new 'do

Benson got his first "big boy haircut" on Sunday. Brandon cut his hair with clippers, which was pretty traumatizing. We put Benson in the kitchen sink, so he couldn't move, and he just sat there and bawled while Brandon cut his hair. He did not like the clippers! But he was really good, he cried, but he sat really still (for 19mos old). Brandon did a good job, it is a little (a lot) shorter than I wanted, but it looks cute...a little baby "High and Tight". (Think "Maverick" in "Top Gun".) It's hard to see in pictures, because his hair is so light, and I took this picture right after the haircut...when he was pretty much out of goodwill and cooperation. It makes him look like such a big boy (sniff!).

super pup

Here is Bailey's much anticipated Dalmatian costume. She really wanted to be a Dalmatian for Halloween, and we couldn't find a costume that would fit her. I ended up making her one. She was so excited this morning when she woke up and it was done. She's been worried that I wouldn't make it in time for Isaac's (cousin) 1st B-day party on Friday (costume party). She had to call everyone bright and early and let them know that it was done. She has worn it all day.

I keep forgetting to post this picture...but it is the sweetest thing ever. One morning, about a week ago, when I was feeling especially rotten, Bailey came in excitedly and said that she wanted to be my "big helper" today and she wanted to mop "the crusty floor, because I know it drives you crazy, mom." She was so sweet and thoughtful and did a REALLY good job. She was so proud of herself and so was I.

castro cap

Benson loves to wear "Haaas" (hats). Especially baseball hats. He likes to steal Bailey's and his cousin, Gavin's. He has one that fits him, that Guh L. sent to him, a camo hat. He will wear it all day long. But Brandon says it reminds him of somebody else....Maybe it's the new found attitude...telling us "no, no, no" all day long and shaking his fists at Bailey while he does it. The attitude coupled with the hat makes for one cute little dictator.

the green booger's last ride

I'm a slacker, I know. It's been a crazy couple of weeks. I've been really sick again, this time accompanied by dizziness, near fainting, etc. I won't bore you all with details, but this happened when I was pregnant with Bailey. I was hoping since it didn't happen with Benz, it wouldn't be a problem this time. It must be something about them girl babies. Needless to say, I'm counting down the days until this project is finished...which is tentatively set for December 2 or 3. Until then, I'm grounded at home on days I don't feel good, and thank heavens for my mother-in-law. Warden, I promise to take really good care of you when you are old and feeble. And my Sister-in-laws...I promise to take really good care of you guys and take your kids when you are pregnant the next time. You ladies have all been life savers and I'm so lucky to have you. I can't say thank-you enough.

To add to the madness, Brandon's car (1997 Green Honda Civic), which I not-so-affectionately named "The Green Booger" (thanks, Sarah!) started acting up again. This car has been a thorn in my side since about 2 months after we bought it (2.5 years ago). It has never been dependable, and we have put more money into than we paid for it. During the last two weeks, it was in and out of the shop 3 times. The last straw was that The Green Booger died on the middle of Hwy 290 (the worst in Houston) during rush hour, while Brandon was on his way back to work. He made it to work, but then got a ride home from the tow truck. With everything going on and Brandon back in school, we said enough was enough, and went and bought a brand-new (our first NEW car, ever!) 2008 Hyundai Elantra for Brandon. He really likes it, and we are SO glad to have 2 good, reliable cars! (by the way...you pronounce Hyundai, like SUNDAY)