Xander gets a haircut

Thursday night we ventured over to Jared & Tricia's so Tricia could cut Xander's hair (YAY!). I was happy because I got to see Molly. She's such a funny, cute girl. Ben and Max were excited to see their favorite cousin James.

Tricia was a little shocked by the amount of hair Xander had.

She started cutting right away.

I went outside and hung out with Emmy and Evan.

Then we came inside to hang with the other kids.

Meanwhile, Xander was still getting his hair cut.

Alfalfa?

I got to play some more with Molly. She's talking up a storm!

Xander was finally done. Tricia did an awesome job!

He looks so much different with short hair! I love it. And more importantly, he loves it. Thanks Tricia!

Thanks

I had a whole other post planned, but after reading Cjane's post for today, I've changed my mind. Today she talked about the nicest thing anyone has ever done for. Except that every day someone does the nicest thing that anyone has ever done for her. Get it? This week that is how I feel.

Today I got home and cried when I saw that Tricia left us dinner after she dropped Evan off (whom she'd been watching all afternoon). And I thought how lucky I am to have Tricia in my family. How in the last little while I have really begun to appreciate what a talented, giving person she is. And how blessed I am to be her friend.

Then I thought about Liz. Who brought me dinner on Monday. I haven't seen or spoken to Liz in a while, but she knew I started work on Monday and wanted to do something for me. And I cried some more. Because all day Monday I had wished that I had thought to prepare dinner ahead of time. And then Liz showed up unexpectedly with dinner. It was an answer to a prayer.

I thought about coming home from work yesterday and finding Dr. Pepper and peanut m&m's on my doorstep. Someone knows me really well. It made me feel loved and happy. Then I started ugly crying. My kids got concerned.

I thought about my mom watching Evan and shuttling him around. Kim watching him and playing with him. Trina picking him up, watching him yesterday and today. Jill picking up my kids after school every day. Everyone who is helping me. And I feel I don't deserve it. I feel overwhelmed.

Tonight I sat by Ian and he held my hand while I cried. Then he helped Max with his homework and took care of something really unpleasant that I know you don't want to hear about. I sat down at the computer and read Cjane's post.

And immediately knew what she meant. I feel like so many people have done the nicest thing ever for me.

Thanks doesn't cover it.

P.S. Apparently Evan started shaving since I've been working...

Lucky

Today I am thankful for good friends. Yesterday was a hard day for one of my children. The things he is going through made me more appreciative of the support I have from my friends.

For a long distance friend who I can e-mail about anything - and who always makes me laugh and gives great advice.

For 2 friends (who also happen to be my sister in laws) who will help me at the drop of the hat and never complain about it.

For a friend who listens to everything I say and helps me put it into perspective. Who is always on my side and who is a second mom to my oldest son.

For a friend who lets me complain, then goes shopping with me. Who doesn't let me take myself too seriously and who I count on for anything.

And especially for my mom. Who never judges me. Never makes me feel insecure or stupid. And who gives the best advice in the world.

It's who you know...

And how good they are with a camera. Luckily my sister and sister-in-law are AWESOME with a camera.

Anyone have an opinion on which one should be our Christmas card? Since I can't get a babysitter for Snow Patrol, I'll be home all night, checking my blog every ten minutes for your input on my Christmas card. Come on people! Help a sister out here!

All made up with no where to go

Ian had today off. Besides working, I spent the day getting my kids stuff for school. I felt like I wasn't even buying that much but holy cow I spent ALOT of money. I even bought everything on sale. I made the mistake of taking Ben with me to one store because he needs shoes. So of course Max came too. I look over and Max is on top (yes ON TOP) of one of the clothing racks and screams, "Mom! Look at me!" For a second I wanted to pretend that he wasn't mine, but then my mommy instincts kicked in and I ran over, rescued him and started whispering threats under my breath. You know, things like, "if you EVER do that again I will buy you pink shoes and make you where them to school."

Ben wanted the ugliest, most atrocious looking shoes but luck was on my side and they didn't have his size. He ended up with a pair of black Vans.

Later on Tricia, Trina and I went to Nordstrom to get makeup at MAC Cosmetics. We all ended up getting make-overs. We did look hot, I must say. Although we felt a little too hot - like lady of the night hot. Tricia had to leave early to go to guitar so Trina and I shopped a little, picked up a salad and some frozen yogurt and headed over to my mom's for SYTYCD! YIPPE! There is ALOT I can say about tonight's show but I will limit myself to 2 things. 1. If they EVER have 2 Step on that show again I will BOYCOTT it. I'M SERIOUS, NIGEL! and 2. It was one of the best shows of this season and how great was Little C as a judge?(I know! that's 3 things - deal with it!).

The best part of the night was when Tricia jumped off the couch screaming, which caused everyone else to jump up and scream - Ian ran into another room screaming! I guess a spider crawled in her pants. It got our adrenaline going so that we could do a little photo shoot for y'all (see! SEE what the 2 Step does to me?). Enjoy.

P.S. We missed you Kim! Ian was chalk full of the comedy tonight. Between him and Stacy, we were thoroughly entertained. Hope you feel better!