Buns Buns Buns

I've been growing my hair out for about a year.  Actually, that really means I haven't gone to the hair salon in that amount of time.  I seriously need to get there ASAP.

Funny how that happens.  Before kids, I went to get a cut and highlights every three or so months.  After having kids, a salon trip every few weeks is a comical idea.

In the mean time, it's becoming such a chore to style hair that's way past my shoulders.
To go from wet, shower hair to looking acceptable, is taking for-ev-er.

The ends need to be cut so it takes quite a bit of heat styling to make them look smooth.

Since it's summer, I've just been pulling it into a pony tail. It's fine but looks very much like one of those moms in desperate need of a makeover on the Today Show.

I found this bun tool and thought it was worth a try.

Remington Perfect Bun

Given that it was only a few dollars, I didn't have high hopes for it to hold all day.
I was wrong.
SO WRONG.
This this has become my favorite hair tool in my 20+ years of styling my hair.  Seriously.  It's like a dream.  I am done in literally 30 seconds and my hair looks like I spent time actually concerned about my appearance.

A huge bonus for me is it actually stays in all day.  After it's in, I don't even have to touch it until I take it out.  No touch ups.  And, when I do take it out, my hair is full and wavy from being rolled inside.

They sell them for blondes or brunettes and also have a size for girls.
Here's how simple:

Remington

I can't believe I never knew about this before!

Incredible Lightning Storm

We're dying for rain here - DYING!  The rain deficit is around 15" now.  So, when a storm heads into town, it's a big deal.  As I'm writing this, there's a gorgeous, all-day storm going on just outside of my window.  AMEN!  

Recently we had a lightning storm - no rain, just lots of amazing electricity.  I set my camera to rapidly take shots of the sky.  I ended up with about 700,000 pictures to weed through.  However, I also ended up with a handful of beautiful shots of lightning.  

It's was an entertaining and VERY LOUD show!  My favorite is the last one - lightning shaped like a heart.

My Favorite Parenting Gadgets

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On a personal note...

I've been so SO sad about my very good friend, Katie moving.

Lots of tears.

She found out a month ago and had to hurry and get ready to move.  I've just been in denial until now.  She and her family moved Sunday. 

I met her soon after I moved to Texas and we became instant buddies. Our kids are nearly the same age and we've kept eachother sane during some crazy times. For years, we've gone shopping, out to lunch, watered each others plants, birthday parties, venting sessions, playgrounds, you name it. She's one of the sweetest and most patient people I know and I'm going to miss her horribly.

She and her family are moving to California for her husband's job. He'll have to travel a lot less so it's much easier on the whole family. So, I'm very excited for Katie that her hubs will be home but so sad for me (which is very selfish, I know).

I'm not very good with loss. 1999 was a rough year - losing my mom, dad, brothers, house, car, cat, and everything else that I held dear all in a matter of a few short months. That's kinda rough on a teenager.

Time carried on and I picked myself back up and started to rebuild my life. A few rough spots but I'd say I did pretty well. I ended up with a college degree, good job, great husband, and beautiful children.

One lingering problem because of what happened years ago is that I'm VERY aloof about meeting new people.  I'm friendly with lots of acquaintances but never let people "in" for fear of loss, of course.

Katie became one of my very close friends. Her moving has brought up a lot of buried memories for me so this has been surprisingly very painful. I'm kind of surprised because I usually have no trouble saying "goodbye".

I know, I know...she's still alive. We can still be friends. - just 1500 miles away. It's not the same. We're used to seeing Katie and co. a few times a week. She became like a sister to me and family to my kids.

Katie got me into blogging. Otherwise, I wouldn't have even known blogs existed! She's a great mom and loves her family like crazy. I've learned a bit about patience and creativity from her. She has such a giving spirit, putting others first all of the time. ...and I have no idea how this woman packed an entire house while still doing photography sessions, storytimes, and keeping up with her THREE blogs!

We had a final lunch together last week with the kids at one of our favorite restaurants. It was a sad goodbye but my kiddos made sure to hurry everything along at the end, jumping around my car like monkeys and honking the horn.

I wish her and her family tons of fun and exciting times in California. Yes, I'm so sad to see them go but more time with hubs and closer to family is just priceless.  I'm very grateful for meeting Katie and thankful for lots of fun memories!

We miss you!

Merry Christmas

We're in a sea of wrapping paper and cookies.  It's been a very busy couple of weeks but the time together and big smiles makes it all worthwhile.  This morning we Skype'd (is that a word?) with hubby's parents.  Being that we live over 1000 miles from them, it was so nice to have them literally in our living room to see the excitement here when the kids woke up. 

We're making a simple-simpleton Christmas dinner and enjoying some nice family time.  Littlest Pet Shop Hospital and Thomas trains are getting a huge workout today!  What a blessing that we're all together, healthy, and happy. 

I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas! 

Sarah

Highly Effective Natural Deodorant

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