At Last...

and my heart melted.

P.S. check back for results from the yard sale tomorrow...

Beauty School Walk In

About the time we said good bye to Emma's passy, we said hello to a new-to-us money saving plan...the envelope method.   With only one week left before completing our first month, it has been in a word: grueling--but more on that in another post.  Due to my newfound buget-consciousness, I opted to forego my semi-expensive salon haircuts and try out the Aveda Institutes.  If you don't know, they are a cosmetology school for the upscale Aveda brand. I posted about them earlier this year and got great feedback, so I tried it out.  IT WAS FANTASTIC! I really do recommend it--especially my student: Kala (well, until she graduates in September).  But a warning: you do need an appointment, they are closed on Monday and students leave everyday by 4, so schedule accordingly.

It started with a head and shoulder massage (AWESOME), a consultation with my "stylist" (aka the student) and her instructor.  I next headed for shampoo, deep conditioning and then a wet cut.  Kala was so meticulous which took a while, but I wasn't in a hurry and did exactly what I asked her.  She finished with a good style, approval from her instructor and me.  The best part?  Even after a $5 tip, I left a little over an hour later only $20 lighter in my envelope.  So, if you're looking for a way to cut back, I recommend giving them a try!  In other exciting news: they will be adding an aesthetician class in the fall--which means facials and hour long massages.  Great Christmas gifts!!!

Anyone Remember This?

LGers... I know you do...

Do you want this?

More specifically, it is the Large Media Stand from the Pottery Barn Rhys collection.  We bought it in 2006 when we lived in our old house.  We've really enjoyed it, but I'm trying to clear some room for more toys, and well, this is my first casualty.  I'll be sad to see it go, but happy if it finds a good home!  It is in excellent condition.  Measurements are: 65"w x 20"d x 27"h.  You can see the pottery barn catalog info on it here.  Contact me and make an offer if you or some one you know is interested!

Do you have this?

Are you looking to sell it?  Or know someone else who does and wants to sell? (Preferably in a dark wood finish?) Now that Emma has learned to sit down on her own and violently protests her highchair, I've found myself in the market for a kids table and chairs. I've been searching garage sales and craigslist for a few weeks without success.  So before I pay full price, I thought I'd put a purchase offer on the proverbial table!

Sunday Afternoon

On Tuesday, we put this in: 

Which meant we needed one of these:

Which led to this:

and this:

and this:

and even:

So fun!

Bye Bye...

NOTE: I write this without ANY judgment for kids that keep pacifiers for years past Emma's age.  Unfortunately, as a child, I had horrendous orthodontic experiences (braces twice, including on my baby teeth, etc) and a speech impediment (requiring almost a year of speech therapy).  As Emma's teeth SLOWLY come in, I have begun to realize Emma's mouth is shaped very similarly.  These facts mostly fueled our decision to cut the cord this early...

Memorial Day was well memorialized around here.  After a fun day of Jason being home, Emma said good-bye to her beloved passy.  I had been thinking for several weeks that we really needed  an "exit" plan, but just hadn't been brave enough to weather the storm. Instead of meticulously planning  a particular day and ensuring all conditions were as favorable as possible, we opted (spur of the moment)  to deliver the crushing blow before bed last Monday night. And truth be told, since it was a holiday and Jason was home, I knew we could present a united front--otherwise I might have caved!  As we told Emma that she was a big girl now, we handed her a blankie (or her "big girl blankie").  So, yes, I've substituted one comfort item for another--sigh.  I'll probably be prying this blankie from her hands the morning she goes off to Kindergarden (Or, the day before she gets married--if Shannie has anything to say about it!)

I'm sure that there are so many problems with our "approach," but so far the Eminator is doing so well.  It did take me about 30 minutes to calm her down that first night after Jason and I both told her it was ok since she was a Big Girl now.  Nevertheless, she frantically searched for her passy while sobbing.  Truly heartbreaking.  After SEVERAL verses of Jesus Loves Me, she eventually calmed down.  The cries momentarily reappeared when I laid her down, but soon vanished, replaced by peaceful sleep.

The next afternoon I mentally prepared to relive it (sans Jason) all over again.  We started to rock and she searched around a bit, but I quickly handed her the blankie and it didn't seem so terrible.  It's been a whole week now, and I think she has finally gotten it!

So, as I reflect on our approach, I think how traumatic it must have been for Emma! I hadn't prepared her at all for what was going to happen.  Thank goodness the Lord fills those holes we leave as parents, right?