perspective

The more things change…

2025 packed quite a punch, both good and bad, and our heads are still spinning a bit. A death in the family, a divorce, 2 weddings, 2 moves, a job change and empty nest. Our immediate and extended family was kept on its’ toes for 12 months straight and we hope to catch our breath in the new year. As the holidays approached this year, I was unsure what to expect, but I knew I wanted it to be special. Whether we were continuing with traditions of old or starting new ones, I prayed that the memory making would continue- and it did!

This year, the changes began in November, when for the first time we did not have all 4 children around the table. As sad as I was about it, my heart was at peace knowing that my daughter was not alone, but instead being loved up by her new family and getting to show off her new digs in Georgia to her in laws. We instead kept track of each other, as we have since her move in August by texts, calls, letters and facetimes. Our encouragement took on different forms but was always there and she knew it. The tears flowed at times, but the excitement grew as well, knowing she would be home in December!

December arrived and we did most of what we have always done – we attended tree lightings, Christkindl markets, the lights at the zoo and this year I also was blessed to attend an Advent Tea at my school. We changed the dates of several events, but they were still special and helped to bring the Fa La La to a month that attempts to race right past us. Our annual Extended family party that has historically been held the week before Christmas (to insure that all of my college kids were home to celebrate) was changed to December 27th so that our Georgia peaches could be in town to enjoy the family as well. This once again proved that it is not the date on the calendar but the people surrounding you that brings the magic.

As different as this season has been- the nostalgia still remained strong. The same chocolate treats were made and devoured on our dessert trays, the same Christmas cactus was praised as she miraculously bloomed for the holiday as if she had a calendar hidden somewhere, and the same songs made me cry on Christmas Eve. I still dreaded the clean up after it was all over, and still want to keep my tree up until February so I can enjoy her soft light in an otherwise dark room. I’m so very grateful for a season of change that was also filled with the joy of old times. I pray that 2026 brings the same type of balance.

Time for a new ride…

We said a difficult good bye last week. We knew it was coming, but that didn’t make it any easier. It was time, and we knew it was for the best. It was time to trade in the mini van and get a smaller vehicle. I mean we have dealt with so much change the last few months, why not?

We purchased our first mini van when we only had one child and he was around one. I remember him in a carseat as we test drove several vehicles and dreamed of the day when every seat would be filled. That happened – we had 3 more children and were often happily transporting their friends as well. It was a noisy crew and the closest I will ever come to being a bus driver, and I miss it already. We did our best to keep it clean, but the obvious french fries and hair ties were often found in between seats, drink spills and marker swipes were inevitable as well. We have had 3 mini vans in the last 26 years and they have served us well.

Many might think that trading in a vehicle is a simple, emotionless process – but I would disagree. Our mini van was named Holly, because who doesn’t name their cars (or is it only us?!). She has SEEN some things. From Christmas lights tours to college move ins, Florida road trips to transporting wedding decor for 2 of our daughters. All 4 of our children learned to drive in this Honda Odyssey, and she is not a little girl – if they could navigate the roads in her, they were good to go! She took all 4 of their belongings to college for us. On the roads that she traveled , she has heard long stories, loud laughter and angry disputes. She saw the children grow from grade school silly gooses to beautiful brides and home owning men. Saying goodbye to this van meant saying goodbye to the possibility of ever driving that many kids around again. As I said, she has witnessed our family evolve, and we are grateful for her – she was reliable and always ready for the next adventure.

I am happy with my new car – a maroon Chevy Trax that I have named Tiny. In comparison, she has some fun bells and whistles not found on Holly and she is a breeze to park in smaller spots. I have hung up my tried and true air freshener that is a photo of our dog Ruby, and purchased new gum and mints to enjoy on the road. She has already gone to the lake with us and driven through her first rain storm – we are making new memories for sure! All in all, this is just an appreciation post for having dependable vehicles and enjoying the big and little aspects of life.

*And lastly, and more importantly, what is the name of YOUR vehicle?!?!?

Simple Pleasures

There is so much talk about “self care” these days. I wholeheartedly agree that it’s vital and extremely important – especially for those who are also taking care of others in addition to themselves. The most difficult part is that at times it seems the only things we are told will help soothe us and our tired minds and bodies seem out of reach or too extravagant/ pricey. A tropical vacation, spa day, new shoes or clothes, for example. I’d like to suggest a few of my simple pleasures that are not going to require refinancing your house to bring a sense of calm and rejuvenation. As a for former Stay at Home Mom of 4 with a husband that travels internationally, I had to be creative when I needed comfort and rest. I hope this list may give you an idea or two of ways that you can promote a sense of serenity in the midst of a chaotic situation or schedule. These are basic things that can help us feel relaxed , bring a smile or allow us to take a small break and find perspective – nothing huge, but highly effective!

  • This may seem like a silly idea to you – but for me, it’s a must! I always have some type of fun or meaningful screensaver on my phone. Seriously, how many times do we look at our phone during the day? For me, it’s a mood lifter when I see a favorite family pic, scripture verse or holiday graphic when I grab my phone. I even have a pinterest board full of options so I can change it as many times as I’d like. I currently have an adorable pumpkin cartoon as my saver and it always makes me smile when I see it. Free, and I love it! (I will add the picture below so you can enjoy the cuteness, too!)
  • This a no brainer for me – I love coffee and drink water all day long, too – so it matters what cup I am using… 🙂 I have a few favorite coffee mugs that I have owned for more than 30 years. Yes, sounds crazy, but when I drink from them, whatever I am drinking tastes even better – is that a thing?! I also have several travel mugs that are special to me – whether they bring back memories of the person that gave them to me, or just do a kick a$$ job of keeping my drink cold – using that mug always makes me happy.
  • Here is another basic idea that can be picked up anytime you are at the grocery store. I absolutely love fresh flowers. Buying a small $8 bouquet of yellow daisies (my fave!) will keep me smiling for days. Don’t wait for someone else to buy you flowers – do it for yourself! Bonus, if your handsome husband walks in with them as a surprise though!
  • Music – we all know that music has a way of shifting our mood. I have a playlist of my very favorite songs for this reason. I will play it whenever I need a boost – or when I’m exercising, cleaning, knitting – just about anytime. Make yourself a playlist of your faves – fast and slow, old and new … put it all on one list and enjoy!
  • Lotion and candles – these are both low budget essentials that I keep available all year long. I absolutely LOVE for things to smell good – my favorites are vanilla, cinnamon and maple for candles. My poor husband has been tricked many times as he returns home and expects some delicious baked good on the counter, and is disappointed to see a lit candle on the table instead. Wearing a pretty scent is also a mood lifter for me. At Kroger last week, the cashier told me I smelled like a marshmallow – that made me laugh, I mean, there are worse things I could smell like, right?!
  • Pillow – think for a minute how long we are in bed each day – at least 6 hours, hopefully more. Now think about your pillow. Do you like it ? How old is it – if you say 30 years old, I will gag. We should all have a clean, supportive pillow that gives us a soft place to lay our heads each night and sleep away the weariness of our days. There are so many great options out there right now – some more expensive then others, but well worth it in my eyes. I have a memory foam pillow that I literally think about during the days and sometimes count the hours until we meet again (thank you, perimenopause!). Going to sleep should bring you a sense of peace and an amazing pillow might help!

Ok friends – please do me a favor and give me some of your basic, affordable ideas that bring you joy. There is never enough joy and calm in the world – I can’t wait to hear YOUR suggestions!

Movin’ on up…

Change is necessary and inevitable. Whether change is viewed as exciting or nerve wracking, chances are, it’s right around the corner. One of the most common forms of change is moving – from one house to another, from an apartment to a house, or from a house to a care facility of some sort. This summer was the summer for changing locations. Two of our four children moved and several other family members changed addresses as well. We helped physically move 3 times and were happy to be there to assist as much as our aging bodies allowed. Though the heat was not preferable, we never had rain on a moving day, and we ran with that victory (or more like barely jogged – it was HOT, remember?). 

  I was blessed to stay in one house until almost graduating from college. I made memories with my family, neighbors, local businesses owners, our mail lady, and our librarian. It was extremely emotional to learn that my parents were moving. My immediate reaction was tears and grief. It took a bit for me to find the excitement and positivity in this change. These feelings were honest and legitimate after spending over 20 years in one home. Saying goodbye was difficult. My Mom was thoughtful enough to video tape a tour of the house before she began packing and moving furniture. My sister and I were gifted this vhs tape at our first Christmas after the move. So many emotions were felt as we watched my mom walk through our “old” house as she spoke of the many memories created in each room. She understood our deep love for this structure that protected us from the elements as we grew from infancy to adulthood.  I am happy to say that the new house that my parents moved into has also provided a warm and happy environment and a is a place that my heart has grown to love, too.

In addition to emotional strain, moving is a huge mental strain as well. Sorting through belongings is a daunting task. Knowing that not everything should be brought along, the decisions must then be made to keep, donate or throw away. Some people have more of a struggle when it’s time to discard things, whether it’s clothing, decor or household items. Others attach emotional feelings depending on when the clothing was worn ( a child’s graduation), how the item was received (a wedding gift!) or who gave the framed picture over the fireplace (Grandma, who is no longer with us). The actual act of taking certain items to the donation place is also something that takes time. Take it from someone that has driven around for months with donations to Goodwill in her trunk – please tell me I’m not alone! Deciding what belongings must go is sometimes the easiest part.

Once in the new environment, another round of organizing and sorting begins. Which room should each item be placed? Where should the pictures be hung? How should the dishes and glasses be stored in the kitchen? What about all of the clothing that was moved? Is there enough storage or does a dresser need to be purchased and (ugh) put together in order to create enough space for everything? What about furniture placement, is there even room for all of your furniture from the old house? All of this on top of the fatigue from actually moving an entire house worth of things can be exhausting. And tempers can flare, or tears can flow, or both. The job does not end as soon as all of the things are moved – it’s actually just beginning.

My husband and I both found that after we helped several people move, we were itching to organize and downsize our own things. I came home and immediately cleaned out a few closets and cabinets. He went as far as looking for a new Ranch style home for us – I told him to slow his roll. No way do I want to have to move all of our belongings anytime soon – Lord, have MERCY. Somehow, we both caught the bug and felt like the winds of change were blowing. With our own children launching from the nest at such a rapid rate, we are enjoying the thought of changing some empty rooms around.in our own home. We are considering changing one room into an office and perhaps making one a guest room – it’s fun to even think about the changes. I guess all change isn’t so bad 🙂 All in all, moving like everything else in life can be a hassle or a great opportunity. It’s all about perspective. Looking for the positive – sometimes it’s harder to see the silver lining – keep looking!

Revisiting “today”…

Back in January, I chose “today” as my word of the year. This particular word was selected because I knew that this year was bringing many changes in our family and I wanted to focus on each new day instead of the upcoming events and activities that were on the way. These family events were all good, 2 weddings and a child moving to be with her spouse as he began law school – but even good things can be stressful. The wedding planning is a lot of decision making and that, in itself, can be exhausting. I know myself, and with these kinds of changes looming, I knew I needed to be intentional about living in the present.

As one prepares for a big event like a wedding – even if it’s your daughter’s and not your own – it can be all consuming. Thoughts of time lines and food options, dress fabrics and napkin colors can sneak in and make daily living a bit more “hectic”. Planning is fun, but would be so much more fun if the rest of your life would be more accommodating – do I still need to work, exercise, grocery shop, do laundry, prepare for holidays and on and on and on – while SIMULTANEOUSLY planning the wedding?! Yep, you sure do. And that’s where it becomes draining. It’s essential to let yourself take a day “off” every now and then and think nothing about the upcoming event. Do something for yourself. Go out to eat, take a nap, read, visit a friend. Don’t let the fun of every day slip away.

I am in my last few weeks of school and currently 18 days away from my first daughter’s wedding – so I will be keeping this post short and sweet. I have found several quotes this year that have inspired me to be more mindful of living in the present and I thought I’d share them with you!

Enjoy the remaining days of the month of May!

  • Know your worth – then add tax
  • Give yourself grace
  • Don’t spend your year doing the same shit
  • Focus on what you can control
  • Good things are coming

Today is the day!

I gave a lot of thought to choosing my word this year. I knew that the next 12 months would be bringing some major changes to our family dynamics, including two of our daughters getting married almost exactly 4 months apart. As someone with a type A personality, it is very easy for me to get caught up in planning, preparing, changing details, and nailing down specifics. It’s all too common for me to be in a situation or with a friend or loved one and have my mind creating a list of the next errands that need to be done, items that need to be returned, or ingredients that need to be purchased. I don’t want to miss the excitement and joy that we are in the thick of because I am focusing on the things that still need to be done – let’s face it, no matter how far ahead you plan, there will ALWAYS still be things that need to be done. I don’t want to be distracted with what is yet to be, I want to be completely present with the task at hand. I won’t be getting this time back, and if my mind is elsewhere, even the memories of these events will be a bit skewed. God, please help me to focus on TODAY, and celebrate both the magic and the mundane of the next 24 hours!

I also struggle with perhaps filling my days a bit too much. How much can I get done today? How many items can be checked off of my list? I am a big fan of lists and making sure I have a plan for each day or event. As a Mom of four young children, I realized that my productive days wouldn’t look quite the same, as my schedule was no longer my own. I started writing a “Have done list” instead of a “To do list”. This helped me to feel proud of all that I had accomplished each day while still feeding, bathing, napping, diapering and loving on my littles. The pressure was off as I added items to the list AFTER they were completed (*paid a bill *did a load of towels *did my bible study) instead of a looming list of chores and errands calling my name. I was still getting things done, but at my own pace and one that allowed my family to be my priority. There are certainly days that I need to ask myself what would benefit me more, being productive or getting some rest. I need to become more aware of how these busy days and schedules affect my mental state. As much as I love to get things done – I’m also a huge advocate for a nap on the couch with the dog. Balance – it’s all about balance – and what works for me today.

Every day is different, even if we think we know how things are going to play out. Some days seem to last forever, and some are over before you know it. Some days bring a tsunami of emotions and some days are absolutely uneventful and a big 24 hours of B-O-R-I-N-G. I am going to try to take each day as it comes and accept the highs and lows that arrive along with each new sunrise. I will do my best to thank God for every day as I pray each night. One of my favorite quotes is ” Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day”. I’m not going to sugar coat what life throws my way – if it’s a craptastic day, ok then. Tomorrow is a new day. Being able to enjoy each day also requires me to let go of the malarkey that has recently happened – to keep moving forward. God has reminded us in Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”. Today. We should be focusing on today – and that is my goal in 2025. Praying for your strength as you chase whatever you are running after this year . May we all find a wonderful mix of adventure and peace wrapped up with a sparkly bow of gratitude. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Change…

“Change is the only constant in life” – Heraclitus

I’ll be the first to admit that change has never been my favorite. I love consistency, the familiar. I love to know what is coming so that I can be prepared. I love to know that I’ve handled something successfully before and can (hopefully) do it yet again. But in my almost 29 years of being a wife and over 26 years of parenting, I have found that change is one of the most common parts of life. If our family manages to do something twice in a row without any differences in the experience – call the presses! I have learned to be flexible in my approach and it has definitely benefited all of us. That being said, our family has a lot of changes coming in the next year. Am I ready? Can one ever really be “ready”?!

We have two daughters that will be getting married in 2025 -one in June and one in October. We are having fun planning two very different events and it’s been exciting to say the least. But as we schedule the Bridal Shower and pick out centerpieces for the big day, reality settles in. These two daughters will not be coming “home” for Christmas next year. Yes, they will visit for hours at a time, but they won’t be living at home anymore. This Christmas, for several reasons, was the “last” as we know it, since next year only one of our four children will actually wake up at our house next year on Christmas morning. Santa will only have one stocking to fill, as new spouses will now have that responsibility. We will have to find a new time to open presents together, since the time we have always done this in the past no longer works. We will have to consult the schedules of two more families in addition to the 9 schedules we are currently working around to fit everything in. We will no longer have the entire family at every event. Things are changing and we will need to be open to it. “But, we’ve always done it that way!” must not be uttered. The first few holidays will be a learning experience for sure.

Although it does make me a bit anxious, I am also excited to see the new traditions we will undoubtedly create. They will not be REQUIRED to happen on December 24th or 25th. They can change time and location from year to year. We can have a full meal, or just drinks and desserts. We can exchange with everyone or draw names. We can wear our fanciest holiday clothes or our pajamas. The main idea is that these changes are discussed and agreed upon by the majority. Everyone has an opinion and expectations and it’s necessary to feel heard and understood. No, not everyone will get their way. No, not everyone will be happy with the date chosen or restaurant we are meeting at, or time the event will begin. But we all must understand that the holidays are for being TOGETHER and that means flexibility and possibly having pasta instead of tacos and buying a White Elephant gift instead of exchanging gift cards. Hugging your Mom and drinking a Cranberry Margarita while reminiscing about the time the cats knocked the tree down – now THAT’S CHRISTMAS. I pray that as each holiday arrives we are together, healthy and happy – that’s my wish for my family and yours – even with all of the changes!

It’s late July…

It’s late July, and I can literally feel summer slipping through my fingers. With every back to school ad, my grip loosens a bit more and acceptance wins out. As much as I love summer, and my morning coffee on the patio and weekends at the lake with family, cold drinks, and loud music, autumn also brings many of my favorite things. The mixed emotions of the changing season are as common as the cooling temperatures. Jumping back-and-forth between the anxious thoughts of beginning again and the calming peace of familiarity – August is coming, whether we are ready or not.

I heard that July is the Sunday of summer for teachers. And boy can I relate. As an educator, September has always felt more like the new year than January. And now it’s August, as a teacher in Ohio that is back in the building the first week of the month as we begin preparing for our students. This year, on top of the classroom work and planning, we are also packing our youngest as she anticipates leaving the nest and heading to college. So many lists, online orders, and packages stacked in a pile as they arrive. My mind refuses to rest, even when my schedule allows me the downtime. So much to arrange, organize and purchase. Having taught more than seven years and also prepared her three older siblings for college, my brain should know by now that it will all get done – and if it doesn’t, it’s OK. It should know that if something is on back order, it will eventually arrive. And if a bookshelf doesn’t work in one area of the room, it can always be moved. But the limited time and the excess of heat and emotions don’t allow this logic. Feeling overwhelmed, is entirely too common as we attempt to ease into these new experiences and living arrangements.

Having taught before and having sent children to college and the past does not negate the possible negative emotions that sneak in as we become weary and oversensitive during these stressful times. By all means, you’re allowed to be emotional. You’re feeling all of these emotions because you are invested – these events are important to you. You want to be successful, you want to be prepared. You want your daughter to feel like she can handle all that will be brand new to her. I am saying a prayer now for all of us in the same boat. Maybe you have a different job but understand the pressure and timeless restraints of which I am writing. Maybe you are saying goodbye to a child that is saying hello to a new adventure. I pray for peace for our hearts and rest for our bodies and minds. We can do this. It may not be pretty at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep moving forward, each day will bring more comfort and confidence.

Moving forward-

We are closing another chapter in our family book in a few months. We recently celebrated the graduation of our youngest child. Over 20 years in the same school district (whew!). A party was in order, and we hosted well over 100 people on a 92 degree day. We had picture boards, a slushie machine, food to feed an army and lots and lots of cold water available. For all 4 children, I created a memory clothesline. Through the years, I set aside shirts or outfits that were favorites of the child, or something that was just iconic. After collecting the clothes, I would look through my scrapbook albums and pull a picture with them wearing the outfit. For child #4 I actually found all of the pictures this past winter on one of my snow days. I knew how busy it got before each party – so I knew getting it out of the way would be quite helpful. Preparing for a graduation party forces you to travel the road of Kindergarten through Senior year as pictures and mementos are prepared to be displayed. I also hang up every portrait from year one to eighteen and scrapbook pages from the first day of school young fives until Senior year. Now that’s a lot of memories to process – and with child #4 it about broke me.

As the children have grown, I have often struggled with looking back and wishing things were different. Maybe I wish I had handled a situation better, changed my reaction to a problem or just simply wanting the chance to be with my children at a younger age again. Who doesn’t miss the scent of a newborn, the sound of a squeaky toddler’s voice or the feel of a squishy child’s hug? I look at pictures of my four when they were all in elementary school or younger and remember the days when we only did what I planned and it was so very different than the hectic high school days of friends, sports, volunteering and jobs. I have to remind myself that each chapter definitely had its’ ups and downs and that it’s easy to romanticize an age once we are through it. I absolutely love looking through my scrapbooks and remembering all of the years of memories that our family has created. I suggest taking as many pictures as possible. You will never regret being able to revisit an event from the past – pictures transport you immediately back to the event – what a treasure.

Moving forward, as we now begin to cross off needed items for our daughter’s dorm room, we are eagerly anticipating memories yet to be made. What does the next five years have in store for our family? Our house will be quieter as the nest has emptied. Our time together will no longer be daily , but more scheduled. Our relationships will need to be more intentional. I know it may be a difficult year, as change is often uncomfortable, but I also know that we will find many positives in this new chapter we are beginning. Cheers to the future, and all of the joy it will bring!

Life lessons I’ve learned from my hair…

I’m pretty sure that most would agree with me on this point – our hair usually doesn’t do what we want it to do. I️ was born with some THICK hair. My mom kept it short when I️ was little, because she just didn’t know what to do with it. I️ don’t blame her now, but I️ sure wanted it long when I️ was little – so much that I️ would put pantyhose on my head and swing it around like it was long hair – if you have never done this, try it, such a good time! But, when I️ did let my hair grow out, the tedious chore of brushing through that mop got old REALLY quick. I️ envied those with braids and buns and piggy tails. Although I️ soon found out that sitting still while my mom coated her hands with “dipity doo” and tried to work some magic was a tad bit like torture for me. Later, in 6th grade, everyone was feathering their hair. Hard as I️ tried, my hair would have nothing to do with it, resulting in a daily battle in front of the mirror.

In addition to being thick, my hair has a ton of volume. For years it was more of a “wave”. Just enough to NOT be straight. Just enough to make me mad. I️ found that using a flat iron worked well to control the beast – so I️ used one daily for years. While on a Spring Break trip with our family, after going into the ocean and letting the wind dry my hair – my children were taken aback. ‘‘You have curly hair?” It was a bit like I️ had just introduced them to a long lost sibling. What a secret to hide from your children! From that point on, no more flat iron… I️ was determined to let my hair be “natural”. At this point in time, to me, my hair looked like I️ had an old perm. Many declared it looked like I️ had created beach waves with a curling wand. Beach waves?! I felt more like I️ had been caught in the Big Kahuna and dragged in the sand a few miles. Yes, the grass is always greener – but I have learned a few lessons  through the years from my crazy hair that I’d like to share with you 🙂

* Less is more ~ With all of the new tools and products out there, it’s easy to get sucked in. Less frizz? Amen! Bouncy waves? I’ll take two! Relaxed curls with no stiffness? SOLD. Yet, I have found, that once you find something that works, stop. Don’t keep looking. Use what you have and let that be enough. You know, don’t re -invent the wheel and all that. What you have is enough. Being content is difficult but awesome!

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* Try new things ~ Sometimes, we need a little something different in our lives. The same ‘ole, same ‘ole just isn’t cutting it anymore. Don’t go all drastic and quit your job or shave your head, or tell your neighbors what you REALLY think (now THAT’S just crazy talk!) Change just a simple thing – and see what happens. Part your hair on a different side, add a braid, air dry if you normally blow dry. Small changes can do wonders for pulling you out of a funk!
* Celebrate small victories  ~ This is a favorite of mine. On special occasions and days that I’d truly love to look good, my hair turns out like a used mop. But, on any random Tuesday , when I had already vowed to stay home all day and do laundry, it’s as cute as can be. What to do? Don’t EVER waste cute hair! Go to the grocery store, go to the bank… BE SEEN – I mean, we really never know when this is going to happen again!

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* Ask for help ~ As with most things in life, if I see something that impresses me, I ask about it! If I see someone that has amazing hair, a beautiful headband,  or a style I admire – I inquire about it! What’s the worst that can happen?! Stick your neck out – being curious and asking questions is a good thing!

* Focus on the good ~ We all know that no matter how hard we try, there is usually something that isn’t “quite” right… the left side is curlier than the right side, the front dried funky, our barrette won’t stop sliding out – whatever! Focus on what is good! If the volume is there, but the style isn’t, grab a headband that matches your outfit and move on. If your hair is especially shiny, but won’t cooperate, slick it back into a pony and hit the road. Work with what you have 🙂

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* This, too, shall pass ~  I’m pretty sure we have all had one of “those” hair cuts. You know the one… the “ I can’t believe I sat in that chair and LET THIS HAPPEN!” one.  The cut that had us threatening to not leave the house for weeks. But guess what? We lived to tell! It grew! It probably took much longer than we’d like, but it did grow out! And we learned a lesson about a hair length that we Never. Want. Again.

In the end, just like life, we have to hope for the best and prepare for the worst with our hair.

Wishing all of you a good hair day – EVERYDAY!