Hair today, gone tomorrow

So I thought it was time to get a haircut since the last one I had was two months ago and I was the one that cut it. (Jessica is probably laughing by now, I'm sure this brings back memories of me cutting my own bangs and failing miserably.) Lets just say there is a reason why I didn't go into cutting hair. And yes you heard me right...I had bangs. You can all laugh now. Not only is it funny that I had bangs, but it's that I had bangs up until 3 years ago that makes it even funnier. You may all laugh harder now. My sweet friend Jessica, who used to cut my hair, tried MANY times to get me to grow my bangs out. Finally her persistence paid off. So along with growing my bangs out I decided to see just how long my hair could get.

Well I said I wouldn't cut my hair until Nate graduate's from school (Don't ask me why, I think it's quite odd myself) but I couldn't hold out any longer. 9 months shy of graduation I decided it was time. So here you have it, the before and after pictures (which I hate) but for the sake of blogging I had to put them in.

First off lets start with my "bang days". They could be classified in 3 different categories; 1st we have the "bad bang days", this would be when the bangs would fall completely flat and the bangs did not reach the full potential of the "arch" to give the full effect of the bangs. 2nd category is the "mediocre bang days". These were the days where the bangs had sufficient arch but the curl was bad. The bangs weren't spread evenly across the forehead but still it was good enough to give it the sassy-ness needed to pull off the bangs. And last we have the "freakin' awesome bang days". These days would go a little something like this, "Oh my gosh, look at her bangs, they are so big. She must be one of those hot guys girlfriends!" And then Nate would follow in by saying, "I like big bangs and I can not lie, no other brother can deny. When a girl walks in with an itty-bitty face and some big bangs in your face you get...." I'll let you fill in the rest. But you get the idea.

Here I am in all my glory during the bang days. This would be considered a "mediocre bang day". I must say, I think I pulled it off quite nicely. Wouldn't you agree? And check out the serious yet sassy look on my face. That is a face only someone with bangs could pull off...Nate is one lucky man.

Here I am post bang days practicing my modeling skills. I know you're thinking with modeling skills such as mine, I could probably model for Kmart or Walmart...I will consider that.
My hair has never been this long. The unfortunate thing about my hair being this long is that it spent most of it's time up in a pony tail.
And here you have it, the end result. I hope I didn't make a mistake cutting it. And if you noticed there's a little bit a bangs...just for old time sakes.
(Now this is the part where you reassure me I did the right thing by cutting my hair)

Questionable material

So the other day, while at the gym, I was reading a magazine to pass the time of the dreaded cardio. It was one of those celebrity gossip magazines. You know the ones that say, "Look, celebrities are just like us!" and then proceed to show pictures of celebs doing "normal" every day things like taking the trash out, driving a car, picking a wedgie...that sort of stuff. Well I came across an advertisement titled PORN FOR WOMEN and yes, I do have to admit it caught my eye. And yes, I also have to admit I did smile just a little bit. Underneath the large bold print it showed several pictures of men with chiseled jaw lines and bulging biceps (fully clothed) flexing the muscle that really counts, THEIR CLEANING MUSCLE. (Seriously people, what else did you think I was going to say?) One picture was a a man vacuuming the house, while another one was doing the dishes. And to add more appeal, one man was down on his hands and knees scrubbing the bathroom floor..."porn for women" , now that's what I'm talking about! That ad could not have been more accurate and I'm quite sure that ANY married women reading this right now are nodding their head in agreement (or maybe not). Isn't it funny how having your husband clean the bathroom let alone do the dishes is better then say... a box of chocolates or jewelery.

Now I have to say that I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who does help out around the house if I ask for help. But if Nate out of no where said to me, "Ginnie you've had a long day, why don't you go sit down and I will cook and clean up dinner and after I'm done with that I'll put the kids in bed. And I know you haven't cleaned the bathroom in at least 3 weeks, so you know what,.. I'll give it a good scrub down for you as well." Wow, just the thought of that makes me melt like butta'. For the sake of keeping this PG-rated I have to stop right there, but you get the idea. So the question is, how do we get the men in our lives to do that for us? Maybe you could direct them to reading this blog and well, if that doesn't work there's always "Porn for Women" I enjoyed taking a peek. (Does that mean I need to go talk to the bishop now?)

The saga of the coveted "heart chair" continues…

When we last left off, there were two heart struck lovers torn between one immaculate chair. For the one who sat upon this chair received unimaginable power and control over the other one, who was left desolate and dejected. This chair (although it may be coveted), has been the cause of many heartaches and struggles in the Nate & Ginnie household. The parents of the two “heart struck lovers” had many sleepless nights, and prayed fervently that there would some day be an end to this seemingly endless battle and that peace would rein once again.

We are told that we aren’t given trials that we cannot overcome, well brothers and sisters I believe this to be true. Because of the faithfulness of the parents (and one heart sticker) peace has been restored to the home at last. Once where there was malice; now there is love and once where chaos & confusion dwelt; now calmness and harmony resides. Oh, how I am thankful for heart stickers and the resourcefulness of my children.

The original coveted "heart chair"

Coveted "heart chair" #2. This was the kids idea to make it so they could both be able to sit on "heart chair". Isn't that sweet?

Abrie on "heart chair" #1, Kaleb on "heart chair" #2. (This is what Nate likes to call "synergy")

I wish I had a shirt for that

So last year, after I had Macie, I decided it was time to hit the gym. So 4 weeks or so postpartum my friend Emily and I made a visit to our local gym. After walking through the gym doors I suddenly found myself surrounded by all these thin, rock hard gym goers. They were weightlifting and stair stepping as if there were no tomorrow. I then got a good glimpse in the mirror of my excess stomach rolls, and my motherly hips and thighs (which seemed to make a clapping noise every time I would take a step). And no matter how hard I tried I just could not suck in my stomach, not even a good girdle or duct tape could hold that sucker in (You know it's bad when you walk and you feel your stomach bouncing along). As people passed by me I almost felt the need to explain to them that it was OK that I looked like this because I just had a baby. Then I had the ingenious idea that instead of explaining myself to everyone it would be great to have a shirt that explained all. The shirt would go a little something like this;

"No, I"m not fat (well maybe just a little bit), I just had a baby".

Here are some other shirts that would come in handy;

"No, I'm not fat (well maybe just a little bit), I'm pregnant"

As you can tell, shirt #2 is very similar to shirt#1. But I felt it was the only way to clearly get the point across. This shirt would obviously be worn during those "hard to tell" months of pregnancy. I will also be making a velcro attachment that says "I'm bloated". Simply place it over "I'm pregnant" and there you have it...two shirts in one. And yes, the velcro attachment can be interchangeable with both shirt #2 and shirt #1...(I know, I'm thoughtful like that). Next we have;

"Yes, there real"

This one I hesitated to put on, but I just couldn't resist. Only a few of you will find humor in this. This shirt is intended for those women who are not "well endowed" like myself, yes it is true...sad, but true. So you ask yourself "why would I want to wear a shirt that exaggerates how flat I am?" I haven't quite figured that out yet, but some where in my odd little mind I find humor in it. *rules or stipulations for wearing this shirt: this shirt is not intended for the "well endowed" (that would take the humor completely out of the shirt, therefore making you look conceded) or those who've had an "enhancement" (that would be considered false advertising).

"Yes, they are all my kids, and no, they're not triplets"

Would you believe that someone actually asked me if my kids were triplets. I guess Kaleb is a little small for his age, but honestly people... triplets?

"Yes, I know what causes pregnancy"

I did attend my 5th grade maturation program , and might I add I passed with flying colors. In fact I was so knowledgeable that the teacher asked me to teach the class.

"I'm just multiplying and replenishing"

...no comment.

Honorable mention;

"Sarcasm...just one of my many talents"

I can't take credit for this one. I saw some guy wearing a shirt that said this. Nate would probably say, forget the shirt, you should have it tattooed on your forehead. I'll have to consider that one.

All of these shirts come in an array of colors and sizes from S/M/L/XL. Please note that I do not carry XS seeing as it is an unrealistic size that only my 4 year old daughter could fit into. And if you'd like, I do have a bedazzeler to add some jewels to your shirt to give it that extra little something. Shirts are going fast so place your order soon.

Just curious, if you had a shirt what would it say? Please share, maybe we could go into business together.

Playing around

Today we went to Mill Grove bird sanctuary. I wanted to play around with the camera. Here are just a few pictures from our little adventure today.

Here is little miss macie reaching for her daddy's face

Love this picture!

My sad little Macie...I just had to take the shot
So there you have it, my attempt to try my hand at photography. I have SO much to learn so just bare with me.

A camping we won't go...

A group of dental students went camping last weekend. We opted not to stay the night. But what kind of parents would we be if we didn't at least let the kids go up to roast marshmallows with their friends?

Some of the guys just hangin' out

Me & my honey (if Nate looks sick that's because he is)
She couldn't have had too much fun since we made her sit in the stroller the whole time. Some people call that neglect. I call it smart.

Our sweaty little boy and his tiger flashlight (a must have accessory for all you hard core campers out there)


Kaleb & his little girlfriend Gracee. I know she's a little taller then him but hey, if Tom & Katie can pull it off then why can't they?

Amy, me, & Emily. I know what you're thinking, we're not supposed to look that good camping. But we can't help it if we're naturally beautiful.

How to be a GOOD WIFE

HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE
Home Economics High School Text Book, 1954

"Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so that you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad he is home"

I would love to tell you that this is the quote in which I live my life by, but sadly that is most definitely NOT the case. In fact it is quite the opposite. This would be a more appropriate quote;

"Make sure your husband prepares himself for what he is about to come home to. Take 5 minutes to put your deodorant on and make sure you don't reek of any child bodily functions. Hurry and brush your teeth then make sure to pull your hair up so that he can't tell that you're sporting yesterday's unwashed hair-do. When your husband walks in the door make sure you unload all of the days stresses on him because after all, misery loves company. Tell him you had the best of intentions doing the laundry, cleaning the dishes, and vacuuming the house but you just couldn't get to it. But since he's home he can just do it all for you. Make sure you give him encouraging smiles while he is cleaning so that he will know he's doing a good job. Then when that's all done and the kids are in bed greet him with a warm smile and be glad he is home."

Lately I have found me "letting myself go". I remember the days when Nate and I were dating. I always had a reason to dress up, shave my legs and actually put make-up on. Now I'm lucky if I even manage to get ready for the day...isn't showering over rated any way? Seriously, I don't remember the last time I've actually done my hair. Poor Nate. I have officially become the poster child for the frumpy haggard house wife.

So the question is, how do I get from this....

to this?

Any one thinking extreme make over?

(a shower probably isn't too bad of an idea either)

In the name of fashion

My friend sent these pictures in an email to me.

I thought they were too crazy not to share.

And people think I'm crazy for wearing my 4 1/2 inch heels

(what can I say I love high heels).

I've never consider that cramming my foot into one of Macie's shoes could have ever been an option before. They do make some really cute shoes in her size.

Step aside J-lo and beyonce' there's a new booty in town

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-K- I know this is a little odd...but I couldn't resist. I was hoping my body would be worth a little bit more since I don't have any prosthetic limbs or any balding areas on my head (at least that I'm aware of). Looks like I won't be insuring my body for a million dollars any time soon. And no, I'm not searching for a new husband, "Free Online Dating" is just the website that sponsors it.

The aftermath

For the majority of the day today I babysat my adopted children. No, I didn't get all crazy and decide that 3 kids just wasn't enough, and no, I don't need medication (I'm beyond medicinal help). I say adopted children because I love them like my own... "awe how sweet".

With that said, I watched my friend Amy's two kids, ages 5 & 2. One of which is Abrie's "boyfriend". I also watched my friend Emily's kids, ages 6 & 2. And if you add my kids to the equation, ages 4, 3, & 1, that adds up to be a whole lotta' kids in NOT a whole lotta' house.

Now usually when I'm babysitting I give the kids a little pep talk (for lack of a better word) about if we take a toy out then we need to put it back, no using normal everyday objects as weapons of mass destruction, and no it's not OK to jump off the bed and try to grab the fan and swing off of it...that sort of routine stuff. Well after the first hour or two we did OK following the rules but slowly and surely this started to change. My motto changed from "Do as I say" to "whatever gets broken can {hopefully} be fixed". I just decided to sit back and watch the chaos instead of trying to control the chaos.

When my friends came back to pick up the kids they found 4 happy kids in relatively the same condition they were dropped off in. There were only a few bumps and bruises and thankfully no severed limbs. I would say I did I pretty good job. Now I'm looking for a maid to come clean up the mess. I can't offer much in the form of payment except for maybe a stick of gum and a lotta love...any takers?