I guess it takes us a year to talk about more than just cutting down a couple trees because this discussion started in the Summer of 2010.
For those of you who have yet to figure it out, I am one of those Mother's that try desperately not to get all bent out of shape over the smallest of things.
I am very honest and straight forward and I don't believe in sugar coating - just about anything.
I tell it like it is and I figured out a long time ago that if I don't treat my children like breakable little objects that never do any wrong and if we live our lives the way we see fit instead of sticking our noses into everyone's business and spending every available moment gossiping about other people and the "oh my god, can you believe they let their children...." type of business, that we do pretty well.
SO, last year Julien somehow got it in his mind that he wanted to put a red streak in his hair.
Personally, I think it's rather stupid and invites ridiculous snarky comments and obnoxious judgement to be cast upon us, but I made a deal and stuck to it.
See, that's one thing about me.
If I promise you something, I have to follow through, no matter how much it royally stinks to have to do it.
Last summer when Julien asked about the stupid red streak for his hair, I told him that if he still wanted one "this time next year" and "you meet the criteria that I decide upon, then you can get it".
Well, a year has passed.
Julien still had the desire to put a streak in his hair, but had decided that he would go with green, in representation of the local team colors.
Chris and I came up with a list of extra chores, including painting the landscape timbers in the yard and told Julien that he had to earn every single penny of the money it would take to color his hair.
Wouldn't you know it?
Julien upheld his end of the bargain and we upheld ours.
His green streak is semi-permanent, meaning it will be gone before school starts back.
On the way to the salon, I told Julien that I agreed on this deal because this is something that does not permanently alter his appearance.
I reminded him for the 500 time that if he ever thought - for one single second - that he was ever going to get a tattoo or a piercing of any kind - that he was absolutely out of his mind.
I reminded him that no well-respected employer (or girl) for that matter would look highly upon permanent "crap" visible all over him.
I think my ranting went on for long enough because when we pulled into the parking lot of the salon, Julien said, "I know Mom. I hear you. I understand. I got it.".
I also reminded him that the "do as I say and not as I did" rule is in full force...and by that time, I was tired of hearing myself talk.
When we left the salon, I was pleasantly surprised at how Julien's hair looked.
It actually looks pretty neat.
