So, our dilemma... when is she old enough to make this decision on her own? If she really insists that she dislikes her hair as it is, are we being awful parents if we stall or try to bribe her out of it? Do we have a right to just tell her no, that she can't get it cut? Or should I just take her to salon and close my eyes, hoping for best?

And what will be next? Will she come home from first grade next fall wanting to pierce an eyebrow? A tattoo in second grade? I know I'm exaggerating a bit here, but we did not expect our daughter, who loves all that's girly and pink, to want to get her hair cut off!

Realistically, I know that this is a small worry. Our children will continue to blindside us with surprises many times through years, and each one will seem like a small catastrophe at time. But looking back, many years from now, I'm sure I'll be laughing about how we made such a big deal over her first "real haircut".

I think what makes it hardest for me is real-life idea that it represents in my mind. If she cuts her hair, it won't grow back tomorrow. And just as she can't get back her long tresses, we can't get back today after we tuck our children into bed. It's just another step towards tomorrow, another milestone to cherish forever.

Also using frozen hash-brown potatoes, add 1/2 cup of finely diced white onion, for that very unique touch.

Meat: 2 slices of hickory bacon or maple flavored pork sausage links, or honey ham. A nicely toasted English muffic, with a pat of butter placed on a small plate with a lacy paper doilie beneath muffin. .

Place fresh flowers in a bud vase, add a linen napkin tied with yarn, in your mother's favorite color. A hand- made card signed by everyone adds that lovely personal touch.

You have just made Mom - Queen for a Day!

Special Note: If mom is far away and you cannot travel on Mother's Day, try telephoning, and let all kids say HI.

When you send a card, enclose a few special treats - such as pretty flowery postage stamps, a roll of elegant address labels, or a unique checkbook covered that you made by applying contact paper to a pre-existing cover, but personalizing it as only you could.

If mom is in a care facility, make it a top priority to-do item to visit. Bring along gifts that she will enjoy and treasure: hairpins or combs that you have hot-glued birthstones of each of her children or grandchildren; picture frames using this same technique and include a collage of small photos . Teddy bears (small), stuffed animals, small boxes to hold "special" things, lap quilts, or personal items in a carrying case you made just for her. Sure, store bought items are beautiful, but hand-made are exceptionally enduring and comforting to hold and admire time after time . Thank you.

©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002

Numerous magazine and newspaper articles

Author: Searching for Austin James

Websites:

http://www.rusticliving.info

http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving/index.html

http://www.topica.com/lists/simpleliving

Member: NAWW