Elementary Days

Today was the last day of fifth grade for the girls. Un.Real. Time has FLOWN by. We had an elementary graduation last year in Arkansas, but when we moved to South Carolina, fifth grade is still in elementary. So back they went! (In the words of Caylee, "So much for that graduation last year!". Ha!) So this is, indeed, their last day of elementary school. It's bittersweet, that's for sure. 

So let's take a walk down memory lane and look at each grade's first and last day of school....with hankies, of course. ;) 

Baylee

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

(First day in Arkansas, last day in South Carolina.)

Caylee

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

(First day in Arkansas, last day in South Carolina.)

And the token "get together and love each other" picture...

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

(First day in Arkansas, last day in South Carolina.)

And there we have it, folks. My babies and their transformation right before our very eyes. You know how quick it was to look at these pictures? Yeah, that's how fast these last six years have flown by. Un.Real. 

So long, Elementary School!

Hello, Middle School!

Hairmageddon

You can ask anyone that knows me really well, I mean, knows me, and these select few will tell you that I hate getting my hair cut. I hate the entire process. I know for some women it is fun and exciting and all that jazz. (Chicago, anyone?!) But for me? It's almost torture and I almost have a panic attack leading up to the appointment.

For one, I hate sitting there staring at myself in the massive mirror. I can't figure out where to look. Do I watch what the hairdresser is doing snip by snip? Do I make eye contact with him/her via the mirror? Do I painstakingly pick myself apart piece by piece thanks to the mirror right in front of me? I don't know what to do. Oh! And gum. Can I chew it? I've always heard no. And I know I can't cross my legs or my cut will be lopsided See. So many rules and I just get lost in them. Panic.

Secondly, I never know what I want done. Just a trim? Full blown haircut? Bangs? No bangs? I've been known to take in a sheet of paper with tens of pictures on it. Now I could make a board on pinterst with various cuts I've "pinned" and whip out my handy dandy iPhone. I have no clue what would look best on my face so I leave it up to the stylist. Sometimes it's a hit and sometimes it's not.

The latter was the case this past weekend. Only, it was worse. The cut wasn't on my head. But on my sweet baby girls.

Let's backtrack, shall we...

When I went to Arkansas a couple of weeks ago Brandon was in charge. No biggie. He's their dad and can handle anything. Except maybe hair. ;) I still take care of the girls' hair. They haven't matured enough to care about it, so I make sure it's well groomed. And it had gotten so long it was hard for them to manage/fix properly. Well.....between the three of them they couldn't get a massive rat out of Bay's hair. Not sure why it had gotten so big, but it had nonetheless. And so what does any good dad do? He cuts the rat out of course! It was in a very non conspicuous place (in fact, she had so much hair I could never find where the cut had taken place), but still, a cut was needed. And that was enough for Brandon.

So last Saturday off we went! Bran called and got the girls an appointment and told them it was hair cutting day! As we drove to this new to us salon we assured the girls they wouldn't be getting short hair cuts. (Mistake number 1.) We told them they would have a good deal of their hair cut off, but only because summer is upon us and too much hair is just too hot! When we walked in the ladies were ready for us and the girls immediately took their seats, side by side.

(Just look how LONG their hair was!!!!)

Brandon and I talked with each lady and here were our instructions, "Cut it just above the shoulders, leaving enough hair to still pull up". You know how I said I normally have a ton of pictures? Well, since B surprised us I wasn't prepared and didn't have any pictures to show the ladies. (Mistake number 2.)

I sat down and sent my mom a text informing her of our exciting Saturday morning outing. And then Brandon said "You wanna get your hair cut? We can see if they can squeeze you in". Umm....sure! So I hopped into the seat next to Caylee and joined in the fun. (Mistake number 3.)

(See how hard I'm laughing? That's called my nervous laugh.)

Ok. So the scene has been set. The three Beaver girls are getting their hair cut. I wanted a simple trim and some bangs. Thankfully my lady was awesome and did just as I asked. (Note to self... IF we go back to this place only use her.) I could see Baylee in the mirror and saw her hair was shorter than planned, but it was a cute bob, no big deal. I figured she'd flip out, but we could handle. I couldn't, however, see Caylee until my lady turned my chair when it was time to blow-dry. And I almost jumped out of my seat and began gluing all of her precious hair back onto her head. Y'all. The lady CHOPPED ALL OF HER HAIR OFF!!!!!!!!!! I was speechless. I told my lady "Hear that silence? It's the calm before the storm. There will be a breakdown in the van when we leave". 

And I was right. There were tears. Lots and lots of tears. I don't know what the lady was thinking, but she went all scissor happy at Caylee's expense. I felt AWFUL! I had assured her she wouldn't leave with short hair and there was nothing I could do but apologize. We had plans on going to the aquarium for the day, but Bran needed to stop by Best Buy first. It was in there when the meltdown came to surface. Standing by iPhone cases Caylee started bawling and then so did I. She hated her hair. I told her how very sorry I was the lady didn't listen and it was not our plan to go into that beauty shop and leave with hair that short. I assured her how beautiful she is no matter how much or little hair she has. 

And then it hit me. There was a Claire's and Target close by. So off we went to purchase cute hair accessories and a popcorn combo. That had to help, right? Retail therapy and emotional eating? Oops. Maybe not the best example to set, but it helped and we got a smile out of her!

Now, I know some people would think "It's just hair. It'll grow back". I know that. And is the haircut cute? Absolutely! Does Caylee look adorable? Always! Does a haircut define us? Never! But 

still. She's 11 and what might seem like a little thing to adults is a big deal to little girls. 

(Before church on Sunday morning. The day after Hairmageddon of 2012.)

Thankfully Baylee absolutely LOVES her cut. She didn't at first because the lady styled it like a five year old's hair cut. But when she got home she rewet it and we fixed it to her liking. I don't know how many times I've seen her looking in the mirror or saying "I really like my hair". Whew! At least it wasn't a complete flop!

So for now we wait. We count our blessings that we have hair on our head. We learn new ways to style the "perfect for summer" cuts. And we shampoo with Mane and Tail horse shampoo because it's supposed to make your hair grow faster. ;)

Sweet Weekend

One week ago I was preparing for my big trip back to Cabot. It had just been a couple of weeks earlier when I was brushing my teeth before church one Sunday morning. I'm brushing away and Baylee comes into my room with my phone and I could see she had accepted a call for me. I could see it was from Melissa (a dear sweet girl from my Sunday School class I taught), but after I spit and rinsed I realized I was on speaker phone and there was a whole slew of girls on the other line. I remember Megan O. saying "Mrs. Cari, you know that we love you and we want you to come to our graduation....so we bought you a plane ticket". What?! Seriously?! Umm...OK! These darlings had been working with Brandon for months to figure out my trip. How special is that?! It makes me tear up just thinking about it.

And so last Thursday was the day. Arrangements had been made and I would fly into Little Rock and stay with Melissa's family for the weekend. I knew Thursday night some girls were coming over, Friday was graduation, and Saturday night some dear friends planned on having a cookout for me. Other than that I was just going to go with the flow.

Bear with me and I'll try to relive my sweet Arkansas weekend....

Thursday

I started the weekend by first having to say goodbye to my girls. They were a little apprehensive. Sure, they leave me almost every summer for their grandparent's houses. But I have very rarely left them at home. In fact, I can only think of a handful of times. This picture was taken in Vanna White right before they jumped out of the car rider line for school. They are so focused on school and it took away from the fact that I was leaving. Whew! No meltdowns! Well, except from me as I drove off. I kind of lost it. I was overwhelmed with the whole weekend and that first step kind of did me in for a moment.

Brandon picked me up and we headed to the airport. I was nervous about flying (particularly those pesky seat belts!) because it had been 12 years since I'd flown. I guess having babies kind of derailed my travels. ;) Turns out I had nothing to worry about and flying is just as peaceful as I remembered. Even if the majority of the flights were spent in an itty-bitty regional jet. Eek! I think I could've reached from one side of the jet to the other with my arm. Seriously. Tiny. But, oh, was it worth it. I was greeted by these lovely faces when I got off the plane in LR.

Madison, Kelcie, and Melissa were there to catch me when I fell into their arms crying. And then they laughed at me when I told them I started crying when I saw the AR capital from the air. Ha! Tears and laughter.... the common theme of the weekend. ;) Yes, that's a mouse. LONG, embarrassing story. No. I'm not gonna share. ;)

Melissa's dad was waiting for us outside and was our chauffeur. We went straight to Cabot, switched vehicles, and picked up Melissa's mom and brother. I had no idea, but the girls had planned on taking me to our church. We drove through Cabot (more tears) and walked into MCBC (could've had a breakdown if they let me, but they kept laughing at me so that helped). I didn't know but it was the Women's Ministry Spring banquet. I served on the women's ministry team before moving and they thought I'd like to see some of the women. Boy, were they right! I was a blubbering idiot as I walked from table to table hugging the necks of so many familiar faces. (I was too busy visiting and crying to snap pics.)

We went and had dinner at my favorite local Mexican restaurant (no mariachi band. Boo!) and then back to Melissa's for the night. I'm not sure why I didn't take any pics of that night. I think I was still overwhelmed and just soaking in all of their sweet faces. Rachel did manage to snatch my phone and I have several pics like this....

We spent the evening/night/early morning catching up. Several girls went on a mission trip to Africa over spring break and retold some of their favorite moments. We talked boys. We talked girl drama. We laughed. I cried. We laughed some more. We watched "The Vow" and crashed in the bonus room about 2:30 a.m.. 

Friday


The alarms started going off EARLY! The girls had graduation practice and had to be at the school by 8. They all threw themselves together and out the door they went. Kenny (Melissa's dad) and I went and "lined 89" as the seniors took their final bus ride. I love (and miss!) the small town feel.

While the girls were at practice I helped Jennifer prepare The Rock for Melissa's graduation dinner and then I met up with a dear friend. Misty and I met just a few months before I moved. She was a move in to Cabot, but originally an Okie! Woohoo! We had an instant connection and an overnight friendship. Her and her husband just moved back to Oklahoma and she was in town on Friday to do some last minute details in Arkansas. Perfect timing for lunch! And more laughter. And more tears!! ;)

And then it was graduation time! I had never been to a Cabot graduation. The previous year I babysat for a family so they could enjoy the graduation without the little ones. Now I know why! That graduation was LONG. But I loved every single minute of it. It was such a joy to be there. Not only did I see my girls graduate, but I ran into so many dear friends from Cabot. I'm not even going to try and list them all, because I'll leave someone out. But every hug I got warmed my heart. God truly blessed our time in central Arkansas.

Saturday

After another late night I woke up to some delicious pancakes. It was a low-key morning, but it was also the day I got to see my parents! I hadn't seen them since Christmas!! 

Before seeing my parents, though, I had to teach Melissa a life lesson -- learning how to fill out a deposit slip and use the drive-thru. Lol! So funny!! We were very proud!

I think that man thought we were crazy until Melissa said "I've never done this before!". Ha!

And then it was time to see mom and dad!!!!! I met up with them at Hobby Lobby in Conway, hoping I'd have time to shop. But when you haven't been to HobLob in MONTHS, well, you just don't rush that. We decided I'd hit it up this summer when I had more time. And a van to haul my goods home it. ;)

It was SO GOOD to see my parents. I love them. And I hate the distance. Thankfully we had time together to run around and catch up face to face. There wasn't much running around because there was a cookout to get to! :)

Oh, Fred and Cyndi. LOVE this family. We decided they were my Cabot parents. Ha! They went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and the food. Oh, the food. There was a ton and it was all so delicious. Just as sweet as that apple cobbler or german chocolate brownies? The time with friends!

Sarah!!! One of my "firstborns". :)

The Cason's!!!! :)

Coleman girls!!! :)

Denson girls!!! :)

Mom doing what she does best... cleaning. Ha!

Mom and Cyndi rocked the sexy sleeves. ;)

I loved everything about that cookout. Just chilling and enjoying the company of dear friends. And my parents were there and got to mingle with some of me peeps! ;)

Sunday


Because of my flight schedule, I only had time to go to Sunday School. I made my rounds, again, and hugged as many necks as I could, but only snapped a couple of pics. This is not the most flattering picture of me, but I love this woman. Melissa S. is a gift from God in my life.

We usually ran 15 girls in SS, but this was all that was there on Sunday. And even being in town all weekend I still didn't see everyone. It was a busy, busy weekend! 

I cried as I left MCBC. (Me? Cry? Imagine that. ;)) I turned the radio off and praised God not only for the weekend, but for Cabot. I had no desire to move to Arkansas. But now when I think about it, I can't imagine my life without those five years. As always, He knew better! ;)

Can I just mention how awesome it was to spend a portion of Mother's Day with my mom?! That wouldn't have happened if it weren't for my sweet girls flying me in. Yet another blessing! After a delicious lunch at Outback it was time to head to the airport and say our goodbyes.

Family picture before I went through security. (Man! I'm already looking rough and the day was still young!) Usually our goodbyes would be painful, but summer is around the corner and I'll see mom and dad SOON!! WooHoo!!!!

After a quick flight to Dallas, a four hour layover, and then a nighttime flight to Charleston, I was home. Home with my boy and sweet girls. My flight didn't land until 10:35. That's two hours past the girls bedtime. But bedtime rules go out the window for times like these!

We got home and had a few minutes to celebrate my Mother's Day with some gifts. They sure know how to make a Momma feel loved!

Y'all, this was quite possibly one of the sweetest weekends I've ever experienced. I got to reflect on the past, be grateful for the memories, and know that true friendships can withstand time and distance. I will treasure these memories forever.

Birthday girls

My babies are 11 years old now. (Actually, they turned 11 two weeks ago. Maybe I'm in denial?) ;) I remember when they were born I could barely see past that day. And now here we are. Somehow 11 years just FLEW by. I can't get over the beautiful girls the Lord blessed us with.

It's my prayer they always know how loved and adored they are. They truly are gifts. They are miracles.

Baylee,

You are a delight. You have the most tender heart. You are an encourager, a teacher, a lover. You love with your whole heart. Animals hold a very special place in your heart. You are constantly wanting to adopt a new dog or cat. You are very chatty and so very goofy. You are shy around new people and situations, but when you reach your comfort level you dive right in. I can see you maturing right before my very eyes. You are shedding some of your little girl qualities and I see that beautiful young lady emerging. What a blessing you are. 

Caylee,

You are such a joy. And you are so very silly. When you want alone time, we know to give it to you. You need alone time to be the very best you. You adore the outdoors and all of nature. You see God's beauty in His creation. You even adore those slimy creatures such as lizards and snakes! You are comforted in being home. You are quiet in social situations, but around those people you know you flourish. You're growing up more and more every day. What a blessing you are. 

My sweet girls,

I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my babies you'll be.

Pressing On

I remember when we first moved to Arkansas. I went through a rather long period to what we called "the pits". I was down. I was sad. I was lonely. I probably could've benefited from some medication. ;) I never knew being uprooted from Oklahoma and placed four hours away from all I had ever known would be so hard. So very HARD. But it was. Over time we found a wonderful church, friendships were made, and I learned to live again. I persevered.

When Brandon and I began discussing our move to South Carolina there was this peace about me. I did NOT want to leave Arkansas and I did NOT want to be even further away from family, but even that couldn't stop the peace I felt about a potential move. Besides knowing that the Lowcountry was where God was calling us, I looked back at those two years in the pits (I told you it was a long period!). I saw a very quiet, introverted Cari. I saw myself withdraw from social situations. I saw Brandon be the voice when we would meet new people while I stood quietly at his side and shyly smiled.

So while we considered a move I knew it would be hard to move again. I looked back and recognized all the good the came from being in the pits. Was it fun? No. Was it easy on our family? Absolutely not. Was it selfish? Possibly. But I overcame it and beautiful things emerged. Slowly I came out of my shell and a new Cari was blossoming. There was a lot of the old Cari, mixed with the new, more cautious Cari. God used Community Bible Study to heal wounds I had been hanging onto for years. I learned to forgive myself. God used a neighbor six houses down from us to be that friend I always dreamt of. God used that time to strengthen our bond as a family of four.

I knew moving again would mean the pits could quite possibly sneak back up on me. I knew there would be long periods of time of loneliness and isolation. I knew finding a church home would require patience and trust in His leading. I knew friendships would not be made overnight. Because He had led us to Arkansas and I saw His faithfulness, I knew He would be with us in South Carolina. Peace. He gives wonderful peace.

So here we are. Next week marks six months since we've been here. And I'll be honest. This week has been HARD. It kind of just hit me. I find myself sitting and longing for Cabot. I call my mom or dad and get off the phone and cry because I miss them so. I get upset because I knew there would be this down time, but I assumed since I had walked through it before I could handle it better.

I've been so thankful for Facebook. I know it can be distracting and dangerous if you're not careful. But it is such a wonderful way to stay connected. And even though some status updates can often be silly, some can be highly encouraging.

Take for instance my dear, other mother, Terri. She talked about having spent her day going through a file cabinet filled with all kinds of things from the past. She read report cards, wedding and birth announcements, newspaper clippings. And then towards the end of her status she said something that hit me like a ton of bricks and I. Lost. It.

"Looking back has value; but I am convinced pressing on has more."

That was just what I needed. I realized I have spent too much time this week focusing on what once was. I was focused on the past and not the present. I was treasuring so many sweet memories made in Oklahoma and Arkansas that I was forgetting to make new ones here. I know that Satan loves to use distraction and discouragement to blind me of the beauty before me. I have a wonderful husband. He works so very hard to provide for us and that gives me the ability to stay home. I have two beautiful girls who are happy and healthy. We get to experience and live in another gorgeous part of the country. I will not let Satan's lies put me in the pits again. God has amazing things ahead of us here. I have to be patient and trust in His timing for all things. He is faithful. So very faithful.

And so I press on.