A Short Life Choice

Remember 2007 Brittany Spears? The breakdown. The shaved head. That’s me. Well, kinda. I didn’t shave it all off, but I went as close as I’ve ever gone. It happened because Southwest Florida is really freakin hot in the summer. It’s miserable-hot from April to November and less-miserable-hot from December through March.

A couple years ago I cut it pretty short, but got talked out of the full pixie cut I wanted. It ended up looking a little dreadful and weirdly bowl-like for a while. This time I went in to the salon armed with pictures and determination. It was overkill. Jessie, my stylist, was delighted to cut all my hair off. She chattered the entire time, which usually makes me nervous, but I was too focused on the piles of blonde hair that were starting to completely encircling us. I kept telling myself to breathe. It's just hair. It'll grow back. Maybe I can start a wig trend. Breathe. It's just hair.

And here’s the newest me! I love it. Absolutely love it. In fact, I think I might try one of the below pictures next time. My other plan, (and this is just an idea, I’m still a little scared about following through) is to let my roots grow out and in a couple hair cuts, I’ll know what my real hair color is again. I’ve been coloring it since I was 17, so it’s anyone’s guess what the color is and how much has turned gray. I’m thinking the gray is significant since Cayden and Ezra came long. Micah was a pretty good, if loud, kid. His younger brothers seem determined to fight over everything from which identical plate they use for dinner, to who can pour the most water out of the bathtub before mama gets mad. Speaking of the kids, they think I cut my hair all off so that I match the rest of my male household. Eyeroll.

Love Ginnifer's look!

Or maybe a grown up Hermione?

I like the gray-lavenderish color

But back to my hair. If I do end up coloring it, I’m still deciding on the shade. I’m considering a lavender, since the last time my hair was to dark to really appreciate the full purple-ness. Thoughts?

With Love,

Susanne

The Most Important Thing

School shooting. As a mother, those words terrify me. Two weeks ago, I sent my son to school thinking his worst issue would be not getting in trouble for talking in class. Today, I fear for his life in the same way I fear for my husband’s every time he leaves for work. 

THIS is what he should be focusing on- not identifying where he would hide in each classroom should the need arise.

I have so much in my heart and mind right now I can’t even finish this post the way I had planned. I just have a plea. Parents, pay attention to your children. Love them. Be in their life. Cheer their accomplishments. Be a Parent- not a buddy. Know what your child is doing and who they are spending time with. I know I spend too much time on my phone when I should be playing Legos with the boys or listening to my son tell a story. I am going to be more intentional with my time and attention. I’m not a perfect parent, but my boys are going to know that I love them, and that they can come to me no matter the situation.

With Love,

Susanne

I Love That Man

***WARNING*** This is a mushy lovey post. If you're looking for humor and sarcasm today, I'm afraid you'll have to check back in tomorrow.

Ah Valentine's Day. A day of love, high expectations, and potential disappointment. I have had a couple such disappointments in my history, and they're nothing I want to recall. Fortunately, I've got the most wonderful man in my life now and I am completely undeserving of him.

Chase sacrifices every day for myself and our family. He works 12-hour shifts at night, then comes home to four hours of sleep because he picks up Cayden from school and plays with the boys all afternoon until I get home from work. He makes dinner most nights and takes out the trash because he knows I hate to do it. He is a patient step-father and gets along with my ex-husband. He eats the chicken legs because the boys and I prefer the white meat. He changes the oil in my car and pumps my gas so I don't get dirty. He answers the phone every time I call, even if he's asleep or with the guys. He takes a lightsaber to Star Wars Day because Cayden asked him to, even though he's the only adult with one. He patiently endures my temper tantrums and is always quick to forgive.

Turks & Caicos- Honeymoon 2014

Holding baby Cayden- 2014

Micah's 7th Birthday

Armageddon Ambush Mud Run 2013

His first Tough Mudder 2013

Blackhawks game in Chicago 2017

One of our first dates- Strawberry Festival 2012

We've been together almost six years and he hasn't run away from my craziness yet. I thank God for giving me Chase, and I love him with all my heart.

With Love,
Susanne