Thursday, April 16, 2009

Little girl.... not so Little anymore !

Recently my little girl is trying some new things, and as a mom, you have to let them go and try, learning some life lessons along the way. Not always easy to do. Emily has graduated from things like jumping off the bed, or hanging upside down on the swing set to more "tween" things. I've gotten past the pierced ears, and lately some interesting jewelry. Nothing too crazy, just everything needs to be color coordinated and has to match the color of the day. OK, I'm good so far, remembering this from my own 'growing up'. A few weeks ago I went upstairs to put laundry away, walked past the bathroom and found her trying different shades of eye shadow - they were really bright too. Her explanation for the array of vivid colors, "so people can see them". (My first thought was from space ?? But I kept quiet) I explained that less is usually better with makeup...she was alright with that idea, washed her face and went on to try more colors, browns and tans. OK, still good after that. Mental note to my sister - NO more eye shadow kits for Emily. Her latest idea was all her own and I caught some grief about this, but this was something she wanted to do. Again, letting her try something new.............here is the before shot


She has ALOT of hair and has been growing it like this since she came home, so other than, small trims here and there, this is how long it's gotten in 13 yrs. Absolutely beautiful hair!!!! I always envied her because I loved her long, dark, thick, beautiful hair.......me, I'm the TOTAL opposite of her, blonde hair and blue eyes. Well, HOLD on to your seat, this is what she wanted to try.............not for the weak at heart




My little girl doesn't look so little here !!!! She cut off 11 inches of her hair. She donated it to an organization that uses donated hair to make hair pieces and wigs for cancer patients called Locks of Love. This was all her idea, and as her mom, I can't say enough how proud I am of her. She told me when I asked repeatedly 'Are you sure?" (I guess I needed to be sure more than she did) She told me that she wanted to help someone else, more than she wanted the hair, and her hair would always grow back. All I could do was smile, hold back my tears, hug her and make an appointment to cut her hair. Grandmom wasn't as pleased with Emily's decision, but as a parent, you have to let them try. She looks so grown up !! Christopher and I decided that she cannot combine the eye shadow and this new cut until she is about 25 yrs old. :-) I know this was not an easy decision for her and was tough on me too. So other moms and dads, cherish your little girls while you can ~ because while you are doing laundry, they are growing up really, really, really fast!!!! Hide the make up!!

She has a birthday coming up and has decided she wants a Chinese themed party - so now I am off to search for ideas for a group of girls, just becoming teenagers.....Open to suggestions and ideas.

5 comments:

Sarah said...

Mom, You should be so proud! :)

Lisa said...

Oh Terry, she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside! Truly a giving and lovely soul...

AND switching gears :) your comment about the eye shadow just about me spit my Diet Coke out...choking on the laughter here....can I file that outer space thought away for later use?? LOL I think you are also giving me a glimpse into whats to come down the road...I hope I handle it all with your sense of humor and grace!
~hugs, Lisa

QingLu Mama said...

How wonderful that Emily so selflessly did this! And great job Mom, too, she learned to be giving from some where!
She does look beautiful with the shorter hair, and much more grown up...
Thanks for reminder of what's to come in a few years!
Jennifer

Tisra said...

Great job mom and dad- looks like you've done a great job parenting to have such an amazing girl! Thanks for putting our fundraiser in the sidebar- winners will be drawn tonight! :-)

Tisra
previously in line for Taiwan, found our daughter in India :-)
http://lifetrain.blogspot.com
http://www.bdhq.net

Precious Wonders and Little Monkeys said...

That picture made my eyeballs pop! I did that at age 15... chopped off about that much in one go. My dad about fainted. All in all... I LOVED IT! And I LOVE her do. That was so kind of her to donate her hair (I didn't know about that back then). I totally get the eyeshadow thing; Daddy bought our little girl some from Claire's... luckily claire's is more shiny than color... whew.

Alright... 11 year old birthday ideas... I have some but I will email you privately so I don't look too much like a dork if my pre-teen hat is on too tight! ha ha