I noticed some hair on the floor a few days ago that definitely was not resembling dog hair (the usual offender). So as I go to pick it up, I look over at miss M to ask why there is a chunk of blond hair decorating our floor and notice the new do.
Her response:
"I was having a fundraiser. "
Luckily the hair stylist's scissors were confiscated before she went too crazy. I have to say in the end though...she did a pretty good job. Maybe I'll let her have a go with my hair once it grows out a bit. Really, how much damage could she do???
Last week, after many months of planning, my dear husband saw his vision come together to raise funds for kids cancer research. The event in Santa Monica raised $13,000 to go to the St. Baldrick's Foundation. It was a such an emotional day filled with smiles, tears, laughter, music and many stories of cancer battles lost and won. There were 38 men, women and children who came out to show their support through giving up their hair. It was a day that I cherish & will not soon forget.
My own head was shaved after exceeding my $3,000 goal through donations from amazing friends, family and people just passing by the event. What a gift it has been to participate in this effort bringing awareness and money to the needs of so many children with cancer. I have been truly blessed by this experience and all the support that has been given by the small community of people in our lives.
My littlest miss wasn't thrilled with my decision to remove my hair. She cried as the shears ran across my head and the brown locks fell, but I gave her a small offering of my hair in a ponytail which she loves and keeps on her nightstand. Even though my head looks "like a man" in her eyes, she is accepting the new hair"less" style and realizing that I'm her mama no matter what. It is such a great reminder, not only to my children but also to myself that we are not made up of what we may appear to be on the outside. A lesson in acceptance of our differences is a lesson deeper in love.
Thank you so very much for all the support, donations and encouraging words. You are a gift!
Little Daisy just underwent surgery yesterday to remove a malignant tumor from her kidney area. It is such a blessing that they have removed the entire tumor, yet the battle is far from over. To read more about Daisy Love and support her and her family in prayer go to Pray for Daisy Love
Yesterday was a great success for our goal to raise money for St. Baldricks. I have so much to share and I will very soon. Promise.
I hold a heart overflowing with love and appreciation for the generous support in our quest to raise money for children's cancer research. I'm almost at my goal and getting very excited for the big day!
...the day is looking pretty good. My Mr. watched our little one today so I could get some much needed "me" time. After stopping by the fabric store for an unsuccessful button run & stopping into the coffee shop for an afternoon chai, I settled down on a park bench overlooking the ocean and city before me. Just taking in the fresh air with my journal and my thoughts. In between journaling I threw out a little sketch of what I saw to remember the day and the moment.
It was great to have an hour without the musical tantrums, the temptation of the evil computer to suck my time away, or the nagging list of chores that constantly await. If you have the opportunity just to be still with your thoughts and your body, I highly recommend it. It makes for a much more sane mama & wife...at least in my world. I think my family appreciates me more when I'm sane, too. Go figure.
Our family took a little mini vacation this weekend out to the country. It was the perfect place to unwind, harvest veggies, overdose on mulberries, swim, play, sleep in and absorb the amazing views. The little miss and her big sister had a blast driving the electric car round and round the property, swinging through the air and connecting in a way that only sisters can do.
We were surrounded by shades of crimson, brick and barn red giving this ranch paradise so much warmth and life. Everywhere I looked the place was dappled in red, delicious beauty. From the bushels full of tomatoes and peppers to the giant mulberry tree we filled our hands, buckets and tummys with goodness. Let me add that if you've never tasted a mulberry...it is absolutely something you don't want to miss. They are incredible!
The day and a half away was such a peaceful break from the usual routine that rejuvenated my soul for the coming week.
May you find peace and happiness in the colors that surround you this week.
My Mr. is holding a fundraiser for St Baldrick's this month to raise money for childhood cancer. He and many of his fellow firefighters will be shaving there heads for donations toward the disease that is haunting thousands of families each year.
I can't help but to love this guy and support him in all that he does. So after a few family discussions and deciding on a solid monetary goal, I too am willing to strip these brown/gray curly locks down to the scalp for a mere $3,000. Why...you may ask would I do such a thing?
Children are diagnosed with cancer every day.
Sacrificing my hair is NOTHING compared to the suffering of kids undergoing treatments.
It's hair. And though I have some attachment to it, it does grow back.
I want to help, even if in some small way.
Please join us in working toward cancer-free kids by visiting our St Baldricks webpage, linking to this blog post, telling others about the cause and sponsoring Matt or Aubrei.
And if you haven't already, head on over to this blog to read Ezra's story for one more HUGE reason to give.
Even when we aren't seeing eye-to-eye, I can't help but to be thankful that she is who she is.
UPDATE:
Her most recent attempt to increasingly turn my brown locks gray included articles of clothing that she should have donated to goodwill two years ago. Unsuccessful as she was, this young woman has perseverance running through her blood as she repeatedly came out of her room wearing items of clothing much too revealing for anyone that isn't sunbathing on the beach. I am at the realization that the school shopping tradition may have some merit. Maybe I'm too protective over my eldest beauty (but if we're not looking out for her, who will?). Be that as it may~these babies are making their final exit...
As we bid farewell to the wardrobe that would fit a 12 year old we embark on adventures for new and stylish replacements.
(photo of little Ezra courtesy of 
