[FL_GirlByProxy]

Hi L.L. ~ I do agree, we are individuals with our own degrees of comfort levels in parenting. That's where I question whether I am this way, somewhere in the middle of where my brother is (somewhat carefree) and where your sister is (cautious and fearful to the extreme). I question why because, although I'm a birthmom, I acted a certain extremely protective way toward my little sister (only one year younger than me) when we were kids. I just felt like it was my job to keep track, and I felt like nobody else was doing it. (My perspective at the time, a child's perspective). So I am conflicted as to whether I am protective because I'm a birthmom, or if it's just the way I am wired, or the way I was brought up, who knows really. What makes it impossible to define the cause for certain is that I don't know how I would be as a parent, as far as protectiveness goes, if I hadn't been a birthmom first. And I often wonder, am I really overprotective, or am I just being responsible? In this day and age, that may be open for debate, unfortunately. AWESOME CONVERSATION, by the way. And, L.L., I really like your parenting style. There is a whole generation of kids out there today, finishing school, and looking for someone to still steer the way for them. Independance is a great gift, IMO. I am going to give this alot more thought, as you have inspired me (again).

I have had a super busy day with Ken, Eric, Kristen and Jim. It's been a fantastic weekend! I am going to go up to bed with my book now. I've been really bad about reasonable bedtime these past few weeks. I must police myself, as Ken falls asleep way to early to know the difference!!! Goodnight Everyone!!! (We need the sleepy-smiley back).

[FL_GirlByProxy]

Hi Sally, we posted at the same time:

Now, I will answer you another way.......I want you to imagine yourself standing before Jesus, unveiling your new tatoo. How do you feel in that moment? Does it feel right....do you feel His pleasure in the symbolism -- or do you feel like you instantly want to cover it up, and hide it?

AWESOME!! Found my answer, thank you so much. I don't feel comfortable in that moment. I will consider other tattoo options. (Ladies, get your creative minds abuzzin').

For my 30th birthday, I had the cartilage in my left ear pierced!!

I did that last year, at age 38, I felt like I was at a mid-life mini-crisis, hormones raging, professional life in limbo, my rebellion!

I would never discourage anyone from doing something that they felt signified their spirituality, and had a deeply significant meaning to them.

This is important to me, to find a way to express this and hold it close to my heart. I'll have to think about how to do this. I think, for this, finding something tangible is difficult.

I draw the line at having Bessie on my butt, tho!!!

So there goes my idea. Back to the drawing board!

[RiverGal]

I draw the line at having Bessie on my butt, tho!!!

Sally, I am so offended! My tattoo artist did a fine job on Bessie!

I got my belly button pierced when I was 40-something. I have no idea why. I still like it, though.

I shall never grow up....

[lyndalou]

Hi All~ I was teaching High School & in 1996 tattoos were really popular. There was one beautiful, raven-haired girl, who was quite petite, in my grade 10 class. Without her parents knowing, she got a HUGE, black sun-burst tattooed all around her navel! "Very nice Anna", I said, "It will be really cute after your first pregnancy"! Nothing like the voice of experience! She would be 24 by now, I wonder if she's had any children yet?? Deb, the pierced belly-buttons are so nice if you aren't too chubby there. Unfortunately, that would look gross on me. And, Bessie was a great idea! What's wrong with you girls??

[shirleyville]

This is important to me, to find a way to express this and hold it close to my heart. I'll have to think about how to do this. I think, for this, finding something tangible is difficult.

Proxy --
I can tell you something that I did, that worked for me. Maybe they will provide a "springboard" for your own personal creativity!
I went to a local Christian bookstore and I bought a bunch of those WWJD cloth bracelets that the kids wear. I bought one in every color they had (red, navy, black, purple, and green, so I could change colors every now and again)....and I put one around my left ankle. No one could see it, when I had on pants or a long skirt, but even in the heart of winter, with snow boots on, I knew it was there...and I was very aware of it, because it was something "new" wrapped around a part of my body that I wasn't used to having something.
Every single time I started to get frustrated, or lose my cool, or got myself in a "situation" of any kind, I felt that band around my ankle, and it was an INSTANT reminder to slow down....to not get bent out....to be patient....to breathe.....to be thankful instead of hateful, pushy, frustrated, mad or insensative. It taught me to always ask myself "What Would Jesus Do" before I did anything in haste.
At any given moment, I'd feel that ankle bracelet, and be reminded that no matter what I was doing, in that moment, I should be doing it as Jesus wanted me to.
It's cheap...it's much easier than a tattoo, and you can change it!
Just an idea....
Nighty Night!
Hugs,
Sal

[FL_GirlByProxy]

And, Bessie was a great idea! What's wrong with you girls??

Udders and Cowbells and Hooves, oh my!!

Okay, I am REALLY going to bed now. So tonight, I did not do a good job at all, policing myself. Tomorrow is another day!! Goodnight gals!!

[FL_GirlByProxy]

Just an idea....

A way cool idea, Sally!! That is awesome!!! THANK YOU!!

[lyndalou]

So tonight, I did not do a good job at all, policing myself. Tomorrow is another day!! Goodnight gals!! [/quote]
Good night LeeAnn! have a good rest All! (Where is that sleepy, yawning icon??)

[l-thompson]

My girls both got their belly buttons pierced. The youngest had an awful time with hers - it never really healed and it just oozed, yuck!...she took hers out and was soooo disappointed. Our eldest had a good experience and never had any trouble ( except when she nearly slid to the floor when the needle went through ) I love the navel piercings...I think they look great and all the jewels you can get for them...so pretty. I have thought a couple of times about getting mine done....eldest thought it would be Ok but the youngest rolled her eyes and said "Oh mum!!!"
Oh well, maybe before I turn 50 aye!!

[tricia3]

Originally Posted by l-thompson

I love the navel piercings...I think they look great and all the jewels you can get for them...so pretty.

Oh me too, but unfortunately after 3 kids mine wouldn't look so charming.
I think there great if you've got the tummy for it.

So far as Bessie on my butt.....just have to say there'd be room for her and the whole herd.

[julie23]

oh my.... you girls are a hoot.... tricia... "bessie and the whole herd" would fit on my butt, too!!! ... lol...

l-thompson

My girls both got their belly buttons pierced. The youngest had an awful time with hers - it never really healed and it just oozed, yuck!...

my fourteen year old desperately wants to get her belly button pierced.... and I have forbid her to until she moves out of my house.... I think they look GREAT on skinny, little flat tummies.... but this daughter of mine.... she wanted pierced ears soooo badly.... she has had them pierced 4 times.... because each time she gets them done, she refuses to allow us to turn them or clean them.... because they "HURT" (gimme a break).... so BAD!!!! So eventually they get infected.. and we hold her down to get them out and she REFUSES to allow us to put them back in!!!

She has earings now because the last time she had them pierced (age 12, I think)... sixth grade... when she got them out of her ears (in tears).... she REFUSED to put them back in... and I HAD HAD enough!!! I called my 215 pound muscular husband... and had him hold her in a bear hug... and I forced the earrings BACK in her ears.... it was a nightmare... but she has pierced ears!!

(By the way, my husband wanted the two little girls to have pierced ears... and I said "no way"... not going through that again... he said he would deal with it... and guess what???? NO PROBLEMS WITH THEM... THEY WERE DONE AT 2 AND 4... They have each even had an infection... and they tough it out.....)

so.... even though I think a pierced belly button would look great on her... I CAN'T STAND THE THOUGHT OF LIVING WITH HER THAT FIRST MONTH!!!

have a super day!
julie

[julie23]

hi all....

I have a little friend who is newly reunited with her birth mom.... I am going to give her this link and ask her to post... I think she may need a big hug from this group of women.... I can't wait for you to meet her!!!! She is amazing...

take care,
julie

[Linnie65]

HAAAAPPPYYYY BIRTHDAY DEB (a little late!)


A couple of years ago my son (then 9) wanted to get his ear peirced. I said yes, Dad (who has HIS ear pierced) said no. We went back and forth and finally the DEAL was made. He would let our son get his ear pierced IF I would get a tattoo!

So, a few months later I got one. I'd been wanting to anyway but was chicken. I has 3 small butterflies on my ankle and OH MY GOD THEY HURT!!! I said the same thing about child birth but it still killed. AND, they are so small it only took 20 minutes! 2 weeks later we went and my best friend got a flower on her calf (didn't hurt), 2 weeks after that her hubby got a tree frog on his calf (killed him) and then 2 weeks after that my husband got "Stitch" (as in Lilo and...) on his shoulder with my daughter's name under it. He has a devil with a halo and son's name so he wanted to get an angel with horns for our daughter - but she was terribly offended. I dont' think she realized that Stictch was pretty mucht he same! LOL

Anyway, I've been planning my next one....on the small of my back, just can't decide what yet. I had wanted to get Mickey Mouse or Tinkerbell on my ankle but they had to be too big to see any detail.

My next "deal" is when (although I'd say it's more like IF at this point) I lose 30lbs. I'll get my belly button done. Right now, it's a bit too chubby!

[katnap80]

Piercings......I am a wimp and very conventional when it comes to piercings and tattoos. One single hole in each ear!

My 22 yr old son had a large "chinese" character on his inner forarm. It is very nice, but took awhile for me to gt used of the location. Then he had his dogs name put on the other arm. He has had an ear pierced since he was 12 or so. Every so often he goes into "hiding" from me and gets another thing pierced.... an eyebrow, 2 on his lips....gross, I say....
The 21 yr old only has an ear pierced and a scorpion on his left shoulder.
Just hate to think what they would do if they were "girls"!!
Hopefully, it's just a fad, I say.
I'd consider a "zipper" tattoo on my tummy if it meant I could tuck all the excess inside,
Have a great day,
"K"

[GE_Glows]

Originally Posted by katnap80

I'd consider a "zipper" tattoo on my tummy if it meant I could tuck all the excess inside,

LOL!!! I LOVE IT!!!!

GE