Visions of Vacuums Dance in My Head!

Oh happy day!! I am SO excited about this new invention: a ride-on vacuum for kids!! Heck, I would like to try it for myself!:) It's such a cute idea though I love it. It was actually deveopled as a thesis project but no word on when it will be in production. Here is the website for more info! http://blog.thisnext.com/blog/rideable-vacuum-cleaner.html

Rough Week

I haven't felt much like updating. A family who we've been blessed to know, the Rader's, lost their daughter Natasha to cancer on Sunday. She was only 5 years old. Over the past year it has been such a gift to know Julie, Tim and their little family. Yesterday I went to her showing and it was unbearable. She looked so beautiful in her little Cinderella princess gown and crown. I rejoice for her soul but I grieve so much for her family. Losing a child is an agony I can't imagine. Seeing her laying there like a beautiful doll was just...unreal. Julie and Tim were holding up well (considering) but I know that is because so much due to their faith. They are truly an inspiration, especially when it comes to the virtue of fortitude. To know more about Natasha you can go to the Mom Squad blog at www.themomsquad.blogspot.com. Anyway, I honestly don't feel up to writing much more than that. I've decided I need a break from the news. Between so many local soldiers getting killed and the daily headlines too horrible to mention, my heart just feels like it will break. I need to turn it off and let it go. Pray for our country-there are so many sick people sad situations.

Hair Pictures!

Alright, I did it! My hair is officially short (er)! I love it. It's a change, but without being too drastic. I do have some sadness about losing my length but that's okay. I'm sure once I figure out how to style my new 'do it will be great and I can have some fun finding new styles. Here are the "after" shots! Thanks to Gabriel for being the photog!

These pictures aren't technically great, but I love them because we laughed so hard taking them. Gabriel wanted to make me look sideways here. Good effect!:)


This one is blurry because Gabe was laughing and shook the camera. That's all we had time for though so here it is!

Latest News

Thanks for voting on the hair!:) I appreciate the input and it's been fun to read the comments too. My appointment is later today and I think I'm going with hair #3! I'll post the "after" photos later. My stylist does a great job so at least I know my hair is in good hands!

Okay, now time to totally change gears. I usually don't write about the news but I've just been so affected by the Jessie Davis story (I think everyone has) and feel so devestated for her family. In case you haven't heard, she is the missing pregnant mom from North Canton (go to cantonrep.com or any news outlet for the story). Her house is less than a mile from mine, literally just down the corner. It's just so bizarre and sad to go down the street and see helicopters, camera crews, and reporters. My heart breaks for her family and I cannot imagine the agony they must be going through right now. It's interesting to see how something like this can have such a widespread affect on our emotions. Earlier this week my dad went with me to search a wooded area that I've seen while running. It's very secluded and I've seen people drive, and dump things back there. Just to even be looking for a person...a mother, a girl my own age pregnant, made me sick to my stomach. We've been praying so earnestly that she is found alive but during that search I was also hoping I wouldn't see anything because...how to you prepare for what you might find? Just the entire thought process was disturbing and too much. Anyway, I told my dad I was going to run the rest of my route home and he followed me partway, driving slowly ahead. A woman pulled up to me on the road and asked if I was okay because of the "suspicious" vehicle in front of me. Bless her heart, what a considerate person! It also goes to show you just how on edge everyone seems to be. Neighbors, friends, people in the community are all thinking about it let alone nationwide. I have mixed feelings about seeing it all over the news non-stop (and even writing about it here). In one sense I think it's good to raise the profile and help keep the case moving forward and help people continue to pray, search, and be watchful for a newborn baby or Jessie. On the eother hand it just seems like people chase the next "big story" and things can become sensational almost gossipy. I don't know what I'm trying to say...it might not make any sense and I'm probably off-base, it's just weird to know how to process such a shocking story. Anyway, the bottom line is there is a 2-year old little boy who is missing his mom and hopefully those in charge of the case will find her and give the family peace. I can't comprehend the evil in the world we live in sometimes, it just breaks my heart. God Bless the family, Jessie, and little Chloe.

Vote on the Har!

Let me know what you think. I'm not saying I'll go with the #1 answer (I know it's not fair but it's my blog and my hair after all) hehe. Anyway, my appointment is coming up this week so I have to figure this out. Ahhhh decisions, decisions!:)

Happy Father's Day

Just a quickie update! I rescheduled my hair appointment for next week. Grant has been sick so I didn't want to leave him and besides, I think I can get one more week out of my roots.:) My favorite photo is #3 (on my last entry) but the more I think about it, I might chicken out. I really like having somewhat-longer hair and it's nice to just pull back in the summer. If it's too short I would have to "do" it all the time. The more I look at hair photos, I am leaning towards lots of layers to give it a different look, but still keep the length. Yes, I know there are greater things going on than my hair dilemma, I need to just let it go. Lol.

It should be a beautiful father's day weekend! When I listen to radio or watch tv I feel like dad's don't really get their due! Even sit-com's nowadays so dad as the "always-messes-up-then-apologizes" kinda guy. We tried to do a positive spin on our show and it was so much fun! Taking calls on "what dad built" was quite impressive. Everything from a working bomb shelter to a mobile home and even chainsaw carvings! I love it. This is going to be a busy weekend for us with events, work, etc. The boys are going to see the Fantastic 4 movie (Father's day male bonding, haha). I still have to get Jim's presents and my dad's card....ugh I am so behind! Speaking of which, I have to run so I don't get too buried in stuff. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks to all the dad's who sacrifice for, teach, and inspire their children. God Bless you!

New Hobby and Hair

I never thought I would be into this but, I love scrapbooking! I decided to chronicle our summer adventures and I have scrap book fever! It's so fun. Who knew it was such a HUGE thing?! I've discovered a bunch of websites and it seems like it's quite a sensation. I have no clue how to really do it but it seems easy enough and so far I've done 2 pages. If you have any scrapbooking tips I would love to hear them! Shoot me an e-mail at brooke@955thefish.com.:)


Later this week I have a hair appointment and I'm considering a change. For the past few months I've debated if I should chop my hair or not. I like my length now and prefer long hair.... but it's stuck! It NEVER grows longer than what I have now (been that way my whole life). I wish I could pull off the Jessica Simpson-Rapunzel do' but it's not going to happen. So what to do? I've posted a few ideas but I'm still not sure. The first one scares me, it's so short! The second choice is not bad because it's short and cute for summer but hopefully won't take forever to grow out. Hmmmm. I still have a few days to decide for sure so we'll see what happens.

This is what it looks like now:





This one is so cute...on her! I don't know if it would look okay with my face shape though. It's been a long time since I've gone so short, not sure if I can do it yet!



Kelly Ripa looks great no matter what length her hair is, but this is a good compromise for me: shorter but still long enough to pull back. Ahhh....what's a girl to do?! :)

I might go with this one, it's my favorite I think.

Cleveland Rocks!

Go Indians! Go Cavs!! There is a lot to be excited about in the city of Cleveland these days! We had an unexpected treat on Friday and were invited to see the baseball game last-minute. A family friend had box seats but coudn't go, so we gladly accepted! It was the first MLB game for Jim and the boys and it couldn't have been better. The weather was ideal, the seats were amazing, and the game was a thriller! The Tribe won 12-11 in a nail-biting come from behind victory and the boys soaked up every home run and hot dog! Lol.:) The night was topped off by a big fireworks display and it was the perfect ending to a perfect evening!

Graduation, Giving in, and Getting Older!

Big update today! Gabriel graduated from kindergarten yesterday and it was a sight! There were so many adorable kids dressed up and smiling, it was a neat thing to be a part of. Unfortunately I was a little late because I was coming from work and I missed the opening song. I won't go into the regret I have over that but let's just say it's something I probably won't get over as a parent. He didn't know I missed the song, but I knew....and it was so important. They did sign language to Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" and apparently there wasn't a dry eye in the church! I missed it though. I couldn't sleep last night as I wrestled with the fact that is a moment that is gone forever and I wasn't there to see my son do it. He had been practicing that for weeks and would only show me a few signs because it was supposed to be a "secret surprise". I knew I should've taken the day off! I won't go into that though. Anyway, it's on video (which isn't the same) but at least it's captured and we can look back and watch it together. I wanted to post photos there was something wrong with our flash and they didn't turn out very well. Ughhh!! Thankfully the camcorder was working again! In the end the day was wonderful and he's so proud of his diploma and all he's learned this year. Way to go Gabe!:)

On giving in: I broke down and bought Crocs for the boys! I'm sure my mother-in-law will cringe at the thought, she hates those things and has tried to convince me to save my money. Lol.:) I ordered a pair for Grant a few weeks ago and Gabriel got his earlier this week. After a few days though, they are a hit! Well worth the money! Very comfortable and easy to slip on so thumb's up at our house for sure.

On getting older: This weekend Jim and I will celebrate our 7 year anniversary. I was going back through our wedding album and had to laugh at how young we look! Granted, we WERE young (22 and 24) but it's funny to see how we've changed. Here is one photo for example. We just picked up our marriage license in Crawford country, GA (it was a Friday). Happy anniversary Jaime!