Fashion Faux Pas and Five Year Old Fits

So if you see my older child in the near future, please let it be known that I am not responsible for the fashion statement she's trying to make with her bangs. The only thing I'll take credit for is being stupid enough to leave scissors within her reach. She apparently felt that her bangs were too long and therefore her eyes couldn't be seen, so she decided to give them a trim. Only in certain spots. To a length of about 1/4 of an inch. Cut at an angle. I repeat: I had nothing to do with this one!!!!

Then this morning, my usually can't-wait-to-get-out-the-door-into-the-world child (the same one sporting the new 'do) throws an all-out hissy fit when I tell her it's time to get dressed for church. You know, our church, good old FUMC, a place she feels totally at home in. Well, today she did NOT want to go and if I made her it was going to be kicking and screaming. So, worried that something has happened I don't know about, I repeatedly ask her if something went wrong/somebody said something mean/etc... until she finally shouts 'NO!!!!'. But she won't give me any reason at all other than she just doesn't feel like it. I try telling her how important it is that we go, how much she loves Sunday school, that she'll get to see me play bells in church, all to no avail. So, realizing that reasoning is getting me nowhere and the clock is ticking, I tell her she has to stay in her room until we leave. This leads to all-out screaming, so I shut the door in a vain attempt to drown her out, which makes her even madder. I go to get dressed then physically force her into the car. She sulks the whole way there and doesn't acknowledge my existance when I drop her off at her class. But wouldn't you know it, when I see her in church after Sunday school she's all smiles and is soooooooooo glad we came. I swear kids this age are bipolar. It used to amuse me before I had my own kids and I'd see somebody else's little angel acting schitzo; now it's my life. You just have to try to deal with it the best you can and laugh about it whenever you get the chance; otherwise YOU'LL be the one with a script for lithium.

My condolences to Dawn & Chris on your loss; I know you're feeling both relief and sadness at the same time. Know we are thinking of you. Same goes for Amy & Mike; you are in our prayers. Can we send a treat your way?

Jeri: hope the snow is awesome and you're getting to see some sunshine.

Kami: hope your healing is speedy and you are feeling great.

And for anybody out there who knows Angie: she really would love for visitors to come see her. She will leave her front door open if she's feeling up to company and closed if she is not. Keep the visits short (10-15 minutes) but make them if you can.

Take care everybody. Remember to smile.