No restraint.

I can't help myself. Lately, I've been a sewing maniac. Besides the dresses I made last week, I helped a friend make pellows (intentional misspelling) for her house on Thursday. Then today, on a whim, I whipped another dress out, following this awesome tutorial.

Free tutorials on the internet? Pretty much my favorite thing ever. Got one? Send it over! I love making stuff!

The Haircut Story.

Most of you probably know where this is going...

We've had a beast of a time getting Anna to grow any hair. She was FINALLY!!! getting some lovely curls and a bit of length and I was able to put it in tiny pigtails.

It was adorable. Like this:Well, how can you possibly know what possesses some children to grab hold of scissors and go at each other?!? Needless to say I caught Abbie clipping away at Anna's hair. She had clipped off every one of Anna's tiny curls and taken a couple of big chunks off the top. In a very not so rational and rather angry moment, I grabbed the scissors, grabbed a big chunk of hair in the back of Abbie's head and lopped it off. Now, let me add that Abbie had already cut some of her own hair, so it was already going to need to be fixed, but yeah... I was pissed. I cried.

So, yesterday, we took both of the girls in to Nancy, my stylist. I explained the situation, leaving out the part about me and my irrational behavior, and begged her for help. For poor Anna, there really isn't much we could do, except just even it up. So, she's back to looking rather boyish. (Tears!!!)and the back... the really sad part.

And frankly, I wanted Abbie's haircut to be painful. Draw emotional blood. Leave a mark. I know! I'm mean! She did cry off and on all day when I mentioned that it'd have to be cut and probably SHORT (courtesy of the mom-hackjob). I even made Abbie pay for the haircuts out of what was left of her birthday money. She has to work off the rest of the money in chores. Hard ones.

But, in the end, Abbie's haircut came out looking SO STINKING CUTE. And I'm kindof annoyed. I really wanted it to look bad as punishment. Is that so wrong?!She wasn't real pleased with me taking these pictures. Can you tell? It's a chin-length bob that's sharply stacked in the back. Basically the hairstyle I'm aiming for (almost there!). The best part is that Abbie's got great hair for this cut. I don't have to do a thing and it just falls into place. Love that.

Jarom

Dear Mom,

I specifically elected to show pictures on my blog that I like. I realize you probably won't like these ones.

Love you anyway,
Alissa

P.S. Here's one I knew you'd like, anyway.

You decide...

I'll blog something tonight, but you guys have to decide what.

1. my baby brother's senior pictures
2. the haircut story
3. the anthill in my van

So unfair.

It was the most amazingly wonderful and relaxing vacation I've had in a LONG time!!!

Just such a wonderful change of pace! And it was pure cruelty to have to come home. You see, my parents live on about 1.5 acres of prime gorgeous Pennsylvania countryside. They have 2 dogs (big dogs!), 2 cats, 6 chickens and a gecko. They have a tire swing, a kiddie pool, and a big yard with lots of sticks. Really, what more could any kid ask for? We went blueberry picking, attended a country market, had a bonfire, watched an outdoor symphony concert followed by fireworks and took a LOT of pictures.

I'll share just a couple, but don't be surprised if I feel the need to share more later.
Miles can blow bubbles! (Miles needs a post all of his own... maybe tomorrow. Lots going on with that kid!)
My grandparents. Prayers if you have them for my grandma. :(


Finished these dresses (tutorial courtesy of Erin).
Love them!!!
This is my brother, Jarom, swinging Abbie around like the feather-weight she is. You'll be seeing more of Jarom later, as I took his Senior pictures.