The Profundity of Motherhood II

1. Suffer not the pouter. Require the pouty face to be washed-off, yea, even with pure water, and the pouter removed to their room until such time as a cheerful countenance may emerge.

2. Tolerate not the clinger, the noodle-spine, the child that clasps fiercely to thy person. Such will be grossly impaired in maturity and self-confidence. Beware lest ye feel to emotionally say, 'Behold how my child doth need me!' for verily, this is a great lie. Be ye therefore not deceived. Rather, defend thy child's right to maturity by quitting them the behavior forthwith. Speak unemotionally. Direct them to a new activity, yea, with firmness and a pleasant expression.

3. Baby-talk not. Implore not. Explain not excessively anything. Simply do ye. Know ye not that a 3 year old is not biologically capable of rational thought?

4. Apologize freely to thy children if ye do error in judgement, or if ye mistake in displaying sinful anger against them. Beware pride, lest ye destroy trust.

5. Resolve early to deny children all requests for drinks of water and potty visits during Church. Ply them not with abundant foodstuffs, making worship a picnic. Take ye crawling babies not out to the foyer, lest all the children see that worship time is frolic time. Be ye assured that little children can learn to sit quietly; ask ye rather, 'Do I have resolve?'

6. Praise the helper, the obedient, the creative, the patient, the careful, the thoughtful, the cheerful, the story-teller, the funny-bone, of such is the Kingdom of Joy.

7. Tolerate not one whit the unworthy interrupter, the back-talker, the mom-hitter; verily, of such later is an exceedingly sullen, ungrateful teen with a driver's license.

8. Be ye not intimidated to quiet the chatterer, as it is not healthy for such to prattle thoughtlessly. Teach ye instead the intrinsic value of communication, what it is - and what it is not.

9. If ye be awake with the baby who seemeth uncomforted, think not ~ 'I suffer!' Rather, proclaim lustily to thyself, 'I be up and doing!' thereby devoting thyself to the baby until such a time as it sleepeth at last. Wherefore ye are then happily surprised, and rewarded with returning to thy repose.

10. Study ye development charts for age appropriate behaviors, lest ye be traumatized by giving too many choices to young children assuming this is progressive. Yea, ye do mistake. Offer ye only 2 options, yea, ye shall indeed encourage self-confidence.

11. Resist the flattering, seductive whisper of yon video and computer games. Indeed, ye shall ignore labels on such that hollowly claim "educational". For behold, it ever has been since the world was, that nothing replaceth pencil or scissors in hand; yea, there is naught from a video game which may be displayed on the fridge or mailed to Grandma.

12. Choose ye instead crosswords, word-searches, mazes, follow the dot activities and picture

stories from free internet downloads. Be not afrighted of markers, paints, glue, beads, mosaics with seeds, macaroni necklaces, clay and all manner of creative medium. Thankfully, even very little children do quickly master rules and guides for use of the same. Likewise, they do also learn to respect the common crayola, taking care to break it not. (Avoid ye the incompetent glue stick; for it doth not deliver, yea, it hath not any lasting stick. Revile also against the dollar store tray of cake watercolors - for they do mock the young artist, being made in China, and are utterly incapable of transmitting color).

Prepare ye a place of order wherein the children may have access to common drawing utensils and papers of every description. And it shall come to pass; thy reward will be great, yea, even nigh unto rejoicing with the Angels because thy children do entertain themselves with great industry, small-muscle coordination, originality and cognitive skill! Yea, they do blossom.

13. Think not that discipline stifles the child, nay, it frees the spirit to understand proper limits. Be bold and consistent, yet mild in voice. Bow not to demands, but teach ye respect for you and the sacred family rules. Consider ye this quest equal to thy desire to keep them physically safe; ye would not allow a ride without yon car seat! Neither shall ye allow undisciplined character development, yea, which thing is far more dangerous.

14. The Play Pen: Heed not modern mother-speak about the criminality of said device, they know not what they do. Be not adverse to the Holy Play Pen, for behold, in truth it is thy Salvation and thy Rock ~ wherein a child temporarily is safe and happy while with toxic chemicals thou scrubbest the bathroom, or while thou weed the garden or labour over hot stove. Behold, see also how thou mayest go potty without an audience! Sayeth I more ~ ?

15. Always assume the child is Capable. Trust ye that children are Smart. Verily, verily, I say unto you: exceedingly more damage is done when ability is decided for the child, rather than offering him the opportunity to let his Light So Shine. Coddle not, nor shall ye play the constant protector; lest unwisely ye stifle and kill the genius within.

16. Remember, O Remember, mother's role is to nurture the emergence of a functioning, creative adult. Wherefore, ye have no need for the perpetual child. Alas ~ of such we have enough, and Wo unto us! Wo unto society for the misguided mother who mistaketh childish dependence as proof of love for her; she doth cheat herself and her child of the productive future they deserve.

Serve the young child as ye ought, but piously refrain from creating the "velcro" child. For the same is not cute nor shy clutching behind thy skirts, avoiding normal social behaviors and demanding constant contact with thy person. Behold, the child is thwarted, and ought to be firmly encouraged to accept a calm separation from thee. Ye need not linger, for ye do not sooth the child by doing so, rather, ye do expertly confirm that separation from you is greatly lamentable. Ye do cultivate fear and insecurity by your much soothing. Neither shall ye sneak thyself away, lest ye teach the child betrayal. Rather, say ye lovingly, "I go now, but I will return." If the child cry - this is no calamity. No child ever died from crying. Go ye in peace.

The Profundity of Motherhood ~ I

PART ONE

1. Beware the uncanny penetration through a hard-soled shoe of yonder hedge-hog cactus spine by thy neighbor's door, yea, it shall utterly destroy a little boy's Halloween jubilee, yea, even in that very moment he beginneth his happy quest as Superman for sweet rewards. (Sorry, James)

2. See ye with relief that no smaller sibling shall choke to death in a house wherein resides 2 City of Phoenix Life Guards. (Gracias Bi & James)

3. No simultaneous act of grooming or personal hygiene is impossible in a house with 7 people and 1 bathroom ~ unless the door be locked.

4. Rush not head-long to the school defending thy first-born from the wicked accusation she hath be-deviled her classmates with the "Bloody Mary" game. For as soon as thy defense is mounted, yea, thy voice is high-pitched and the honor of thy darling upheld, the teacher doth wordlessly direct thee to thy child's desk, wherein is found the "Bloody Mary" hand-written notes of terror. (sorry, Mrs. Leon)

5. Watch ye diligently that thy littlest daughter give not the pet baby dove to her elder brother for safe-keeping; for behold, he doth sleep much all the day long, yea, even as the dead doth he sleep. For behold, when thy little daughter returneth, she inquireth of him sweetly, "Brother, where is the baby dove I lent thee?" And his countenance doth alter from one of stupor, yea, even quickly it changeth to one of fear and trembling...wherein ye shall find the baby dove flattened beneath his body upon the bed. (oops, Leiland)

6. Harden not your heart to the child who on winding road trips seeketh fresh air. Yea, instead ye shall be solicitous, and shall halt immediately and usher him away from the vehicle perchance your journey be salvaged. Learn ye also to always pack gallon zip-lock bags, and festoon the back seat with a picnic blanket for every excursion. O, be wise.

7. Think not that the household must hover in abject silence if the baby doth sleep. Nay, but be ye about much noise and activity lest ye create a child that cannot abide the rhythm of life. Electric guitar, yea even strains of Ozzy Osbourne shall indeed be as a lullaby to children of well-rounded experience.

8. Never punish the child who is exhausted. For behold, experience showeth thee that yon tantrum is righteously a cry for the sweet release of slumber. See that ye oblige.

9. Fret not whether sugar or chocolate or occasional soda drinks do poison the child; all in moderation is ordained for thy good. Do provide wholesome meals, and submit not to the picky-eater, for of such is the Kingdom of Complaint.

10. Fear not the screamer, nor the wailer, nor the eruption of screeching accompanied by much flailing of limbs and flying saliva. One possessed requireth an audience, and will cease when ye refrain from homage. Subject the same to frequent stroller walks or other physical activities which do render the beast sufficiently quieted and fatigued.

11. Read ye liberally from classic books - not with labour and weariness, but with joy and passion. Assail the ear often with melodious language and prose, lest thy children become doltish and lack artistic vision or their tongues be confounded. Fine ye the offender of careless grammar, like, whatever.

12. Shy not from what is vile, odiferant, grotesquely liquified or otherwise objectionable. Whatever the ailment, 'tis but for a small moment. Endure it well, for 'twil surely happen again and in quick succession, yea, even until all within the house are afflicted. Yet the destroyer shall not prevail; ye shall survive.

13. Step ye not into the fray as thy child's referee should conflict arise betwixt playmates, but refrain as long as possible, perchance resolution occurs naturally. But wholly refrain from confronting the mother of thy adolescent or teen daughter's princess-associate; this is a different ball game - go ye not there. Rather, wait. Give thine own daughter somber counsel. And wait ye more. All will be aright.

14. Sing and dance oft. Laugh generously at original snowman and knock-knock jokes. When coinage is scarce and family fun appeareth frustrated, turn off the lights and behold, lay ye on the bed with a flashlight, and begin a spaceship story ye pass from one to to the next, yea, even so that all do add unto it.

15. When accomplishing Saturday family chores, play ye rousing music to rally the troops. Offer sufficient incentive, saying, 'yonder cool reward await thee if all be finished forthwith'; leap into the action thyself, lest the momentum be sacrificed. Curse ye if the reward be money - O ye of little faith and little imagination! Defile not that which God intended for children to learn as their moral contribution to the family.

16. Haste ye to stop thy 2 boys from tormenting a large wasp with a plastic yellow bat whilst their little sister lay within inches innocently watching without fear. For behold, this is not wisdom. Ye ought to be smarter than they all. (sorry Asia)

A Case for Informed Participation

I am still reeling from an enthusiastic tangent that developed in a church class today. In an effort to demonstrate how individuals “protect their happiness”, the majority position clearly was to avoid watching or reading the news. Period. And cheerfully so. While I can appreciate this might be a worthwhile tactic for a traumatized person to pursue temporarily, this kind of separatism is not helpful toward our goal as Latter-day Saints.

We have a spiritual duty to our fellow citizens to be informed, participating Christians who are intelligently aware of the issues of the day and do our part to contribute solutions wherever possible. To follow a course of avoidance to the realities in which we live is a misguided self-indulgence.

None of those expressing personal comfort in avoiding unpleasant news would withhold their charity or service; I know them to be quick and generous respondents when help is needed. But the attitude of waiting for someone else to alert them to the need, is what stunned me!

We of all people should be expert at identifying our place in the world and presenting our religion as a valid extension of who we are. Our good influence cannot expand to others if we are unconscious to their plight. Nor can we truly foster gratitude if we have no comparison to the contrary. Finally, we fail to protect our families if we cannot identify the ever evolving and subtle face of danger.

Our church leaders have repeatedly and powerfully challenged us to 'come out of obscurity' and step to the forefront of community service. We do not limit our concern to local needs, but are deeply devoted to world-relief. The far-reaching success and efficiency of the LDS humanitarian efforts (accomplished without one penny of government money) are unparalleled. The missionary programs (proselytizing and health missions) serve millions of communities across the globe. Our anti-malaria, family hygiene education and fresh water projects in desperate places partly inspired my daughter Robin to go to Mozambique and volunteer in AIDS orphanages. More specifically her desire to wholly invest herself came from a keen attention to the news of the day. She is a journalist. Awareness of the need is imperative in attempting to heal it.

Current events are superb teaching tools for parents to teach children action in gospel principles. When I was teaching Seminary, the students brought in news clippings all semester to add to our "Signs of the Times" board and class discussion. Their world literally mushroomed beyond pop fashions and school romance as they explored first-hand how prophecy and scripture spoke to them personally in 1993. Some of the prayers they uttered for people they did not know suffering elsewhere were humbling. Their resolve to stand up for their beliefs gained confidence as their ability to recognize challenges for what they were increased. The scriptures stopped being fancy words old guys wrote a long time ago.

Many of our family prayers at night have been in response to something presented in a news cast. I remember when the Russian submarine sank and her crew was in peril. Asia was only a little girl, but she prayed faithfully for their rescue every day. When the tragedy finally concluded in the worst possible outcome, she cried with a broken heart. Then she did something that makes me so grateful I could witness little miracles; she wrote the Russian people a letter. It was beautifully written. She told them she was hoping for their comfort in this time of great sadness. She carefully drew little flowers on the borders with colored pencils. We sent it in care of a newspaper which had featured the emotional saga.

I have never heard a General Conference address recommend our withdrawal from society so we could feel 'safe' or 'happy'. Rather, thanks to trail-blazing of media expert President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Church is seriously committed to the best of what modern media offers in an effort to communicate with the world as never before. The Gospel teaches us that peace is achieved through righteous living and doing. Living is not avoidance. "We live in a harsh world, and we need to be aware of what is happening around us and how it may affect us. Knowing about these issues and problems is the first step in preventing, mitigating, and finding solutions." - Phil for Humanity, a guide for improving the world, society and yourself

While we speak of home and hearth and preserving our families in the midst of a world in turmoil, there is much that disquiets, much that infringes upon our peace. Yet we know faith conquers fear. We unwittingly deny ourselves and our families profound benefits of applicable knowledge and inspiration how to more effectively interact with our world if we bury our heads in the sand and invite someone else to act the part - our part. It is not reasonable to dismiss the world by saying it is 'depressing' or 'scary'. We do not present ourselves nor our credo well if we are unversed on the issues of the day. We ought to be "up and doing" instead, strengthening our ability to accomplish good by joining with our neighbors, stepping forward confidently into this most awesome of times.

Epiphany

There are welcome surprises in life. The grandly unexpected, in which normal time stops because the surprise is so basic and wonderful, and that which is hugely inconvenient to most, but might actually be appreciated by a few.

There are things that naturally evoke an instant recognition of what is truly worthwhile.

Waiting patiently for our turn, or using our time creatively while waiting ~ is not surprisingly what makes us human.

For the simple sake of fun, we can go to extremes to achieve it.

It may also require some explanation... and is often more fun in company of the like-minded.

Being alone has its advantages. There is power in the quiet opportunity for mental reflection, or preparation.

There are few surprises in being the same. We do not thrive in sameness, it is not a natural state of being; sadly, we are usually compelled into it by forces which desire us to be less than human.

There is no growth in the debilitating labor of repetition, but only in being allowed the freedom to blossom.

There is much of serenity in traditional relationships, and predictable corruption in conflict.

But passion is also part of the human experience.

We struggle with the morbid attraction of viewing suffering and the agony of being helpless to relieve it.

We are very small next to the natural backdrop, and we are too easily dissatisfied with what is natural and eternally beautiful.

We place an inordinate value on the amusement of pop culture and its meaninglessness, or the comfort (and the luxury) of its silliness.

Thankfully, we still admire the kind gesture, a helpful friend, a little unexpected formality, a safe place.

So much of life is needlessly like waiting in the wings; waiting for something better, for something to change, for something to happen...

The biggest surprise of all is that we are still learning who we are and what we are actually capable of.

And this was quite unexpected.

Puzzle Struggle

Some things just cause a gut-reaction. This is so wrong.

As if that isn't bad enough, some people enjoy pressure so much they think something like this is a good idea.Conversely, there are some things which are definitely a "must have" (still in original wrapping).

Bob, here, has figured out how to double his fun.


The 8000 piece puzzle can attractively substitute for flooring.

The 24,000 piecer is obviously suitable for home construction.

Who wouldn't want to accessorize your furnishings a la jigsaw?

School teachers probably buy these.

And these.
This is a creeper puzzle:


When a hobby becomes an obsession:

When a hobby is drug-induced:
When your hobby supersedes your persona:

Finally, the ultimate.

As the youngest in a family mostly married and gone, 14 year old Rachel finds herself sans puzzling assistance most of the time. James was our champion puzzler. His patience and focus was beautiful. He motivated the rest of us to join in. Now Rachel lives in a house with people who fail her communal puzzling ambitions more often than not. She embarked on a solo project that required super-natural tolerance, grit and ironwoman-like determination. It survived multiple catastrophic injuries when we forgot it was on the floor. It survived Baby Jack assuming puzzle pieces are edible, and kickable. It survived a number of hurried transports a top a wobbly board to temporary locations in the house. It was an epic struggle for artistic survival, and triumph.

True, various family members did contribute from time to time ~ but the bulk of the labor was all Rachel. It had become personal.

Froggie understood this, and welcomed the association.

Our amphibian/reptilian puzzling princess.

Bat Jack

Walking benignly among us ~ the common ones, is he who is Prince of Batness. Gifted, physically coordinated, articulate and dedicated to an emerging 6th sense reserved only for those who know the mysterious call of Greatness. Observing the refining process is our pleasure, and privilege.

Even the Dark Knight has an inner-child . . .And an itchy ear.

He has a love of picture books.

A fondness for hide-n-seek in the laundry room.Every Super Hero struggles with an inner-rage; it is what compels him to heights of daring and extreme limits of physical performance. A picture of stealth and cunning, the be-stockinged Dark Knightlet calculates his next heroic move.While the trials and foibles of the apprentice Super Hero are exhausting, rewards are very sweet indeed.

In fact, the Bat Jack easily elicits shock and astonishment from those who witness his amazing feats first hand.

Others, knowingly recognize a little of themselves bundled in new, smaller packaging. They envy the cape. Wisely, they speak their longing to no one.

Giggling like little girls, playing photo-booth is always a refreshing break from the pressure of extended family gatherings, even if the Batling is present and willing to perform.

Beautiful boys have beautiful mothers. They carefully follow the exploits of super-offspring. They worry. They encourage. They inspire with a soft, musical voice. They clean-up. They scold ever so gently only when Bat Powers are at their lowest ebb . . .

Bat Dads have strong arms always open to a little batling in need of comfort.

It is not weakness on the part of the young Knight, but a temporary release of energy his delightful metamorphosis requires.

The future of a hapless city anxiously awaits . . .

* The Inner-child Dark Knight, The Batling, Bat Jack
aka Jackson Gabriel Tanner age 27 mo.  Bat years = 6 weeks, 2 days

Promoting a Passion

I am the Skit Master. Music and dramatic performance speak to my soul.

I fell in love with a musician, poet and 2 time Phoenix Little Theatre actor. I didn't know all this when I generously cast him in a Stake Young Adult skit. I tried to encourage him to play his bit part with enthusiasm. He seemed a very quiet and "shy" returned missionary. I thought I was helping him by including him in my important presentation. He was supposed to interrupt the other actors by piously quoting scripture several times. On cue, he leaped to his feet and then ranted like an electrified Southern preacher ~ threatening the unrepentant with brimstone and a wild eye. We all cowered and laughed until we cried. I decided I seriously needed to get to know him better.

Growing up in the Church Glory-days of real pick-up truck competitive Road Shows, Quartet, Speech and Dance Festivals ~ we were trained “on the job” by some of the best and I loved every minute of it.

Our weekly M.I.A. opening exercises (and ALL our youth firesides) regularly featured a dramatic recitation or musical performance by our peers. We learned how to soft-shoe from Sister LeSueur who once owned a dance studio. Other choreography moves came from a Sister who had enjoyed a long career on Broadway. We learned how to sing in four-part harmony by women who used to perform on the radio, Andrews Sisters style. Talented seamstresses transformed us in crisp taffetas or ruffled calicoes. Our introduction to classic literature and arts themes was considered every bit as ‘gospel’ as the Holy Writ itself.

It was extremely rare when we witnessed a fellow teen deliver a talk in Church with their nose in a paper that they read from – badly. To avoid eye-contact, mumble, utter “uh” or begin a talk with the forbidden, “My talk is about...” was to risk a Divine lightning strike.

Disciplined public speaking skills were also reinforced at school; oral book reports qualified as an art form. More kids than not were studying an instrument, ballet or sang in chorus, and the arts were considered an essential part of proper development. There was a very high standard in how we presented ourselves and wonderful opportunities at every turn to expand our self-expression in the traditions (and budgets) of those former days.

Our children have not grown up in the same world. If I hoped for a stage opportunity for them at all, I had to be the one promoting it.

So ~

I began collecting props and costumes. I frequented the public library for monologues and simple scripts to modify. I coached not just my kids, but other children at church and at school how to speak, to move, to sing and experience the Joy of performance. I gave them excerpts from famous speeches; Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Lincoln, King Arthur, Jefferson, JFK and Chief Joseph. The magical poetry of Silverstein, Langston Hughes, Christina Rossetti, Robert Frost, Ogden Nash, Longfellow and Robert Louis Stevenson were assigned as solo, duet, trio or quartet performances. All of it was what I called, “beautiful language”.

The children came to stand under the lights with varying abilities and strengths, fears and preconceived notions about who they were as themselves, and who they were in front of other people. Three even came with absolutely no English language experience. I gave them an excerpt from The Gettysburg Address. They were ¡fantástico!

The kids wore hats, cat’s eye glasses, bow-ties, roman togas, African wraps, knickers, cravats, vests, a paper maché saguaro and a pinned-in bridesmaid dress. They were awesome. I was surprised and thrilled when the following school year several of these students ran up to me and sang out their former lines, word perfect and at 100 decibels just for my benefit.

Always “in the wings”, my own children were my not so secret weapon. Highly convenient and talented, I employed them to spearhead an act, say something in an accent, sing like an opera star going painfully sharp only on the high note (that’s control!) or deliver the black-out punch-line ~ and they did. (L - R = Asia, Leiland, James, Robin ~ comedy Christmas recitation, & me adjusting the mike.)Their natural sense of timing and stage confidence prompted other kids to be more flamboyant. Ready for anything Amazing Joey McKellar added to the Tanner ensemble made for a winning team. ("Rocky Top" bluegrass tune with my new lyrics honoring our Camelback Ward: L-R = Leiland, Asia, Rachel Blakey & the Amazing Joey. I'm behind one of the 5 guitarists on stage with my mouth wide open. That's Larry Johnson on harmonica and Betty Jo behind him.) (3 of the 4 are really feeling it...)

Although, I doubt if anything could ever top 11 year old Asia playing Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” on the recorder, through her nose at the GW Ward Talent night. Bishop Dudley Barnum almost had a coronary.

There were some truly great times: David in full Phantom of the Opera garb singing “Music of the Night”, or hosting a ward Karaoke night in Las Vegas lounge-lizard tuxedo cummerbund for “Mack the Knife”, “My Way” and “New York, New York”. Then singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in thrilling harmony with his brother at their "Cruise Ship" ward party. When David wheeled in a Karaoke machine and began “working” the crowd – “Hey! How ‘ya doin’? Tell us where you're from? Lookin’ good! (wink) So nice to be here!” the sheer panic on the face of a sister who loudly blurted, “Isn’t this what they do in BARS?!” was absolutely priceless. Sometimes I feel wistful these things are mostly memories now.

Robin moved on to magnify her gifts in student government leadership, choreographing our Stake production of “Women at the Well”, and pursuing a career in Broadcast Journalism. James used a lot of his skills in Scouts; playing trumpet, directing drill teams for formal flag ceremonies and telling dramatic stories for merit badges or campfire programs. Leiland was the only freshman ever accepted into the Camelback High A-Jazz Band on saxophone and competed in a school-wide Rap contest and won. Asia was the only freshman ever accepted into Arcadia High’s ACE choir and is still singing. And Rachel is unstoppable singing to the car radio to what seems like every song on every station.

After all this ~ and for different reasons ~ none of the kids have been on stage yet in high school or college to the extent I sort of thought they might (other than band, choir or dance), and they certainly were capable of. Robin was a dazzling Glinda in a grade school version of The "Wizard of Oz", and in North High's "Mid-Summer Night's Dream". She and Asia both longed to be in a musical, but either the school wasn’t producing the opportunity or there was a serious interference – like surgery. The play James got a part in was canceled the week it was due to premiere. This was after both boys had given me notice they would not be in any more of my projects. I accepted this, believing they would one day heed the call of the stage.

Sometimes my family teases me about my costume/props closet and my thrift store “treasures”. Sometimes my recommendation for costuming or preparation for something they are doing in class is rejected. They are not interested in all the details. They believe my passion for how the presentation could be presented is unnecessary, the audience undeserving and uninterested. They are usually reluctant to stand out from their peers. On a family level, we rarely sing together anymore. (Robin's wedding reception was a wonderful exception; featuring James , Leiland , Asia & their dad as a little family band). I never did anything really remarkable, it was mostly just small-scale...but you hope your children will love something as much as you do.

Then, a few weeks ago ~ newly married, super focused on school and work 23 year old Leiland casually mentioned he and his wife Chelsey were in their Stake’s production of “Joseph and The Technicolored Dream Coat”. Completely shocked, I gasped, “What part do you play?” He answered, “Joseph”. I asked him what the director was like – he said, “Mom, she’s really good. She’s like you on steroids.” Wow. I think that’s a good thing. I mean, I sure hope so.
(that's Chelsey flourishing his coat)

Chelsey & her mother, Kaye