Born Freeeee

I've been meaning to CHOP ALL MY HAIR OFF for a while now and I finally made the choice to just go ahead and do it already. I prepped the boys to let them know mommy wouldn't have long hair anymore and Landon was happy with the idea and said, "Well when you look in the mirror, you will see you are pretty." I don't think he intended to make such a supportive, eloquent statement, but nonetheless it was a nice vote of confidence. 

And holy crap, y'all, life is a lot simpler right now. Can't find a hair tie? Psssh. Don't need it, yo! Is there enough time to dry my hair? Psssh. Umm, YEAH, I've got ONE MINUTE to spare. Feel guilty for using pricey shampoo? Eff no! 'Cause I only be using the size of a dime! Living in fear that my boys will scalp me while we are wrestling on the floor and errantly pull on long hair? Psssh! Climb on, boys! Momma will be fine! (Except please stop kicking me in the boobs.)

How long will it last, who knows. I suspect having to make an effort to get it trimmed regularly will wear on my laziness and sense of frugality well before any actual desire for reclaiming long hair surfaces. 

Fa La La La La La La La La

I have to give myself a pat on the back for a moment because I've been trying to keep the spirit of Christmas joy well in session despite Erik being away. I got on the ladder and hung some lights and cursed at availability of outdoor outlets, like most folks do. We didn't get a tree given our travel plans, but the boys have not asked about it at all - they are just so enamored with neighborhood light displays more than anything. 

We've been to the library to read with Santa, went to the senior center to have breakfast with Santa, went to the Christmas parade (to see Santa, again) and will attend the Winter Wonderland set up at the local campsites this weekend (I suspect Santa will be there, too). We had a cookie decorating party for friends and exchanged small gifts with friends and neighbors along the way. The boys repeatedly sing Jingle Bells. Well, you get the idea: Christmas is alive and well. [Except Landon is legitimately scared of our elf on the shelf, Cookie, this year. But I silently applaud him because, yes, can't we all admit the idea is slightly creepy?]

Cookie time included the lesser known Gingerbread Shark and Gingerbread Squirrel, among others.