A Whole New World

This was the sight in my bathroom a few hours ago. 

  

It was a black hair dye extravaganza!  You see, I've decided to go gothic.
Just kidding.  (did you think I was serious?)
Here is a picture of my finger in it's current state.

(Don't worry purple pinky I am not replacing you) My purple pinky is intentional but the black ring finger is not. 


Jordyn is preparing for the upcoming CYT performance of Aladdin this weekend and true to form for a theater gal she must get into character.  So mom had to assist with a little "temporary" hair color this afternoon. I didn't realize there was a hole in my glove until all was said and done. I guess we will see how temporary this temporary color is when it fades from my finger.  Guess I'll be explaining this one to my M.O.P.S. group tomorrow.  


I was searching for some things tonight and I came across a few articles from 2006.  Jordyn was featured in Girl's Life magazine's annual "Back to School" issue.  She had written them a letter expressing her displeasure on how home school kids were often left out at back to school time.  Much to her surprise, they called her, interview her and featured her in their magazine.  They sent out some really cool photographers to do a photo shoot with her too.  (here is the Back-to-school article and here is another that our local paper did as a result of the interview.)

Five years ago Jordyn needed me for different things in her life like lesson planning, Algebra lessons, preparing "school" lunches at Beck's Cafe' among other things.   Tonight mom was needed in "Beck's salon".  You know what they say: Any mother could perform the jobs of several air traffic controllers with ease.

Jordyn getting into character

I am thankful for each moment I have had with my girls (even if it left my fingers black).  Time goes faster each year.  Every moment with our family is a true gift from The Lord so be sure to cherish them!  


I'm off to scrub my finger some more so I'll close with one of my favorites by Erma Bombeck:

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER  by Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more. 
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. 
I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. 
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather rambling about his youth. 
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. 

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life. I would have gone to bed when I was sick, instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. 
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment, realizing that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. 

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's" and more "I'm sorry's"
. . . but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute . . .
look at it and really see it . . . and never give it back."