Not So Good Chaz Dean

I try to keep the blog positive but this can't go unmentioned.  

Since hitting my mid-thirties my hair has been getting more dry and coarse.  I have been looking for a good solution and came across Wen Cleansing Conditioner by Chaz Dean (yes from an infomercial, I can be a sucker if it comes on at the right time).  I have used it all week and HATE it.  It makes my hair and scalp really oily to the point I am grossed out, and I am using normal shampoo tonight.  If you are considering this, don't.  It takes too long to shampoo, being that you have to use cool water and section off your hair, and frankly I don't think it works.  Save your money for a great pair of shoes and leave the hair cleaning up to go old sudsy shampoo. 

I think I am just going to have to live with my dry, coarse hair.

Today, I am 3.

Even though my entire pre-school thought I was 4, and my mom had to correct them, it was a good day.  That is what you get when you wear a 5T and weigh 45lbs at 3.

For months Sean has been asking "When is it my birthday?" It seems like every week they have been celebrating someones birthday at school, and it only added to the anticipation. Today he got his day.

 It started with opening presents from Grandma Scholz and Great Grandma Erickson.  The cap and blanket were a hit and set the tone for the day. We took Batman cupcakes to school and all the kids sang to him.  He and I, then did a mom and son lunch where he got a toy that he thought was a birthday present.  We wrapped up the day with Spaghetti and cupcakes, and of course more presents.  Life is good when your 3, and what matters most is that you get to wear a cape with your diaper.  

Happy Birthday Sean!

Our Friday Nights...

Now consist of snack bar food, cold weather, high school football, an amazing band performance, gossiping proud parents, and mediocre cheerleaders (I feel I can be judgmental of the cheerleaders since I know a thing or two about being a good one, and this squad could use some help).  

Last Friday we got to experience first hand the fun of Friday night high school football.  We go for the band, but the football is not too bad either.  I am learning a few things about the game, to the embarrassment of my husband.  As long as I keep my questions very quiet he doesn't mind explaining the game.  Sean of course soaks it all in, and LOVES it.  He has been talking about it every day and can't wait to go again.  Kira is of course amazing in all her band splendor and I think you will find us at these games most Friday nights for the rest of the season.  

 Go Tigers! (No Sean, they are not the Giants.)

Safety First

Sean likes to err on the side of caution when eating his morning cereal. 

We wouldn't want him to fall off the chair and do some serious damage to his head.

Jade's Favorite Things, #13

Hand Me Downs

I like nice things, but that doesn't mean I am always willing to pay for them.  When my brother mentioned he was getting a new couch, I jumped at the chance to get his old downfilled sectional for our downstairs living room.  It's not new, but new enough to me, and we LOVE it.  It only required stealing my brother's truck for the week, and a 7 hour drive from LA in traffic, but it is here.  I know Tom was questioning the sanity of it all right up until we got it inside and he sat down.   It fits in the room perfectly, and because it was free I don't stress at the site of the kids climbing all over it.  A perfect couch for a perfect play room.

Thanks Jeff!

On a side note, I have learned that you don't get to be on the receiving end, unless your willing to be on the giving end.  I love sharing clothes, furniture or other items we no longer need.  You don't have to be "needy" to get something from me, just have a desire to own it.

Man vs. Bottle Brush

All I did was say that my dad was loaning me his chain saw for the week to take out our bottle brush tree, and next thing I know, Tom had it down.  I think it was the idea of me with a chain saw that made him nervous, but regardless, the tree is now out.  I have hated this tree since the day we moved into this house.  It was ugly and huge, and blocked all the little bit of sun we get in the back yard.  Not to mention it was right in the spot where I was planning on putting my garden.  

It only took a matter of 45 minutes before the entire top came tumbling down, and what was left was a massive mess of intertwined branches that were no fun pulling apart.  The tree is down, but now we have the job of dealing with the enormous piles of branches that need to be hauled away.   Sounds like lots of work for Kira and Andrew.  

This was right after the top came tumbling over.  Tom is in the middle of that somewhere.

Oh, there he is. 

Andrew was a big help, as always. 

The aftermath.

Dad, we still need the chainsaw to remove the trunk. 

Andrew Enters 5th Grade

Finally.  

He was the last one to start school and I am not sure who was more ready, him or me?  This year is not much different for him, same school, same teacher as last year, and pretty much the same routine. Regardless he is there and our lives are falling back into routine.  My house is now quiet in the mornings, perfect for getting work done, and the evenings are filled with the sound of my loud voice repeatedly telling them to do their homework.  Ahh, I love when summer comes to a close.