Chop, chop

We had a big day today.  Everybody got a big haircut!  Well, everybody except Toby...he doesn't have much to spare.  For those of you who know me personally, you know that my hair has been growing...and growing.  So much so that the first comment I receive from anybody who doesn't see me on a regular basis is, "Wow. Your hair has gotten so long!"

It all started back when we moved to Tennessee right after Haley was born.  I had a really short stack back then...I mean, really short.  Being a new stay at home mom and landing in a new city without a trusted hair stylist, I just got lazy and let it grow.  By the time we made it back to Alabama almost two years later, it was pretty long.  Then I thought, "Well, I've let it go this long so I might as well just grow it for Locks of Love."  Last November I was completely annoyed with the mass of hair on my head and went to my stylist, Sandy, to have it chopped off...I was done.  She said, "Locks of Love?  Oh honey, you've got at least three more months left."  I was devastated.  Three months finally came and I made my appointment to have it chopped off. The Sunday before my big appointment, a sweet friend at church came up and randomly said, "Your hair is so pretty, Ms. Carey."  *sigh*  The day before my appointment I chickened out and cancelled it. 

Well, here we are.  It's another three months later, my hair is approaching my waistline, it's a miserable 90 degrees outside everyday and Toby just called me a "tree huggin', homeschool mom."  I guess it's time to let it go.  Since I was heading in anyway I took a long look at my little ones.  I'm pretty embarrassed that they were looking pretty shaggy themselves.  So off we went!

Jake had a shaggy do that covered his ears and one rockin' rat tail goin' on.  He did great with his first hair cut, although he was far more interested in what Sandy was up to than sitting still for her. 

Haley had to have a pep talk and luckily we avoided the freakout that came with her last haircut.  We whacked off about 5 inches and I can't believe how big she looks!

I had to take one last breath before my 14" ponytail got chopped off, but I made it through with only a little second guessing.  As Sandy was blow drying my now super short hair, I was a bit disappointed.  But as usual she kept working, thinned it out some more and it began to take shape.  As the afternoon wore on I began to get used to it.  In the end, I'm pretty happy with my new do and so glad that crazy wad is gone! 

My ponytail will go to Locks of Love.  Hopefully sooner rather than later because it's kind of creepy to see it laying on the counter. If you're not familiar with this organization, they do wonderful work.  They receive hair donations and produce hairpieces for children with permanent or long term hair loss.  These hairpieces retail for thousands of dollars but are given away for free to children in need.  Their website says that 80% of their donors are children.  I love the idea of children helping other children, and I'm thrilled to be able to help.