Life Lesson #438: don't skimp on haircuts

So I took a risk today... A big risk! I decided to forego my regular salon, save a couple bucks, and get in quick for a haircut. What can be so tough about cutting my hair when it's midway down my back, right? Shoot, it's even curly, so if it's not straight when I leave, so be it... So I walked into Capri College, a cosmetology school here....

Holy crap! I completely walked into a downward spiral!

First, my appointment was at 3:30, and no one said a word to me for the first 15 minutes. I actually had my keys in my hand, ready to walk out, when they called my name. The girl looked like a troll! Her hair was all kinds of uneven, her face was all scrunched up, her glasses barely hung onto the edge of her nose, and she walked like oompa-loompa.

Can you imagine the thoughts running through my head?

So she asks me what I wanted done, and it was all I could do not to just apologize and walk out. But, I refrained, and explained a trim would be appreciated. She hands me a contract basically stating that if she screws up my hair, she's not responsible. The chick then gets her teacher who comes and asks if its ok to cut my hair dry because they didnt have much time. Seriously? One can't even get a comb through my dry, nappy hair, let alone be able to cut it dry with any accuracy!

She must have read my non-verbals at this point... Hell, I could have still been looking at the student cross-eyed, wondering if I was really going to put myself through this. During the shampoo she poked me in the eye, pulled my earring out, drapped her broken apron across my face (twice), and leaned her nasty, troll-smelling, armpit BO across my body. For a while she couldn't find the shampoo/conditioner she wanted, so I was stuck without neck support longer than necessary.

The teacher started the cut (to save time) and concluded that I must swim 3 times a week because of the build-up in my hair. Thanks crazy-lady, but I haven't been in a pool since last August! It's just called coarse hair and I deal with it everyday.

After the student made a couple snips off the back, she actually looked at the instructor and said, "what should I do with the sides?" She finally finished, and started taking my cape off, but my hair was still fricking drenched! Mind you, its the coldest day of the year and windchills are about -15 today, but whatever... I paid for my $10 haircut and ran out.

Going forward, I am happy to pay $40 for an hour of relaxation, normal conversation, and worry-free style. Oh. My. God.

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Happy 2nd Birthday Vivienne Lee!

Two years ago, we were blessed with a precious niece who has brought so much fun to our lives. She made us an Uncle and Aunt for the first time, and it was a sure honor! Vivienne has since been named our Goddaughter and I think I speak for Jarin and I when I say that we are most happy to lead you through the life of God, Vivi. There will not be any force in this world that will keep us from helping you achieve your dreams. It's amazing that you are already two years old. Keep smiling girly! We love you!

Making time for bathtime...

Our kids have always been big on bathtime, and it is one of those things that we never spend enough time enjoying. As parents, we spend the day rushing through life just to get home in time to put together dinner quick, clean up, maybe find a couple minutes for an activity, and then we're off for a speedy bath, a book, and goodnight kisses.

Well, tonight was different. Instead we started bathtime shortly after 6pm, and I sat back while they used their imaginations together. Conversations included everything from Chucky Cheese to Rudolph. They played make-believe with computers at work, hair supplies from the salon, flu shots from the doctor, and babies from daycare, until their fingers were wrinkled!

It was fun to watch them enjoy the simple pleasures of having each other as siblings, not needing the fancy Leapsters or addicting TV to stay entertained, but soaking up the child mind. Their laughs, smiles, tackles, giggles, and swimming adventures are easy entertainment.... Even for mom!

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Go Away Sicky Bugs!

Today marks day 6 of the nasties at the Hansen's. It all started after Alayna's birthday last weekend when 15 of us caught a GI Tract virus that took the best of us. Poor Cade got it the worst though, and just when I thought he was better on Wednesday, Thursday night he got round 2 on the basketball court. He hasn't quite recovered from that one yet and is disappointed to be missing his 2nd game today.

Sure breaks a mom's heart though when those big eyes look at you and say, "mommy, I told those sicky bugs to go away and they aren't listening." I know buddy, it'll be better soon...

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Hello watercolors!!!

The kids just got introduced to watercolor painting, and while Alayna is a little freaked every time she gets paint on her hand, this is quite the entertaining activity for both kids!

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Happy Birthday Alayna Louise!

It's been three years since our little princess was born, and oh, how she has changed our life! She has sure taken the role as family drama queen, the motherly figure, and the leader of the pact. Sometimes Jarin and I just laugh at the way she directs people around...hmmm, wonder where she gets that from?

But then there are her cuddles, kisses, and hugs. She must be the most loving little 3 year old out there. Alayna, thank you for providing us the love and laughter that you do on a daily basis. You keep your parents on our toes and your big brother in check! You go girl! The world is in front of you... don't let anything stop you. Much love from your family on your big 3rd birthday!

The Wonders of the Holiday Season

Could the holidays have been more enjoyable? It must be the age at which my children are right now that make me adore the traditions, magic, and excitement that comes with Christmas. The first of the month, we set out to the tree farm, hunting for the perfect tree... what an adventure! There was so much snow this year... Caden thought it was perfect for snowball fights, while Alayna could barely trudge through the white fluffy stuff!

The kids picked out the perfect one and helped daddy saw it down, then haul it off to be shook and wrapped on top of the family minivan... can't get much more Grizzwald than that! 

 

Inside the nursery is a beautiful sleigh that the kids get their photo taken each year. I had to compare the last couple years for you. It's amazing how fast they grow.

2008

 

2009



2010

From our very first Christmas together at my parents, the kids looked forward to waking in the morning to a room full of gifts, cinnamon rolls, and smiles. But that was only the beginning! We also had time at the big Skala Christmas and Santa even visited and then Jarin's family came to our house for another memorable go-around on Christmas weekend.

We spent the last couple weeks taking time off work, playing lots of games, searching for pickles in the Christmas tree, hiding in tents, wrestling in the snow, making the best cookies and spending quality time as a family.

 

It's all been time that we will never forget and never replace. It's awesome to build the memories that we have. We are truly blessed and can only begin to express our sincere gratitude to our family for setting these expectations of believing in the season!