Wednesday, April 30, 2014

CHOICES!

So many choices went through my mind when I tried to pick out shoes for this beautiful dress.  And my mind stared to think about the choices my children face in their daily lives.  

I am often asked, "How do you get your children to practice their piano for an hour every day?" or my favorite "How do you get your children to behave so well?"  Ah, they have no other choice.  

In today's society, we give our little ones so many choices.  It's unbelievable!  Now don't get me wrong, my kids are inundated with choices... they have every game system available, their closets are full, they have Ipads, a library that is better than their schools, but some choices are not theirs to make.

I have compiled a list.

1.  Worship - A child is not old enough to understand, research, or know anything about NOT serving God... my kids will worship, serve, and go to church... NO DEBATE!
2.  Clothing - Modesty.  My boys will not sag, drag, or hang.  My daughter will always be a lady, just like Mommy.
3.  Lessons - All lessons (piano or others) are treated just like school.  We are neither quitters nor fakers.  You will not waste 1.  Your teacher’s time.  2.  Your parent’s time.  3.  Your time.
4.  Food - You will try what is on your plate.  Your palate is forever changing, just like your mind and body. What you dislike today you may love tomorrow.  The 3-tablespoon rule.
5.  Behavior - You will act appropriate in public.  If you do not we will leave immediately.  No negotiations. 
6.  Respect - 1.  Respect yourself 2.  Respect others 3.  ALWAYS RESPECT YOUR ELDERS!
7.  Bedtime - 9 pm on school nights and 10 pm on weekend NO NEGOTIATIONS
8.  Dinner Time - We eat as a family
9.  Golden Rule - Treat others, as you want to be treated.  And the seeds you sow are the crops you will reap.
10.  Lying - MOMMY HATE LYING! - do not lie to your parents under any circumstances; they cannot help you if you lie.  No matter how bad a situation is DO NOT LIE, we love you and will work it out.
11.  Brothers & Sisters - They are your family always have their back
12.  Sister - Twins do not ever leave your sister alone, if you are playing outside with her or with her, you make sure you know where she is at all time.  You are her protector.

I know many of us give our children freedom, choices, and let them find their own way but I was raised old school and I hold true to those values.  Proverbs 22:6 says it best, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

I often tell my children, "If you guys would just listen and follow the directions that were given to you and not argue back you could rule this nation, you could the wealthiest children in the world."  My kids look at me with wonder in their eyes and say why and I say, "You would have all my knowledge and mistakes and my parent’s knowledge and mistakes, and her parents knowledge and mistakes and so on... But that will never happen because you kids think you know it all” My daughter just said, "Oh, I get it!

The choice is up to you parents!  Just like it was up to me with the shoes... I think I like the wedges the best.  What about you?


Enjoy!

Shoe Choice #1



Outfit Ideas:
Dress:  ModCloth Enchanted Afternoon Dress (Click here to get yours)
Hair Candy:  Pin Up Bootique
Bangles:  Swap Group (thanks Tianna F.)
Shoes:  Poetic License
Sunglasses:  Mall Booth
Earrings:  Handmade by Tiffany S.
Petticoat (you can't see it):  Pin Up Bootique

 By the way, my children often give me a choice on my dresses because I tend to want to dress a little young and they choose this dress.  This was odd because the twins never chose a backless dress for me.




Shoe  Choice #2


Outfit Ideas:
Purse:  ModCloth (no longer available)
Shoes:  Poetic License




Shoe  Choice #3





Outfit Ideas:
Shoes:  ModCloth (no longer available)









Tuesday, April 29, 2014

The Road Less Traveled......

Yesterday was so beautiful.... Gotta' love Callie's Bi-Polar weather.  One minute it's freezing cold and the next minute it's sunny and bright.  Well I decided to dress Bi-polar right along with the weather.  I put on a fall hat and dress.  Yeah! That’s right.... I also put on some fall tights and shoes.  I've had this awesome dress hanging in my closet forever and since the weather was too warm during fall, I am wearing it today!
I am taking the road less traveled (wait do you notice a theme here?  There are suitcases on my dress!) and wearing fall clothing in spring.  

Ladies, don't conform to anyone's standards be yourself.  Be an individual...  Always take the Road Less Traveled...

Enjoy!


Outfit Ideas:
Hat:  ModCloth
Dress:  ModCloth
Earrings:  ModCloth
Belt:  Borrowed from Another Dress
Purse:  Vintage Thrift Find
Tights:  ModCloth
Shoes:  Chelsea Crew Maxin (Click Here To Get Your Pair)


















Monday, April 28, 2014

Dress Up...

When I was a little girl I attended, a program called Head Start and my favorite time of the day was "Dress-up".  We would take out all the frocks, shoes, hats, jewelry, and purses and put them on.  Of course, I was in charge of the fashion show and made sure that everyone was dressed to impress.

This outfit took me back to those days.  Whimsical and a bit childlike but fun in every way.  Clothing is made to be expressive and fun.  Not, boring and drab.  Be yourself with your fashion.  Be fun, creative, and let you inner child shine though.  "Dress Up" just for the sake of it and your entire attitude will change.  FYI, I am dressed up with no where to go. 

Enjoy!




Outfit Ideas:
Hat:  ModCloth
Necklace:  ModCloth (Swap Group, Thanks Sindy M.)
Dress:  ModCloth  (Click here for the dress I am wearing)
Tights:  Capelli New York
Boots:  Chelsea Crew (Zulily)













Trying my hand at the selfie craze!



Thursday, April 24, 2014

I Don't Feel Noways Tired...

Today is my birthday!  Yes, I made it to see another year.  

On today, I am going to sum up my days, my months, my years with this song.  Listen to the lyrics... Put them in your heart.  This song was sung in my home church, the church where I found the Lord.  The church where I grew up with my childhood friends. Where many of my best memories took place.  When I am down and need uplifting my thoughts go back to that church and this song.  I am older but I don't feel noways tired because I am washed in my savior’s blood and I know he will never leave me.  

Happy Birthday Rosaline Hull!

Enjoy!

Lyrics

Chorus: 

I don't feel no ways tired, 
I've come too far from where I started from. 
Nobody told me that the road would be easy, 
I don't believe He brought me this far to leave me. 



Vamp: 
I don't believe He brought me this far 
(repeat as desired) 



I've been sick (I don't believe), 
but God brought me (He brought me this far). 
I've been in trouble (I don't believe), 
but God brought me (He brought me this far). 



I've been friendless (I don't believe), 
but God brought me (He brought me this far). 
I've been lonely (I don't believe), 
but God brought me (He brought me this far). 



Please don't leave me (I don't believe), 
don't leave me Jesus (He brought me this far). 
Don't leave (I don't believe), 
don't leave me Lord (He brought me this far). 



I don't believe (I don't believe) 
that God would bring me 
(would bring me this far). 



I don't believe (I don't believe) 
that God would bring me 
(would bring me this far). 



I don't believe (I don't believe) 
that God would bring me (would bring me this far just to leave me).






Outfit Ideas:
Jacket:  Thrift ($1 find)
Dress:  ModCloth
Earrings:  Handmade by Maya S.
Tights:  Capelli New York (Zulily)
Boots:  Hand Made in Mexico (Swap group, Thanks Cassie T.)


Thought I would amuse you guys with some baby pictures of me!



More amusement!  Yes, I was in a pink sailor dress with maroon shoes!


And the transformation........















Sunday, April 20, 2014

Before the Rooster Crows!

Today is a special day for me.  Not only is it Easter but also today is a day that floods my memory with fond memories.  Memories of getting up before the roosters had time to crow. Memories of spending months practicing for the church play of the crucifixion.  The youth in the community took part in the play and even the youngest had a part.  On Easter Sunday, we would gather at the church for sunrise service... This service always started with the play.  Then we would have a huge breakfast.  And I am talking about the works y'all... Remember, I am from the Deep South.  After that, we would have Sunday school followed by the children of the church saying "speeches".  After that, the pastor gave the message. Everyone was always dressed in a new Easter dress or suit.  Easter baskets filled the back pews of the church, but ma'am never let us take ours to church.  As a child, I never understood why, but as an adult I knew she was trying to teach me that Easter was not about candy and goodies it was about the message that was being taught at the front of the church and not about that basket at the back of the church.  What fond memories Easter brings about.

I now try to bring that same sense of joy to my children. We would dye the eggs; get the pretty clothes, and baskets.  However, one thing that is taught above all and that is Jesus is the reason for Easter.  When my children are grown with kids of their own I want them to remember Easter and have fond memories but I want it all to come back to one thing and that is the death and resurrection of Jesus.


Enjoy!




Outfit Ideas:
Dress:   ModCloth
Purse:  ModCloth (Swap Group, Thanks Maya S.)
Earrings:  Handmade by Tiffany S. (If you are interested let me know)
Petticoat:  Pin Up Bootique (Bettie Page Brand)
Shoes:  ModCloth Miss L Fire
Stockings:  Calvin Klein














Twins Outfit Ideas:
Jacket:  Nautica
Shirt:  Ralph Lauren
Bow Tie:  Hand Sewn By Ma'am
Pants:  Ralph Lauren
Shoes:  Florsheim Kids




Daughter's Outfit Ideas
Dress:  Hand sewn by Ma'am
Earrings:  Handmade by Tiffany S.
Petticoat:  Pin Up Bootique
Tights:  Gymboree
Shoes:  Vintage
Purse:  Gymboree