How do you say I love you? Is it engraved?

At night, when I was little, I remember lying in bed, my mom sitting near me running her fingers through my hair. Sometimes we would talk about the day or future plans, or laugh about something funny, but most of the time, I’d close my eyes and enjoy being close to her. She’d gently pull my hair, tucking it behind my ears over and over again. I felt warm and safe.

Funny, how we grow up and turn into our parents. As a mom, I find myself doing the same thing to my boys. Watching T.V., during dinner, good-bye kisses before they leave for school; I am always playing with their hair. I love their hair long, maybe because it’s the best way to get my fingers wrapped around a little something.

Chandler’s hair has the curls, Payson’s is thick & gold, Mayer’s is thin & shiny and Reef’s is feather-light, barely there and often full of static.

All the boys are in desperate need of haircuts. I keep putting it off and I think I know why. Plus, it's no secret. The counselor and I are hippies!

Haircuts are something I do at home. The counselor and I did the math last summer while I was giving haircuts before school started. I’ve saved our family a lot of money, maybe over $1,000.00.

How did I learn to cut hair?

My dad.

My dad, who at 67 has the thickest head of hair of any grown man I know. Going bald is something he will never have to worry about.

As a teenage, I gave my dad haircuts. Sometimes they turned out great. Other times, it was obvious he was working with a non-professional, but was always grateful, especially since he needed a haircut about once a month.

How do you show love to your child/children/parents/ family/ spouse?

Is it a kiss, a kind word, their favorite dinner, a note in their lunch box?

Saying I love you is important, but showing it is equally so.

Last week was our 5-day give away, and I wanted something really special for the last day, so here it is.

I have a dear friend who makes and designs jewelry. She’s offered a necklace to a lucky follower of My Dear Trash. The necklace has two charms and she’s offered to engrave your own personal message (up to 9 characters each per charm). Her website is http://ideclarecharms.com/

If this was my necklace I would engrave:

Four Boys

1 Girl

Wouldn’t that be cute!

To qualify, become a follower and leave at least one comment between today, January 25, 2010 and February 13, 2010. Kelly and I will post the winner on Valentines Day.

Thank you, I declare for your generous offer of this lovely necklace. I Declare will engrave any special message, but they also feature necklaces for nurses & mom’s who run in marathons, 10 K's and so on. I Declare was recently featured at the Phoenix Rock n' Roll Marathon. Great niche for sure.

Kelly and I support mother's who work from home. If you have an idea for a give-away and want us to feature your business, just give us a shout and let's do something fun.

If you're a trash collector, like Kelly and I, send over your recent finds and we'll feature you as a guest.

Now, for the winners of last weeks give-aways.

Annette, I hope you enjoy my manuscript, Colors of the Sea.

Molly and Jay, a Chuck Norris T-shirt is coming your way.

Emily, you'll look great in your new Ralph Lauren Sweater

and Kathryn, (by the way, love your blog) you win the Ann Taylor Cardigan.

Please email me at winona@lauralofgreen.com with your address and I'll get your prizes out with my next EBay mailings. Congratulations.

More give-aways to come, so stay posted.