wracking. Arnie picked us up and we fell into bed that night with visions of big scary corporate monsters wanting to chew Jaelyn up and spit her out into the next version of Britney Spears --- the one with the shaved head and the lost look in her eyes. So yeah, exhausted sleep came easily but it wasn't restful sleep because this was Jaelyn and HER dream. We had to tread lightly but with a sense of purpose. We had to prepare to protect while encouraging her gift. Kind of like all the dads out there who see the potential in their little athletes. They run out the door and sign them up for sports. They suit them up in shoulder pads, shin guards, jock-straps, and then send them out to PLAY THE FIELD all the while bellowing declarative remarks like, "you can do it, drop your shoulder, hit em again harder, DON'T YOU LET ME SEE TEARS BOY, WE play to win!!!! ruh ruh ruh " Yep, we were about to enter into THE game of games for a singer. And the mama was just a wee bit nerved out. I needed a drink but then remembered I don't do that sort of thing! So I took some deep breaths, received a phone call from a friend who prayed a gloriously inspired prayer, and I was set. I was going to Madison Ave to meet this LION head on.

One of the best things to witness was Jaelyn's calm. She managed to keep giggling at all the silly stuff. She retained her appetite. She loved on her daddy and he coo'd over her. We showed her where the mama FIRST kissed the daddy. Asked her what HER GOALS were for the day --- and then listened to her reply. Encouraged her to be honest in all her answers and that REGARDLESS of the outcome we were so very proud of her. We reminded her that in the end, this may not be THE DOOR but it was A DOOR. That she would glean some important lessons from this experience. To stay alert and be present in the moment during the meeting. Then we told her how much we loved her and headed into the great metropolis of steel and mortar....

So, are you wondering what happened? What the outcome was? How she really did? Hmmm, okay I'll spill it. Jaelyn did even better than I could have imagined. She looked the LION directly in the eye while smiling, giggled a bit, articulated who she was and who SHE WASNT. When asked if she would mind singing in front of him she stated, "are you kidding, I don't mind at all." Then she opened her mouth and let it flow. A big ol' smile broke over the LION'S face and he stopped her after the chorus and said, "you can stop right there Jaelyn, it's more than obvious that you ARE the real deal and that the youtube videos were ALL YOU." We then talked about industry. What is happening behind the scenes in music business. All very corporate boring facts but facts that every artist SHOULD BE well versed in. We talked about recoupable losses, budgets and itunes etc etc. THE LION was a huge teddybear of a man, much like my husband --- but bigger. And at the end of the hour and forty five minute marathon, he looked Jaelyn square in the eye and said, "We'd very much like to extend a contract offer to you Jaelyn."

Now, everyone in this business KNOWS the devil is in the details. We are expecting a copy of the contract to arrive at the beginning of the week. Legal then gets on board and we begin the arduous process of negotiating outclauses and must haves.

Is it in the bag as they say?

Well in the words of my very talented young daughter, "don't crack your eggs before you lay them."

So, we are applying that wisdom here in our house and aren't cracking open any eggs. We are simply moving forward on the next step of a journey. It doesn't change anything for Jaelyn at this point. She can walk into next week knowing that her dream was affirmed. That it's no longer just her mama telling her she has it. Her feet are firmly planted on the ground. She's back to arguing with me, her sister, and then exploding in laughter the very next minute.

She's the YO!!

And all is just as it should be....

ITS A HEART CONDITION

In talking with an old friend last week I was dumbfounded, and then angered, by the following exchange:

"Tell Arnie he should drive the bus into a brick wall."

I had do idea as to why this person would want my husband to drive into a wall.

He then replied, "But He should jump out of the bus first."

Again, I was stumped, "Why on earth would he do that?"

"Well he's driving the QUEERS ON WHEELS tour."

(My husband is currently on tour with the STARS ON ICE.)

In reading the above how did it make you feel? Shocked and appalled or did you agree with the sentiments of my old friend? I know it took less that a second for my heart to register what my ears and brain had processed.
This is a person whom I have known for nearly 11 years. A 'go to' guy in whatever church he has served in. And this, THIS is what he shared with me?
I am going through something in my life that is challenging my response to those in the world. Not just the CHRISTIAN world, but the one we live in outside of the
church walls. I am daily being reminded of the two commandments that JESUS CHRIST himself stated we, HIS FOLLOWERS, were to obey:

Luke 10:27And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself."

I don't see Christ stating to ---Love your neighbor as yourself ... unless they are GAY...unless they are divorced, liars or drunkards. etc, etc.

How on earth do we claim to know CHRIST and yet harbor hatred in our hearts for a people whom GOD loves. A people, he too in fact, DIED FOR?

And how often we forget that God says, 1 John 3:15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

You may not be Gay or Lesbian. That may not be your particular 'sin' issue. For you, it might be GLUTTONY --- a much IGNORED sin in the worldwide church.
You may be someone with a propensity for LYING. You may be someone right now, realizing the truth of your ADULTEROUS AFFAIR is about to be revealed to your spouse.
You may be a well thought of highly esteemed teenager in your youth group who is SEXUALLY ACTIVE with your boyfriend or girlfriend. You may be a believer who is WITHHOLDING THE TITHE.
Or a woman who cannot stop COVETING what her best friend has, whether it be a Dolche and Gabana satchel or the latest pair of Prada shoes.
You may be a man who has brought great emotional harm to his wife and is now walking the lonely road of DIVORCE. You may be an employee who delights in GOSSIP MONGERING.
You may be eaten alive with PRIDE and SELF IMPORTANCE. You may be a Christian who has UNFORGIVENESS in your heart for someone who deeply hurt you.
Regardless of what 'sin' the secret part of your heart holds, there's a very powerful and meaningful truth --- a wake-up call to everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ and believes they have it all under control. Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
That ALL includes Y-O-U! Grab a mirror and take a good long look at the face you call your own.
Do you remember what it is YOU have been saved from? How wretched and dirty your own soul was and at times may very well still be? Have you forgotten the very sin in YOU that Christ shed HIS BLOOD to cover?

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world (the drunks, the liars, the gluttons, the covetous, the sexually immoral) that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not die but have eternal life."

Do you believe that Christ's sacrifice covers their sin or just the more acceptable ones you occassionally dabble in?

If Christ told us to love, to go into the world sharing the GOOD NEWS --- was that with a religious bat or with the truth of HIS LOVE?
Are you being Jesus with skin to your neighbors? Not only the straight ones but those who are very much the modern day 'lepers' of our society --- your gay and lesbian neighbors? They are indeed part of the world. And just like you and me they are, more often than not, hurting wounded people.

You may want to dig alittle deeper today and see what CONDITION your HEART is in.

BLACK FRIDAY

FROM FOX NEWS:
"Black Friday took a grim turn when a New York Wal-Mart employee died after bargain hunters broke down the doors to the store, pushing him to the ground.
The 34-year-old male employee was pronounced dead an hour after shoppers breached the doors to the shopping center in Valley Stream, Long Island, about 5 a.m. Friday and knocked him down, police said.
"He was bum-rushed by 200 people," Jimmy Overby, the man's 43-year-old co-worker, told the New York Daily News. "They took the doors off the hinges. He was trampled and killed in front of me. They took me down too ... I literally had to fight people off my back."
A 28-year-old pregnant woman was also taken in for observation and three other shoppers suffered minor injuries during the incident, police said. The pregnant woman and the unborn baby were reported to be OK, said Sgt. Anthony Repalone, a Nassau County police spokesman"


I won't shop on Black Friday. I spent too many years working RETAIL on that ominous week day.

The above mentioned TRUE STORY is beyond ridiculous. Can you imagine the commentary given to spouses when some of the 200 hundred shoppers returned home?

"Honey, I got that 42 inch wide HDTV you wanted...oh and the winter coat Sarah needed. I saved 20% too! Yeah, it really was a brutal mad-dash through the doors though, I think I might have stepped on the Walmart employee --- he should have moved the heck out of the way!!! ....the receipt says we saved $52 dollars and 47 cents.....I did good...didn't I honey?"


What are we, as a nation of very blessed people, doing??? Shouldn't we all step back a minute and ask ourselves that question? It sure enlightened me to the irony of the holiday ---- get your Turkey with all the trimmings and you mustn't forget to trample that man on your way into the store.

Saving 20 or 30 percent is now the going rate on human life?

GOOD BLACK FRIDAY TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY!

...WHAT MAKES ME ANGRY????

I feel the need to cuss really loud right now. Yep, just need to let a word rip into the cosmos! I received a phone call Monday night from my big brother. His ex-wife had just had surgery WITHOUT letting anyone know. Why? Not wanting anyone to worry, she allowed a half-dollar sized lesion to go untreated for a good amount of time. I had heard of this ugly thing on her shoulder well over a year ago. Turned out to be a rather large Basal Cell Carcinoma. She also had to have some type of lesion removed from her leg and I am told there will be future lesions to address on her face! If you know me, you're already aware of the fact that I lost my BF (Kimberly Jennings) about 6.5 years ago to Melanoma. That sucked!

Even with the belief that Kim is in heaven with Christ --- IT STILL FREAKING SUCKS!

My sister-n-law of 22 years has had alot of hard-core stuff bombard her for the last three years or so. It hasn't been a cake-walk. I know I've tried repeatedly to encourage her to pull herself up by her bootstraps and walk forward, but for some people, its just an insurmountable mountain to climb. She isn't like me. Won't catch her blogging her guts up for anybody to read --- she's somewhat stoic and stubborn. She also tends to avoid things that really should NOT be neglected --- these lesions being a physical manifestation of that very trait. Hence, I have been mulling this over in my head going on three days now. Should I pick up the phone and let her have it --- STUPID! IGNORANT! PIGHEADED! GRRRRR! Or let it go (so much like alot of my family) and pray to GOD she didn't let it fester so long that it grew inward and connected to her lymph system.
I have held my peace but this is my sister. Doesn't matter that she is no longer recognized by the courts as such. She is and always will be --- family. We wore matching candy-cane stripped footed pajamas and cowboy hats. We endured family vacations together and fought as if we were blood. She is valuable and very much loved by her three daughters and my brood. But I am beginning to wonder if she really believes that about herself. I'm beginning to wonder if she has just been whipped to the point of not giving a crap about the outcome of this 'dermatitis' as she so callously called it.

This brings back the memories of Kim and the awful struggle she endured. This makes me want to beat my chest and rail against the women who lay their bodies down into a tanning booth coffin for that 'oh so creamy glow.'

STUPID! IGNORANT! BURNT from the inside out! Please just say NO!

And while saying no --- learn the warning signs of skin cancer. Don't neglect it. Your skin is ONE ORGAN of the body. Do you get that? It can attack anywhere --- even inside your bootycrack and other glorious regions. So take your hand held mirrors and get a good long look at yourself. Closely. Don't be bashful --- be vigilent. And learn the ABCD's of Skin Cancer.


A- Asymmetry: You should notice the general look of your moles or growths, for example, if one-half of the mole or growth does not match the other half.

B- Border Irregularity: Notice if the edges of the mole or growth are ragged, notched or blurred.

C- Color: The pigmentation of the growth is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown and black are present. Dashes of red, white and blue add to the mottled appearance.

D- Diameter: If the width is greater than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser), it could be an indicator of an abnormal skin growth. Generally, any new mole growth should be a concern.

I have no idea what prognosis my sister-n-law is facing. Don't even know if she'd really tell us the truth --- so as not to worry anyone. So pray for her. God knows her name. And if you hear a vile word echoing through the neighborhood, that will probably be me.

FORGIVE me ahead of time.

A NEW HOPE

This is a brand new day for the country we call home. GMA announced this morning that 61% of white America voted for the black Senator from Illinois, Barack Obama, to become the 44th PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. History was made as our citizens voted in record numbers and overwhelmingly catapulted this man into the most powerful office in the world.

Regardless of what ideology you believe in, democracy did in fact rule the day. I don't know what will come tomorrow, but I know WHO holds tomorrow in HIS hands --- and those aren't Barack's hands I'm talking about. A few months ago I heard many people in this nation rise up against a female VP candidate because her home church dared to lay hands on her and state that GOD had called her for a time such as this. I didn't sweat it ---- because I believed that too. Just as I believed that God himself sets and establishes the leaders of our nations. To make that statement requires that you rest in the knowledge that WHOEVER WINS THE RACE is, in fact, CALLED to lead ---- and for a purpose greater than their own.
Incredible, isn't it? I mean what if I don't agree with his ideas, what if he infringes on MY RIGHTS? etc., etc., etc......

Psalm 48: 9 holds a nugget of truth from way back in time. It reads:

"FOR ALL THE KINGS OF THE EARTH BELONG TO GOD."

All kings. Not just the ones I happen to like or agree with. Chew on that for just a moment. If you happen to believe in God, it should give you a peaceful pause. If you don't believe, it should momentarily make you wonder, what if?.....

President-elect Barack Hussein Obama was born for this season and at this time in the history of mankind. We should all stand with him in this endeavor and pray for him as he steps forth to lead this nation in the world we reside in. I don't care if you like him, agree with him or think we've made a grievous error. I care that you now lay aside the rhetoric, roll up your sleeves and work for the betterment of all mankind --- our brothers and sisters. Where is the harm in that? What will it hurt you to PRAY for him? Maybe your not a believer, you say? I find that ridiculous, you believe in something --- start there. Pray that this CHANGE doesn't disappoint you. Pray that the man sitting next to you at work who vocalized out loud 'he can't believe the people voted a _____ into office' will find some conviction and enlightenment.

Yes, bigotry and racism still exist today.

Pray that President-elect Obama can continue to ignite a fire in all people to be citizens full of compassion and mercy. That doesn't offend you, right? I mean that's a good enough jumping off point, isn't it? It seems a good enough place to start for me.

Let me be one of the first citizens to say, President-elect Obama, I congratulate you and promise to pray for you that you will be established in wisdom as you lead this nation GOD has entrusted to you. It's a big job, I certainly HOPE you are ready for the task.

KETTLE CHIPS OR GRAPES?

Ah, the complexities and struggle of this everyday girl. What should I do? RUN, that's what I should do. Run all the way to our local YMCA and work my arse off. But that wouldn't be near as much fun now would it? NOPE. Because Kettle Chips are sinfully good and really really crunchy. I like the crunch --- actually I LOVE THE CRUNCH. They're salty and satisfying like nothing else. The only thing better? Hot buttered popcorn with some chocolate covered almonds. But wait. I'm not at a movie. THAT'S only permitted at the movie theatre.

The kettle chips are here. NOW. Calling my name.

I'd like to say they poured themselves out on my square little plate but that'd be a lie. A BIG, FAT LIE --- a sin. And then I'd have to add that to the list of the other sins I'm already guilty of.


What to do.....

What to do.....

What shall I do?......


Kettle Chips or Grapes. Grapes or Kettle Chips.

Haha! I know.......


BOTH!



This conundrum brought to you by a middle aged mother of three who doesn't suffer from secretary spread. No, she suffers from bloggerbigarseitis. Not to be mistaken for laziness or underachievement.

Teens And Sexuality

TEEN SEXUALITY!?
Why on earth would I want to blog about that?!! Here's why, I have three teenagers who are living on planet earth. A daughter who is in a serious relationship where the word marraige is being tossed around. How can I not talk about it? It's one of THE most important topics any parent on this planet should be willing to discuss, face to face --- with their kids! It's more important than the upcoming presidential election I dare say. So let's get to it.

Here are some of the sobering statistics I just reviewed:

Nine million new cases of sexually transmitted infections among 15- to 24-year-old. youth;

Five thousand new HIV infections among 13- to 24-year-old youth;

Estimated 750,000 pregnancies among U.S. teens;

125,000 abortions among U.S. teens; and

435,000 births among 15- to 19-year-old women

Are you still breathing? Or did your head hit the desk when passing out. I love my kids so very much and I believe they are capable of making good, sound decisions --- MOST OF THE TIME. I am also a parent who has raised their kids with a goal of 'waiting' until marraige. (Abstinence). But I have had that thought challenged by the mere 'facts' of this life we are living.
Upon one of my first visits to their high-school, I was shocked to see a 9th grade, very pregnant young girl, waddling into the school's office for early dismissal because her baby daddy was picking her up for her OB appt. It really shouldn't have shocked me so much because when delivering my now, almost 18 year old son, the young woman in the very next room screaming for her mama was a mere 14 year old child, giving birth to her own baby! Staggering isn't it? Don't misunderstand me, waiting is the best choice. In my oppinion, it's the right choice. But that doesn't mean my teens are going to make it --- their choice.
And that my friends is where the rub exists. We are challenged to train our children in the way they should go. But often we struggle with releasing them, at the proper time, and allowing them the to CHOOSE FOR THEMSELVES. I can hear some of you cringing. Afterall, if you allow your young adults to choose --- they may choose wrong, right? Yep. that is a distinct possibility. And then, how would you look to your God fearing friends???? And what if the unthinkable happens and you are faced with a blossoming young adult who is diagnosed with an STD or an unexpected pregnancy? Hmmm, it's just easier keeping them locked up inside the closet in chains, right? WRONG! I have come to believe that it isn't anyone elses responsiblity to teach my young adults to be responsible. It isn't the school's job or even our church's job. Yes, I want them to have input, but ultimately, they won't be footing the bill for an unplanned grandchild or the skyrocketing cost of prescription medication --- I will. And the cost WOULD be very high.

So what's a good parent to do? Do we refuse to offer protection because that implies we condone the behavior? Do we try to stay in the 'dark' so we don't have to deal? Do we teach our sons to repeat the Pledge of Allegiance when their hormones override their better judgement? Do we shelter our daughters so they never have to face temptation? That might work --- UNTIL COLLEGE. You see, the bottom line is parents like to 'believe' they are always in control ---truth is, we often aren't. Young adults have many covert ways to out-wit and to out-smart their parents. I know alot of us think that we are soo much more sophisticated than our folks were but I believe we can look back and see this as a recurring theme with each generation. Parents eventually find out but it's often after the fact. And then it's too little --- too late.

The bigger question. Should we choose to be courageous, helping our young people understand our parental expectations, encouraging them to wait, but preparing them in case they choose their own path? I think I'm gonna side with Dr. Drew Pinsky and my own OBGYN. I want the young adults in my house to feel safe enough to confide in me --- even if they already know I'm not gonna like what I hear. I do NOT want to bury my head in the sand where this subject matter is concerned. This is hard stuff. It puts a knot even in the strongest of parental stomachs. But teenagers have sex. Sometimes they have alot of it. It may not be what you want for them or what you believe in --- but it happens!

So be courageous. Spend some time talking with your young adults today. And make it count.


http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/PUBLICATIONS/factsheet/fsest.htm

"Sex....with Mom and Dad." Hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky, MD.
Check your local MTV affiliate for showtimes.

A ROAD DADDY AND A BIRD!

As some of you may know my husband drives a bus. Not any old Greyhound bus, but the million dollar coaches associated with the music artists of today's rock and roll, pop, country and even gospel scene. He is an A-list driver who has worked for Britney Spears, N-Sync, Faith Hill, Wide Spread Panic and here for about the last four years, Lynyrd Skynyrd, to name just a few. I am privy to some back-stage spoiler but like a good wife, keep my lips closed and just nod my head like I care. LOL. Artists seem to be cut from the same narcissistic cloth, its just the way they roll. Anyway, I digress so let me get quickly to the point. Occasionally, Arnie will have a really great story. And this past week he had me close to peeing my pants while driving. Let me recount this as best I can.

2 am and the bus is rather quiet.

Arnie is driving (or flying at about ** miles per hour) down a dark desert highway with Sparky, guitarist for Skynyrd, sitting up in the captains chair listening to Arnie drone on about loving his wife and kids. (okay so maybe that isn't what they were talking about but --- don't kill my joy!)

Anyhow, out of the corner of my husband's keen eye, he saw a dark shadow zoom by and then it happened.

BAM!!! *&%!!!!!

Husband recalls his heart nearly stopping and his shorts getting wet.

Sparky lept into the entrance well turning around and around in circles doing what I refer to as the dooky-dance. You know the one where your kids run in short little circles holding their hand over their butt cuz they're gonna drop one but can't seem to get to the bathroom???? Yeah that's the dance.

In addition to the circles, he continuously mumbled and then shouted out some passionate word that takes no imagination, but rhymes with truck! Apparently, the dancing lasted a couple of revolutions as Arnie had to ask him if he was okay. Eventually he was --- after his heart rate settled down. The large OWL bit the proverbial road dust. Poor bird, he was probably just looking for a branch to perch on but ended up meeting his maker.

When the rest of the gang awakened in the am, finding the damage to the driver's side wind shield, they were amazed. After all, they commented, "we didn't even feel you swerve!" Husband answered them, "that's because I didn't!"

Isn't that the best? Those are the stories I live for. I met my husband nearly 20 years ago while he drove for the group I was touring with. He is an amazing driver and takes his job very seriously. I guess that's why he's ALWAYS asked back. He can be little irreverent at times but he's also one of the most hard-working and loyal men I have ever met. He's had me in stitches more times than I can count --- LOVE HIM!!!

So glad this bird's aim was little too high. Because I want a life-time more of those funny moments.

All joking aside. It really could have ended quite badly.

A HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN!

This was the hardest secret we have EVER kept in our house.

We had to schedule Savannah's birthday celebration on a Sunday due to a work conflict. Consequently, she thought we actually had NOTHING planned.


(Typical teenager, right?)

Truth is, we had this in the works and were hoping it would have the desired effect....

IT DID!!!!!

YEP! I'M A KID AGAIN......

Yesturday I received a phone call that turned me into a kid again. One of my friends called to tell me she had just left Claire's and noticed they had Patrick Dempsey barbie dolls and asked if I she should pick one up for me.

"Seriously?....let me think a minute......ahh, YES!"

She started to laugh, as only a true friend would, and then turned her car around to head back to the store she had already left. SWEET! Within 20 minutes she arrived with my prize and we both giggled like we were 12 years old. Ahh, I am blessed with the most loyal of all friends.

As you probably imagined, Greys Anatomy is my one true vice, or as my teens like to tell me, my crack addiction. They humor me as I pull back the layers to the plot like a crime-scene investigator on CSI.

Yep, I'm that kind of fan. I examine this show like the very best pathologist --- 'colors, motivation of the characters, what episode does it link us back to? Will Meredith and Derek ever get it right?' Those are the thoughts and questions that whirl around my head after watching this show. I know there are people who think I have lost my mind, or what's left of it, after all, its just a television program. But I say, "Oh really, I suppose Jane Eyre was just a book. Hmmph!"

The fact is, Greys Anatomy is layered with characters who are deeply flawed though filled with heart. They often exhibit the best and worst of humanity. They make choices that I most definitely would NEVER make for myself. But they also move me to FEEL something. I see that even in the screwed up mess the characters have often created in their lives, there is beauty to be discovered in their triumph and lessons to be gleaned in their failures. (There is also Dr. Derek Shepherd aka McDreamy. LOL)

There is an underlying theme of grace in this show --- of learning to love those who get it wrong more than they get it right and of course --- of learning to forgive when someone has painfully and willfully rendered undeniable harm.

It's an awfully complex little television show, my Greys Anatomy. I'm not one to answer the phone on a Thursday night, so remember that. And please don't hate me for it. The show will come to an end in a couple of more seasons and Seattle Grace Hospital will be no more. I will have to watch Mr. Dempsey race cars for his hyper-sport team or pay the $8.25 ticket price for the latest movie he stars in.

But until then, I'll keep my Thursday night Greys appointment --- and my Patrick Dempsey barbie doll! LOL

NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF ALL....

Ughhh! When will it EVER stinking end!!?? No matter how many times I ask for the dirty clothes to be brought to the laundry room, I find myself walking into my kids hazardous habitats only to be greeted by the stench of their dirty clothes and filthy underwear. You would think since one of my kids, who shall remain nameless, cannot use a towel twice --- (since the idea of using said towel on his face that once wiped his just showered butt is just..... 'ewwwwwwww' ---[oops] ) that he would actually WANT his filthy stinking undergarments WASHED!

I don't know, maybe this is just happening in my little corner of my little world and you ---whoever you might be --- cannot relate at all. But there are days when the thought of washing and then folding one more garment of clothing drives me to want to drink! And I don't mean a cup of overpriced Starbucks coffee or a Diet Coke! It is also a sad but simple truth that my kids do not greet their freshly washed clothing, or their mother, with chants of "you are blessed, you're so great mom, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!" As a matter of fact, after the monotonous washing and the folding, I sometimes have to plead with them to actually put their clothes away! Funny, right?

In any event, I am reminded that --- necessity is the mother of all invention. Once upon a long, long time ago, women had to use a wash board and lye soap to clean the family's garments! Laundry was a back breaking chore that often took HOURS to complete. Someone, probably a woman ---or better yet--- a husband who was sick of his wife's drinking habit, determined it would be highly beneficial to all of mankind to --- invent the washing machine. Hmmm, necessity brought man invention. And many happier women.

So instead of complaining:

I will joyfully load up that GE Washer and thank Thomas Edison for bringing electricity into my home.

I will accomplish this task in very short order, which is why I am able to sit here and BLOG about my kids and their dirty underwear!

I will stick to drinking coffee and Diet Coke and stay away from the hard stuff!

I might even decide to invent something --- how bout an implanted micro-chip that gently shocks a teen-ager whenever their dirty dainties hit the bedroom floor!

Ahhhh, now that would be a Pulitzer Prize winner.

Shock and Awe

Take just a moment to observe this incredible picture taken of some star system far, far away.

What does it make you feel....

Small and insignifigant?

Do you ever take time to marvel at the fact that our world is perfectly suited to our very existence?

Do you take it for granted,

Expecting it to always be.....

I feel something when I gaze upon this image

Power like the turbulent ocean.

Majesty like a blazing red sunset.

Glory that is blinding white.

Chaos that is......control.

I feel like God does NOT reside inside my square little box.

What do you feel.....

Sunday Monday

Sunday.

The day I attend Church.

To cleanse.

To enlighten my heart and mind with ideas that are bigger than ME.

Lofty goal.....

Especially when it ends with a throw down between my two female off-spring that would give the WWF a run for its overpaid, over hyped money!

Here is the reality of my day of rest. The text read: "...You better tell your favorite daughter to back off or I will jump her right here right now and rip her hair out and stuff it in her mouth....."

Wooohooo ---- that was so full of Jesus wasn't it?

Thirteen and near 16 years old often mix like oil and water. You can take them places together ---- and often watch the fireworks ignite.

The younger sister thinks the older sister is the favorite. The older sister believes the younger one is because in her mind ---- baby girl gets away with everything.

(not true)

Mother gets drawn into the fight and 16 year old gets mad at her!!!!!! What???

I spent over two hours sorting through the emotional mind field of my girls. Both cried. But only one called UNCLE. The sender of that ominous text asked for forgiveness. Receiver allowed herself to be hugged but didn't want to reciprocate. Ughh!

Mother considered running away!

When I was pregnant all those moons ago, rubbing my over-inflated belly, I imagined what they would look like and sound like.

Dark hair?

Blue, green or brown eyes?

Would they be artistic?

I really had no idea there would be days like this. Sure, I had siblings ---- brothers. But somehow in the wonder lust of love, while building a life with the one I CHOSE to create family with ---- I FORGOT!!!

I often remind my girls that God intentionally put them in a family ---together! This didn't happen by accident but with design and with intent!

There are moments though --- when I wonder if God's intent was to drive me to the funny farm!



Monday.

Week begins at a rapid pace.

Jaelyn walks down the stairs to retrieve book-bag.

Mother hears her say, "bye Gregg, love you .... love you, Savannah."



Mother waits.....

Savannah's reply, "love you too JJ."

Mother decides NOT to run away. :-)

Piper is a BOY!

Well now I know I was never meant to be a farmer or a VET.

Upon taking our new and unexpected rescued kitty to the vet for her very first check-up, we learned that --- SHE was a HE!

Piper is a boy!

OOOPS!

Well at least it doesn't require a name-change. Right, Piper?

CODE RED!

It was a very interesting Monday. Upon arriving at Smyrna High School, Savannah's lunch in hand, I took note of the 10 Smyrna Police squad cars that also pulled into the parking lot. I immediately began to referee a war of thoughts inside my head --- something is seriously wrong VS. this must be a drill." Within moments it was clear that this WAS NOT A DRILL when I spotted the two armed police officers just inside the entrance. I whipped out my cellphone, dialed Ron Alley, and asked him to alert the church staff --- and to have them pray. Having no idea what was occurring inside the school walls, it was the only pro-active action I could think to take. I then picked up my husband and quickly headed back to the school.

It was then that I received the first text message from Gregg which read, "WHOAAA!!!" (That must have been the moment the teachers were instructed to lock -down and the students were told to get under the desks.)

Well, the above is NOT the kind of message a mother wants to read when there is potential danger to her son and daughter! It stirs up all kinds of anxious ideas, especially when compounded by said daughter NOT RESPONDING to mom OR brother's texts. Ughh!

21 minutes later Savannah finally let me know she was alright. Unfortunately, my husband and I both learned, at about the same time, that there was a SEVERE OUTSIDE THREAT to the school! GULP!

It is astounding what occurs within the human female psyche when bombarded by fear.

Heart rate increases --- CHECK.

Breathing becomes rapid and shallow --- CHECK.

Blood pressure increases --- CHECK.

Husband has to remind wife to BREATHE --- CHECK!!!!!

Does it sound exciting? Yep, to some it might. When Gregg and Savannah arrived home and shared with me their own experiences of the day, we managed to find the humor in the events that they encountered. For instance, Gregg realized that the janitorial staff needs to step up and get better at mopping the floors. Savannah was offered the arms of a boy interested in holding her --- if she was scared! LOL. She said no --- but then he proceeded to ask her out to dinner! Huh!?

So, let me get this straight, while I was facing down a mother's fear --- my son was finding the humor in a dirty floor and my daughter was being hit on! Hmmmmm.


Is there a life lesson in there somewhere???