The price paid

I usually cut my girls hair myself. First, I’m totally cheap and can’t justify paying $10-15 or more per child just for a haircut. Second, they are so young that they could care less how their hair looks so if I make a mistake, no big deal. A few months ago I received free hair cut coupons to Gene Juarez Academy for the girls. I told them after school gets out they could have their hair cut in an actual salon (in truth they would be guinea pigs for young girls dreaming of being real beauticians, but it would be free). They were so excited. When I called to make appointments, I found out children have to be at least five years old. Seriously?!? I tried to convince them that my four-year-old would sit perfectly still, but policy is policy. Being the kind and generous mother that I am (wink, wink) I decided we’d head down to the mall and they could still get a “professional” haircut. I found $2 coupons online so that aided my generosity. We went down Monday afternoon only to find out they were “training” that day so they weren’t taking any customers… so frustrating. We went back last night, here’s their before and after pictures (my camera was on the wrong setting... sorry.)

Abigail got a few layers which really helps give her curly hair a little bounce, especially in the back.

Check out Carly’s before picture of the back of her hair. Abigail gave Carly a haircut several months ago. If you look at the right side you can clearly see there’s a section where the hair is at least 3-4 inches shorter. Obviously I’m not a Mom that’s totally into having my girls all cutesy because she’s been walking around like that for ages.

I never walk out of these hair joints happy. They don’t wash the hair, they don’t style the hair, and quite frankly they don’t even cut the hair very well. After I got home I noticed that the back of Carly’s hair is totally choppy. So even after paying for a “professional” cut, I still have to trim it myself… argh!

Aunts and Cousins

Three of Justin’s Aunts were in town visiting his Mom last week as well. We got together with them Sunday afternoon. It was a perfect summer day (upper 70’s, nice breeze) so we spent some time walking around Justin’s parents property. The girls really enjoyed playing with their cousins.

Justin’s sister, Tami had her fancy shmancy camera there so she took lots of pictures.

All the Fletcher grandkids with Grandma and three of her sisters.

The big kids enjoyed finding candy at the end of “treasure hunts” set up by Justin’s aunt.

I love this picture of “J”, if only that darn flower wasn’t in his hair. Maybe Tami could magically erase it with her editing skills.

Friends and Food

We had some friends stay with us last week for a few days. It’s hard to believe it’s already been over three years since the Gibbs moved away from our neighborhood. Thankfully they still come back to visit at least once a year. Jason really enjoyed having another baby around. He was very interested in her and liked to give her lots of love taps (slapping her head). She must not have minded too much though cause she kept coming back for more.

We organized a BBQ at our house on Saturday so the Gibbs could spend some time catching up with friends. We had nearly 30 people at our house (including kids). Who would have thought we could manage that many? It was lots of fun, but I’m TOTALLY bummed I didn’t take any pictures.

It all started with a phone call…

Justin’s cell phone rang on Sunday, June 8th. Caller ID indicated it was the 1st counselor in the stake presidency, President “B”. He asked if we could meet with him some time that afternoon. (Oh no, I thought, stake conference is in two weeks) Of course we both started speculating who was getting a new calling. I have been in my stake calling for over four years, but we wouldn’t have to meet with the stake presidency just for me to be released. We both love our ward callings. I am serving as the young women’s secretary. The girls are amazing and being a secretary (behind the scenes with little speaking or teaching involved is perfect for me). Justin has been ward clerk for over three years so we figured it was probably his turn for something different. Of course we were nervous what that would be. Justin’s work can be very unpredictable. I feel like I can’t fully commit to being someplace at any given time because he might have to work late.

Justin met with President “B” for only a few short minutes before I was asked to come in. I felt a huge sense of relief. I figured if it was a calling that required a great deal of Justin’s time they would have needed to talk for much longer. I walked into the room and Justin was smiling… at that point I knew we were in for something we could easily handle.

President “B” started talking about various callings and responsibilities. He mentioned that some callings aren’t even in the manuals. (Now I’m thinking, yippee, Justin’s going to be the stake grass cutter, we can handle that). Then he continues by saying that some callings are even included in the scriptures (oh, no this is heading in the wrong direction). He turns to the scriptures and starts reading from Doctrine and Covenants 107. I don’t remember what the verses were I just remember hearing words like: “high priest” and “council”. I was so confused. Why was Justin smiling when I came in? He couldn’t possibly be excited about this. As soon as President “B” officially asked if Justin would accept a calling on the stake high council, I turned to Justin and asked if he knew what the calling was before I came into the room. He didn’t, this was the first he’d heard it as well.

Justin (and I) accepted the calling and was ordained a high priest yesterday afternoon. I’m certain he will learn a lot as he serves in this capacity. When he receives his assignment (i.e. assigned to a specific ward or to a stake auxiliary) I’m sure we’ll have a better idea what were in for.

Wish us luck (I don’t think “congratulations” are in order)

A Special Day

Today was Abigail’s last day of school. Actually they didn’t spend any time at the school. We spent the day at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma. Justin stayed home so I could tag along and help chaperone. There were so many parent volunteers that I was only assigned to one other girl besides Abigail.

My favorite animal at this zoo is the beluga whales.

Check it out, he even smiled for the picture!

We were standing so close to this cute pair of elephants.

No trip to the zoo would be complete without the tigers… doesn’t he look mean?

I like to watch Jon & Kate plus 8 on TLC. It’s the story of a family with seven-year-old twins and three-year-old sextuplets (that’s six three-year-olds!). They recently started a tradition where each child gets a special day to do what they want with Mom and Dad (Jon & Kate) all by themselves, obviously something really rare with eight small children. Today while we were riding back to school on the bus Abigail said, “it’s like it’s my special day and I wanted to go to the zoo.” It was a special day. I rarely have the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with my kids. When we got back to the school Abigail really wanted to walk home together. As we walked hand in hand she commented about how great it was to spend all day, just with me… melt my heart. She’s a sweet girl. Her special day didn’t end there. We have friends in town staying with us for a few days… busy, busy, but lots of fun too.

Bathtime

From his first sponge bath in the hospital Jason has always loved being in the water and taking baths. The other day Jason rolled over for the first time in the bathtub.

Don’t you just want to squeeze those cute little cheeks?!?

Mariner Game - June 08

Justin’s work sponsored a Mariners night on Friday. The plan was for me and the girls to meet Justin downtown. After an already stressful week, dealing with traffic and trying to find a free parking spot just about threw me over the edge. I finally pulled into a $15 parking area and decided to just pay the hefty price. Unfortunately, I only had $7 of cash. That was the last straw. I told Justin to come out of the ball field and meet us (with thousands of people walking around that was an ordeal of its own). The girls and I went inside while Justin parked the car (miles away in a free parking spot… sometimes I think we are way too cheap.)

There were only 3 rows higher than ours and it was a cold, windy evening. Winter coats, gloves, and blankets would have made things much more comfortable. We had plenty of snacks though. Justin’s work provided a goodie bag with lots of munchies for the game. (That kennel corn is seriously addicting!). In addition, Justin bought the girls a big pack of Starbursts and a Snickers bar for me.

(Not the best seats in the stadium, but free)

(We had a great view of the Seattle skyline)


We lasted til the bottom of the 7th inning. The Mariners were not having a good night… maybe it was the whole Friday the 13th thing. The girls were on a serious sugar high and talked non-stop all the way to our free parking spot and during the drive home. We had a good time in spite of the stress and cold.

(Meeting the Mariner Moose - Carly had just gotten hurt in the kids area so she wasn't the most excited to put on a happy face)

Cruisin'

Jason’s movement update:

• Although he first rolled over way back in January, Jason hasn't rolled much until the last month, he is finally rolling both directions without difficulty
• From a sitting position he can slowly turn himself in a circle
• He can occasionally pull himself up onto something into a standing position
• He can not get into or out of a sitting or standing position without help
• He is cruising around furniture (see video below)

Mariner Game - May 08

Memorial Day week was a long work week for me. I had Monday off, of course, but worked late each evening and did not see the kids again (awake) until Saturday. I had promised the girls a while back that I would take them to the game on the Sounder train. I talked up bringing treats and playing at the playland near Safeco's center field and riding the really tall escalators. While we went to the game, Holly stayed home with Jason. Abigail and Carly were excited to get free "Marineros" caps upon entering the ballpark. I guess the theme was celebrating Latin America baseball or something like that. Anyways, we got a big bag of caramel kettle corn and brought a few snacks, too. I learned you can never really bring enough snacks to the game. The girls could eat them nonstop. Abigail and Carly thought it was pretty cool to watch the roof cover the field as the rain started to fall. Riding the train that dad rides to work was a thrill as well though Abigail complained it moved too slow. I think the girls had a really good time, at least enough that they want to go back this week on the tickets provided by work!

I will always remember going to a Mariner game with my dad a couple years ago. Behind us was a dad with his two girls probably between 10-12 years old. These girls were amazing. They knew the stats of all the players, how the players stood in the batter's box, their fielding position, their number, everything. I was so impressed. This is my attempt at perking the girls interest in these types of sporting events. I figure if they have good experiences now maybe they will have more interest later.

Rain, Rain Go Away

I can’t believe its June already. It feels like March here. It’s been cold and rainy for way too long. Abigail only has one week left of school… maybe then we’ll see some sunshine. I know it’s been a long time since I’ve posted. We’ve got a lot going on right now, but we’re all doing well. Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks:

While Justin was working late, the kids and I ate dinner at the park (one of the few days it didn’t rain)

Jason likes to spend most of his time on his feet and has started to “cruise” around. Few problems with that: #1 - he can’t get himself onto his feet (not quite pulling himself up very well), #2 - he’s not very stable, #3 – he can’t get down (occasionally he’ll fall gracefully, but more often he just falls).

Look Mom, I’m on the wall

Note: His Grandma Fletcher gave him the shirt pictured here. It says “If you think I nap a lot… you should see my Grandpa” (with a picture of Grandpa snoozing in his lazyboy)… so true. Speaking of sleeping, Jason slept in this morning until almost 10am (going to bed at 7pm) and I didn’t have to get up at all during the night to feed him or help him find one of the many binkies in his bed… yeah, Jason!