Katlynn's haircut

Okay, my daughter caught me by surprise this morning when the first thing that came out of her mouth was "I want you to cut my hair". I was not prepared for that. Funny thing is Katlynn has always been very protective of her hair whenever I threatened her I would cut it after her refusing to brush it and care for it. Her hair reached the middle of her back and so it was getting quite long and harder to keep it looking nice. There was no chance in the world she would let me cut her hair.... until today. All of the sudden I became more protective of her hair then she ever was. I didn't want to cut it. Her hair is so pretty.... when it's brushed. It shines when the light hits is and it is so blond... I truly thought if I cut it she would regret it a minute later. I would simply not allow it. She kept on insisting I cut it. As I pondered her request more I came to realization that it is her body and there is no harm in her wanting a hair cut so I should respect her wish. Then I had an idea. I told Katlynn that she could very possibly donate her hair to Locks of Love (that would make it more acceptable for me than just throwing it away). She was very fond of that idea, but soon we found out that she was a couple of inches short of the required length. And of course after I suggested that she grows her hair out to the required 10 inches, that idea went down the drain. She wanted the hair cut TODAY. I finally gave in and cut her hair. To more of my surprise, she loved it .... a lot. We even cut her banks! I found myself loving it as well because she reminded me of the time when she was much smaller and not so grown up looking. I have my little girl back. It turned out to be a very good idea, Katlynn, sweetie!! Love you tons:) ♥ ♥ ♥

PS: Gevin, after seeing Katlynn with her new haircut, wondered where his sister went.

Parents

Today was a good day. I've had a lot of good days lately. Maybe it is because I'm trying to remember as often as I can how good I really have it. I'm so grateful for everyday I get with my family.... and for everyday all of us are spared. I don't even want to think about anybody in my close family being taken or becoming seriously ill but it's a thought that keeps entering my thoughts often lately.

I think of the older generation in my family, my parents and my grandma (my mother's mother) my only living grandparent (who's doing considerably well say the least..... years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer that is also affecting her lungs, but is not spreading at this time:) ). Her name is Vlasta and has been living with my mom who takes care of her.

My mom, Naděžda, but everybody calls her Naďa (Nadia), is an awesome woman, for she truly gives so much of herself to others. I wish she would live a little closer to us for I so enjoy visiting with her. I do call her from time to time. Maybe 2-3 times a month. It depends. Sometime more, sometime less. She just turned 64 but it seems like in reality she's 46. She's very active, keeping busy with gardening, working... still... and taking care of Grandma, Zdenek (my step daddy) and also her German Sheppard - Terry. When I'm that age I so want to be like her, full of energy and motivation to keep at it.

My dad is the same way. His name is Jirka (Jiří = George), he's 67 and a very busy guy, mostly because he is good at what he does for living and has many costumers lined up all the time. I'm looking forward to his visit in August of this year. He'll come to California, San Francisco to be exact where he will be making a headstone for my brother-in-law's grave. Before my brother-in-law passed away he made it very clear that he wanted my dad to do his memorial. The reason why is not only because they were very good friends but because of my dad's exceptional skills to do it. Memorials (headstones) is my dad's profession. So while he's in the States I hope he'll have time to swing by our place so we can spend time together and show him around. He's never been in Utah before. And if not than I'll be the one traveling to San Fran. Either way, I'll make sure that we'll see each other.

I love my parents so.....

Story telling

My daughter Katlynn loves to listen to my make up stories. Every time she asks me to tell her a story I have no idea what I'm going to tell her about. But as I start talking my imagination just takes over and with Katlynn and Gevin contributing to the stories we make up some funny stuff and we all end up laughing and have a really good time. I love spending time with my kids. Thanks to them I realize that there is still a little kid in all of us, grown-ups:)

Another bit and piece

This is where we spent Christmas :) It was so gorgeous in San Francisco. It was the warmest Christmas we have ever had.

Christmas 2009

We have had a very special Christmas, somewhat different from the rest, very out of the ordinary, however it was awesome, bitter-sweet, emotional and unforgettable.