Exactly 30 years ago this month, I was participating in an annual family tradition.
A favorite then. And still now.
Same recipe. Same table. Same room. Same joy.
So glad to share it today with family!
fulfilling tradition
sweet little model
Got the tights. Got the sweater (although I think it looks better without).
Got the girl to model!
sweet little dress
Sunday mornings have been a bit of a battle lately. Morgan's wardrobe for church is pretty pathetic and with the change in seasons, she's down to one dress that she doesn't really like and another casual play dress that came with leggings. The process of picking out clothes for church is not fun.
During a recent sale, I purchased this pattern for Morgan and thought the finished dress would make for a nice Christmas gift. However, after another Morgan vs. Mommy go-round this morning, I began to rethink my plan.
I spent the afternoon sewing and am nearly finished with her very first Sweet Little Dress. Just needs a hem and the elastic holes closed. (Didn't care for the optional belt.)
Morgan will have her new corduroy print dress ready for church next Sunday. A cardigan and tights will complete the look. And best of all, she has approved of it's cuteness.
gratitude
Deuteronomy 8: 11-18
11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
it's time for VeggieTales
Our VeggieTales star characters, Larry the Cucumber and Bob the Tomato, were ready to pound the pavement after dinner. Andrew wasn't sure what we were up to, other than taking a walk like usual. But Morgan was well aware and very, very excited about our evening's adventure.
Once he discovered our motives for our costumed walk, Andrew was eager to trick or treat for his candy. He ran FAST.
After just an hour in our neighborhood we were home, sampling candy, then brushing teeth, getting on jammies and making our way to bed. We had two exhausted vegetables.
(For the annual record, there were 77 kids at our door tonight.)
dress rehearsal
With just weeks remaining until Halloween - and no great sewing plan yet in place to make these guys - I had the kids try out some costumes that were homemade with love years ago by Mom and Aunt Becky. Or maybe just Mom. Not sure.
I hauled the box out from the basement storage closet and let the kids explore. If Morgan tried it on, Andrew had to as well. Some costumes were bigger than others.
They had fun, but in the end, they want to be Bob and Larry. I'm hoping to whip something up from my stash of felt, using last year's costume as inspiration. And maybe these vintage costumes will stand another chance next year.
getting our wedding on
Can you hear them? The wedding bells? Growing stronger every day! We're getting ready around here for one awesome celebration. Haircuts, new duds and packing on the brain. The countdown is on.
in training
After doing a load of laundry, baking brownies and playing in the basement, we made an impromptu trip to the store. Andrew's shoes were on and I was looking for mine. Ever multi-tasking, I said, "And let's see, I need my coupons and my purse and... " I think out loud.
Enter Andrew.
He had found some random coupons sitting near the television - check. And then located my purse near the couch. Slid it on his wrist - check. Way to be prepared, Buddy!
It made me smile to see Andrew model Mommy. He is watching. And so is Morgan. They both observe my reactions and responses, the way I handle conflict, the clothes I choose to wear, how I drive, the manners I use in public, the words I speak, the way I sing at church, how I eat, what I eat, the way I treat our possessions. Everything little thing that we do is noticed by our children, whether we realize it or not.
When I think on that popular verse from the Bible about training up your children (Proverbs 22:6), I've always interpreted it as something deliberate or planned. An activity or lesson, or some other kind of intended learning. But it's not just those intentional moments. We are leading by example every day in the choices we make. How are those choices honoring God? And what does that say to our kids now so they can learn and become older, wiser, God-honoring adults?
Knowing that we're not perfect, yet still loved by The One who made us, I also can accept the imitations that reflect poorly on my mothering. I'll overhear Morgan pretending, scolding, "Now how many times do I have to tell you?!" Or Andrew raising his voice to Morgan, thinking that shouting will actually resolve the conflict.
I know where they get it from. All of it, the good and the bad. And I am so thankful to be their teacher.
so proud
Morgan is officially a preschool pro. And I couldn't be happier.
Today was the first day of 4-year-old preschool. And amidst the paparazzi of parents with their cameras and video rolling (oh my), she was just fine.
As Andrew and I waited in the hallway with her, taking in all the chaos around us, I slid my back down the wall and crouched next to Morgan. I gave her a squeeze with my one free arm and she said to me, "I'm a little bit nervous." Another hug later and the door opened to her classroom. It was time. A few more anxious hugs and kisses, and that was it.
No tears. No looking back.
When Andrew and I got back in the car, Morgan's theme song was playing on the iPod. I was so pumped and grateful and thought, "Nope, she's not afraid. Thank you, Lord!"
When we got home and settled into lunch, Morgan said, "When am I going to four-year-old preschool?" I explained that's exactly where she was this morning.
"But it's the same as last year."
Huh.
"Well, yes, it's very similar. But you now go three days instead of two, and you start at 8:30 instead of 9:00. You'll learn a few different things and get to have more special opportunities than you did last year. So it's not exactly the same."
And that was good enough for her.
Young but now I’m older
Never have I seen the righteous forsaken
Believe in what You told me
You would always hold me
Safe in the palm of Your hand
Even though I go through the valley
of the shadow I’m not forgotten
And I’ll never let a day go by my my
Lemme shout it from the mountain
I just wanna say, I’m not afraid
I know that You are with me, always
I give you praise for every day
I know You’ll never leave me, no way
Said You’d never leave me
Said You won’t forsake me
Never leave me lonely
Surely I believe it.
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