Locks of Love

My 14yo daughter has beautiful long blond curls.  They can be a lot of work, and very hot in the summer months.  So she asked if she could get it cut.  So I got everything ready.  I had the scissors right in her hair, at about the neck.  Then I stopped, and thought, "I wonder if there are 10" here to donate to Locks of Love".  There was.  So we went to the local salon that cuts for free when you donate your hair.  I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Right about here, I teared up, but thankfully, composed myself :)

That's her pony tail she is holding:

Finishing touches:

Her new look, we love it:

She said she misses her long hair a little, but now she doesn't have to put  it in a pony tail.  And it will always grow back.

Today:

 

A Silly Creation

In just over a week, we will be going to Yosemite for 6 days!  For the first time ever, I have begun the packing and organizing process much earlier than usual.  I organized most of the kitchen items that we use for camping.  I hope to get more done today.  I had to buy new marshmallow sticks.  We always meet other families there and all of the sticks look the same, so last time, I put colored tape on the handles.  I was going to do that, but then remembered that they can get hot laying around the fire ring.  So I made some of these:

Tiny little potholders made from prequilted material and old tie dyes. :)  Weird, I know.  But fun, and identifiable!

Sweet Peas

My Great-Grandma, "G-G", always had a lot of Sweet Peas in her back yard.  I loved the smell.  I have tried to grow them in the past, but never got much.  This year, I bought some seeds and planted them in the back, where there is already a trellis.  I really didn't think they would grow, that area doesn't get much sun in the winter and early spring.  But my Mom really wanted me to try, so I did.  And they grew!  Another first for me! There isn't a lot, but I may just pick a few before they wilt in the upcoming heat, and put them in a vase in the house.  I just need to enjoy the smell before they are gone :)

We Have Fish!!!!!

After years of taking our kids fishing and hardly catching a thing, E went to a lake with a work buddy and caught these:

The kids pictured did not get to go this time, but now we know WHERE to go!  There were 16 fish and D & E cleaned them up that night.  E fried them last night and I was just so proud of all 5 kids digging in, sorting out bones and eating fresh fish!  I had a few bites to show support.  I think I'm going to have to learn to like fresh fish.  If only they'd catch fish sticks!

A Bunch of Firsts

So I haven't posted many "firsts" like I wanted to.  Not everything happens in a once a week nifty kind of way.  But I have been doing/learning new things.  I will list some here.  Later, I will post pictures of other firsts I have done lately.

During our camping trip....

I took the kids camping w/o the Daddy.

Let the kids plan and pack it all, for the most part.

Started a campfire, or at least kept it going.

Used the camping stove by myself.

Used the lantern by myself.

Made good coffee with the percolator.

 

A Mother's Day Tribute

On this Mother's Day, I would like to honor all of the ladies that have helped make me who I am in one way or another.

My Mom

My Grandma Sybil

My Great Grandma Eliza

My Aunt Susan

My Aunt Lynda

My Grandma Mozelle

My Mother in Law Diane

My Grandma in Law Geri

My Mom's best friend Josette

My best friend's Mom Lavone

My Stepmom Caroline

My dear friend Joyce

Bombie

Thank you all for loving me and teaching me and being there when I needed you. I love you all and I terribly miss those who are already gone.

Kid Camping

During Easter break, I wanted to give the kids the opportunity to plan a camping trip on their own.  They planned the meals and packed it all.  They made the list themselves and they did pretty good.  There were a few important things I grabbed at the last minute, but it is amazing how little we really need when we camp.  Though, we only went for one night, which is a lot different than 6 nights!  We were the only ones there, though one couple came late at night, and left early. We arrived on a Thursday.  Oh, and we only had to travel 15 minutes to the campground :)

Oasis in the brown, dry grass:

Putting up the tent.  We discovered that one of the poles was broken, so one side was limp:

Chopping kindling:

Our own private beach.  But don't worry, they were only allowed to put their feet in if they sat on the shore.

We even made a fire, the first time without The Daddy!

cough, cough:

Finally, dinner over an open fire!

 

Now that's a fire! At least for a little while:

Water girl:

Working together:

Hanging out: