Goodbye 2005...

It's been a good, solid year all in all. Maybe not the best, most terrific year ever, but far, far from the worst year. The new year is full of wonder for me. I anticipate what is to come.

Resolutions? Yea, I've got a few. Mostly I want to be me only better. I'll be sharing the specifics later.

As the year winds to a close I'll share a last picture with you.


That's Lilli and her very best bud Jamie at Libby Lu's for Lilli's all girl birthday. Sweet.

Happy New Year! May it be your best ever.

My Wonderful Christmas Eve Kids

I think that when you are a parent, every once in a while you should get a pass to brag. I'm taking mine right now.

They are growing up so fast. And they are really cool people. I enjoy them more and more every day. They looked so great tonight. I couldn't resist these shots at church as imperfect as they are.

The pink hair? For those of you who are Nick Jr. illiterate, that is in imitation of Stephanie on Lazytown. I love that Lilli has a sense of style and is not afraid to show it.

These 3 and my fabulous hubby... The best gifts I've ever gotten.

A boy and his pocket knife

Yup. If you have a son, I bet you know exactly where this story is going. We had Christmas at my mom's on Friday. We got home and the kids wanted to watch a dvd that Parker got. They did and it ended late. Not being one to miss a chance to stay up late, Parker went to his room to check out another present he had received that night. A really big bin of Legos. Now in this crazy world, for some reason the toy manufacturers see to it that each and every toy is packed to stay intact in case of a nuclear holocost. The dang thing was strapped shut. So doing what he'd seen his dad do at least a million times, Parker pulled out the pocket knife he received for his baptism. Instead of cutting away from himself, he cut toward himself. Cut through his brand new jeans and sliced his thigh. This happened about midnight.

Out of his room he comes, "Dad, I cut myself". I was in the bathroom before I realized I had even put my feet on the floor. I hemmed and hawed -- it was a good gap and would have a hard time healing on an active 11 yo boy. On the other hand, a scar wouldn't matter there and I could butterfly the heck out of the thing. Pete and I debated until 2 a.m. Off to the ER we went. After a wait until 5:30 am, we were seen, stitches were placed and we got home about 7 am. Not only could Parker brag that he had survived stitches, but he'd stayed up the whole night.

3 kids, 12 years and this is the first time anyone has had stitches. I feel very blessed.

Parker says, "This is a Christmas Eve I won't ever forget!" Yeah, me neither kiddo.

So am I a dealer?

It usually happens this time of year. I get called a "crack dealer" by a husband in desperate need of gift ideas. Confused yet? Okay, I'll explain.

I love my friend Kimberly. For a lot of reasons. A lot of the reasons are because she is so different from me. Ask her if she's into scrapbooking, card making, paper crafts in general. She'd probably give you a resounding "bahumbug!" . Not me, no way. Yuk. In fact, last year my Bible study group was making some gift bags and tags for a community service project. Kimberly barely agreed to participate. Crafting is just not her "thing". Can you believe I'm still her friend? Anyway, come to find out she likes coloring the little stamped images in. Who settles into the community service project looking like she could do it all day? Yup. Kimberly. But still she shows no sign of "addiction". Fast forward to this November. "I need some Christmas cards", she says to me. Well that's right up my alley, so I hook her up. Fun way to spend an afternoon, I think. It was fun. What's more... Kimberly thought it was fun. I saw a little glint of something in her eyes. Hmmm... what's that? Nah, can't be.

A few weeks ago, I get a stampin' windfall. Big time. Lots of fun stuff. Begging to be shared. So I do what any bonafide crack dealer, er, I mean stamper would do. I pass some to Kimberly. Basics. Stamps that beg to be colored (not my thing at all, I have the patience of a gnat when it comes to coloring in images). A paper cutter, a black ink pad. Stuff I'm ashamed to say that I have waaaay too much of. There it is! That spark! A stamper is born!!!!

So her husband calls me. "You're like a crack dealer. You give enough stuff for free to get my wife hooked. Now, what can I buy her? She was up late last night cutting out those stamps. I already had to clean and adjust the scissors." A grin spreads across my face. This is not the first time I've heard this one. Alas, I'm not a very good dealer though because I give him some suggestions, none of which requires money in my hands.

The funniest part? Not much later Kimberly calls me. "You know what? You're kind of like a crack dealer...." I bite my tongue trying not to laugh out loud! Yeah, I've heard that before I say...

Making Stuff...

I've been busy this Christmas. You should see my scrappin' place. Actually, I'm glad you can't. It looked better last year when the hurricane hit it! I've made glass ribbon ornaments, Making Memories frame ornaments, name frames, and cards. Still need to get the mess cleaned up! Here are some pictures of the frames and my Christmas card for the year.

Girl Time

What a treat. Me, my mom and my sister all got to go out last Saturday. It was so much fun! First we got manicures and pedicures. Do I need to say more? Scrumptious! Then we went out to lunch. The kind of place you wouldn't want to take the kids. Again... wonderful!

Here we are with our beautiful hands and happy at the restaurant.

It was a great Christmas treat. Thanks Mom!

Exercise

Let me start this by saying I detest exercise. Any and all forms. Always have. Even when I was young... er younger than I am now. But now I've settled in to middle age and all that accompanies it. I am learning to not take my reasonably good health for granted. So as a family we have all joined the local YMCA.

They have a super facility. A pool, the latest greatest equipment, all computerized and personalized. Tons of cool, fun activities for the kiddos. BUT, did I mention that I hate exercise? Oh yea, I thought I did.

I got myself all set up with the personal trainer who told me what to do to start out. The goal is to not kick my own butt. Slowly build up to the grown-up machines with time. So I had a little test run on Tuesday while they were showing me the ropes. Since for now 3 times a week is sufficient, I went back today. The thought of going loomed over my head all day and taunted me. I was filled with dread. But I have kids who were chomping at the bit to get back to the Y. It's new and all exciting to them. Not so much for me. But, I suck it up and go. Filled to the top with dread. But I got there, got the kids settled and started in. You know what? I kind of liked it. I doubled my time on the stationary bike. Actually did 2 miles. Not so impressive, but you gotta consider where I started! I'm feeling just a little tight this evening. My muscles are protesting just a little. They've become very used to the easy life.

Here's the question. Will I still dread heading off to the Y 3 days a week? I'm guessing so. Maybe just for a few weeks or so. The best part? Katelyn is working out with me. That pushes me in a good way. I'm really proud of her. She's doing great!

So if you see me or talk to me or email me.... ask me if I've been to the Y lately!!

Christmas in Florida

This is the palm tree in our front yard. It looks festive with the lights on it. I look forward to that lighted palm every year. That and the swag on my door. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house.

The annual Christmas store at CCC was a whopping success. A great time was had by all. It is amazing to see how things come together just right every year.

It was a productive weekend for us. Pete and I had a nice dinner together Friday night. Then we hit the shops and actually finnished our Christmas shopping. I could tell you all about it, but certain almost teens in this family happen to read my blog. This is the first year that we've been done this early. Saturday we worked at the Christmas store and then Pete helped GG pick out a new tv. Today there was church and Pete has attacked the lights with gusto. Can't have Michael across the street make him look bad!

It's a new week and time to hit the ground running once again. Here's to a great one. 

Hmmm....

Went to the Dr. today. My sinuses and my jaw have been bothering me. Diagnosis? Clenching my teeth and a sinus infection. Ugh! Gotta hate that. My weight shocked me as well. I've always had a problem in that area, but dang! it's out of control at this point. Doctor's advice? No more than 30g of fat/day and as few carbs as possible. Also add exercise preferably in the form of a stationary bike. Why? Less chance of injury. You get hurt, you quit. Yea, that sounds familiar. Everything in life is not fun, huh? Sounds like something my parents should be saying to me. Time to slap myself and get with the program.

Now on to better subjects. I just got some new pens in the mail. Haven't been able to find them locally so got them from the 'net. Sakura gel pens. One of them is a clear "stardust" pen. Basically, it just glitters when you write. Very cool!!! My friend Linda has one and I admittedly have been coveting it. So I got 4 of my own. I probably owe Linda at least one for how much I've used hers! Then I got a Sakura Glaze Pen. This is alot like Crystal Effects that Stampin' Up! sells, you just put it on with a pen. Makes whatever you write "feelable". That's not a word I bet. Anyway, they are cool pens! Can't wait to play with them.

I'm off to pop some pills and hit the sack!

My Latest Scrapbooking Project

This is an 8x8 album that I made for my friend Gretchen who just had a beautiful baby girl.

It's done with a very simple formula that makes it so fast to put together.



It's called Snappy Scrappin'. I got this done in an afternoon at my friend Linda's house. You pick your colors and stamp a couple of sheets all over with any stamp you'd like. I chose flowers for this one so it would be "girlie". Then you follow a template for the layouts. Super quick and easy! This book has a couple of pages up front for first pictures with family. Then there is a 2 page spread for each month of her first year. The last page is a single for a picture of her on her first birthday. I recommend that the mom puts a sticky note on each month to jot down significant events in that month. (ie; first tooth 5/21) and then you tuck your pictures for the month into the page protector for the month taken. When you have time, you just go back and adhere the pictures and journalling.

Katelyn's a great holder, huh?

Bring on the Tree

Big day today at our house! Time to put up the Christmas tree.

This is Katelyn and Lilli putting up the Nativity.

Parker and Lilli are adding ornaments.

What does Buddy do? Hide with a rawhide bone!

Yup. It's the disco boy of the house, bustin' out his moves to Christmas music.

Here is Katelyn taking over the tradition of putting the angel on the top of the tree. She is happy to finally be tall enough! I'm thinking by this time next year, she'll be taller than me.

I had to spend some time at Sam's and the mall today. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Grouchy shoppers and all! Got a little shopping done. Mostly got some exercise.

Pete and the kids worked at the church to help set up for the Christmas store and a set change to the "Toy Store Christmas".

Please join us in praying for the 75 teens and their parents who will come through the church doors next Saturday morning. They will be fed a pancake breakfast and pick out a small, medium and large gift for their teen. It is a gift to be a part of this ministry. God always provides exactly the right thing! Amazing!

Thanksgiving

This was the invitation that I stamped and sent to everyone. This was the tablesetting out on the porch for the "adult table".



We started a new tradition this year. Everyone (including adults) signed our tablecloth. It was great fun! We will add to it each Thanksgiving. The kids got a big kick out of writing on the tablecloth. It took a little convincing at first, but then they got into it!







This is Kendall after she got a shot at the tablecloth! Yep, that's a Sharpie Marker (read permanent!). I thought Joy would kill me for sure! Here's the fun at the kid's table! I'm thankful that the kids have cousins close by to hang with on holidays. That is a special blessing!
















So you can see that a great time was had by all! I think for the first time ever I did not have a meltdown just before everyone arrived. It was alot of work, but absolutely worth it!

When it started to get dark, Pete started a fire in the pit. The kids always have a great time playing in the dark and making s'mores. Our friends the DePaolo's stopped by for the fire and then we all retired to the "theatre" for a showing of Napoleon Dynamite.

I'd say that it was a great holiday. We as a family have so much to be thankful for. The blessings are too numerous to list or count. Truly Lord, we are grateful.

Migraines

Pain. Intense pain. Big black hole of pain. Makes you miss things. Like a whole day. Yuk.

Can't Sleep...

I hate it when I can't sleep. I'm going to be tired tomorrow. Duh. There's a bunch of junk rattling around in my head. And the dog's insides are making some strange noises.

Things that rattle around in your head at night are strange things. There's the big stuff. I have learned to deal with that a little better. Seriously. You think about them for a little bit, realize you can't do a darn thing about them. Totally out of my control. So I pray about it and forget it until another point in time. (hopefully not at bedtime) When it rattles around in my head again, I repeat the routine. Think about it some, pray about it, forget about it. Kind of like lather, rinse, repeat.

Now the small things... for me they're the killers. Things like Katelyn wants to make spinach artichoke dip for Thanksgiving and I need to find her a recipe. How far behind am I with grading school work? What am I going to do at my next workshop? What pictures am I going to scrap next? Blah, blah, blah.... All stuff within my control. But unfinished business. When I finish this business there will be more! And so it rattles around like screws in a jar. Yup, i've got a screw or 2 (or more) loose. Sigh...

I will do my best in the morning to cross some items off my to-do list. Maybe that will help. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to Stamp Day at Linda's. It seems like 10 years since I've hung out with Linda! I'm looking forward to getting out the Christmas decorations. All great stuff. Just wish it would all quit rattling. I'm hoping I've blogged it out!

Goodnight, Sleep tight (hopefully).

The List... (revisited)

Time for another list. I'm loving a few new things!

1. Crocs shoes. Have you seen these? I have. Back in my old work in the medical field days. They are about as pretty as Birkenstocks only in prettier colors. I think they feel even better than my Birkis too. Best of all, they are a lot cheaper than Birkis. $30. Gotta get me some. Soon.

2. Chinese Jasmine tea. Wow. Thanks to George (who recently came back from a trip to China). It comes in tiny little balls that you put in hot water and it unfolds and looks like pretty, smallish, green leaves. Not small like coffee grounds. Very easy to drink around or spoon out. The smell is to die for! With a little honey the taste is great too. So much fun!

3. Sisters. I really like mine. When I was a teenager and she was a little bugger, not so much. But now, she's really cool. A great person. I'd do anything for her.

4. Friends who feel like sisters. Like my friend Kimberly. She challenged me to do something spiritual. It was HARD, real HARD. But girlfriend, I did it. I think I was grinding my teeth the whole time, but I did it. Do you think God minded me grinding my teeth? Maybe I'll do better tomorrow, but 30 days is a long time...

5. My PDA. Palm One Tungstun T5 if you want the specifics. My life is pretty much on it. Cute pics of my kids. My favorite songs, and all the other boring details.

6. Which brings me to Soduku!!! Was downloading free software for my PDA and came across this. It's a Japanese number puzzle. Now normally I don't like number puzzles. But these are fun! No adding! Just 1-9. Beware, they are extremely addicting. You can find Soduku puzzle books in bookstores and even Target. Apparently its a trendy thing right now.

7. Still loving my new(ish) digital camera. I just got Picasa2 (another internet freebie) and it is great for managing all my pictures. Real easy.

Okay, that's it for now!

Finally.....

I have been in a funk lately. It's awfully darn hard to get anything done when you're in a funk. But my husband was helpful and made me go for a walk the other day. Don't tell him, but it helped. And I liked it. (I'm really trusting you here...) We all went. Around the big block. Even Buddy the dog. Then we went to Super Target. It was good.

So finally I got a couple of things done. Like upacked my stuff from my Saturday night workshop. It's a lot more fun getting things out than putting them away! Don't tell my kids that. (man, I'm sharing lots of secrets today!)

I updated my poor neglected PDA. I got on a paper planner kick for awhile. And of course I remembered why I hate my paper planner... it's too darn big! Back to the PDA for me. I added some files (free stuff - yay) and put some pictures and music on it. Sweet!

Last but not least, I finally made and sent out my Thanksgiving Dinner invitations. Merely a formality, but I'm proud of them. First time I've ever made real dinner invitations. I have more high and lofty ideas for Thanksgiving. Let's see if I actually get them done.

Here's a picture of the invite:

How Can it be November??

Wasn't it summer last week? Now we're breathing down Thanksgiving's neck! And of course you know what that means...... Yup........ Christmas, New Years, the whole slippery slope!

Okay, now that that little panic attack is out of the way. On with my mindless ramblings...

I'm glad Martha Stewart is not coming to my house for Thanksgiving. Forget that she spent a Thanksgiving in jail (at least I think so, didn't she?). My house has to be better than jail! In my heart, I'm a Martha Wannabe. In real life, I'm not a total loser. I'd like things to look nice, be welcoming, and fun. In real life, I get hurried and anxious. My main focus this year is to enjoy myself and for everyone else to do the same. I'm trying to make a plan to achieve that goal. What I don't want is for me and everyone else in my family to blow their top because we are trying too hard to get stupid stuff done in way too little time. In my mind I picture table decorations, placecards, favors, my new heirloom crystal on the table, flowers and candles. Will I get that done? Not likely. And to boot, I'll feel frustrated by that. Nevermind the fact that I'm homeschooling 3 great kids and enjoying the challenges of my 1 year old neice during the work week. What I need to learn most is that I should enjoy what I do get done. Fun, peaceful, and happy memories are much sweeter than floors that can be licked (and not just by the dog) or the perfect placecards. Great times with family and friends is what is important. When the day is done, what will be remembered? The favors, the food, the table setting? Not likely (unless something disasterous happens, and then it is hysterically funny family history!).

So that my friends is November's prayer. To do what I can and be at peace about it. To focus on what really matters. To be thankful, truly thankfull for all the blessings God has given. And His blessings are many.

One last picture....

I tried to get this one in last night, but for some reason, it wouldn't work! Today's a new day, so here it is. This is Katelyn and her friend Zhaleh in their "Whack a Youth" trunk. Fun! 

Pumpkins, Treats and Fears...

is officially over. After working shifts in a pumpkin patch, creating a carnival type game and giving out candy from the back of our truck, and spending 12 hours over 4 days in a pitch black cubby hole in a maze, I can say that it all was fun and a success. Aren't these kids cute??? They are standing in front of Mike's trunk. It was his first year doing a trunk and I think he did a super job! Katelyn was with the youth in a trunk called "whack a youth", patterned after the old "whack a mole" arcade game. They got whacked with a pool noodle. I would have liked to try my hand at that one!

I'm exhausted and hoarse. This week promises to be no slow down. I have a crop, a workshop, a baby shower, and a meeting with a dear friend that I haven't seen in 15 years. It's all good.

Life is good and I'm feeling very thankful. Thankful for a church that cares about and reaches out to our community. Thankful for dear friends and family who show their love in so many tangible ways. Thankful for fun and safe things for my children to do without feeling "left out" or restricted or deprived. And for how dog gone cute my kiddos are! 

Pumpkins, Treats and Fears...

Oh my! Just got home from dress rehearsal for our church's Face the Fear House. I had so much fun scaring people, I thought I'd laugh myself silly! If you want the details/story line go to www.facethefearhouse.com. It's a fun time without evil or gore and you even get a free dvd at the end. If you come by, I'm in the maze, but you'll never find me! (insert evil laugh here)

We will be finishing up the work on our trunk for Trunk or Treat on Sunday. Again, another church activity that is an outreach to our community. A safe place for the kids and a local radio station (Magic 107) will be there. We are repeating what we did last year. A mystery trunk. Some spray painting and we will be done. (No, not my truck, some cardboard) The youth are doing a trunk called "whack-a-youth". Just like the old "wack-a-mole". I thought they should charge $1. I'd pay it to hit a teenager! It could be a great fundraiser.

Last of all in the news for today, we worked in our pumpkin patch. Here are a couple of cute pictures of Kendall. She was really good and had a fun time. Even took an hour nap. The weather was absolutely heavenly! A perfect afternoon to be outside. I made about 30 cards for them to sell. The patch is a fundraiser for the youth and hopefully the cards will be a little something extra.

Happy Birthday Boys!

It's that time of year again. When my men grow one year older. Parker's proud of it and Pete does his best to ignore it!

Hard to believe just 11 short years ago, Parker was a mere 3 pounds 12 ounces. Now he's a least 100 pounds more than that! Way back then I was scared to death he wasn't going to make it. Now sometimes I'm still afraid he's not going to make it, but only because Pete and I might kill him! (just a joke, but he is a pre-teen!)

So for Parker it's all about Star Wars, gross stuff, karate, more gross stuff, shooting, pocket knifes and gross stuff. I'm just a girl and I don't get it.

Pete is dangerously close to that silver checking account which he loves to hold over my head (because I refuse to have my name on a silver acct. - I'm not that old!!).

So we had the family party and had Star Wars cake and a fun time. Here is a picture of us all. They grow up so fast!

Scenes From Memories Expo

Who says stamping isn't relaxing?? The second picture is a view of Friday night's crop, which I must confess was my favorite part of the whole weekend! These are my people!!!


Here's Linda teaching the world to stamp 2 or 3 people at a time! Also the view of the Expo from our side of the table. Crazy fun!

And one last view of the crop. We have lots of great ideas for next year. I can't wait!!!

Set up day at the Expo

Mari and Paula went to great lengths to get our highway lines just right.


It takes a lot of "stuff" to make an attractive display!


Here we are trying to get everything up and in order. I should have taken a picture before we got the wire displays up so you could really see what was involved.


Here is Bonnie. She became the master of fastening things down. We all got to be pretty good with tie wraps, hemp and ribbon.


After all that hot and dirty work, Linda, Mari and I went out for a fabulous manicure! I was home and prepping for a busy day by 4 pm. Not bad at all!

Been Awhile...

Wow! Things are moving along here at the speed of light! Where does the time go?

Spent most of last week preparing and working (and having fun) at the Memories Expo. That is my world! I love scrapbookers! Got to be at the Friday night crop. I love the energy in the room at a big crop. There's nothing like it. From a business standpoint, I am satisfied and hopeful. Physically, my bones and feet feel very old!

Pete and the kids seem to have survived very well. I came home to a beautifully clean house. Sweet! Made the time away even sweeter to know they will all be well and the house won't fall down when I am gone.

This weekend I am teaching 2 stamping classes. I will post what we do on Tuesday. I'm looking forward to it. Got to download pics from my camera and get a little stamping done. Will post more later.

The List...

Oprah does it, a couple of other blogging friends do it, so I think I will too. My list of great things, gadgets, etc...

1. Some of my favorite scrapbooking paper is from Chatterbox (www.chatterboxinc.com). They have kits right now where all the money (not just the profit) goes to Katrina victims. Sweet.

2. My ipod. What's not to like. Music, my music right in my pocket or purse. My whole cd collection. Now that's fantastic!

3. Vera Bradley purses. (www.verabradley.com) Nothing else to say about that. Love 'em, collect 'em.

4. My Maytag front loading washer and dryer that holds tons of clothes in one load and dries as fast as it washes! Oh yea!

5. The movie Napoleon Dynamite. Possibly one of the funniest, quirkiest movies ever made (with maybe the exception of Raising Arizona). You have to watch it waaaay more than once to get the full effect.

6. DVRs. Possibly the best invention since the wheel. Whatever your show, you'll never miss it. How did I live without this?

7. Mint Medley hot tea. Perfect way to start the morning. Even better when my sweet 12dd surprises me and fixes it for me! She's a great kid.

8. Stampin' Up!s new punch box set. The best $39.95 a stamper or scrapper could ever spend. Coming 10/1 (but mine is coming Thursday!--oh the bennies of being a demo!). Ask me or go to www.stampinup.com for details.

Okay, that's all that's on my list for now. What's on yours?

Things to be thankful for!

I decided that Mondays are a great day to be thankful. So here's my list, right now, at this very moment. Subject to be added to at a whim.

1. I have the world's best husband who loves me unconditionally, through sickness and health, good times and bad and is a great protector and leader.
2. I have 3 great kids that I'm amazed daily that God has trusted their daily care and feeding to me. Unbelievable!
3. I belong to a fantastic fellowship of believers who have blessed my life on a regular basis. They encourage me to flesh out my faith and keep my priorities where they belong.
4. I have friends that I truly cherish and thank God for daily.
5. I have a great creative outlet (rubber stamping) that provides a little "me time" and that sometimes provides income!
6. I have family close by and if not close by only a phone call or letter away.
7. I have a 92 (almost) year old grandma. How cool is that?
8. I get to see my 1 year old niece almost everyday. Love the cuddles, kisses and snuggles. Not so much the fussin' and hollering!
9. I live in a country where I am free to worship as I please and say what I want.
10. I have a comfortable home and even though sometimes the walls close in, it is a secure and safe place. And it's ours!
11. God has always met our needs. Hands down, no questions.
12. I have a really cool truck that gets me wherever I want to go.
13. I am in good health and am able to physically do whatever I need to do to get me through the day.
14. My husband has a job that he enjoys and provides for our family without me having to work.

That's a pretty good start. I have much to be grateful for.

Dang! We're Proud!!!!

It has been four very long years and lots of work, but Parker, errr... excuse me.... MR. D*($J is a black belt in Tae Kwon Doe. I get a little teary eyed thinking about it. I think Parker always believed he could do it. Me like a mom, I worried about it. We took him out of physical therapy 4 years ago to try a sport that seemed impossible. How could a boy who couldn't stand still with two feet on the floor without falling down ever master a sport that requires balance with only one foot on the floor? His instructors had vision to see him through. They adapted where necessary and worked hard with him. Little by little we saw improvement in Parker's physical capabilities and his self confidence as well. Here we are 4 years later and he has met his goal. Black Belt. I wish Mrs. Kathy his first P.T. could see him now. She'd be as proud as we are! So Parker... Here's to many more accomplishments. What ever you put your mind to you can do!

Fun and Tears...

All in the same morning!

We had a great time at Cracker Barrel. The whole family LOVES to go out for breakfast. We decided to take advantage of Pete being off of work (from his surgery) and went out for a leisurely breakfast. Even Kendall had a great time. The girl can put down some oranges! The waitress even brought her extras.

Afterward, we decided to stop off and get the girls a haircut. Katelyn was ready for a small change and Lilli wanted "spikes" like her friend Jamie. I have a very liberal hair policy with the kids. Hair grows so I really don't sweat it. Whatever they want to do to their hair is fine. I was explaining Lilli's need of spikes to her stylist and trusted Katelyn to explain her wishes herself. That was my bad! Poor Katie! She told the stylist she wanted layers and shoulder length (that's a good 3 inches off-her hair was all one length). What she meant was LONG layers, no bangs and generous shoulder length. What she got was a drastic change. She was very upset, which in turn upset her dad! He felt so bad for her, I thought he'd cry too.

Personally I think her new do looks great! It makes her eyes sparkle. But that doesn't help when you don't get the hair you want! I so understand this feeling! The really sad part is that this is just a part of womanhood. I'm sure she'll cry over her hair many more times! We all have. But that doesn't make it any easier. For now all I can do is put my arm around her, tell her I'm sorry and that it will grow out. Bummer.

Here are the before and afters: