First Haircut

After finally growing enough hair, I took Elise for her first haircut a couple weeks ago. Nothing drastic, just a little off the back to even it out a little and give her a few bangs. A couple months before this, I got my hair cut a lot shorter so she has been infatuated with haircuts for a while and was very excited and eager to have hers done. The several days leading up to it, she kept asking me what color the scissors would be, what color the chair was, what color the cape was that she would wear, and what color hair the person had who would cut hers. I asked my stylist, David, if he ever did kid haircuts and he said yes. But, he told me he would not do it if she was crying and scared - he figures kids get freaked out enough by going to the doctor that he didn't want to be one of those people that kids were afraid of. Makes sense and I told him it wouldn't be a problem. I was correct as Elise sat like a statue the entire time quietly answering his questions with a shy "yes", "no", and "green" (answer to the favorite color question).

As he began cutting her hair, he paused and asked me, "Mom, are we saving any of this?" My response, "Am I supposed to?" I don't know, I guess I'm not sentimental enough or something, but I think it's kind of weird to save a chunk of hair. What am I going to do with it? Give it to her? Okay, then what? What does she do with it? Does anyone keep hair from the first haircut? I know I should be better about keeping track of milestones and events in her life, but I guess that is a whole different post. But, I did get some pictures so I guess I'm not that bad. Although, I have to confess that I forgot to take pictures until he was finished, so these are a little "staged", but you get the gist of it.

Before

During


After

"Mother of the Year" I am not - #3

I was just told by Elise's teacher that I might want to send some more food with her for lunch. Apparently, they have been giving her animal crackers and other scraps of food almost every week because she is still hungry after she finishes the lunch I have packed.

Valentine Ridiculousness

Why am I up at midnight putting together Valentines for 3 year olds? If you've gotten one Valentine you've gotten 'em all. And if you can't write them out yourself, well, then, what's the point? I should have gone with my gut and pretended not to see the "Valentine Class Party Sign-Up Sheet."

Lesson learned for next year.

High Hair Day

Giving It Up

The season of Lent is upon us. While I don't typically participate in the traditional practices of Lent, I have decided this year to give something up for this period of time. Computer solitaire. This is by no means intended to make light of what Lent means and the practice of it. But, I have been wasting way too much time doing something of no redeeming value. I thought this might be a great time and length of time to consciously give something up that I enjoy but has gotten out of hand. So, as of today, no more solitaire or computer games of any kind. I hope this will help me to be much more productive around the house instead of sitting down to "check my email" and then getting sucked into this game that has a hold on me. One of our favorite phrases around our house is, "Solitaire doesn't play itself." Well, Solitaire, you sure don't play yourself, and I'm afraid you won't get played by me for a while. I will miss you, but I'm sure we will be reunited before you know it and I might actually have a clean house and clean laundry. Until then, stay strong and even though we will be apart, you will not be forgotten.

The Strike is Over!

No, not the WGA strike (much much much to my disappointment), but my own personal blogging strike. Not sure why I haven't posted - mostly out of laziness I guess - but I'm back for now.

Not too much new has been going on here since my last postings, but I can update on a few things. Christmas is over and we have recovered for the most part. Elise reminds us all the time if she sees anything that resembles a present, a Christmas tree, lights, etc. that she "thought Christmas was over." She is still in Christmas toy overload, but that seems to be getting better also. Note to Self: Stash some presents in the attic unopened until at least April. Additional Note to Self: Do NOT put musical instruments on Christmas list next year.

Jer has started up his classes again for the spring semester and is already knee deep in studying and working on papers and presentations. It's going to be another busy few months in our household while he is gone for class and work and I continue to neglect the house work. (The TV does not watch itself.)

Elise is back in school again (can I get an AMEN!) after her break and starts her Spanish class next week. I need to take a moment and sing the praises of her school. Not only do they take my child for 5 hours a day (1 day a week, hopefully soon to be 2 days), but they teach her things and offer extra little "classes." Last year she took an art class, Spanish class, and a cooking class. This month she will be doing Spanish again and also a tumbling class. Love this place!

And as I mentioned earlier, I continue to watch a lot of TV despite the strike, spend a lot of time socializing with friends, working with the church's women's ministry, and praying for a magical fairy to take care of the house stuff while I am out and about.

So, that's what's happening in the Kooistra household. Pretty boring. You haven't missed much due to my lack of posts, but I will do my best to keep up a little better. Hopefully, I'll have time somewhere in between watching the new poor reality shows and contemplating sorting the laundry to post some pictures.