Help Me Pick My New Hair!

So, I'm going through an identity crisis.  It's kinda frustrating.  I don't fee comfortable in my own skin.  Ok, it's REALLY frustrating.

I've been trying out some new Mary Kay skin care products to write a review for my blog.  So far so good.

I bought some new clothes, clothes that actually fit me since I lost weight.

I'm due for new glasses soon, too.

Now, it's time to change my hair!

So this is what I look like now:

This is what I'm thinking about:

This Hair Style

Color Style #1

Color Style #2

So please dear reader - help me pick!

I shouldn't do laundry...

I've been married for 8 1/2 years; I've been a mom for 6 1/2 years.  And for the first time ever, I ruined the laundry.

I was doing a load of whites to wash Steve's clinical uniform.  There didn't seem to be anything in the pockets when I put them into the wash.  But somehow when he put it in the dryer, everything that came out was covered in red spots.

Somehow, a small piece of crayon ended up in the dryer.  I know it's small, because I found the wrapper - maybe a 1/3 of an inch.

So now I have several undershirts, socks and his uniform covered in red spots... And his uniform wan't cheap.  :(  Socks and undershirts isn't a probelem, but I feel awful that his uniform is ruined.  And of course, it all happened on a Thursday morning, and thursdays are our crazy day...

I found a few suggestions to get it out, I hope it's not too late...

Ruined Undershirt

Dad is finally home!

Today is day #50 that my dad has been in the hospital.  And today is the day that he finally goes home.

It's been an emotional 6 weeks... I can't believe it's over.  I'm so proud of how strong my mom has been through all of this.

I want to thank everyone for their prayers, support, and encouragement.

I hope that you will all consider becoming blood donors if you're not already.  And please, learn from us -  eat a healthy balanced diet, exercise, see your doctor regularly and TELL THEM EVERYTHING.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.  GOD IS SO GOOD!

Sometimes we just need a break...

I love my kids - they are polite, kind, funny, smart, and down right awesome!

But sometimes we all need a break, some time to ourselves.

Due to my husband's school and work schedule, we don't get as much time with him.  We see him in the morning and have breakfast together, we see him on the weekends, but that's about it.  So I'm 'single mom' Monday-Friday between 3:30 and bedtime.  Most days it's not a problem, we get everything done and we all go to bed happy.

But some days... not so much.  I generally conduct my business 9-3 Monday through Friday, and then after the kids go to bed until I can't stay awake any longer.  Unfortunately, I spend so much time with work and kids, there isn't any time left over for me.  And some days I just need a break.

I know, I know, I'm only able to be a good mom if I take care of myself first.  But that's a lot easier said than done.  I don't get to read for fun anymore, it's all for research.  So I'm very thankful for audio books, my entertainment while doing chores.  I'll don't know when I'll have time again to sit and read a book for enjoyment.  I don't watch that much TV,  just movies on the weekend with the kids.

I don't remember ever feeling this guilty before - I never wanted to be a working mom, let alone a business owner.  Does it ever get easier?

Regardless of how stressed I feel today, I know the hugs and love of my kids will knock me out of this funk...

Me and my crazy kids! 

4 Years Cancer Free

My dad was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer in September 2007.  After radiation, chemo and surgery, on January 11, 2008 he was declared cancer free.

He's had 4 or 5 major operations, countless smaller procedures.  A bunch of hospital stays (his current stay is 4 times longer than any of the previous, day 43 and counting).

As he is preparing for what could be his last surgery, it's humbling to think of all the people who have taken care of him and my mom, and those who have prayed for him and my family.  Thank you!

4 years cancer free - here's to 40 more, Dad!

Cleaning out the closet...

As I tried to get dressed for Church this morning, I looked through my closet.  And I felt unbelievably self conscious.

I don't feel comfortable in my body.  I've lost quite a bit of weight, and it was hard to do after having 3 kids.  My goal for 2012 is to run a 5K and 10K.  I haven't run long distance since junior high.

Most of the clothes that I have I bought either before having kids, or just after.  And now that I'm back to my high school weight, I don't have any clothes.  And I don't have the finances to buy new clothes.  So I walk around in clothes that are a size or 2 too big for me.  It's awkward and uncomfortable.

I was given a bit of spending money at Christmas, and I went and got a couple of new outfits for myself today.  So to make room for my new items, I'm cleaning out my old stuff.  I don't want to get rid of all of my large size items - saving them for when I do have another baby.

But then there are the other items - skirts that I bought because they were on sale and never had a top for.  Button down shirts that I wore after my shoulder surgery.  Items that people gave me because they didn't fit into them any more.  Dresses that were cute a few years ago, then are just not my style anymore.

I may keep the button down tops in with my maternity and post baby clothes.  But the rest of it, if I don't wear it, why keep it?

I kinda wish it was garage sale season, to see if I could sell some of it (we also recently cleaned out all of the toys they kids don't play with anymore).  I just want to get it out of here.

It's really nice to get rid of stuff...  I'm 18 months away from the big 3-0 and it's time to start looking the part...

The Blessings of Christmas

I love my family.

I have an amazing husband who I've known for over 12 years, married to for over 8.  I have kind, loving and well mannered children.

I have strong and loving parents, and brothers who I actually do enjoy spending time with (I don't mind if you guys stop by every once in a while...hint hint).

I have amazing grandparents, who I wish I'd been around more when I was younger.  I adore my aunts and uncles and cousins.  Who can beat staying up late playing games, asking random questions and laughing.

Steve grew up with having all his extended family around him; I did not.  I'm still not use to trying to coordinate spending the holiday with EVERYONE.  Most years, it was just my parents and us kids.  We'd gone to Massachusetts for a few Christmas's, but the weather became so unpredictable that it had to stop.

We don't really have any established traditions in my family now.  We make it a point to bake cookies together, we drive around looking at Christmas decorations, and we have some pretty neat Christmas cards!

Samantha, 6; Emmalee, 5; Steven, 3.  

We've tried to keep the holiday's simple.  I hate how commercialized it's become.  Christmas is about the coming of the Christ Child - the most precious gift of all.  It should be about being together with the ones that you love, enjoying all that they bring you in life (and that doesn't mean material things).

We enjoyed a quiet holiday this year; Friday night with my brothers, Saturday with my parents, Sunday morning at home, Sunday night with Steve's mom.

It was great to see my parents.  My kids hadn't seen my dad since before Halloween.  It was his first time out of bed in a couple of days.  The kids didn't seem too scared of all the IV bags, upset that they couldn't hug him, though.  It was nice to meet some of the doctors and nurses caring for him.  And their favorite housekeeper, Linda.  Mom said she always had something kind and encouraging to say, always helping out when she can.

My kids were very thankful for everything that they received.  They didn't complain that they didn't get what they wanted.  My husband and I didn't really exchange gifts - well, I thought we weren't.  I did get him a little something, then he got something for me, and then something for him that he addressed to me... I do really like my new iPod dock, though, I have been wanting one.  But I didn't think I needed a PS3...  Know any good games?

This Christmas was what Christmas is suppose to be - about family, being together, thankful for each other and honoring the Ultimate Gift.