Doubling Up for the New Year!

No, we have not received our Wait List number for Honduras yet.

No, we have not been matched with any children yet.

No, we're not pregnant.

Yes, we're still planning on adopting. 

Okay, so what's the big news?!  

First, some background: 

Only a few weeks ago, we received an email from our agency that they would be splitting into 2 agencies at the end of this 2013 year (read: after midnight tonight!)  And in that email, was information that if a family was wanting to 'switch' to another country, they would have to do it By.The.End.Of.The.Year. in order for funds to transfer. What?!  Well, seeing as we were already tossing around thoughts of switching countries (I'll tell you why in a minute), this was of real -and urgent- interest to us.  

We have been pursuing a Honduran adoption for TWO YEARS now.  And we don't even have a number.  And once we receive a number (we've been expecting one every month...for months now), they are estimating another 3-4 year wait.  In our own calculations, based on previous Honduran to U.S. adoption statistics, it will be MUCH longer than that (*years longer*).  Can you even imagine?!  I mean, craziness, people.  Things have been moving absurdly slow in Honduras.  Strikes, and the sort.  And, although people are talking of hope that things will get moving there in the next few months (Dear God, I truly hope they do!  There are so many children- and so many families waiting.), it is quite the gamble for us to stay.  We wanted our 4 children to be close in age...and if we stay, G & K could be teenagers!  I may be exaggerating, but sheesh, not by too much.  

We began working like mad: researching, calling, emailing, asking questions, crunching numbers, looking at timelines, you name it.  We had very little time to make a very important decision.  We looked at & weighed all the options.  We prayed for signs.

We began to understand the meaning of 'Concurrent Adoption.'  This is pursuing two adoptions - in two different avenues- at the same time.  This appealed greatly to us, and seemed like the best move.  

We began considering: finances, countries, agencies, siblings, time-frames, etc.  So much to think about. We considered domestic infant adoption, U.S. foster to adopt, other international routes, you name it.  All was fair game.  We wanted to make the best decision for our family.  We really just wanted to go the route God had planned for us, whatever that was.  We really didn't care how.  We just knew we wanted to trust Him; that His way is best.  

So after all of this, we narrowed it down to the path we feel is right for us, for our family, for our future children.  

The BIG news?  We decided to: 

(1) Keep our Dossier in Honduras to continue to 'ride up the wait list' 

                               AND 

(2) Pursue a Concurrent Adoption in..............

  Haiti!  

That's right, starting in January, we'll update our Home Study, and work to complete ANOTHER DOSSIER.  Yep, we're officially insane.  Since we will be leaving our Honduran Dossier in Honduras, we will need to complete a different Dossier for Haiti (They are not the same- they require different things).  

Okay, so what does this mean?   

We will eventually have 2 Dossiers on Waiting Lists in 2 countries at the same time.  Whichever moves faster, we'll complete an adoption from that country (We're predicting this will be Haiti).  Hopefully, we will be adopting siblings from Haiti.  However, we have learned that there are not many siblings in need of adoption in Haiti.  It is most likely that we will have to wait longer for siblings in our desired age range (0-4).  So, it is possible that we would accept a match of only one child.  If we are matched with siblings from Haiti, we would likely pull out of Honduras.  If we are matched with one child from Haiti, we have to decide at that time whether to continue to pursue a match of a single child from Honduras as well, or if we are finished.  It all depends on different factors, which are impossible to predict at this point.  It is also possible that a miracle occurs in Honduras & they move rapidly, whereas a delay happens in Haiti.  In that case, all of the above would be reversed. 

We are learning that this is just the path of International Adoption.  

                                                         Unpredictable.  Difficult.  Frustrating. Expensive.  Slow.  

But we're sure it will be so worth it!  

So, what about finances? 

(Since I want to keep this adoption journey transparent.)  

Fortunately, because we emailed our Agency TODAY (yep, the last possible day) that we want to switch, ALL finances (minus the Honduran Translation fee) will switch over to Haiti!  This is awesome!!!!!!  However, if as I said above, a miracle happens, pushing a Honduran adoption faster than a Haitian one, we would have to start new with finances for Honduras again (remember the money is now with Haiti & cannot switch back).  Either way, of course, if we were to COMPLETE both country's adoptions, we will be paying for two adoptions.  We're hoping to pay for one, & adopt siblings from one country.  But, then again, what do we know?!  We're trusting the One who knows it all.  We'll see what happens.

Also, a Haitian adoption is estimated $28-30,000 + a few thousand more if it is siblings.  A Honduran adoption is estimated $35,000.  We have currently put about $15,000 towards adoption expenses.  So, I'm thinking we should have around $15,000 remaining to raise if it were to be a Haitian adoption first (more if siblings). ** I'll crunch exact numbers when it's not 1:00 am.  =)  

What about travel times?

Travel time for a Honduran adoption is: 1 two week trip + 1 four-six week trip

Travel time for a Haitian adoption is: 1 short trip + 1 two week trip (*I think...'for sures' to come)

What does the time frame look like?

As I said above, they estimate Honduras to be about 3-4 yrs once we get on the list, and then a few months more until we travel.  We feel as though it will be much longer, but there's no knowing.

As for Haiti we have been told:  About 6+ months to complete another Dossier....about 6+ months on the wait list (but longer for siblings)...and then 14-18 months to bring them home, putting us at 2-3 yrs total.  

Of course, we are praying for God's timing.  We're hoping that time is shorter, rather than later! :)  We are ready for those babies!  

Ages?

 Although young toddlers & even infants are 'possible', it is most likely that we will be bringing home 3-4 year olds with either country.  

Genders?

It will be a surprise to us!  Can't wait to see who God has planned for our family!!!

So, that's our very exciting end to 2013.

We are looking to 2014 with GREAT expectations!

Here's to *Haiti & Honduras*!

Happy New Year!!!

~ 6 in Love ~

New Year, Big News.

So, you may have noticed that I've taken the past 3 months off of blogging!  It wasn't intentional, but my time was needed elsewhere.  It's that whole Growing Children thing, coupled with some other big life changes & circumstances.

And we have some really
       'big adoption news,' 
             but it may not be what you think.

I want to take the time to explain *it*, so will try to post soon.  

*And...I have a lot of catching up to do.  We had such a great Summer & Fall as a family, and I may have taken a bajillion pictures.  Christmas was pretty amazing this year, too.  All to come in future posts.  

Happy New Year!

~ 6 in Love ~

You're Not Growing Grass

Yesterday, G & K and I had the opportunity to meet up for a quick lunch with our friends that now live out of state. They were passing through town and had a small window of time we could meet them.  We were excited, as R is such a great friend to me, and our kids really enjoy playing together.  So, we had 4 little ones total, age 2-5 at where else, but Chickfila.  It was quick and chaotic, a meltdown (K missed his nap), a 'talk' in the bathroom, things were spilt & conversations split.  We attempted to catch up in broken phrases, often interrupted by encouragements to eat, wiping mouths, etc.  We have a way of just understanding each other (& our chaotic lives with 2 close-in-age little ones & husbands that work A LOT), that's really refreshing.  No judgment here on either side...good job, Mama!  Everyone needs friendships like that. <3

Anyways, apparently one of the workers, a middle-age woman, must have heard my comment to R during one conversation, "We're like the rednecks of the neighborhood.  I mean, (Cuban Daddy) is hardly home when it's still light out.  Who has time to cut the grass?!" 

A few minutes later, I got up (for the 5th time??) to get something.  Probably more napkins. The lady was standing there, and so sweetly smiled and said, "I'm sorry, I guess I was eavesdropping, but I overheard your conversation.  When I had young ones like you, someone said this to me, and it always stuck with me, so I'm telling you (both my friend and me), 'You are growing children, not grass.'"  And just smiled so sincerely.  She got it.  And she just wanted to encourage.

She didn't say as many do, "Wow, you have your hands full," or "I bet you stay busy," etc. (Yes, they are full, and I actually love staying busy!)  She just affirmed that she understood where we were.  In one comment, with one smile, she acknowledged our hard work, our love for our kids, our struggle to balance it all, and affirmed that the most important thing we are doing is...raising our kids.            The grass doesn't matter. 

And she was so right.  And refreshing.  We thanked her..(I refrained from hugging her).  
And we went on with our 'playdate/lunch' with a little more ease, and a little more confidence.

I wonder if she knew the impact 

she made that day.  

I realized early on in motherhood that I couldn't do it all well.  Something would have to give.  So I consciously chose my children.  Everyday, I choose my children.  Sometimes I fail, sometimes I get overwhelmed, sometimes I do my best and it still doesn't feel good enough.  But, I've learned to live with the never-ending piles of laundry, the sink full of dishes, the unkept beds, and messy playroom.  And the grass.  I choose to spend my time loving, teaching, and playing with my kids.  I don't want to miss a stinkin' thing.  I want to look back at these years and know I chose my kids...not the housework.  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, in passing on the kind encouragement from a smiling stranger...


When your laundry takes over 1/2 of your sofa...for 2 weeks, remember that you are growing children, not grass.

When you look in the sink at midnight, and wonder how your 2 children can 'dirty' 8 sippy cups, 6 bowls, & 13 utensils in one day...and you choose to go to bed & leave them for (maybe?) tomorrow, remember that you are growing children, not grass. 

(In his chef jacket b/c I made him cook too!  Don't worry, he thought it was all fun.)

When you go against all that is in your OC self to dress your 3 year old in mismatching jammies (all others are dirty or lost), remember that you are growing children, not grass.

(Okay, so this is a matching pair -yay, me!  However, not sure why we're 

LEAVING the house in them...while playing a recorder?!)

When you only clean your bathrooms when guests come over, remember you are growing children, not grass. (I really should have people over more often.)

<No Photo Available>  Trust me.

When you & your husband high five each other for being only 15 minutes late for church, remember you are growing children, not grass.

When your 5 year old asks you to play play-doh with them (again), remember you are growing children, not grass.

When your kids want to show you what they did in school, give them your full attention, and remember you are growing children, not grass.  

When you could give the simple, quick answer, but you chose to stop and explain so that they really understand, remember you are growing children, not grass.

 

When you choose to run through to drive-thru because impromptu cuddles took over cooking time, remember you are growing children, not grass.

When your master bedroom has become the throw-all room, and you're tripping over everyone else's stuff, remember you are growing children, not grass.

<No photo available again>  Shocker.

When you want to go for a run, but you settle for a pausing-every-10-seconds-and-head-back-home-after-10-minutes-for-a-bandaid-walk so your little one can ride his bike along the way, remember you are growing children, not grass.  

When you answer the same question (patiently?) for the 9th time that morning, remember you are growing children, not grass.

When your green eyed girl asks you to give her and her baby doll matching braids before heading out, remember you are growing children, not grass.

(at least the 'twins' have matching jammies)

When you know you could get some shopping done during their gymnastics class, but you stay to watch anyway, remember you are growing children, not grass.

When the kindergartener suddenly has the desire to learn to tie her shoes- 30 seconds before you are to leave for school, remember you are growing children, not grass.

When you, in a sleepier state of being than them, agree to 'just one more' bedtime book, remember you are growing children, not grass.

When you take that extra minute to jot a note & a heart on her lunch napkin because you realize how much she loves it, remember you are growing children, not grass.

When your 'regular park' is right around the corner, but he's been begging to try the one (further away) where he can ride his bike on the new track, remember you are growing children, not grass. 

When you lie in bed late at night, reading about fun fall preschool crafts you want to try, remember you are growing children, not grass.

When you do the messy fun anyway, remember you are growing children, not grass.  

 

(My nails would be considered 'grass' in this moment.)

When your little ones want to help with the groceries, and you know it will take 3 times as long as doing it yourself & something will likely be broken by the end, remember you are growing children, not grass.

When the only things that get crossed off of your list consist of feeding, bathing, chauffeuring, cheering, and changing others, remember you are growing children, not grass.  

When you drive by the neighbors' yards & they have freshly cut, edged, newly planted yards, complete with a swept front porch, Pinterest-inspired wreath, and American flag, remember you are growing children, not grass. 

When you pull into your driveway, and 

your children automatically sing, 

"Welcome to the Jungle!" in their best rock voices, 

remember you are growing children, not grass.

I am thankful for friendships, compassion, 

the kindness of strangers, 

and reminders of what's truly important.

And it's not the grass.

~ 6 in Love ~

Only 12 ADOPT Shirts Left!

UPDATED 10/08/2013


There are only 12 of our fundraising ADOPT shirts left!

Every single cent from every shirt goes towards 

paying for our adoption fees & expenses. 

Thanks to help from our amazingly generous friends and family, we have raised a total of more than $15,000....and used almost all of it so far, paying for various adoption fees as we go.  

We still have at least $20,000 more to raise before we can bring them home.

A seemingly daunting amount.

But, we know that God will continue to provide, just as He has so far.

So, is there anyone you know that would want a shirt...while at the same time 

helping to give two babies a home?!

You, your spouse, kids, niece/nephew, child's teacher, friend, coworker, or a Christmas gift for that person that already has everything?

Here are the sizes/colors for the remaining 12 shirts:

GREEN

1- Child Small 6-8   

2- Child Medium 10-12

1- Adult XL

1 Adult XXL

PURPLE
1-  Child Small 6-8

2- Child Medium 10-12

1- Adult XL

1- Adult XXL

Because we want to SELL OUT so that we can design & produce new shirts, 

we are discounting these remaining shirts:

 $15 for Adult sizes

& 

 $10 for Child sizes

Will you please help us meet our goal & get rid of the remaining fundraising Tees?

*** We ARE NOT printing any more of this design.  This is it. ***

See God Plays Words With Friends for how these T-shirts were "God-inspired."  

Truly something I'll never forget.

*** One things I didn't elaborate on in the post above:  The day I made the 'Words with Friends' discovery was the one day I was truly wrestling with us going through with the adoption.  We had just started the paperwork, just made the official decision.  I thought about it, wrestled with it, prayed about it, and doubted like never before.  That very day, I  had asked God for a sign that we should go through with the adoption.

I don't think His answer could have been clearer.
I vowed to never doubt this again.
Full force, 100%, no looking back.

  

C'mon, you know you want one!

Thank you so much in advance!

We could NOT do it without you!!!

~ 6 in Love ~

Done. For Real This Time.

Okay, so I really mean it this time.  

The Dossier is 100% finished!  

We have completed everything needed to get 

a number on the Wait List.  

To recap:  
We finished the Dossier & mailed it to Honduras months ago. They translated the document and submitted it to IHNFA (agency in Honduras that handles adoptions).  They approved everything, but asked for G & K to have bloodwork completed in addition. (Insert 'ugh!') After a 2 week long run-around, we worked that out & had the labs run.  I picked up the results last week.  I emailed them to our agency, who forwarded to Honduras, & replied, "Looks great!"  You would have thought I would know by now that it wouldn't be so simple. 

Okay, so here's what has happened since: 
Our agency responded that all was great, & that they now needed the notarized & apostilled originals.  Ah, but of course.  So, I took the forms back to the pediatrician's office & had someone notarize.  The next day, K & I were going to go to Atlanta to have them apostilled.  I thought to call ahead to make sure all was good to go.  The lady on the other end of the phone made a couple of comments, which led me to figure out that the documents were not completely & perfectly notarized.  I was going to need the notary to add another statement to her notarization.  Hoping we could just swing by & have her do that on our way to Atlanta, we stopped by.  She wasn't there.  Of course she wasn't. And they didn't know when she'd be in.  I wrote a note & attached to the lab results.  They called me later that day to say they were finished, but it wasn't enough time to pick them up and get to ATL before they closed....and get stuck in that hideous work hour ATL traffic.  Hideous, I tell you.  

So today:
I picked up the forms (done correctly...yay!) from the Pediatrician's office & headed to ATL.  Although it took a long time to get there, the actual apostilling took a mere 2 minutes & I was on my way.  Wow!  

I'll mail the official lab results to our agency tomorrow.  They'll send to Honduras.

And then - that's it!

That should be every single piece of paper they need from us to put us on the Waiting List.


After 21 months of running the paperwork race.  

It may not seem like much to you, 

but to us, 

this is a victorious day!

We're getting there, 

~ 6 in Love ~

Lab Results are In!

In my hand, I hold...

the documents that should put us on the Honduras international adoption Wait List!!!

The kids' (G & K) lab results are in...and all look good!

Praise the Lord.

I will scan them in & over to my agency today so she can get them to Honduras.

......

And then it's just a matter of waiting to hear that the committee has met in Honduras, has approved us, and has given us a number.

Please pray everything moves smoothly & quickly, 

& that we will hear something soon.  

Happy, 

~ 6 in Love ~

Braids, Buns, & Bows - Oh My! (Part TWO)

Since my first "hair" post, nearly a year ago, I've tried several new hairstyles on G.  I'm glad she lets me 'play' with her hair each morning.  It's fun!  Most mornings, we're on a bit of a time crunch, as we're trying to get out the door to school.  Therefore, sometimes I click on last year's post for inspiration: Braids, Buns, & Bows - Oh My! (part ONE)

I'm having to do her hair more often since summer is over & school is in session, and I wanted to remember some of the new styles we've tried.  

So, this post is for me, as much as it is for anyone else!  Ha. 

I need *easy* in the mornings. 

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(Sorry, this is not the most organized set-up ever.)

Double Braids

Double french braid all the way down.  Then loop back up to desired length and tie with an elastic.

I love this one for Gymnastics class...it stays up and out of the way!

Two ponytails.  Then fishtails for each.  Loop back up and tie off.

We often to 'the same ole' but with a different part.

I either do a straight part in center, straight part on the side, 

a curvy part (as seen below), or a sharper zig-zag part.

Double french braids are my 'go to' hairstyle.  I love it b/c I think it's cute, it holds great for the whole day, you don't have to have a matching bow, and it's a really comfy style for her

(no bows, headbands to deal with).

Down

She loves wearing her hair down.  These two pics are of her hair when I blew it dry w/ a dryer.

  

Mix up a 'down' hairstyle with a simple little braid in the front.  I usually do just one, but you could do one on each side, or either 3 on the same side.  

Down with bows or headbands.

She has naturally wavy/curly hair.  But, I think she probably had a braid in earlier this day.  

Another option for a 'down' hairstyle.  A loose french braid around one side of the face.  

Tip: When braiding, only pull hair from the side close to the face....don't pull from the other side.

Another 'twist' on a down hairstyle.

Pun intended. 

A little bun, using the hair on top. (Even more variety can be added by doing different types of buns.)

The one below is a simple/basic twisted bun.

Buns

I happen to love two buns!

G...not so much.

She hardly ever 'lets' me do it.  Bummer.

Loose, messy buns.

Love this one for sports too!

G's hair naturally parts on the side (& so parting on the side provides the best staying-put power).

So, I start part on the side, but as I get to the back/neck, I part in the center.

This style is easy.  Part as you wish.  Double french braid all the way down & tie off.  Wrap long braids into buns.  For super security, use bobby pins as you wrap.

She doesn't like the buns that 'stick' out. ;)

A fancy dance bun.  For this style, I put it all into a ponytail.  High or low will work.  Then I take a small section of the ponytail, twist it so it twists up itself, & then just put a couple pins in.  Repeat with another small section until all of ponytail is used.  

I did a small part at her natural part, on the side.  Sectioned off two pieces of hair on each side of the part: A high section & low section near ear.  Braid each of 4 sections towards the back.  I put them all together in a small ponytail on the side.  Then sort of wrapped them all together in a messy bun & pinned.  

A super high, messy bun.

This is actually how I wear MY hair every day around the house.

Somehow, it looks SO much better on her!   

Ponytails

I just thought this looked neat.  

This is what her hair looked like after I took down some tight, twisty buns.

 

When I have the time & like the color combo she's wearing, I like to do double mini ponytails all the way down.  Use a pointy comb to draw the parts as you go.  She likes this style b/c she likes to put the ponytails elastics in a certain order/pick the pattern & hand them to me as we go.  

Two low ponytails, with barrettes to keep the fly-aways back.

Just playing around one day, I came up with this.

Two high ponytails, each divided into two sections.  Both sections on right are twisted the same direction.  Both sections on left are twisted the same direction.  Tie together with elastic.

We use this hairstyle all the time!

Two, basic, high ponytails.

Mix up your standard ponytail by doing a small french braid on one side of the front.  *Only pull from the 'face side', not from the other side. (So, in this pic, I only pulled hair from the right, not the left.)  I usually repeat until I get to the ear, and then continue a regular braid towards where I want the ponytail.  Sometimes we do this on both sides.

Another variation on your standard ponytail:  Add colorful hairbands down the ponytail.  Again, G likes to help choose colors and order of the bands.  Super easy, super fast. 

This is similar to one I posted a few pics up.  One difference is that I tried to put the elastics further apart (i.e. closer to the sides of head/ears, creating more space on top of the head).  The other difference is obviously what I did to the ponytails after the nape of the neck.  I divided each pony into two sections, & wrapped them around each other. Important: Wrap the other ponytail exactly the same direction!  Then, twist the two together in the OPPOSITE direction.

Another great 'sports' 'do.

Fishtails

 Yep, I do this one too. 

She wanted us to have matching hair, so fishtails it was!

Her hair has gotten SO long, that fishtails take a long time.  But, I really like the look of them!

Don't know about you guys, but hers looks really 'frizzy' after a couple of hours. :/

Braid Variations

Such a fun hairstyle!  You definitely have to have a cooperative girl for this one.

An upside down french braid into a bun.  I have G face me & then lean forward with her head down.  Do a french braid as you typically would.  When you get towards the top of the head, you can just pull the rest of it into a ponytail with the braid.  Everytime I do this, it's messy. Maybe it's just me, maybe it's the hairstyle, but I guess it's just the look.  (so I usually have to use bobby pins just to get it looking decent.)  Anyways, there are many things you could do w/ the ponytail on top.  I divided into 3 sections & braided each section, wrapped, twisted, & pinned into a bun, w/a  few curls left over.  For this one, I added a big bow in the front, blocking the bun.  This is my favorite way to do this style.  

* Note, I have actually done this style on myself a few times, and it's not too hard!

Two ponytails.  Divide each into 2 sections.  Twist each of two sections to the left. Then twist the two sections together to the right.  Repeat with other ponytail.  Stays well & a very clean, tight look.

Section off three rows of hair on one side of a part...ending just past (or above) ear.  Do 3 tiny frenchbraids or cornrows.  Tie off with tiny rubber elastics.

One large french braid or cornrow all the way across front of head, 'like a headband' she says.  

In this photo, I pulled hair from both sides for a different look.  I actually prefer the look of just pulling from one side...the front/face side.  

Ponytail.  Then, divide into 3 sections: 2 larger sections & 1 small one.  Braid the small section.  Braid the 3 together.  To enhance the look, tug at the larger sections when finished to 'fluff' them out a bit.   

I showed this one in my last post, but here's another look at it.  Super easy & fast 'do.  

Ponytail.  Divide into 2 equal sections.  Braid each of 2 sections.  Tie them off TOGETHER with one elastic at the bottom, so they are side by side.  Then, I took 3 bobby pins, reached around the back of the braid (so they are hidden), and pinned the two braids together (pins will be pointing up/down).  It appears that this is one large braid.  You can tug these pieces out a bit, too, for a fuller look, but be careful of pins.

*Unrelated note.  Wear socks with shoes like this!!!  After recess, I'm pretty sure she & her teachers hated me.  She came home with 6 bandaids.  :(  

Braided Updos, Flowers,  & Crowns

G and I agree: This is one of our FAVORITE new looks!

We call it a Braided Flower.

Part as you wish (I do on the side).  French braid (or you could cornrow?) both sides, all the way down, tying off each w/ an elastic.  Then, you are going to twist one side up into a bun (choose a side of the head) & pin.  Then, twist the other braid around that & pin.  *For more of a 'flower' effect, decide which way you are wrapping the first strand & tug out the pieces that will be on the outside of the flower.  Do the same for the other braid.  

I showed this one on my other post as well, but it's one of G's all time favorites.  I have to have more time than usual to try this one.  I start a small french braid behind her left ear, moving forward towards her face.  Continue french braiding, pulling small pieces of hair nearby as you go.  Keep it clean as you go across forehead.  Keep going around outside, like a crown.  When you get about past the right ear, you can start pulling hair from the top of her head (behind the braid you just completed).  Keep pulling from the top of her head & the bottom/near her neck as you go.  When you get near her left ear again, you'll run out of new hair to pull.  It's important to keep it super tight & near her scalp at this point.  Continue to braid normally all the way down the rest of her hair...as FAR as can go. Tie off with a tiny clear elastic.  If her hair is long enough, wrap the braid over some of the first part of the french braid towards her face, tucking in the end & pinning.  Her hair is super long, so it makes it all the way over near the other ear, which works out great.

*Note: I sometimes add a flower to this style.  And this is usually where I add it b/c it hides the messy transition spot.

Two french braids, one of the wrapping around the back of the head.  

Knot, twist, and pin into a bun.  Add a flower.  

This is a better look at it.  I personally really like this one.  It's similar to some of the ones above.  

Part on the side, but as you get to the back/neck, center the part.  If you are doing the bun part on the right (as pictured below), start braiding the left side first & go all the way down.  Then braid the right side.  Wrap them together, one braid at a time, pinning into a bun.  

*This was for her dance performance.  

This is the exact same hairstyle as above, except I didn't pin into a bun.  I braided the left side all the way down & tied off.  Then I braided the right side until I ran out of hair (around the nape of her neck).  Then I just tied it off with an elastic (including the braid from the left). Add bow. 

This is the same as above, only with a variation on the bottom again.  For this one, I braided the left all the way down.  Then I braided the right until the nape of the neck.  Then, I redivided it into only two pieces, not three.  Use the two pieces from the right & braid them together with the braid from the left (using the left braid as one piece of the new braid.)

A new variation we've discovered.  Do the left side similarly as above, but continue it along the back longer than before.  Braid the right side until just past the ear, using all of the remaining hair.  Braid all the way down & then pin into a small 'flower' bun.  

Brother Styles

Bandanas have been our staple this summer.  K's hair is long & it grows so fast. Instead of having him worry with it & stopping to brush it out of his face, I've discovered these cheap, colorful bandanas.  He likes them & they stay put pretty well.

Hats of all types: love!

Not to be outdone, K rocked some cornrows one week this summer.  Having never had it done before, he wasn't a big fan of the process, but I loved the result.  It was fun & kept him cool.  Thanks, Noni!

As for me, I tried something new too: 

Added my favorite color- purple- to my hair.

Although it was a pain to have to keep the blonde separate from the purple in the shower, 

it was fun to try something different.  And, although, it faded, it lasted for months!  

Left: once it faded.                       Right: Soon after it was first done.

Sometimes,you don't need to do anything at all  Gorgeous.

But if your hair looks like mine did one morning 

(or, every morning?), 

"Mommy, why does your hair look like this?" she asked. Ha!

then throw on a pair of undies & call it a day.

Happy 'doing, 

~ 6 in Love ~