I'm a BIG Chicken

After cancelling two hair coloring appointments, I have come to the conclusion that I'm a scaredy cat when it comes to messing around with my hair. I was really excited, but, when it came right down to it, I didn't have the nerve. My reasoning was that if I change my hair then the colors that look good on me will probably change as well. I did not want to have to buy a new wardrobe on top of keeping up on my hair, I'm not loaded. I did shorten it though, and got a slightly different cut. You might not be able to tell in the photo, but it is different. I think the hair cut was enough change for me. I can still wear it curly, and boy is it ever at this length! Anyway it has been a fun thought to color my hair, but I'm not doing it...yet!

Look, I have some red in my hair.

Here it is curly! Wow, that's short!

My Hair...

still under transformation!!

It is shorter, but awaiting color change...

Check back tomorrow!

The Need for Change

I have never been one to repeat the same events over and over again. When life gets mundane, it is typical for me to find something to liven it up a bit. I think it stems from moving around quite a bit as a child.

I was born in Arizona. When I was 18 mo old, we moved to Missouri. We lived there until I was 3. At the age of 7 1/2 we moved back to Missouri, only it was different part this time. We moved to Las Vegas when I was 12 1/2. I stayed until graduation and I moved here to Utah.

Change has always been a part of my life. I hate it when things get boring. I feel like sticking something in my eye to liven things up a bit! I am feeling that way now!

Since I can't move and I'm sure my family wouldn't appreciate me inflicting injury upon my self, I have settled for this:

What do you think? I really like the color, but maybe because it looks really good on her. What would I look like as a red head? I am scared because I love the color of my hair and I don't want to screw it up. Dustin wants me to have it done professionally, but I'm too cheap. Any thoughts before I do this tomorrow?

Ace Got Married!!

As you all know we have a cute little dog named, Ace. Our kids adore him A LOT!! The other day I caught Becca licking him!! I was truly disgusted.

"Becca, don't lick the dog," I hollered.

She stopped and explained, "Mom, I need to. I Acer's wife."

I laughed and thought I'd catch a picture to share now and later on in life when she is much older. I can tell her she has been married before.

I realize this is gross. She has been encouraged not to lick the dog. I only allowed it for a picture.

Letting Go

There are a few moments, thus far, that have reminded me that I am not in charge of my children. For example, when their first day of school comes and they tell you they can walk and wait all by themselves, when they learn that THEY, not you, can pick out what they want to wear, and when you get the first, "because I wanted to." These frustrating, but "light bulb" moments, jog your memory that these little guys are their own little person, and don't need your help once they reach a certain age. Another one happened today...

Grace did her own hair.

While I told her she looked beautiful and that she did a fabulous job, I have to confess that deep down inside I was crying, screaming!! My daughter is going to school with her hair like that! Oh, the agony! (Sorry if you feel I'm being a little dramatic, but it was hard for me to let go of this one) How am I going to get through this? I quickly struck a deal.

"Grace, how 'bout if you get to do your own hair on Tuesdays and Thursdays? Then I'll do your hair the other days of the week." What a clever plan. This way the teacher will be aware that we are not homeless and she has a mother who cares that she is presentable. It's a win-win!

"Sure, Mama," she said. She is always so agreeable. Most kids are if you give them a little control.

I realize sometimes I'm a micro-manager. I must learn to change that as my kids get bigger, otherwise, I will be one unhappy mama.

*Luckily this has not taken a full affect on my boys. Ryan did ask to do his own hair the same day, but he was blessed with wavy hair and it gets out of control. He asked for my help! Aaron can do his hair pretty good, but still likes me combing it. You won't hear me complaining, until they choose to do theirs as well!

Handsome boys!

Empathy or a Life Lesson

Mom: "Ryan, please go help pick up the playroom."

Ryan:"But I didn't make that mess..." he's interrupted...

Mom: "Ryan, I clean up messes that I don't make EVERYDAY! Now, please go clean!"

I hate cleaning up messes that I don't make, so why do I lack empathy for my children in this situation? I guess I'm feeling a little guilty, but not too guilty to call him back up here to tell him that he doesn't have to clean. I guess I wouldn't want to cheat him of one of the realities of life...Sometimes life stinks!

He's smellin' something stinky!

Elder Holland Easter Message....MUST SEE!!!

Shout Out for a Worthy Cause

Hey I just wanted to let you guys know of an auction that is going on. The ladies in charge are good friends of mine. We grew up in Vegas together. Their brother-in-law is battling lukemia, to read more click here. I just felt it was a worthy cause to donate to. All donations go to off-set medical bills. I feel it is an easy way to do an act of service for some one. Click here to go to the auction. It will go until Wed, April 15.

Vacation Days #3 - #7

When I started blogging about our vacation I thought I would split it up, so it wouldn't seem so overwhelming. Little did I know that I would be bombarded with reports that my kids had to do for school and church. I can say that I have learned a lot about Ireland and Ronald Reagan (did you know that there is close to 3, 000 members of the church in all of Ireland and that Ronald Reagan is famous for "Reaganomics"?). Seeing that I will never catch up, I am cramming everything into one giant post .... happy reading.

Day3-

I was warned by my sisters that the 2nd day of Disneyland is the worst! I have to say that it was actually our best day! We stayed in the park all day and rode all the rest of the park we hadn't gotten to the previous day. Dust and I split up with the kids. He took the boys and rode the rides the girls couldn't or didn't want to ride. Since I had the camera, here are a few shots of what we girls were up to.

First we took a ride together on Splash Mountain. This picture convinced us not to be taking Becca on big rides anymore.

We spilt up in Critter Country and we waited in line to see Pooh and friends while the others went on Big Thunder Mountain.

We then went to Toon Town to Mickey and Minnie's homes. The girls loved it there. They were sad we missed seeing Minnie.

We met up and finished the day off together. Casey Jr is another of my favorite rides. We all posed for a picture trying to claim our true royalty. I thought I'd share mine and Dustin's.

We went back and the kids really wanted KFC. Dustin took the kids swimming while I ran and got it. He said take your time, so I did. I stopped and got t-shirts for the kids and I didn't know it would take 45 minutes to get our chicken. I didn't have my phone to call him, so when I got back I had a husband who was very worried. He was just getting ready to call the police. Note to self: always carry your phone.

Day #4- Last day in Disneyland and California Adventures

We had the 3 day hopper pass, but since there wasn't a whole lot our kids could do we spent 1 day in California Adventures. I do have to tell you about an incident at the hotel. Ryan was excited to ride a "real" roller coaster. He wanted to be prepared, so he suggested we take the "barf bags" from the bathroom in case we got sick on a ride. I told him I thought we'd be okay. I couldn't explain to him that carrying around little bags that say "Sanitary Napkins" on them wasn't the best idea.

We woke up early and spent the morning in Disneyland. We were able to get a few snapshots with the characters. Dustin and I spilt up again, but this time Ryan and I broke away from the group. Aaron was feeling sick and was puking, I guess we should have brought the "barf bags."

We met up and headed over to California Adventures. We had a blast. We did have to split up for while since the girls didn't want to ride the big rides. We hung out on the Zeppelin ride and Jumping Jellyfish ride. They loved them. Then it was my turn to ride the rides with the boys. I love BIG rides, so it was nice to have kids to ride them with.

WE rode the Mali Boomer, and the Screamer

I was so proud of Grace. Really all my kids, I know they were sacred, but they did it!

Then we headed over to A Bug's World and The Brother Bear park. Kate and Bec had been so patient to wait. Dustin also took the other kids on Grizzly Rapids.

We hurried back to Disneyland for a couple of the kids favorite rides while we waited out our fast pass for Soaring California. We had a whole issue with Bec not being tall enough, but complained enough that they let us on. How does a girl ride all the 40" rides at Disneyland and then doesn't even come close at the California park? I would type the whole story, but that's A LOT of typing. I was glad that was our last ride because it was a favorite of all of ours!

Day # 5 - #7

We left for Vegas in the morning. We were happy to break up the long drive. It was also really nice to spend time with my family. My Grandma Betty lives with my mom now, so it was fun to visit. We spent time at the park and just hanging out and talking. The kids flew kites and played football. We were bale to see the tree planted for my dad there as well. Kate was fascinated by that.

On Sunday we grabbed my boys from Lea Ann's and our dog too, the we were off. Thanks Lea Ann and kids for watching our little Acer. It was nice not to have to worry about him. He enjoyed it there.

I am so happy we were able to take our kids to the place of their dreams. It is nice not being asked when we get to go. We will do it again, but not for a good five years!