An Evening of Haircuts and Tears!

This is Paul in a "before" photo. He is handsome and kind, but a bit top heavy. His hair is starting to take over his personality and become one of those places you want to visit, but not for long.



This is Paul after the hair cut. Much sweeter, the hair has been put back into it's place, it has been clipped and humbled. We must do this at least every 4 weeks or his hair begins to take on a personality of it's own.


Next Seth. What can I say, he wont even let me take a picture of him without his screwy face pulling. I am just about done with this child, and his hair is often the debate of the day. He gets the curl from both his father and his mother. He is stuck with it. I'm never sure if I should cut off more or leave on more. The fight is about all I can stand to have him let me cut any at all. Seth never combs his hair and I really feel sorry for his future wife because the wedding photos will need to be done right after his hair is cut because he has no idea how to even use a comb!



Now here is the after photo, you will see that I had to threaten and chase him around the house to get it. The before photo, came with threats as well. Oh, to have a photo of my son that is not with him pulling a "funny" face.



Next, Ari. There were never more tears or complaining than what Ari can put out. It was all so miserable that we didn't get any photos. It was just better to let him go and get in the shower!

Now Aidan: He is just so scared that I am going to cut his ear off that all I get are tears and wiggling. I think he should not be quite so upset as I have only clipped his ear once and not too badly.

Before the haircut:



After the haircut:

Things My Kids Have Taught Me.

I have decided I am not such a horrible mother after all. This is because of the wonderful lessons my children have taught me. I have fought them, but the lessons are finially "taking".

I have been spending hours a day with Sydney on her homework for weeks but I've finially made enough progress with her that it is only taking minutes a day! This is due in large part to R&R and the lessons she has taught me. We feel very accomplished and have decided to celebrate by acknowledging our success! I have never believed I was a good mom, but now I do! Next week will cure me of that I'm sure:)

Andie has taught me:

1. That I can be off course most of the time and still arrive at my destination in the end.

2. It is possible to have your daughter be one of your best friends AND turn out well.
3. Children are very forgiving.
4. How to take responsibility for my mistakes and appoligize and that this always works the best.

Seth has taught me:
1. How to laugh at myself and have fun.

2. To think before I speak.

3. To hold my tounge at all times even when I want to blow up.
4. To never say something I don't really mean!

Ari has taught me:
1. To hug more and stop to enjoy the hug at the moment.
2. It hurts to be yelled at.

3. To pay attention when someone is speaking or I will get lost.

4. One more hug is always good.

Hannah has taught me:

1. To always to follow through and never lie (by not doing what I say I will do)

2. A smile and encouraging words go a long way!

3. I am stronger and more consistant than I thought.

4. I can do hard things!

Aidan has taught me:

1. How wonderful it is to just recieve love from someone.

2. Some kids are just easier, but later they will be harder.

3. Never play favorites, or even let them think you are playing favorites.

4. If they are too easy watch out!

Sydney has taught me:

1. Negative reinforcement without possitive does NOT works!

2. Guilt never works!

3. I will be heard if I say it with a smile.

4. If it's not working try something different.
5. That R&R works with children and how important the "works" are for everyone.

All of my children have consistantly tried to teach me all of these things but I have not always been willing or able to learn when they were teaching. It is interesting that I have always thought that I was trying to teach my children but in reality they have been trying to teach me. I wish that I had learned my lessons earlier but better late than never!