"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! "

"Now get the heck out of my house".

Thank God for Southern Comfort and eggnog. And Ouzo... being Greek, it's the extra food group added to every holiday festivity. The "Holiday lubricant" if you will. That is what my husband calls it. And wine, lovely wine - -the elixer of the Gods.

We had 4 Christmases in a 24 hour period - 3 of which were at my casa.

By 11 pm that night I was ready to kick every beloved family member right on out of my house. Every last one - even the ones I love!

My house was a disaster area. My trash cans were full to the brim. My nerves were raw, frazzeled live wires, and you know what??

I'll do it allllllll again next year.

Visit to Santa

Here it is - - the visit to the big man himself! Sara talked his poor ear off and completly edged Jin out of any convo time with Santa. It's really okay though because Jin just stared at him with a huge smile on her face. Sara asked him alllllll kinds of questions. Things like; "Is the reindeers name Donner of Donder? What is your favorite kind of cookie?" Then she proceeded to tell Santa about the picture she drew of him and exact directions on how to find it on Christmas Eve. When it came time for the picture they just turned around and smiled - - it was so easy. The photographer said "WOW, if they could all be like that."
This was the very first time it was easy...
I love Jins hair thingy's - - she looks like a freakin elf! Wow, her ahir is getting much lighter, huh? SHe might have hair like me!

Anyhoo, Merry Christmas - one and all!

HAVE A CRAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!

The annual Christmas card picture misery...

I am so demotivated - - I just can't do a blog today...

Man oh man, this cold snowy weather really makes me want to curl up on hte couch in front of the fire, watch movies and crosstitch! Sorry folks - - just enjoy today's demotivator.
Delusions
There is no greater joy than soaring high on the wings of your dreams, except maybe the joy of watching a dreamer who has nowhere to land but in the ocean of reality.

Oh admit it you goody-two-shoes - - we ALL love to watch it happen!

Stay warm!!

More demotivation anyone??

Cluelessness
There are no stupid questions, but there are a LOT of inquisitive idiots.

Isn't that the truth this holiday season? Especially in the Walmart parking lot. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

-J

Demotivator of the Day

Adversity
That which does not kill me postpones the inevitable.

Have a great Monday my darlings!

- J

Defeat the Dragon

I read the coolest quote in the Gazette this week. It made me realize how true it was for children and adults alike... I've had a rollercoaster week so far and its only Wednesday. Ive got several dragons to slay before the end of this week...

"Fairy Tales do not tell children that the dragon exist. They already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children that the dragons can be defeated"
- G.K. Chesterton

Isn't that so true? As children, we see the dragon being defeated in every fairytale we read. In our minds, our Daddy could slay the dragon with one slash of a sword. I hope that all of you had Daddys that made you feel that safe - - that protected.
Then we grow up. We begin to start seeing dragons pop up into our view left and right. Dragons like broken down cars, bosses who are jerks, nasty Chrsitmas shoppers, grouchy family members, past-due bills - - insert your dragon here ______________________.

I don't know how you were raised, but I was raised to defeat the dragon! Slay it - - leave the carcass behind you and move on. I know, I know - - sometimes the dragon wins, but if that is the case, you gotta go down fighting! I am so thankful my parents raised me to believe in that way - -

The dragons CAN be defeated.

Im freaking out

Something is seriously wrong with my hand. My whole pinkie on my right hand is numb and I have no freaking idea WHY! It feels like it is asleep. My back is ALLLLLLL messed up so I imagine that I have a pinched nerve or something. WHY GOD, WHY???

All of this coupled with the fact that i started my period. Damn these teenage daughters of mine for making me regular again. I SWEAR, I better not get pregnant.

Okay, my bitch session for the day is now completed.

Have a nice day.

Stressful day

I am having one of those days people...

Let me put it this way. I am now alternating between drinking Cappuchinos and large wine glasses of Pinot Grigo.

And its only 4:10 in the afternoon.

Oh Joy, Oh rapture.

Is it bedtime yet?

I Hate...

I HATE_________! Fill in the freakin' blank.

I am in the WORST mood!
I'm trying to get ready for a garage sale where I am selling a MOTHERLOAD of kids clothes and I have no time, no space, and its FREEZING outside.

To top it off it's made me an aweful mom. I have ripped the heads off of 3 out of four of my kids.They are totally in a demilitarized zone right now and they are shooting tylonol at me instead of bullets.

Bad day - - all around. And the only thing that will make this day better is the fact that LOST is on tonight, thank God almighty. Another TV show that Crystal got me stuck on... Thanks Biotch.

Wish me luck on the garage sale tomorrow. I loathe it all intirely and would totally got goodwill to pick it all up if I didnt need the freakin' money for Christmas!

BTW, can someone tell me how a mother of 4 (5 if you count the Husband) can have a garage sale, keep the house clean and stay sane all at once. Tell me, so I can come kick your BUTT!

The husband made the right choice bringing Pizza home for dinner. ;)

MY NEW MOTTO

Since my husband has been home for the last several days my house has become completly trashed. I swear, I dont even know where to begin. So... I have adopted a new motto. You like?

I keep wishing for the house-cleaning fairy to show up and clean while the Princess is sleeping. Dang it...

QUIZ DAY AT RANTINGS...

Go ahead - take a few. You'll get addicted!

***You Are 50% Boyish and 50% Girlish***


You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch.
Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes.
You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them.
You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be.

Yeah, I think this is pretty true about me.

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/howboyishorgirlishareyouquiz/


***You Are Likely an Only Child***


At your darkest moments, you feel frustrated.
At work and school, you do best when you're organizing.
When you love someone, you tend to worry about them.

In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic.
Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management.
You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books.
I am the baby and the only girl.

The Birth Order Predictor
http://www.blogthings.com/birthorderpredictorquiz/


***On Average, You Would Sell Out For***


$562,032

WOW, thats all??

At What Price Would You Sell Out?
http://www.blogthings.com/atwhatpricewouldyouselloutquiz/


***All American Kid***


Popular but not plastic. Athletic but not a jock. Smart but not a brain.

You were well rounded and well liked in high school.

It's so true - I did not fit into any one clique, nor did I want to.

Who Were You In High School?
http://www.blogthings.com/whowereyouinhighschoolquiz/


***You Are 30% Weird***


Not enough to scare other people...
But sometimes you scare yourself.

LOL, so true, so true...

How Weird Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/howweirdareyouquiz/


***You Are 31 Years Old***


Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.

13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.

20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.

30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!

40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

WHAT? Dude, I turn 30 on Dec 18th. WTH?? Great - I am older than my years...

What Age Do You Act?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatagequiz/


***Your Power Color Is Magenta***


At Your Highest:

You energize yourself and push others to suceed.

At Your Lowest:

You feel frustrated and totally overwhelmed.

In Love:

You are suprised by who you attract. You're a love magnet.

How You're Attractive:

Open and free spirited, people want to explore the world with you.

Your Eternal Question:

"What is my next source of inspiration?"

I'm a luuuuv magnet... Heck Yes!

What's Your Power Color?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpowercolorquiz/


***Your Pimp Name Is...***


Sugar Butt Pump

Thank God I know this now...you know, just in case.

What's Your Pimp Name?
http://www.blogthings.com/pimpnamegenerator/


***Your Birthdate: December 18***


You are a cohesive force - able to bring many people together for a common cause.
You tend to excel in work situations, but you also facilitate a lot of social gatherings too.
Beyond being a good leader, you are good at inspiring others.
You also keep your powerful emotions in check - you know when to emote and when to repress.

Your strength: Emotional maturity beyond your years

Your weakness: Wearing yourself down with too many responsibilities

Your power color: Crimson red

Your power symbol: Snowflake

Your power month: September

Cool, that sounds alot like me...

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatdoesyourbirthdatemeanquiz/


***You Should Get a PhD in Liberal Arts (like political science, literature, or philosophy)***

You're a great thinker and a true philosopher.
You'd make a talented professor or writer.

Yeaaaaaaah...no.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatadvanceddegreeshouldyougetquiz/


***The Keys to Your Heart***


You are attracted to obedience and warmth.

In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved.

You'd like to your lover to think you are stylish and alluring.

You would be forced to break up with someone who was emotional, moody, and difficult to please.

Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.

Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.

You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.

In this moment, you think of love as commitment. Love only works when both people are totally devoted.

Okay, thats like... 50% me.

What Are The Keys To Your Heart?
http://www.blogthings.com/keystoyourheartquiz/


***Your Inner Child Is Surprised***


You see many things through the eyes of a child.
Meaning, you're rarely cynical or jaded.
You cherish all of the details in life.
Easily fascinated, you enjoy experiencing new things.

WHAT? I'm surprised??? What a surprise!

How Is Your Inner Child?
http://www.blogthings.com/howisyourinnerchildquiz/


***Your Hidden Talent***


You're super sensitive and easily able to understand situations.
You tend to solve complex problems in a flash, without needing a lot of facts.
Decision making is easy for you. You have killer intuition.
The right path is always clear, and you're a bit of a visionary.

I can also bend spoons with my mind...

What's Your Hidden Talent?
http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourhiddentalentquiz/


***Your Career Type: Artistic***


You are expressive, original, and independent.
Your talents lie in your artistic abilities: creative writing, drama, crafts, music, or art.

You would make an excellent:

Actor - Art Teacher - Book Editor
Clothes Designer - Comedian - Composer
Dancer - DJ - Graphic Designer
Illustrator - Musician - Sculptor

The worst career options for your are conventional careers, like bank teller or secretary.

Duh...

What's Your Ideal Career?
http://www.blogthings.com/idealcareerquiz/


***You are***


Spank Me Pink

YES!...

What Rejected Crayon Are You?
http://www.blogthings.com/rejectedcrayonquiz/

Duh people... this is common knowledge about Joy

***You Are Uptown***


You are classy, cultured, and well educated. You are an expert on the finer things in live.
Your city girl persona loves all of the opportunities a city offers. But only in the best neighborhoods.


Are You Uptown or Downtown?
http://ynr.blogthings.com/areyouuptownordowntownquiz/

Perfect Morning

I cannot imagine a better morning than waking up warm and comfy with my husband arms around me, all cuddled up (he is normally at the gym), hearing "Good Morning Princess", getting up and taking a shower together. Top that off with hot breakfast and the perfect cup of tea (that only he can make me) when I walk out of our bedroom and you have yourself the perfect morning.

Good morning Joygirl!

Wow, I really love this guy...

ATTENTION! THERE IS A 3 YEAR OLD IN THE HOUSE

Jinnifer Janna Kathleen Ketch


Only last week I was mourning the fact that my little girl Sara turned 6. Now I'm back and the day is grey... my baby - my little infant that was tiny and sweet and ever so precious is turning 3 today. I remember looking into those big hazel eyes while I would rock her and wonder "what will she look like when shes a toddler? What will her little voice sound like?" Now we can't get her to be quiet!

Jinny was my miracle baby. Born 10 weeks premature, she had a rocky start. The Dr. told me that she would always have breathing problems. He said that she would always be really small. He told me that she would always be behind the other kids. He said she would always be sickly. WHATEVER!!!

NOBODY puts labels on my kids! NOBODY!

My little girl no longer has breathing problems. She is hardly EVER sick! She is a big as all the other 3 year olds I know and more advanced then most of them! And now, she is three - and she knows she has the world at her feet. She is the happiest, healthiest child I have ever known!

Oh my little Jinnifer. Your Momma loves you with her whole heart. I came alive the moment I laid eyes on you. You are the sunshine in all of our lives. My favorite time of day is when I walk into your room and hear GOOD MERNIN' MOMMA - and see your smile from ear to ear. You are my cuddle bug, my singing partner, my little buddy, my mini-me. I see so much of your Nanna in you. I know she is looking down from heaven and smiling. She loved you and your sisters SO much. She was the eternal optimist - and so are you. I pray that you NEVER lose your optimism baby. Your Momma and Daddy will always make sure that you and your sissies have the best that life has to give. Happy birthday my love - my heart and soul - - my JinnyJin Jin the Jinny Wren.

Love - Momma

ZIP CODE... OF CONDUCT

MY AUDITION FOR WHEEL OF FORTUNE!

Why do I always get myself into things like this? Always - - with the dorky adventures and ridiculous escapades. Well, this weekend was nothing short of "the usual" silliness... AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

Momma decided to go to Tulsa and put my name in to audition for Wheel of Fortune. Why? You ask? Well, I am not sure - just sounded like fun.

So I get there yesterday and I was late thanks to the lovely Crystal who had to brush her hair FOREVER, and made me have to speed to the casino. Well, thankfully my cousin Melissa was there waiting and got me a application to fill out. There were a ba-jillion people there, some of which were dressed up like the big wheel (I kid you NOT) and some just looking like wierdo's in general. We were talking and I said "What aret he odds of one of us getting called?" About that time They say "ALL THE WAY FROM OKLAHOMA CITY - - JOY KETCH"

I screams HECK YES! and started running to the front like one of those silly freaks on The Price is Right giving everybody high 5's all the way down. They took my picture and I waited for my chance onstage.

NOW...

They tell you they want to see alot of personality. They want to see you really show what you can do. Basically, they want to know you can handle a huge crowd. Hah. They dont know Joy. Heh heh heh.

I get up there, he asks my name, asks what I do and what my hobbies were. I said that I sing at which point he interrupts and says DID YOU SAY SING???

Heck yes I said sing...

He hands me the mic and asks me to sing something. I told the audience that I am a greek with a very long maiden name. As a child my Mom had to teach us a song to help us learn how to spell it. (well it IS 13 letters)
It is to the tune of the song OKLAHOMA

P eeeeeeeeeee
a
pp
a
d
o
p
oulos...

Pappadopoulos -- thats all of us
Bill and Jan, and Andy, Scott and JOY!

We're doing fine Pappadopoulos -
Pappadopoulos -

P - A - PP - A - DO - POU - LOS!

PAPPADOPOULOS!!

I had everyone clapping in time to the song.

It was great. I love that I get myself into crap like this. Its the stuff that makes me cool in my kids eyes.
So then its time to play the game.

The category was before and after.

There were 5 of us up there. We cycled through 2 times and when it came to me the 3rd time i had guessed it. I picked a Z!

The puzzle was ZIP CODE OF CONDUCT.

I ROCKED THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE AUDITIONS!

My big prize was a Wheel of Fortune fanny pack, a keychain and a blinky pin that looked like the wheel. Hoh yeah. Don't be jealous...

So they will call me when (and if) they want me to come back for finals. If I do well there then I guess I will get to be on the show! OMG OMG OMG!

Big Money, big money!

Pat Sajack rocks my universe, lolol!

A Sad Anniversary

Today is the day one year ago that my precious Momma, Ruth Jan Wade - Pappadopoulos - Baum died and went to heaven. One whole year, and it seems to have flown by. It seems as if I just talked to her on the phone yesterday. I can still close my eyes and see her hands, long fingernails painted red, as usual. I can still remember her smell... Bob Mackie perfume - and ALOT of it. I can still remember her voice, always perky, always optimistic, always warm - even when she was the most ill. I would give anything to pick up the phone and hear "How's my Joygirl?" I would give anything to be able to lay my head in her lap again, ANYTHING to hear her pet names she always called me (Jiggybookie, pookiebear and Diddledumps) ANYTHING to have her scratch by back like only she could, ANYTHING to hear her opinion and get her advice. She was my very best friend, my closest confidant, my greatest champion, the one who knew me most and longest and loved me in spite of all my flaws. When she left this earth she took a huge part of me with her that I will only get back when I see her again someday - which I must and have to believe in now. My Granny followed her in under a year. The two women that I was closest to - - gone. Granny needed to be with Mom. They were always together. They belong together - - raising all kinds of you know what in heaven! I miss Momma so much it hurts.

Mom, it's been one year since you left and I cannot believe what I have become in your absence. I literally went crazy for a while, I have to admit it. I never fully realized how much of my identity I had wrapped up in you - my best buddy - my Mom. I was lost without you. In some ways I still am, but not so desperately anymore. YOU TAUGHT ME TO BE STRONG - something that I just wasn't for a while. I am now, although I am afraid that you would be very ashamed of some of the things that I have done in the last year. You were my conscience - you knew what I'd done before I ever told you - always - - it was amazing. With my conscience gone, I had no one to tell me NO Joy, you can't do what you are doing. I tore my marriage to shreads and almost lost a man who adores me. I made a mess of things in my life and I am just getting it all back together. I WANT YOU TO BE PROUD OF THE WOMAN I AM. I have gained my own identity now - something I had to do. I am my own person - something I never was before. I have restored my marriage back to where it needed to be - thatnk God. I am really trying to be a great Mom to the girls. I parent so much like you - you were the best. You'd be so proud of our babies. The girls we prayed for together, remember? They miss their Nanna so much. Jinny still remembers putting on Nanna's makeup. You made such an impact on them in such a short time... typical of you. I promise to make my 30th year of life one you'd be proud of.

Everyone misses you - your spark. You were the light of this family - the glue that kept us all together. I am trying, but my glue is just not as strong. Melissa is doing so well. I remember begging God - if he must take you - to please spare Melissa's life. He gave me that and you'll be so glad to know we are as close as ever. Andy is great - an awesome big brother, always calling me, always checking on me. Scotty is lost to me - I can't relate with him anymore but I love him and miss him in my life so much. All the kids - they miss you - You never got to meet Angel Jan - she came in May and she is a beauty. Wait - I bet you met her in heaven before she was ever here. James graduated highschool, Rik and Amber are teenagers now and Ariel looks more like you every day. Lydia is painfully shy since you died and Drew is a weed - different every time I see him. So is Ashlyn. I am afraid that Hershy is lost without you as well. He is so sad - - so lonely. He loved you so much.
I love you so much too. I love that you are in me - that I am your daughter, doing things the way you taught me to. YOUR SPIRIT LIVES ON IN ME, MY BROTHERS AND ALL YOUR GRANDCHILDREN. It's not the same - but I am thankful for it.

Momma, life does go on without you - but not as well. Not as smoothly... not anymore. I love you.

Joygirl

My little baby girl is 6 today.

Well, it's happening. Life is in fast forward. I can't stand it.

Sara turns 6 today.

My husband and I got her favorite breakfast food - doughnuts this morning and stuck a candle in one and walked into her bedroom singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. When we were finished, instead of blowing out the candle, scarfing the doughnut and licking her sticky fingers she looked at us and smiled the sweetest smile and said "thank you Daddy, thank you Mommy".

This child is incredible. This child is exquisite. I am so proud that she is MINE.

I looked at this shining little face in the glow of her birthday candle and could not see a trace of the chubby little 3 year old that she was oh - - yesterday... now she is this young lady - a SIX year old... with the vocabulary of a 25 year old! Next week Monty will be walking her down the isle on her wedding day. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN??

Monty said "WOW Sara, you are getting so big - soon you'll be shaving your legs... plucking your eyebrows... " (jokingly) and without missing a beat Sara chimed in "yeah, and putting on my own makeup..."

Yes, my baby is no longer a baby. She is an awesome little young lady.

Tuesday, the 25th is the day Jinny turns 3. THREE people!!!

This picture on the left is from 2 years ago.The one on hte right was taken at the end of September. Look at my babies... they are growing too fast.

Somebody help me cope...

RED ALERT! RED ALERT!

So my sweet husband made me an appointment to get my hair done. He arranged the whole thing for me - just told me what time to show up. I absolutely love that he did that for me - he also delivered a dozen red roses to me as I was getting my hair done.

Here is where it gets funny.

He asked my hairdresser (our friend Jamie) to make me a redhead. He wanted red - - deep dark red. He even paid her in advance. So she said "okay, so we're going red Joy"? Like I had a choice or something...

I'll say this. I like it. I do. Really.

I'll just have to get used to it.

There will be no changing it for a while. It's daaaaaaaark.
I want some highlights or something!

Wow. The blonde is now red.

Okay be honest. Brutally.

Oh. BTW - Can I just say that my husband is freaking incredible??? Roses and all.

Chirstmas Movie Top 5

Okay, I got a comment from rhea (Alicat) that I forgot the top 5 movies of the holiday season. She was totally right! This is her comment.

GAAAAWD JOY! You totally forgot the top FIVE most popular reasons for loving the holiday season!
1. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation !
2. Miracle on 34th Street !
3. White Christmas !
4. A Christmas Carol
and last but NOT least creme'dla creme'(or whatever),Its A Wonderful Life! Sheesh! LOL I'm all excited too!

Now understand... Allison takes Christmas seriously. Veeeery seriously, as do I. You must have the quientessential Christmas movie viewings throughout the season. Here is my list, which has been revised since I had children.

1. White Christmas. This movie gets put in the machine the day after Thanksgiving, when we pull out the tree and my boxes full of decorations. You simply cannot decorate for Christmas with out White Christmas. It's classic! I still want those big blue fans that were in the Sisters number.

2. The Grinch. This is a newer movie on my list. Jim Carrey was perfect. This movie brings out the inner child in all of us. Plus, we all turn into the Grinch for at least one day every season... admit it! You know, you are at the mall and that little biotch pulls into your parking space before you and you want to get out and strangle her with tinsle? On that day I feel like Grinch on top of the mountain saying "I Loooooaaaathe them entirely!" Love it.

3. A Christmas Story. Who doesnt relate with this adorably chubby little boy and his trials and tribulations of a family Christmas? This is the movie that reminds me of my childhood, even though it was set in the 50's. To this day I wish I could still smell the smell of little plastic ornaments and Christmas Tree.

4. Home Alone. Another movie I have added since my children came about. Talk about funny. It is the only movie that Macauley Culkin did that I can stand. He sucked from then on, admit it. It's a wholesome family movie that you can sit and watch with your kids during the holidays with a big bowl of popcorn. Everyone knows it's totally a make believe story - - real children would have burnt the house to the ground on day 1!

5. A Christmas Carol/Scrooged. There are many versions of Dickens' story. I have seen (I think) all of them, including the newest version with Kelsy Grammer. It was okay, but if you are going to watch the movie religously every year, you have to find your favorite. Growing up, we always watched the 1951 version with Alistair Sim as Scrooge on TV. My personal favorite is the 1984 version with George C. Scott as Scrooge. It is still older, so I can call it a classic in my house, but it's not black and white, so my children do not get bored. Can I also say that its not a Christmas season without Bill Murray in Scrooged? He is SO funny.

Now see? I limited the list to the top 5, but there are still so many more to list! I hate limits! For example, they are not movies, but remember all those claymation movies we watched as a kid? And what about the cartoons like The Grinch and the Peanuts Christmas and Frosty the Snowman? Who remembers the Family Circle Christmas show? And of course, all the Muppets Christmas, including the Muppets version of A Christmas Carol.

My kids would have an entirely different list. I KNOW they would add The Santa Clause and The Santa Clause 2, both adorable movies. And of course, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation is a MUST. We watch that while we are decorating. Every year, when we are fixing the turkey Monty says "Save the neck for me Clark" And even my teenagers quote the movie when we walk outside into the cold by saying " Wow, it's really nipply outside". LOLOL It never stops being funny.

BTW, who my age remembers on Thanksgiving day for several years MTV played the movie length version of Michael Jackson's Thriller? LOL! We thought it was SOOOO cool! My cousins and brothers and I would pile up on out Granny's bed and watch it while the adults were watching football.

Anyway, there is my Christmas top 5, plus a few extra's. I know my husband will shame me by saying "JOY, what about this movie and that movie". He really is the movie maven. What movies are your favorites??

Thought for the Day

One out of every three Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness.
Think of two of your best friends.
If they're okay, then it must be you.

Have a nice weekend you freaking crazies...

HERE IT COMES...

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR...
It is about here, the time of year when Monty and I begin to sing this corny song all the time. It just makes us freakin' giddy!

I love the changing of the seasons.
Hot apple cider.
Pumpkin patches with my kids.
Leaves changing.
Cool air filling your lungs.
My daughter's birthday's
Cuddling under a soft blanket with my husband to watch movies.
The "fall smell" that fills your nose when you step outside.
The anticipation of Thanksgiving feasts.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The bringing out of the boxes of holiday ornaments, snowmen and other decorations.
Hearing my husband invent new curse words as he hangs Christmas Lights. (its really fun)
The anticipation of snow, even if it only lasts 1 day.
Fuzzy sweaters.
Cuddly cats.
Hot cocoa.
Grey days.
The 24/7 Christmas carols on the radio.
The warm fuzzy feeling.
Football, even though I am not a huge fan - I just like to have it playing in the background, sort of a soundtrack to the season.
Friends.
Family.
Baking cookies and pies.
Giving presents.
MY BIRTHDAY (Dec. 18th by the way)
My husbands paid 2 weeks of from the college - he's all mine for 2 whole weeks.
Christmas eve candlelight services at church with family.
Christmas morning with my babies and sweet husband.
Our large Greek feast we prepare for my extended family Christmas
New Years Eve.
Champagne.
The Rose Parade on New Years Day.

Big Day at the Ketch House

Wow, it has been one heck of a day. I woke up feeling MUUUUUUUCH better this morning - I went into my manaic cleaning mode. Sara ate breakfast and said "Mommy - my toof is really loose" I went to wiggle it and she freaked out, saying "NOOO, don't touch it!" and shoved my hand away. She wiggled it with her toungue and I assured her that is WAS going to come out today to tomorrow.
Well, when my dear husband came home at lunch and she ran to him and proceeded in the same direction with him... "Daddy, look, my toof is reaaaaaaaallllly loose!" He said "Let me see" and then reached in so quickly and pulled it out that she did not even realize what happened! She was in shock at first, her eyes were like half dollars and she did not know whether to cry or cheer. I saw that expression and immediately started jumping up and down yelling "YEAAAAH, the tooth fairy is gonna come tonight!" It was a funny sight I'm sure, Monty, Jinny, Sara and I jumping around the kitchen cheering. We immediately put it in an envelope and wrote the tooth fairy a note. Then she proceeded to make phone calls to everyone we know. Can I just also add that I love and adore my husband?? He is the coolest Daddy ever.

I was totally cool when Sara started Pre-K. I was fine the day she walked into Kindergarden and said "Mom, I'm fine - you can go now" But I am telling you that this is KILLING me. Why you ask? I have no freakin' clue. I just see this as my little baby girl becoming a "big kid". Her gaping little smile was too sweet, as you can see in the picture.

Tonight, Monty had class at OU for his Masters courses so I decided in celebration of Sara losing her first tooth we would have a girls night. (Hey, anything to party, right?) We went to Texas Roadhouse and then to the mall. I know - we're such girly-girls! We were walking by Claires and on a whim I said "hey, you girls wanna get your ears pierced?" Amber is the only one that has hers pierced so Rik, Sara and Jin all yelled YES YES YES! In we went and I filled out the paperwork and picked out the earrings. Jin went first and the left ear went well. She yelled OUCH! and shot the lady a serious nasty look! I had to hold her for the right ear. What the heck happened to the days when the shot them both at the same time???? Then Rikki went, very bravely I might add, and lastly Sara - - who was the bravest of them all! Sara picked pink earrings - - go figure.

Am I proud er what?? Needless to say, it has been a very big day at our house.

SOMEBODY GET ME THE RECIPE TO MAKE THEM STOP GROWING!!

I am cheating again this week for Half-Nekkid Thursday

Okay, okay, I know that last week I had a pic of one of Monty's tat's but I have been sick all day today - I hope I am not pregnant...

This is a pic of the tat on his left shoulder. Its a dragon/snake - inked before he knew me. What I can say is that I love his upper back. He is soooooooo sexy.

So, next week, I promise I will do better. Give me my sick day today!

Nighty night.

To my Precious Best-Friends

Allison Rhea, who keeps me real. We have known each other for about 17 years! You have no problem telling just exactly how it is. You keep me so level, and you say some of the most profound things. I really love growing up with you and I look forward to growing old with you. You love me just like your sister... You and I are really like sisters!

Crystal, who listens to the listener. We have known each other for about 13 years! You always have something fun up your sleeve. My garage-saling buddy who always finds the steals, you are the most giving person in my life. Your heart is so full of love Crystal. Thank you for all that you do, and for loving my kids so very much.

Melissa, my Missy-miss. We have know each other our whole lives, my awesome cousin. I adore you! You are my miracle girl. God gave us another chance when he spared your life a year ago this month. He took my Mom but he let me keep you. I will never take you for granted.

My Husband - the "wings beneath my feet". Only we will get that joke. Baby, you really are my best-friend, my rock, and the lover of my soul. Thank you for grace and love in our marriage and for being so willing to change and adapt to our ever evolving love. You're my lobster baby.

Thank you, to the 3 coolest chicks on the planet and the most awesome guy. You truly are the PEE IN MY PANTS!

Waking Up

Momma, Me and Granny - Oct. 2004

I have been in a constant state of transition for a long time now. Finally, my world is starting to slow in it's spinning. I am seeing things differently - as if the rose-colored glasses have been taken off. I am leaving my 20-somethings behind and heading into my 30's and looking back, I realize that I have learned so much, but I have learned the most in the last year. In the last year, I have lost my Momma, my Granny and I almost lost my marriage to hte most wonderful man there is - the one who was made for me. Thinking about all of this has got me delving into some pretty deep stuff - call it "self therapy". This is what it really comes down to.

It seems that a time comes in your life when you finally "get it"...when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child after a tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes - clearer eyes. You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change...or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that neither you nor your spouse/loved one is Prince Charming or Cinderella and that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you...

In the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are ... and that's OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions. And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself...and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval.

You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you.

So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself...and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance. You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties..and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.

You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. You begin to sift through all the junk you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, how much you should weigh, what you should wear, what you should do for a living, how much money you should make, what you should drive, how and where you should live, who you should marry, the importance of having and raising children, and what you owe your parents, family, and friends, etc.

You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin to redefine who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with ... and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.

You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.

You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO.

You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that, hello - - martyrs get burned at the stake people!

Then you learn about love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when towalk away. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes.

You learn that alone does not mean lonely.

You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK....and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things you want ... and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands.
You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less.

You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play. You learn that, for the most part, you get out of life what you believe you deserve...and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen. You also learn that no one can do it all alone...and that it's OK to risk asking for help.

You learn the only thing you must truly fear is the greatest thief of all: FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms. And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.

You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. When this happens, you learn not to personalize things. You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening.

You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison your universe. You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls.

You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.

Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire.

And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.

Finally, with courage in your heart and God by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can.

Yeah, I don't know what to title this...

Last night I went downtown to Bricktown with my best friend Crystal who came into town from Tulsa. We had so much fun. We ended up going to eat at this place called "I Love This Bar And Grill". The country singer Toby Keith owns it. I don't like him much but I loved this "bar and grill", apparently hence the name...

It was cool outside last night so we sat out on the patio on the riverwalk next to one of these huge fireplaces built into the wall and it was perfect. You want to know what made it reeeaaaaaallllly perfect though? $1 longnecks all night and a really great band with this black guy lead singer that we were affectionately calling "Hootie". It was a lot of fun. Quite a few tourists, (what IS there to see here?) but fun.

Anyhoo, we decided that we would go see what moives were playing at Harkins on the Riverwalk so Crystal, dong only what Crystal would do - asks for a to-go cup.... for her LONG ISLAND ICED TEA! She goes walking into the movie theatertoting her drink like we are inVegas, LOL. She was drunk through the whooole movie, which brings me to the next thing...

We went to see "The 40 Year Old Virgin". Freaking hilarious - but totally unsuitable for anyone under 18. It totally blows me away that people actually brought their children to this mivie - - I am talking 6-8 years old. Unbelievable...
The movie was so stinking funny. Crystal and I laughed so loud. There was a couple right in front of us that sat there in stoic silence throught he whole movie... you could tell they did not like it. All I am saying is WHY go to a movie named "The 40 year old Virgin" if you are going to be offended easily? They got up and walked out in the middle of it - very angry. People like that annoy the heck out of me.

On our way back to the car we stopped and Toby's bar again and had another drink - - why the heck not?

It was a fun night.

"Working on the Marriage"

We rented The Wedding Guest. It's an OK movie, but there was a really good line that was toward the end of the movie. This guy Nick (the wedding guest) is talking to the groom who is having second thought about marrying his bride because she divulged her affair with his best friend just moments before they were to walk down the isle. He said:

"If you know her Sh*# and she knows yours and at the end of the day you'd rather give up than try, then nothing is ever going to be worth it".

Isn't that the truth though? I mean, that is what marriage is all about. Is it worth it? Some days I might say no, (lol), but it is important and totally worth trying for. I am thankful that I have a forgiving husband and that I am just as forgiving. He knows aaaaall my sh*# and I know his.

Good movie. Good point.

Half-Nekkid Thursday

This is one of my husbands tatoos. It is the Japanese symbol for JOY. He got it on our honeymoon. I told him getting my name tatooed on his body was so white trash - - he just laughed and said that if something were to ever happen to us, he would just tell people that it was the symbol for verility. Nice.

So, here you go. Have a happy Thursday!

Adoption Day

Sept 25, 2005
In the courtroom (Sara and jin had NO IDEA what was going on)
Wow - it is finally here - - the rest of our lives... together!

Today we finally finished our adoption. It was an awesome moment when we stood before the judge and he sealed our future. I took a deep breath, exhaled and begin to breathe lighter air that was sweeter than ever before. No more rocks in my stomach. No more visits to the DHS building and courtroom. Today was filled with many tears from my family - but none were mine. I was too giddy. No, I just smiled and smiled. All I could think about was what was next... LIFE - - normal life. Normal family with normal situations.

People do not realize what a precious thing it is to have that normalcy. But now it is MINE... ALLLLLLLL MINE! Monty and I are so happy and relieved. LIFE IS GOOD AND GETTING BETTER EVERY DAY. My only wish was that my Mom could have been there to see it - but my faith tells me that she was...

In celebration of this day - a few pictures of the Ketch family 6:

Monty and Joy, Rikki Joy Lynn, Amber Audrey, Sara Faith and Jinnifer Janna Kathleen Ketch

Happy HNT - BEEP BEEP!

Wow - It's already Thursday. I have not blogged in a week. Well, this weeks HNT pic is two adorable belly buttons! My daughters, to be specific.

I love their belly buttons - I love to poke them and say "beep-beep" just like my Mom and Daddy did to me - - it just reminds me how wonderful it is that I have these two awesome little girls - and how they belong to me.

Loooooove those babies!

Half-Nekkid Thursday!

My Husband Monty- -
There is something so sexy about him in a button up shirt.

Well, this is my latest induction into the half-nekkid Thursday files!

9/11 - Never get apathetic - read and remember!

I am copying from another blog and adding some of my own. It is important that we do not forget EVERYTHING that happened that horrific day, nor should we forget why there is a war going on - - it started on AMERICA'S SOIL. I am so sick of the apathy of American's lately. I mean, geez - how quickly we change - how accustomed we are to these kinds of horrors - we cannot let ourselves remember how we were so victimized.
-J

Never forget.......
Words do not give any justice to what happened on this day, 4 years ago. Nevertheless, never forget:

-The 3,000+ people who died that day, and the thousands upon thousands of family members left in the devastation of losing their loved one.

-The people who won our first victory of this war on Flight 93. "Let's Roll."

-The destruction, cleanup, and even rebuilding of iconic buildings. The rebuilding that lets those bastards know that we are not going away and we will win.

-The bravery shown by not just police officers, firemen, EMT's, but "ordinary" people who did extraordinary things that day. Now, that's what makes America shine.

-The outpouring of help made by all Americans. Whether it was giving blood, donating money, whatever.....It all mattered.

-The American Flags which flew from everywhere they could be. Also, the American spirit that arose from this nation.

-The 343 firemen who died that day. They had to know that they weren't going to make it. That is my definition of courage and sacrifice.

-The pictures of that day. Check out these. LOOK and remember... do you remember how MAD it made you? How helpless you felt? How exposed our country was because we were generous enough to let these "men" into our country? NEVER FORGET! http://256.com/gray/thoughts/2001/20010912/pictures/attack/

-The 18, 19, and 20 year old soliders, sailors, marines and airmen all over the world that are making sure that nothing like this ever happens again.

-The clearness of that day. It was a beautiful day that was made ugly. It was an innocent morning, just like the day only a few years before, when we were bombed right here in Oklahoma City. Do you remember that feeling??

These are just a few things, and I know that I'm leaving so much out. Please add what you remember, or want others to never forget.

Going down to the Casina

So tonight I went out to Lucky Star Casino and then to Newcastle Gaming Center with my Cousin, Melissa. Oh, and before I launch into my story, Lucky Star SUCKS. It has terribly boring games and it is Waaaaaaaay the heck out there in the "thriving metropolis" of Concho, Oklahoma. That being said, Newcastle's slots are really tight as well. If you really want to have fun at a casino, you have to go up to Cherokee Casino in Tulsa. Loose slots and pretty of space to move around.

Anyhoo, people have no sense of boundaries at casinos. Now granted, I know that we are not at The Venetion or Caesar's, we are at a small casino on Indian land, but these places are cramped. Well, I have decided that there should be an etiquette - a kind of unspoken set of rules among casino goers. I "loathe entirely" these people who feel that they need to stand beside the slot machine of their friend/spouse and in doing so, shove their arse into your space...

I go back to the movie Dirty Dancing (the movie my husband hates and I adore for many reasons, namely one) - when Johnny tells Baby "this is my dance space, this is your dance space, you don't come into mine, I don't come into yours".

FELLOW CASINO PATRONS: When I am at a slot machine feeding it my money I am basically renting that space for my said amount of time - it is MY slot machine space - you stay in YOUR space. What is the freaking issue with just standing BEHIND your friends chair? OH - and "excuse me" will get you really far as well when you bump into someone with a full cup of hot coffee.

Tonight, this guy felt that it was OK to rest his Kolos (as we say in Greece) on my cousin's side tonight as he watched his wife blow a $20 on the machine next to her. And there was this other guy that felt that it was ok to hit on me as I played a nickel slot... all up in my space and everything. What is wrong with people??? Gross.

We did have fun overall... I don't mean to sound like a drag. I really like going to the casino. As long as you don't expect to come out with hands full of loot you can really have a good time.

Ok, I am done... Have I bored you enough? I just had to vent. People can be so freaking rude. So what pet peeves do you have about people? Anyone??

New pics of Me

Bandwagon - here I come - jump on with me!

Alright - it's Half Nekkid Thursday...
I will start out sloooooow.
My eyeball is what you get!
Click on the link to the right to get the rules for HNT!

Dang it, I've been tagged

Alright already! Here we go now...

10 years ago – September 1995, 18 years old, one year out of highschool and I was living with my boyfriend Dusty in an apartment in north Tulsa. This was the month we broke up and I moved to Oklahoma City. It was a time of extreme change for a girl who HATES and FEARS change. My heart was broken.

5 years ago – September of 2000, Working in education with a whole lot of self-important people. I was also working on my college degree. My husband and I were trying to get pregnant... again.

1 year ago – September 2004, Working at the hardest job of my life - - motherhood. I was a stay at home mom to 4 daughters and I was celebrating the start of school! September was the last full month that I had with my Mom before she died in October. Momma and I were planning our fall flowers to plant and already talking about Sara and Jin's birthday parties in October and making plans for Thanksgiving. God, I miss her.

Yesterday – September 1, Had a terrible day. Slept in - woke up still exhausted, had a feeling that things were not going to be kosher with the kids. Got one of those calls that you LOOOOOVE to get from your kids principle - and she told me that Amber skipped 3rd hour. The rest of the day was spent dealing with my crazy daughter. We also had Amber and Rikki's open house at school. I was so proud of my Rikki Joy Lynn.

5 snacks I enjoy – Cheddar Chese and triscuits, Braunsweiger and club crackers, ice cream, green apples, fresh baby carrots and broccoli and veggie dip. As an aside, can I just say that sweet Iced Tea should be a food group? Thanks...

5 songs I know all the words to – I am a singer, I know the words to thousands of songs. These are the songs that either my kids make me listen to constantly, or I have heard recently and gotten stuck in my head; Kiss (Prince), Bicycle (Queen), Father Figure (George Michael), Take a look at me now (Phil Collins), the B.C. Clarks Jewelry theme song. Am I stuck in the 80's right now or WHAT?

5 things I would do with $100 million dollars – Start a charity for foster parents and foster children. Buy a 5 bedroom house- pay cash. Repay my parents and in-laws for years of loans, pay off their homes and cars as well. Pay off all of my bills! Set up a trust for my children and my neices and nefews as well as my cousins young children. Invest the rest for my golden years. Is htat more than 5? well, deal with it!

5 Places I would run away to – Greece, Scotland, New Zealand, Bora Bora, DISNEY WORLD! LOL

5 things I would never wear – Camoflauge (HAVE WE NOT DISCUSSED THIS?!), tube tops, hot pants, stirrup pants, bikini - that's more for the general public rather than myself. LOL

5 Favorite TV Shows – 24 baby! I am counting the second till I get my Jack back, CSI, Will and Grace - I am a closet fan, Young and the Restless, Bold and the Beautiful.

5 Biggest Joys – Waking my baby in the morning. She is the happiest morning person! Buying a new outfit at Lane Bryant. Sleeping under a heavy down comforter in a dark, cold room. Seeing my girls do the things that we have taught them to do. Seeing my family (brothers, their families, etc.) live in the heritage that my parents created for us.

5 favorite toys – ummm, it's green..., My computer, my cell phone, my dvd player... do boy toys count? lolol

Am I done now? Now it's YOUR TURN!

ARMAND ASANTE IS A BIG OLD JERK... AND I MEAN OLD.

OK, so tonight Monty and I are walking through Penn Square Mall when this man walks by us that I know I have seen before. Monty and i look at each other and we both say "OMG, that was Armand Asante" My cell rang and it was my step-brother, Brandon. I proceed to tell him that I just about got ran over by a hasty Armand Asante when I look to my left and Mr. Armand the great is walking beside me (as I am telling Brando that I just saw him... how embarassing), Monty - ever the outgoing and cordial southern gentleman, proceeds to ask him "excuse me sir, but are you Armand Asante?"

He barely looks at Monty, says YES (angrily, AS IF MONTY WAS A STALKER) and does a complete 180 in the other direction. I remember when my best friend Tami and I were at Disneyworld this spring, we ran into Diane Lane, Josh Brolin (hubba, hubba) and their family. She smiled and was pleasant. Mr. Mambo King on the other hand - well, lets just say he must not have taken his Xanax today.

Ok... so here is where Joy bitches...

MR. ASANTE - You are shooting a low budget vampire flick in an Oklahoma mall. You have no "people" surrounding you - no big body guard named Guido - NADA. You are no Al Pacino - no Sean Connery. Your last movie was a made for TV movie of The Oddesey, and while although very good - was only on TV. I will give you Mambo Kings. I liked that movie, but quite frankly, you have NO ROOM to be snippy and hateful to potential fans. It's people like us who make you mildly popular, but its "stars" like you that will never be as big as Brando, Pacino, Connery, etc.

Get off your stupid Trojan horse and swallow your pride. We know you were lost in the mall - had you been nice we could have told you where to go - - other than hell. Oh, and by the way - have a nice day.

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!

The rantings of a desperate housewife

I swear, sometimes I feel like we are walking around in a Wizard of Oz world being run by some old coot behind the curtain. You can make plans, you can have back-up plans for the plans - and they can all backfire with one person telling you "oh no - you must bring me the broomstick of the wicked witch of the west for your plan to ever get done. You know what I say? I say - PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN.

Dang - - no more Wizard of Oz for me

Jennie Rikkola-Prince - -The Coolest Chickadee in the World

This weekend I got to see someone whom I was very close to in High school - Jennie Rikkola-Prince. She is the girl who taught me the right way to drink Tequila, the girl who loved to jam to November Rain with me, the girl who dated twins one summer with me. We drove around in her little S-10 named "Huey" all summer, singing "I Wanna Sex You Up", danced around at Color Me Badd concerts and thought we were the baddest chicks in town. We sang in a show called Follies together in Tulsa on summer. Her friends were my friends - and we were the BEST of friends. Her Mom was like another Mom to me, and her house felt like home.

Eleven years have passed, and we have kept semi-sorta in touch by the miracle of e-mail. She's gotten married (to Mark, her "prince") and had two of the most exquisite daughters I have ever seen (Taylor and Chloie). And she just had the most handsome little devil (Gavin) and still looks dynamite in a swimsuit (biotch!) Me, as you well know, am married (9 years in 22 days) and had 4 daughters - (equally exquisite, LOL) We are grown-ups. We are wives - -WE are PARENTS!

SHE IS STILL THE COOLEST CHICK I KNOW. She is freckled as ever and every freckle is sexy as hell. That's what makes her cool.

She has bright red hair that looks like she was born with it. Thats what makes her cool.

She can be so laid back and non-chalent. That is what makes her cool.

She has such fashion sense and savvy that you can't help but stare. Thats what makes her cool!

It's her self-confidence that make her the coolest though. People want to be around Jen and she is the most fun no matter is you are at the "cassina" staring at a slot machine or sitting in her parents living room talking. (BTW, it still feels like home when you walk in the door. AND her Dad is the coolest ever as well - I think her parents rubbed off all their coolness on her). I spent a day and a half with her and I wish she would move back to Owasso from North Carolina so that I could be close to her again. It was instantly like she never left, like I had seen her every day - not 9 whole years ago.

Being her friend makes me cool. She has no idea the impact that she made on me. Our friendship defined a huge part of my teenage years. She has no clue how much I miss her in my life.

It's great how God puts people in our lives when we need them most, and teaches you something about yourself every time.SO, here's to Jennie - undoubtedly the coolest chickadee I know. May we be friends forever....CHEERS... and

Amen

Random thought

The Food Network is the pornography channel to short order cooks across the country. And seafood dishes are the full-frontals.

From Lightening Bugs Butt Blog

I'M MEEEEELLLLLTING.... MEEEEELTING.....MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLTING!

OMG the oppresive heat is KILLING me AND all of my precious flowers outside! I go out to water them and I suddenly feel like the Wicked Witch of the West. You know, when Dorothy just threw that mucky bucket of water (conviently placed if you ask me) all over me. Then the heat makes me sick - hence the nice wicked witch green tint all over my face, then I go inside and yell at my children over any little thing because I am so hot and bothered (not in a good way).
Wow... I guess I am the Wicked Witch of the West. LORD, help me!

Gimme The Mike! Oklahoma

What a week! I taped my episode of Gimme the Mike Oklahoma on Monday. Talk about feeling like a rock star! The hair and makeup people would come running every time I looked "shiny" or my hair looked out of place. There was a Braums food table set up by Craft Services, and everything was being catered to us, the four contestants vying for the title of show winner to be able to go to finals. I felt like one of those stars that must get catered to... "I only wanted RED M&M'S! How DARE you - - Now I cannot perform tonight!" LOL. No, I actually stayed very quiet and reserved and just concentrated on giving the best performance possible. I know, it's hard to believe but it's true...

After all of the hours of the show taping, I was standing there as they were tallying each person's score and I thought to myself "At the end of the day - win or lose - I really had the most fun out here doing this.

Too bad that you are just going to have to watch the show to see if I won... 0:)

My outfit was so very cool! I was singing a country song - Independance Day, by Martina McBride, so I could'nt just walk out there in a dress. I bought new jeans and used a jean jacket that I had for a year. Here is the cool part... I went to bed one night just thinking and thinking about HOW to dress this oufit up for TV. The next day I was driving down the road and my cousin Jennie popped into my head. She is an artist - a fantastic artist that paints on pretty much anything, boots, jeans, jackets - as well as the canvas. I asked her to paint something on my outfit and she came up with the most awesome thing. She painted a HUGE treble clef on tbe back of my jacket in Gold (she know me well) and down the right pant leg some music notes dropping to the ankle.
She went to bed that night and had a dream. She said as she was working on my coat, my Mom walked up to her, looking healthy as ever and said "Jennie, this is great. Please tell Joy not to worry, I am her guardian angel and I have been watching over her. I am going to make sure she wins." Jennie woke up and said out loud "wings!" The next morning she painted angel wings on either side of the treble clef and replaced the flag on the music note with an angel wing. She also put a small treble clef with the angel wings on the front pocket of the coat. Everyone went crazy over it. Jennie did a wonderful job, but it was also my Mom working in my life once again, because.................wait - I cannot tell you - you have to watch the show! Let me just put it this way for you - - it's really goooooood - and Momma was right.

KWTV Channel 9, Monday, July 18th at 7pm.
http://www.newsok.com/gimmethemike/

Great Day in my Life

Today a wonderful thing happened. I was told that we will get to adopt our daughters! Two years ago this week was when all of this started. They told us it would take 6 months at that time. We actually believed them. LOL. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
Everything seems brighter today - food tastes better, the sunset seemed more spectacular, I look at my husband and love him all the more, I look at my children and know that I will never have to worry about them being taken away, abused and neglected ever again. I have a feeling that I will sleep better tonight than I have in quite some time. The 2 year old awful feeling in the pit of my stomach is completly gone.
God is good AAAAALLLLLLL the time, and HIS timing is perfect. Thank you God for teaching me that, even if it was the hard way.
Life is really good. So much for the crappy depression of last week!

me 

Where does the time go?

Wow, it's June already. The days are steadily getting hotter and my fuse gets shorter as the temp rises. I extremely dislike the heat. I need a vacation. I would love to be up in the Colorado Rockies right now. I love Estes Park, Co. in the summer. It is so cool that you need a jacket and it smells so clean when you get that high up in the mountains. Makes you want to yodel... ;)

My oldest two daughters are at church camp [insert the hallelujah chorus here] and we have had a relativly quiet week. It is amazing how getting the two teenage girls out of the house will completly change the dynamic of the house. Sara is sleeping in Rik and Ambers room (which will totally tick them off - muuhahahahahha) and it is so much more QUIET in this house. But we sure do miss them. I cannot wait to pick them up tomorrow! I am sure I will hear the unfolding drama of the week. Who likes who - who's "going" with who, etc. What does that mean anyway? Where are they going? NOWHERE. I "went" with quite a few boys whe I was their age - Bodie, Brian, Larry, Russ, Larry (again) and it was not until I was a sophomore that I actually went anywhere with a boy. Actually, That second time around with Larry, he had his Mom's car and we would go to Lake Overholser. oooooooohhhhhhh.
Whoa - I was out on another rant just now. Talk me down, man - TALK ME DOWN!

My husband is driving me crazy. He keeps interupting me! This is me "writing and being hateful" Eddie!
Only he will get that.

I miss Tulsa. I miss the metropolitan feel of it. People are just different there. Can life be so different only 100 miles away from here? I miss my Mom. She's been gone 9 months now, and I still feel as if I can just call her up.
I miss singing every Sunday in the band - I never should have taken a month off. Now I cannot get back in. I've been black-balled. It's just as well, I think I am too controversial for them anyway. Geez, it's not like I am Kelly freaking Osborne. Why, I ask you, do people think that every time the church doors are open you HAVE to be there?

I am going through all of this change and I HATE CHANGE. My husband and I have been in a constant state of transition for almost 2 years now...

I guess I am depressed.

Pondering the Blogging Phenomenon

So I thought that I would look at other blogs that were not in my little circle of friends tonight. I had fun peering into other people's lives - even other people's subconscious. It is amazing what a person will write down for the world to see. I read about some guy in New York City that thinks his doorknob to his bedroom is haunted. How fun is that? Who needs prime time TV? It was like finding someone's diary and reading it, even though you know what a no-no it is to do that. It really got me thinking... (I know, hold on to your hats)

I mean, if you really want to be realistic, blogging is a lot like voyeurism or even exhibitionism. The only difference is that you don't feel like you need a slap on the wrist after doing so. ;)
By writing in this blog, I am extending to you a peek into my little world. Putting it out there on exhibition. And you read it...

However, you choose to be anonomous. You never comment on my blogs... how very voyeuristic of you all.

You sickos...


LOL :P

I might need a second mortgage to pay for gasoline

I just got gas for $1.97 at 7-11 and I am SO giddy that I can't hardly believe it. HOW SAD IS THAT? I think I may send Monty up htere to fill his car as well. Does anyone remember when we paid .87 for gas?

The great state of Tulsa

I shudder to think of what they are teaching my teenagers in school nowadays, especially in Geography. I came across a ticket stub that my Dad had from when I as in the Miss Muskogee pageant. My oh so precious and very blonde daughter Amber then asked me if Muskogee is a state. Earlier this year she asked if Tulsa was a state. This disturbs me...we visit "the great state of Tulsa" every 6-8 weeks! Back to Muskogee though. Her dear, sweet mother, ever the sarcastic one, said "well, geez Amber, what do you think?" She said that she did, in fact, think that it was a state at which point I asked her where Muskogee was. She said it was by Kansas. Oooh muh Gawd.I let her think she was right for a few minutes before I told her the harsh reality of her little world. I had to do something before she aspired to run for Governor of the state of Muskogee when she grew up.
What are they saying to these kids at school? Are they teaching them the states? Hello? Is her geography teacher too busy filing her nails? My child is in 6th grade and has no clue about most of the states.
Now I normally HATE it when my parents pull that "when I was young" bit, but here goes...

We had to learn SONGS about the states. We had to learn their capitols. We had to write them all down in test format. We learned jokes about them, we used acronyms, etc. Our teachers may not have been able to get us to memorize the countries of the world, but at the very least, we knew the states of the country we LIVED in. Geez oh Pete.

As an aside, I remember a joke that was something like "What did Delaware to Virginia's party? New Jersey."

"Blogging Virgin"

Wow. So this is what it feels like to "blog." Well, it does not hurt as bad as when I lost another kind of virginity...

OK, so several of my friends have asked me to start a blog. Here you go, my dear, pushy friends. You are not allowed to criticize my terrible grammar, spelling and poor typing skills. I will remind you that most of the time I am only working on a few hours of precious sleep and am only a few lost hours from a breakdown! That, and I will take this opportunity to admit that I cheated in typing in High school. I am sure that Carla Cross, the girl that did my typing in class for me is an excellent typist, I however received nothing from Intro. to typing.

Today I heard from a very dear, long lost friend - Tracy. It was her blog site that I read and liked well enough to start one on. I was reminded how awesome she was and how she totally affected my life when we were kids. She is such a refreshing and funny person. I have missed her. God is so cool. He always knows when you need someone back in your life. She has girls too. Praise God - someone who may understand my pink infused, Barbie riddled, princess, fairy & Disney soaked existence!!!

Jin, our resident two year old terrorist, came into my room tonight as I was watching 24 and proceeded to "fart" and laugh and say "got you" and run out. Clearly she is spending too much time with her Daddy. We must stop the evil. Oooohhhhh I love the 2's.

Can I also just announce that Crystal, the bad influence in my life has gotten my stuck on another TV show. This TV junkie got me hooked on American Idol, and no my heart is set on "24." Keifer Sutherland (hubba, hubba) is awesome in this show! I am renting all the DVD's from Hollywood Video until I catch up to this season. You guys HAVE to watch it if you don't already. Don't worry though, I do not turn the TV on for any other show ... yet.

Well, here you go. My first ever blog. I am no longer a blogging virgin. And the nice thing is I don't have to worry about whether or not you'll call me tomorrow...