Self-Inflicted Haircut

Everybody I know has a story like this. I believe it is a normal part of childhood, maybe even a rite of passage. It took place in our family recently as well. AJ told me he wanted to grow his hair out this summer. Then I noticed the other day that there was one place right in front that was a lot shorter than the rest of his hair. After some questioning he finally admitted to cutting it. He had the same excuse as most people who give themselves a self-inflicted haircut, "I just wanted to see what would happen."

What happened? He ended up getting a really short haircut done by a professional (me).

More Choices

I've already discussed possible career choices for Vanessa. Here are a few more.
There is always boxing, especially in a skirt.
There is snorkeling, especially in a leotard.These go along with the previously mentioned painter, ballerina, and of course hairstylist. We are still adjusting to her new haircut. We received comments from strangers before, now we have full on conversations about her hair with people all the time. I realized she will be the story that is told through the ages.

I bought some headbands and tried to glue flowers on clips. I feel like I'm back to the "newborn stage" when I have to dress her appropriately so people would know she is a girl. I put gel in her hair to make it spiky, then I noticed all the little boys have spiky hair too.

I decided society says girls should have long hair and boys short hair. I 've had several people tell me that she has the facial features and head shape to pull off a cut like this. I wonder if they just say that so I feel better about the situation.

At church, she used to be so quiet in nursery that her teachers had hardly even heard her voice. Since "the haircut"she is talking all the time now. They think she is a liberated woman. Either way, she is mine and I wouldn't want her any other way.

Career Choices

A few weeks ago, Vanessa wanted to be a painter, today she is a ballerina.

Last week, she was a hairstylist.

Yep, the classic story, "My Kid Cut Her Own Hair". I didn't realize how much she cut in the front and on the one side until I saw the chunks of hair on the floor. I made an appointment for the salon immediately. Later, when my sister-in-law saw it, she suggested I take Vanessa to get her hair fixed. I said," I already have. This is the "fix".What was my reaction when I discovered her new talent? I laughed hard. The sad thing is that I think I hurt her feelings. She gets embarrassed every time somebody comments on her hair, (which happens all the time now). I hope it is enough for her to not want to cut her hair ever again. I've noticed a lot of women look at her and smile with the my-kid-did-that-once-too smile. I have heard lots of stories the past few days.


My mom told me that I cut both of my younger sister's hair. For some reason, that experience is blocked from my memory. I am proud of myself for being smart enough to leave my own hair alone. Sorry Monica & Laurann.


Our neighbor told me that his daughter cut her hair so badly the only solution was to shave her head. He took her down to the barber shop for a buzz cut where an old man said to him, "I remember bringing my son in here as well." His daughter, who is now an 18 year old beautiful young lady, claims it was her favorite hairstyle of all time.

Well, there is consolation knowing it could have been worse. She is our first child to use scissors for a self-inflicted haircut. Isn't there a a scripture about the last shall be first? The nice thing is, it's just hair. It will eventually grow back.


By the way, did I mention we are taking family pictures this weekend?

Summer Events

It's really bad when even I get sick of hearing about our vacations but, this is my family's scrapbook. (As soon as I get around to publishing it.)

There have been other noteworthy events so far this summer.

Vanessa lost her first tooth. She was so excited when she found 5 quarters the next morning under her pillow left by the tooth fairy.

AJ received his Arrow of Light and finished Cub Scouts.

Aaron was so happy to be done with Pack Meetings until I pointed out to him that I would not be released as Cub Master just because AJ turned 11 years old. It's okay. Savanah and Vanessa LOVE pack meetings. The girls in our family will remain active in the Cub Scout program.
Earlier in the spring we planted our garden.

This is how Esteban's way of "working". His thumbs were working. He spends a lot of time texting these days.

This is Vanessa's way of "working". She always finds a way to wander off  to play whenever there is work to be done.

Aaron and I attended the sealing of Jace in the Bountiful Temple. I am so happy to know that he is part of our family for eternity.

Jared spent the night with us. He played boxing on the Wii with Aaron.

He seemed to enjoy watching Aaron set off fireworks in our backyard.

Speaking of fireworks. Our poor neighbors. I think they hate us. If they don't, they should. I love our older home in an older neighborhood except for the fact that we are always the rowdy ones on the street.

Esteban went to EFY at BYU. He met kids from all over the world yet the first thing he told me about was the buffets for breakfast and dinner. He is such a teen aged boy.

He had to get a BYU haircut which he wasn't excited about but, I think it looks good. I'm learning though, Mom's opinion doesn't matter much these day.

Summer is already half way over and so far so good.