The many hairstyles that I have had

Every time, I let my hair get a little length, then I want to cut it off.  I am trying my hardest to avoid the Hair Salon and not make any rush decisions.  I have trying to look at old pictures and see when I liked my hair the best.  Having crazy curly hair makes for some crazy hair days.  Some beauticians do not know how to cut curly hair.  I have left many salons crying my eyes out!  Here are some of the pictures I have been looking to help me make a decision.

This is Thanksgiving a couple of years ago.  I had let my hair grow out and straighten it.  I do like this look, but it is a lot of work.  Eric looks thrilled here, I know.

This is about how long my hair is now.  I still used a flat iron to loosen up the curls.

This is curly!  While it is easy to fix, it gets out of control later on in the day.  Ha!

This is two summers ago.  My hair was stacked in the back and super short in some places.  I loved this hair cut.  It was easy to fix curly or straight.  This is what I'm thinking I want to do.  Corbin and Allie look so young.  I loved Corbin's Mohawk! 

52 week saving money challenge

You have probably already seen this on the internet. We are going to do this with Corbin and Allie.

Thank you Lord

On Thursday, the nurse at my school came and got me. You know that's never a good sign. She said that Eric had called and had an accident at work and was in the emergency room.
He didn't want to alarm me, but a machine exploded and metal went into his shoulder. What?!?!?
When I called him, he said the doctor was going to get it out and he was fine. He told me not to leave work. When I called him 2 hours later, he was still in the hospital - but prepping for surgery.
The doctor couldn't get the metal out. It was too far in. So Eric had to have surgery to get the metal out.
I was concerned at this point. But God is good. The surgeon got it out and Eric is sore, but fine.
The metal could have hit his neck or his eyes. The metal was 1/8 inch from his shoulder blade. God is good.




Here is Eric and the kids right after he got home. The kids were so glad to see their daddy. Eric looks a little rough! Ha!
I felt so bad for him. Surgery is no fun for anyone! But he is on the mend and we are grateful!

It's that time again

2012 was a great year for us at the Townsend house. Both Eric and I changed jobs - smaller school for me and no traveling for him.  It did take me a little getting used to having Eric here during the week.  But we ended up cooking more at home and saving some money.  Which is always a plus!

I learned to say "No" to my kids.  As a mother, you want to provide them with everything they need and want.  But I realized I wasn't doing them any favors.  If I don't teach them to budget and to save, they will be in for a world of trouble.  Even if they go to college, that does not guarantee them a job in this economy.  Saying "No"  has been difficult at times, but we are in the home stretch now. 

They didn't need to eat breakfast every morning at McDonald's or Hardees before school.  Yes, we are in a hurry in the morning - but Fruit Loops in a baggie, pop tarts, breakfast at school are all great, cheaper, healthier solutions.  They also don't need every new app that comes out.  I could not believe how much money we spent at iTunes.  Ridiculous! 

I sat down and wrote my 2013 goals for next year.  I did this because 1) I am a list maker.  and 2)  This will help keep me accountable.

Personal:
1.  Read through the Bible in one year.  Our Church did this last year, and I kick myself for not doing this one.
2.  Read at least 24 books on my book list.  This is not going to be a problem.  I love the read.  Reading has always relaxed.  Oddly enough, Corbin said the same thing not to long ago.
3.  Run at least one 5k race.  I am going to encourage Eric and Allie to assist me on this one.  Eric wants to get into shape and us do something together.  Allie is just a natural runner and loves it.
4.  Take at least one photo a day for my Project Life album.

Marriage:
1.  Have monthly date nights with Eric.  This year we did better at this one.  We still need to work on it so I think I will try planning one to make sure we accomplish this goal.
2.  Go on 2 weekend retreats sans kids.  This is going to be a hard one.  Our kids are involved in extracurricular activities that we love to watch.  I also feel guilty that I work all day and think I should spend every waking minute with them.  But I know that when I do get away, I come back refreshed and a better mommy.
3. Go on a family vacation.

Friendships:
1.  Write at least 2 handwritten notes every month to encourage someone.
2.  Go out to eat with girlfriends at least once a month.

Financial:
1.  Tithe 10% of our income.  It's not "ours" anyway.
2.  Give generously to needs in the community and around the world.
3.  Become debt free except for the house. 


I plan on updating my list once a month and crossing off what I accomplish.  2012 was just a blessing to me, and I look forward to 2013.

What I'm Learning from my Daughter

Lately it seems, instead of me teaching Allie things, she is teaching me a few lessons.  Here are some of the things I have learned recently.

1.  To have a good time.  Allie is always happy.  I got to talk to her teacher before school got out and her teacher commented that Allie is just a happy -go-lucky-gal.  Her teacher said that Allie talks to everyone and is nice to everyone.  I was so proud to hear this.  I feel like Allie is nice to everyone,but it is so nice when someone else comments on it. 

2.  To let go and move on.  About a month ago, a little boy in her class went out of control.  The teacher had to get everyone out to calm him down.  Allie did not say a word about it.  I ask her every day, " How was school?"  I had another parent tell me.  When I questioned Allie, she said that the boy was special and couldn't help it.  She told me not to worry that the kid liked her.  She was afraid the story would worry me. 

3.  To be content.  Our church has done a lot of mission work for an orphanage in Honduras.  Allie and Corbin's Sunday School class took up donations and money to send them.  I have heard Allie on several occasions tell Corbin to be happy with what he has.  She will say "What if you lived in Honduras and you had to eat molded bread or had no shoes to wear?" 

4.  To take silly pictures of yourself and laugh.  Allie got a Kindle Fire for Christmas.  She told me I could play on it.  I looked at the photo section and saw these two pictures.

 

 

 

Love that sweet girl!  I hope she always stay happy, content, and secure with herself.

Christmas 2012

I only have iPhone pictures for this Christmas because I forgot to grab my camera.

We had a fabulous Christmas. We got more than we deserved.




Allie with her cousins, Emma and Ava. Allie and her American Girl doll look so much alike.




Corbin and his gold controller that came all the way from Hong Kong. Ha! He loved it!




I love these two so much! The Lord has been so good to me! I can't wait to see what He has in store for me in 2013.

Winter Fashion

It is cold here in the South.  I know I complained when it was so hot for so long, but I am not a fan of the cold weather.  I am trying to shop my closet, instead of buying any new clothes lately.  Eric has shut my debit card down for a month.  Ha!  We spent quite a bit on the kids this year.  I can't wait to see their faces when they open their presents.  I am also trying to lose some weight. 

I keep saying I am trying to lose weight, yet I have yet to eat better or work out.  I need to get busy on that goal.  I read the blog http://cornerofjoy.blogspot.com/ , and she had some Pinterest fashion ideas that I love.  I already have most of the pieces, too.  So I am going to try to pull off these outfits in the near future.

I have a long pink maxi shirt, leopard scarf, and light brown cardi.  This outfit will be easy to duplicate.

I have a short black dress instead of the longer version so I will definitely add tights.

I love, love this outfit!  The yellow skirt is so bold and playful.  I am on the hunt for a yellow skirt now!

I love reading blogs and looking at their outfit suggestions.  My only problem is I stay on the computer too long!  Happy Saturday!