Our weekend....get-a-way

As I mentioned Friday, we went to Eureka Springs this weekend!!! Here is a look at all the FUN we had!! First we dropped the boys off on Friday morning at MiMi's & BoBo's.....you can tell they were all broken hearted and torn up about it!!! HA!! Then we headed out for a 7 hour drive by ourselves....OH MY....no DVD players (to switch out movies while you are bending over the front seat backwards) No childrens books to read, snacks to pass out....NO DIAPERS to change on the side of the Road.....I can go on and on!!! We are pros for traveling with kids....we go to my parents in Oklahoma- every other month....6 hours in the car!!! YIPEE!!!



We stopped at Cracker Barrel to eat lunch in Conway....first thing B said to me was "you get T I'll get C!" when we got out of the car!! Kinda feels empty handed walking into restaurant with out my bag of TRICKS in my hand....colors, puzzles, cards, etc....to keep kids entertained while waiting on food!!



We finally arrived in Eureka Springs at 4:30....and to this wonderful VIEW.......I will give you a moment.......AAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!





Here is our Cabin at Lake Shores.....I highly recommend it for couples...get-a-way....or honeymoon!!! It was super nice. There was a guest book- many families met there and girl friends for a weekend away too!!! It sleeps about 8-10 but we only rented the TOP half.

Then we walked into the Cabin and THIS is the view from the back porch, living room, bathroom- there is NO GETTING AWAY from the breath taking view!!!

We went to Branson the next day- did a little shopping, it was only about an hour away.....another breath taking drive. I do have to admit- the ears popping got old!! I have the worst ears in the world....from damage as a child from ear infections and too many rock concerts as a young adult!!! So I was popping my ears about every mile that we drove....B had to like once or twice. So, I was ready to get out of all the ROLLING HILLS!!!

Anyway, on our way driving around Branson there were all these "old time photos" to get your picture made in the western clothes. I have always wanted to do this....knowing it would be WAY out of B's comfort zone. We walked into the first place.....B walked in and said "ok ya ready to go?" Immediately I thought OH WELL!!! We walked back to the truck and he said...."that place looked like a bag of fleas were in the pockets of all the clothes!!" HA!! It really was bad- only had about 5 outfits to choose from. And the guy taking pictures look like he stumbled in off the back steps!!

So I was bummed thinking my dream of the old time photo was OUT!! Then on the way back to Eureka Springs he said "I think there is a photo place we passed over there!" He knew I REALLY wanted to do it.....I am like a kid when it comes to dressing up....It is too much FUN!!

So we did....and they had it going on- even had clothes to FIT B!!!! Here they are...don't we look like we could star in John Wayne movies or what?? It was so much fun- we would try something on and laugh...and then look in the mirror and laugh at each other!! It was so much fun- and I would not have wanted to do it with anyone else but him!! I love to watch him laugh- and he loves to see me happy!!

Sunday morning before we left I was trying to get a good picture of US- with the great view behind us. For some reason my flash and self timer were not cooperating....so I had to take my own picture while B was warming up the truck- then I was not going to work on it that much...the wind was picking up and it was only about 27 degrees!! BRRRR!! So this is what I ended up with.....
Then I walked through the cabin and took these pictures.....
Living Room...back porch view

Jacuzzi Tub and the VIEW again!!!

Bedroom......loved all the rustic furniture and LOG CABIN feel!!!

The Kitchen.....that we only made coffee in it......when I go on vacation- I DON'T COOK!!!

I could not wait to get back to the boys and get some big hugs & kisses!! When we got to MiMi's & BoBo's they were standing at the door- and my eyes were filled with tears!! I was over come with JOY....I love them and I love their daddy even more. I know that if we don't get away and spend time together like this we will not be connected when the boys leave the house and are grown. So I feel it is important to spend time with my husband. And refocus on goals and dreams for the future!! BIG THANKS TO MIMI & BOBO!!!

When we got home it was almost too late for a nap....so I just sat and rocked them and we watched movies together!! I kept kissing them and loving on them- T finally told me "that is enough- we are all together and we love you!!"

Mollie

Fun in the SNOW!!

Yes it is true...we got snow in the South!!! We could not believe it ourselves. A few weeks ago it snowed.....it was BIG FLAKES.....but not enough to even dust the ground hardly. The boys went outside and ran around- but they were very disappointed that they didn't get to PLAY in it!!



This time it snow a lot more.....and decided to stick around for awhile!!


C was in Awe of the white stuff as it fell from the sky- he just would wave his hands around and try to catch it!! I told them both- if they took a good nap....then they could go play in it!! Mean I know!! So when C woke up from his nap he said " I go ketch no!!" Right you are buddy!!

This was C's first time to get to play in snow....last snow storm he was only 3 months old- and T was 2! It doesn't snow much here- and when they say it is going to SNOW, it is usually wrong or barely snows!!

C's just stood there and ATE the snow. He would pick up a piece and then lick it until it was gone....he would look up at me and say "I eat da no....it's icee!!" He loves Icee's so- same thing just no flavor right?
It was also a FIRST for Maizie the dog....thought I was gonna loose her in the snow a couple of times- but she was too busy pulling the boys "globs" off their hands and running away with them. Then as I would reach down and get the gloves....she would grab my scarf!! Oh what a puppy!!

It snowed about 10 hours!! Funny thing though- it still was not a whole lot. Enough for some good snow balls!! T was all about throwing snowballs at me & C!! That was fun until he hit my camera!!

When I was growing up in Oklahoma....it never snowed much- but when it did snow....it was gone the next day! Unfortunately same thing happened here. We had to leave early Friday morning- so we didn't get to play in it again on Friday!!It was fun while it lasted though!!

Did you get to play in the snow?? Have you ever heard of snow ice cream?? I never had until I moved to AR....HA! Seems like it must be a south thing!!

Mollie

Show us your life...favorite date

Well, as you are reading this we are on our way to a "date weekend" in Eureka Springs AR. My husband is a truck driver and I stay at home with our two boys- so we definitely have to take a break once in awhile to catch up on ourselves- conversations at the dinner table about pre-school life is all we get...unless we get away!!

Seems like we are always so busy in the summer- July 30th (1999)- when our wedding anniversary is? So we tend to take a anniversary trip in the winter months.

Last year we went on a weekend get-away...it was fun!! We just laughed and carried on like two kids in love for the first time....all over again! We are hoping this weekend is a repeat!!

So, If I had to PICK my FAVORITE DATE would be....OUR FIRST DATE!!!

We met when he was playing basketball in college & I was in beauty school. Oh those were the days look at this couple....wow- somethings get better with age...US!!! Hey Chick...stop tanning!

The date started after a game that they won....thank goodness!! We went to eat at an Italian restaurant, and then just drove around.....very odd for this city girl. When you live in the city you drive to GO somewhere.....when you live in the country....you just DRIVE AROUND looking for something to do!! BIG DIFFERENCE.

Although driving around is not that bad- makes for great conversation ideas. Although in Tulsa, OK...there is a stop light every mile- so that was definitely a topic!! Still his favorite to this day!! Not really, he cannot stand to STOP at a red light.....he likes to GO!!!

We really hit it off....both of us said "feels like I have known you my whole life!" We had been friends for months....his parents & my parents were becoming good friends too!!

It was time to take me home after our evening was over. I am so not into- PDA or kissing on the first date thing. So, I mentioned to him- to take the heat off the awkward standing at the door moment...Ugh...stressful for a young girl in love!!

Here is what I told him as we drove up to my parents house....."Hey let me just go inside and I will come around and flash the porch light, so you know I made it in.....it is cold and you can just stay in your truck." HAHA....bossy from the beginning was I?? He was just fine with it- and I think he was glad for the idea.....stressful for a young guy too!

So, as I ran to the front door of the house, unlocked the door- ran through the whole house....we had a very LONG house.....and the front door is opposite of the garage door.....got the the garage......flipped the switch a few times and He flashed his lights back!!

Well, from that day on....that is what we did.....It was our way of saying "I am ok...have a good night!" Then it turned into "Love You!" somewhere along the way!

When we got married and he was driving a truck we lived along a small highway...in town...very small town! And I would hear that Freightliner start down the highway- be at the front door and flash the lights....as he would flash his back- sometimes even blow the train horn.

Then we moved to the house we are in now- and when he leaves or comes in... I flash the carport lights.....and he flashs his back!!

Then the kids came along and I can remember like it was yesterday- when he left for the first time and came back when that little baby boy was in my arms and I flashing the lights and holding his little hand to wave at his daddy!

Then the boys grew up and they could barely reach the light switch and somewhere along the way they grew and grew and now BOTH of the usually take turns flashing the lights at daddy!!

We even have two doors now- and if he is going North....we have to RUN to the front door and get those lights flashing too!!

I guess when you do something just as simple as that....just to let someone know you are ok....turns into LOVE......and now is a family tradition- and it makes a hard days work soften the shoulders of our Big Daddy!!

Especially when he has been gone a few days in a row- to let him know we are here and waiting for you....arms opened wide. I know this is the same way our Heavenly Father wants us to be....shine a light for him....be excited when we come into his house & live each day as if it were the FIRST day you fell in love with him!!

My motto is Live each day as if it is your last....you never know when you give your husband & kids a hug....if that will be the last one you will ever share with them!! As the kids run to the other room after flashing the lights and I watch those red taillights fade into the distance....I pray that my husband will be protected by angels and come home again- I look forward to when he returns each and everyday!!

So that was our first date.....February 22, 1996......and here we are now.....

Still in love after all those years!! You cannot see him....but there is one very important person in this picture too- GOD if it were not for him.....we would not be together today!! Through years of infertility, miscarriages, life issues, and job stresses.....he is the cream filling of our OREO!!!

So to see more LOVE stories go to Kelly's Korner today and link to all the blogs!! How Fun is Kelly and her great ideas?!?!

Mollie

My style & My way short stacked bob

Here we go.....world's longest blog on hair!!! My husband so graciously took my pictures Sunday morning as I was rushing to get ready for church....I already messed my alarm clock up and was running late- but it has been so hard for me to take pictures of MYSELF doing my OWN HAIR!!


So here is my step by step of how I do my hair my way!! Starting with shampooing my hair. Now IF I am going to not go anywhere the next day I will wash my hair in the shower that night. If I plan to make a public appearance besides the UPS man...I bet he has SEEN some dark sides of s@hm!! This one included! I will wash it in the morning first thing!! I recently have found the BEST smelling shampoo & Conditioner!

Moroccan Oil it makes my hair feel and look great!! Plus it has an oil that I put on the ends of my hair for any frizzy pieces. It smells so good- I can't say what it smells like...just good!!


Then I spray my hair with my root lifter....if you missed my favorite products click HERE to see what they are. I spray the root lifter- where else...the roots- at the TOP of my head. Then a take the blow dryer and kinda just toss my hair around, just to give it a little almost dry/damp feel.



After that I use my secret for lift on my hair....Vlecro rollers. I did find a video on velcro rollers great example short video. And she tells you exactly HOW to apply them. I use the medium to large ones. This is what my hair looks like on top when I put them in!!




While my hair has the velcro rollers- I then blow dry the back of the bottom and side & front of my hair- every so often blowing the heat on my rollers. The KEY to my blowing dry...I use 3 different types of brushes!! Small, medium & large!! For my hair style it is important. IF i were to use the Large one on the bottom- it would STICK OUT!! Or use a little one on top...it would be a bite of a doo doo curl!! HA!I found this website that has very good......Round Brush instructions... check it out!!Also VERY VERY important.....to use a diffuser....this dryer did not come with one- but it is that little pointy nozzle that goes on the end of the dryer- it helps the direction of the air to go DIRECTLY where you want it to go!!



And the COLD SHOT????What is that you say??? If you dryer were a gun...where would the trigger be?? That is your cold shot of air (not all dryers have on...next time by one that does)!! When you are blowing hot air on your hair and twirling the round brush...push the cold shot on your dryer right before you move to the next piece of hair- it will set that curl in place and it will help you hair cuticle look better too!!

Then when I get done blowing all of it dry- I apply my make-up while the rollers finish drying completely!! Multi-task that is the key!! Not to mention...all the bathroom cleaners on the counter top... I thought he was taking close ups!! That would be the beginning of bathroom week. Unless there is someone coming over- I keep my cleaning products out.....and every time I enter the room- I clean- SOMETHING.....mirror, tub, shower, counter tops!! (I should have cropped those out- but I am human....I don't have a magazine looking house!!)

This is what my hair looks like when the rollers come out....BOOM...PUFF...SHAZAM!!!Now, next I make sure all the hair is DRY that were in the rollers. I then tease a little- not much...you can do as much as you want. These girls did a BIG BUMP...really cute video!! I would not recommend the Bumpits.... very scary if you ask me...might look as if you are kin to a whale- if you don't apply it correctly!! The video shows very good example- you can do a little or a LOT....whatever you prefer!!I choose to do a little..... In fact we were in a super hurry when my dear husband so graciously took these pictures out of his own will!! And so my hair was not extremely big- but not as big as usual..if that is not confusing!!

I like a little height...my handsome fella is quite a bit taller than I am so....I try not to be too short. Lynn my friend has a cute thing hanging on her station that says "The Higher the Hair the closer to GOD!!" Don't know if that is true.....but there are some people who are VERY VERY close to him in the south if that is true!!This is what my hair looks like when I am done teasing....Now I could just comb down a little and be done.....or I like to do a little more. As long as time allows. By this time my husband was about to go start the car.....and kids were walking to the back door.....so I kept on.....I sprayed my favorite HOT SETS spray on each strand before I use the CHI.Then I use the chi to get any fuzzy or frizzy hairs in control...mostly just around my face.This is what the top should look like.....from my husbands perspective of me!! :)Then a quick look at the back....nothing worse than having a Grand Canyon in the back of your head...sitting on the second row of church!! I had to start taking my own pics at this point!! And the paper on my mirror is a prayer each morning I say for my kids & their lives!!This is what the back looks like..... I take my 4th brush (the vented one I used to tease) and smooth out very gently.... all the holes and stray hairs!!

Then Pull out your HAIR SPRAY and spray it girl....I mean...spray......like knock out another ozone layer!!! It should stay at least until you get to the car!!

By the way....my husband was honking at this point!!!Then this is the finished look.....after church.....and teaching pre-school sunday school class!!!

I completely forgot to take a picture when I was done....it is a bit wind blown & knocked down from the humidity....and tucked behind my ears (my favorite place for my hair) There you have it. Another note about my color..... My stylist uses Matrix. She foils in light highlights & a natural light brown. She does good- Don't cha think?? I used Redken- to each their own!!! If you do use color from the store...DO NOT EVER USE NICE & EASY!!!

Tell me how do you do you hair???

Mollie

Ten Things on the 10th

I missed Kelly's linky party for this- so I thought I would save it for my 10 things!!

Simple Pleasures.....

1. Sweet Tea with a slice of lemon

2. Slip on shoes.....don't know when I got so lazy- LOVE flip flops!!

3. Snuggling each morning and again at nap time with the boys- we might sit in the rocking chair in our PJ's for an hour?? When B is home on the weekends- we all snuggle in bed- which turns into a tickle fest!

4. Tickle time with boys.....love to hear then laugh!! C says "try again" when he wants you to do it again...love that!!

5. A car ride alone with my husband...very rare these days. We do love to hold hands while we are driving somewhere- kids or no kids!

6. Date Night with my baby's daddy!!

7. Picnic in the yard.

8. The smell of clean sheets.....that would be Monday nights....Sheets are washed on Mondays!!

9. A shopping alone......with a stop by to get a cold coffee!! Iced Mocha or Mocha Frap!!

10. The kiss of my children's lips on my cheek!! Priceless.....know I better take them while I can get them- from boys!!

Go over to Mer's blog and see what her 10 things are.....and link to others from there!! Thanks Mer!!

Mollie

Mid-Length Hair style

My friend Ginger who is also a new mommy....funny all the new mom's have all these hair do dilemmas!! Any mom can understand ladies!!

Ginger has an oval face like mine & you can not wear just any hairstyle with a long face. Mine seems like the more kids I have...the more chins I get....the longer my face gets....better stop while I am ahead!! Ginger's on the other hand, is a oval and narrow- skin chin!! Lucky you!!

Ginger here are some pictures I have found for you....

I really like this Kelly one- mostly for the length....you are probably wanting to keep it longer to pull up when you are home with your little man? If not here is a shorter cut of the same thing!

Who doesn't love Reese....Oh she can wear any style. Her face is long and narrow like Gingers. This is my very favorite....it shows a shorter or longer style but shorter bangs.....bangs are up to a preference of the person. I think LONG bangs would look good on Ginger.

If YOU don't like it to flip out....then try this way- UNDER....same style just different model.
So there you have it Ginger this is mostly the same hairstyle. I would call it a mid-length to short long layered look on top, and shorter layers towards the bottom. Easy to style- especially if you flip it out....sleep on it wet- the you are good to go!! Just kidding!

I am doing a how to on my style tomorrow- so watch for tips on that!! I have a similar style & it is super easy.....any mom who spends 2 hours on their hair and make-up is must have built-in babysitters or nanny's. Not most of the mom's I know?? I spend about 30 minutes tops!!

So what do you think Ginger do you like any of these??

Mandy you are next!!

Mollie

Tips for the Salon

Thought I would let you in on a few inside tips from my perspective as a stylist!

~BE ON TIME!!! some places you might have to wait....probably because the stylist had to wait on someone earlier that day..... when you book appointments back to back......you go minute to minute each day!! I have had to make people wait- NEVER longer than 30 minutes.

~Don't pull a NO SHOW- This was my pet peeve.....I had a very busy day booked and people would call and I would turn them down.....then Sally would not show up for her appointment she had set 6 weeks ago- with a reminder card I sent her- TOO LATE to call those people back who really wanted to get in today?? Sickness & death are the only excuses in my book!! HA- I was tough( I had been on clomid too!!)Some places CHARGE for no shows....be aware of that!!

~Bring and idea.... unless you get the same hairstyle each time- bring a picture of a NEW fresh idea. I have even had people bring in a video tape of a lady in the audience at the Oprah show!! That is paying attention.

Hang onto the picture- unless your stylist says she can hang on to it for you. I keep pics in peoples file for them, if you hang on to it- then you can bring it back from time to time. It is usually 5-8 weeks between visits....hopefully she has slept since then and might have forgotten the style picture.

You can google celebs and other names of hairstyles in stead of spending money on a style magazine. Then simply print it out and take it with you!!

~ If you just want a trim- show the stylist with your fingers HOW MUCH you want taken off, many, many, people have different ideas of what and INCH is?? It is actually the length of the tip of your pinky finger to the first bend (or wrinkle)......here's a secret- a lot of stylist combs have inch measurements on them- they can show you how much you would like from that too!!

~ Be honest- if you need more cut off, then tell them NOW. Otherwise, you might not be happy with the style later- and have to come back. That is something else, IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY- go back to the person and tell them what you don't like about the style......not to everyone else.....and they should be gracious enough to fix it for you (maybe not right then) but to keep you as a customer!!

~ Word of mouth is the best key to any hairstylist- it can make or break them!! So tell others how much you like your hair- spread the word. Remember this person has to make a living standing on their feet 8+ hours a day!!

Goes both ways too- If you LOVE someones hair that you see.....ASK THEM "excuse me...where do you get your hair done?" That is the best way to find what you are looking for most of the time!!

~ TIP....this is a touchy subject......just because you pay them doesn't mean they get to keep it all- That money pays for the hourly job, then any supplies (and supplies are VERY expensive) So slip them at least a few bucks or be generous- especially at Christmas....you will be blessed for it!!

~Talk to your stylist....don't read a book- You will really learn a lot about her/him and them about you! Just as I was leaving 4 years ago- Cells phones were getting kinda awkward.....DON'T TALK ON THE PHONE while you are getting a cut!!! You might end up a little shorter than you wanted!!



Ok again these are from my perspective & not speaking on behalf of any other stylist!!



Ask away any more questions about Hair??

Ginger you are tomorrow.....

Mollie