Girls – Page 2

Hair Detachment

August 14, 2009 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Girls, New Look

This post is past due (as many of my additions). My girls and I have been blessed with thick hair that grows at rapid pace. As I was younger, I despised my long, thick and heavy hair. My father would not let me cut my hair until I was older or at least, when my sister was old enough. I was about 10 years old when I had my first real haircut. Even then, it was still long.

I became attached to my hair. I would style my hair every morning before school, which meant I would have to wake up by 5am to catch the bus at 7am. My hair takes about an hour to dry. My hair routine normally included drying and curling. This regime continued through high school and somewhat into college. I soon discovered the world of hair coloring. It started with the do it yourself kits and grew to the expensive salon treatments. I would justify my time in the salon and expenses by saying I deserved it and rationalizing it since I only did it 2-3 a year. I knew that the pleasure I was getting from my hair was fleeting and more was desired of me. I also knew that my financial resources would be better spent on other causes. I heard God calling me to detach, My hair was the first real step that I took in the way of detachment. (I was in my mid twenties.)

This call was confirmed about 5 years ago when I heard Mother Mary Elizabeth speak at a Women of Grace Conference. Mother Mary Elizabeth was a late vocation whom was widowed with grown children. She spoke of how women are becoming so consumed with their appearance. She cited all the lengths that women go to; hair coloring, teeth whitening, excessive exercise and etc… Mother Mary Elizabeth pondered if God would even recognize us when/if we reached Heaven. She also concerned herself with the fact that many women spend numerous hours in the hair/nail salons and gyms focusing on their appearance but fail to spend adequate time on their soul (i.e; in prayer or at church). Her words were not profound but convicted me nonetheless.

I sought my DH’s counsel and together we decided that I would no longer spend time and money on superfluous hair treatments. I would continue to grow my hair only for donation. All haircuts would be simple for function only and I would not seek out the trendy hairstyles. Our girls would also follow suit. It’s not the answer I was looking for. I could deal with long hair and simple haircuts but no hair dying?!? I knew I would have difficulty with this once I started to get gray hair. I started praying for the graces to endure all and even embrace every gray hair as Mother Mary Elizabeth recommended–a crown of glory, one step closer to Our Heavenly Father & Home.

Since then I have donated my hair twice and my eldest, Rose, has donated her hair once. Early in April, Sparkles informed us that she was ready to donate her hair. She turned six in May. Both Rose (14) and I were ready for another donation. We each had 13+ inches to donate. My DH agreed that Sparkles could have her first donation/haircut.

Sweetie will wait until she is six to donate/cut her hair. Hopefully, she’ll stop giving herself haircuts so she’ll have hair left to donate.

Papi will never have enough hair to donate but he had his “1st….” buzz cut.

(My gray hairs are coming and I’m still praying for the graces to endure and offer it up.)

Is there a Doctor in the House?

July 22, 2009 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Girls

Two of our GFG have undergone dental surgery within the past 6 days. Rose had a check up (last Wed.) for her wisdom teeth. It was decided that they needed to be removed ASAP since the roots were growing into her sinuses. She had her surgery on Friday. I was away at a silent retreat and had no idea what was going on. It was one of many surprises awaiting me when I got home.

The most recent surgery was today, for Sweetie. She needed major dental work and complete anesthesia. The surgery was a success and she is now home recovering. PBTG!

She turned 6….

May 19, 2009 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Girls, Happy Birthday

Where has the time gone! It seems like just yesterday when Rose was crying with JOY for her answered prayers, a sister. Sparkles was an answer to many prayers.

We have prayerfully decided to forgo large birthday parties. I love to coordinate parties and crafting. However, I have a tendency to go overboard. The parties were great fun but both my husband and I would always walk away feeling cheated. We were never completely present to share the special day with the birthday girl. We have slowly been downsizing and simplifying our lives. We’ve prayerfully decided to start a new family traditions for birthdays.

We will now plan a date night for the birthday kid with dad and mom only!!!! The date night can include dinner and an activity of the birthday kid’s choice. We will have cake and/or ice cream when we return home to all the siblings. Presents as usual, are kept to a minimum.

Today was our start to this new tradition. Sparkles was thrilled as were her siblings.

(Dad & Sparkles after her birthday blessing from Father M.)

Technically her birthday started on Sunday with a special birthday blessing from Father M. He also gave her the gift of informing her that she will be ready to receive Communion this coming year. Sparkles has been glowing since and has been on fire to know more about the fullness of our faith. Praise be to GOD!

The day started with an early rise and a treat from dad. He brought home french toast sticks and sprinkled them with powder sugar. Yummy!!!

We did have to reign Sparkles in this morning after informing us that this was her birthday and that meant she could do whatever she wanted. Woooooowhoooooo…..want a minute miss birthday girl! Not to worry it was a misunderstanding. What she really meant was that she would be thankful for the day, no matter what! : ) Good thing we cleared that up first thing in the morning.

(Sparkles favorite present, a charm of Jesus on a cord.)
She was then able to open a couple of presents before we had to leave for the Science Farm.

(Sparkles waiting for friends.)

(Sparkles favorite activity of the day, making gak.)

(A new bunny/kitten born in May)

(Sparkles favorite animal, “because Jesus is the Lamb.”)

I scheduled a field trip on her birthday. We arrived early and invited the other families to join us for a play date and picnic.

(Dirt with worms. AKA homemade marble cake with chocolate frosting, crushed Oreos, sour apple sprinkles, and sour gummy worms.)

Sparkles invited all kids to join her for some more fun in the dirt…..sweet dirt…..

After the festivities we went home for a short break. “Sparkles can watch a movie since it’s her birthday, ” announced Sweetie. I couldn’t argue with that. She chose her new Hermie video.

Sparkles went to her first swim practice of the season then we took her out for the long awaited date night. She chose Chili’s for her dinner. She had been talking about it all day. She was thrilled when we arrived and couldn’t stop talking. We were seated and began to look over a menu. I asked what she would like to eat and she replied, “pancakes.” Pancakes???? “Sparkles, we’re at Chili’s, they don’t serve pancakes. If you want pancakes we’ll have to go elsewhere,” I said. She agreed and decided to go elsewhere. We normally wouldn’t do such a thing but since it was her birthday, it was her choice. As we got in the car she changed her mind 2 more times. Finally she settled on Mexican food. It was so cute to see her face light up when we were willing to accommodate her and say YES to all her (reasonable) requests.

(Sparkles “famous burrito”)

Sparkles decided that she would be in charge of ordering. This is something new for her. She usually relies on her older sis. She told us that she is big enough to tell them her order and ask for something. She made a burrito with all the fixings and was so pleased with it that she asked her dad to write the recipe down for her. She ate great, the best I’ve seen. She even vowed to eat all her left overs for dinner tomorrow.

After dinner we strolled downtown and window shopped. Then we went back home for cake and ice cream. She sang her story of the day to us on the ride home, while sitting in her big sister’s seat.

We found out so many things about our dear Sparkles. She is definitely our talker but what is more special is that she is an even better listener. She constantly asked questions of us and didn’t focus on herself.

We thank God for her. We pray that she grow to love Him and that He use her for His Glory. Sparkles was my first GFG that I consecrated in the womb to Our Blessed Mother. Her devotion and trust in Mary is so great. May she continue to walk under Mary’s Mantle, closer to Our Lord.

(Our attempt at the self timer.)

PRAISE BE TO GOD for a JOYous day!!!!

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