All Great Changes are Preceded by Chaos...

Isn't parenthood one of the most humbling, tiring, exasperating, patience promoting experiences ever?!  It is also pretty ironic.  Here's an example.  The evening of day I did the Snip, Snip, Sniff, Sniff post, our sweet Laurel decided she would do some snipping of her own.  And boy-howdy did she do some snipping...

Zap!

Bam!

 Pow!

I posted about it on my personal Facebook page feeling sheepish but needing support and I'm so glad I did. Within that one day I got 50 comments from friends and family "feeling my pain" or just laughing.  I don't think I would survive this phase of parenthood with any kind of sanity if it weren't for good, supportive friends.

We decided to take Norah to a professional since she had bald spots all over her head.  They basically gave her a "buzz" cut.  

The lady who did it was refreshingly wild and told me she had just shaved her own head a few months earlier and "look how much it's grown".  It was to her ears and looked great so that actually really helped! :)

Frankly, I think Norah is rockin' the "buzz".

Laurel with her "bangds" (I think it's pretty funny that the "hairdresser" has the most hair left).  Laurel has always been our "in charge" girl.  Oldest by a minute and fulfills the role well.  I'm amazed at her ability to get the other two to do anything she wants them to do.  Very persuasive this one!

Maisy insisted on doing this pose for her picture.  Where do they come up with this stuff! :) Lucky girl, those curls look adorable at any length. 

On the way home from getting her buzz, Norah was quiet  for a bit and then asked, "Am I a pwetty girl, Mom?"  Almost broke my heart.  I think she asked because earlier in the day one of the twins said she looked like a boy.  We stopped at Target on the way home to get these headbands...she thought they were pretty.  She wears them occasionally but doesn't need them and seems pretty much like herself again.

The scissors are all in a bin hiding where no little hands will find them (I hope...man alive these kids are smart and fast)!

 Now if I could just keep her away from my mascara!

Snip, Snip...Sniff, Sniff

Two haircuts in two days.  First up, this little guy.  His "tail" was finally to the point of distraction.  Man alive why was I so sad to cut his curls?  

Maybe because he went from "baby" to "boy" in just a few minutes...sniff, sniff.

He did great.  He is growing up TOO FAST.  I seriously wish I could just freeze him right now.

Next up, this little cherub.  Norah found the scissors about a month ago and gave herself an epic "mullet".  We have worked with it, disguising it pretty well but I was getting tired of chasing her down every morning and trying to tame it.

                                          Those curls...hard to say good-bye.  I hope they come back.

Cut curls with a side of mac n' cheese! :)

Here she is!  Her cut reminds me of  Winnie the Pooh's friend, Christopher Robin.  

Within a few minutes of sweeping up curls I realized Norah was gone and it was quiet....a dangerous combination over here...sure enough, she had taken the scissors (I just set them down for a minute!) and snipped a nice bald spot right on the top of her head.

Oh this girl!  Love her spunk and determination...hope I can survive her childhood!

OK, please tell me I'm not alone.  Bring on the hair stories!

A Quick Trick

To see the transformation, Click on the picture to go to my new website.

Summer Catch Up and Fun Wreath Idea

 Our Summer officially started when my sister and her family came for a visit!  

 Just two of her kidlets...don't you love that toothless grin?

 We went to the local Discovery Museum...the mini grocery store was definitely a favorite

 Norah with her "bag of kitties" on the way to Reno

This girl LOVES her kitties!

 We went back to Reno for 4th of July festivities.  It was our first time back since moving to Idaho.  It was so nice to see familiar faces and reconnect.

Fires everywhere in the west in case you haven't heard.  Nevada was no exception.  We limited ourselves to bubble wrap (the kids LOVED it for about a minute).... 

 and my brother brought his small arsenal of party-time poppers and pop-its.  A good time was had by all.

How cute is this? This was by my parents' front door to greet all of us.  My mom found flip-flops for everyone (including adults) who came to celebrate.

She took it apart on July 4th and we all got to wear our new flip-flops! So fun!

 Lake Tahoe is just about 45 mins. away so we got to spend a day with the Stevensons and the Youngs for a Reunion 

 Jeff and his brother Ben...loved seeing them together.

The water is cccccold but so refreshing. :)  The view was AMAZING as usual.

 Grandpa is the funnest!

Heavenly day for this little guy!  He loved it!

Of course the Paper Doll Coloring Books didn't get done until the week we were all supposed to be out of town so thankfully they were shipped to us there in Reno.  Camille worked so hard to get as many out as possible while we were "on vacation".

We got to celebrate Great-Grandma Dahl's 94th Birthday.  She really was happier than she looks here.  I love her so much.

 My brother Tavan's kids.  Seriously some of the greatest kids.  We've had two summers in a row of  a whole week of quality time with them. I love how much they love Ollie. :)

It was so fun to go but it is so nice to be back!  What exciting adventures have you been on this summer?

Off to the Park...

Norah and some of her Kitties.  She is obsessed with cats.  Pictured here are only three of her collection.  She has an eye that can find a kitty anywhere. When we were in Reno visiting family we visited a bookstore there.  One of the first things she saw when we walked in was a huge cat book (about half her size) she was so excited she started shaking. At only a dollar we bought it.  She literally sat and rubbed her face against the pages of that picture book...in kitty heaven.

Right now it is beyond funny and cute...her love for cats.  I don't know how cute it will be when she is 30.  I hope that she doesn't turn into one of  those "cat ladies".  You know the ones. 

Laurel is always a fashion statement. 

Remember these glasses?  Best thrift store find ever!

These bags were sent by a friend...aren't they great?  She made them with oilcloth and some ribbons.  The girls love them for our little day trips...I love that I can just wash them out when they need a little cleaning.

The coloring books have been shipped!  Have you received yours yet?!