Leader

 We have a new leader in our house - a music leader that is.

Last week, Kami volunteered to lead the music at a church event.

She practiced all week long.

When it was go-time, she was really nervous.

When she stood up to lead, you would have thought she's been doing this her whole life. She was a pro!  I'm so proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone. 

Kid Sister

Anyone remember the 1980's toy Kid Sister?

The commercial (watch it here) had an annoyingly catchy tune that gets stuck in your head for months:

Kid Sister, Kid Sister

Wherever I go, you're gonna go.

Kid Sister, Kid Sister

Kid Sister and me!

If you don't remember, you were either living under a rock, or you're not old like me.

It was on the t.v. all the time!

 We're very fortunate to have our very own, living, breathing Kid Sister at our house.

Whatever Big Sister goes, Kid Sister's gonna go, and 

whatever Big Sister does, she's gonna do.

For example,

If #2 doodles, Kid Sister #6 is going to doodle too.

If #2 likes a certain song, Kid Sister #5 is going to like it too, and listen to it over and over and over again.

When I think of #2, I think of the quote:

Be an example to others of all that is good in this world,

for others will copy you, and they will also become good examples.

Thank you #2 for being the best Big Sister to your Kid Sisters!

The Dress!

Have I ever mentioned how much I love being a mom?  I do, I love it!  I love my relationships with each of my children, and the satisfaction I get from seeing my children grow and make righteous choices.

-Warning: this is another brag post-

My daughter and I have spent several days out shopping for a Prom dress. (Remember THIS?)

It has been so much fun!  In fact, I wanted to play dress-up and try on dresses too, but I reminded myself that I was the almost 40 year-old mother and somehow, I kept myself in check. 

 As #2 picked out dress after dress to try on, it was fun to see her tastes and style preferences.

 Nothing poofy (princess dresses definitely are out), not too much sparkle or bling, something with some color - She was really into teal and coral/salmon (Did you know these are the same color just different names? -I'm talking about coral and salmon not teal and coral- Yep- it's the tomAto - tomato thing.).

What I was most proud of was her choice to dress modestly.  Without me even saying a word, she wanted only a dress with sleeves (the dress she chose is getting a cap sleeve sewn on), a dress that's high in the front and the back, and something not too form fitting.  

She knows that modest is hottest and that makes this mama very happy.

Which one of these dresses is your favorite?

Which one do you think she chose?

Proud Mama Moments

You know those moments when your child does something that makes you so proud of them you could just burst?  Moments that make you realize all the family nights, teaching moments, and late-night discussion were actually internalized (imagine that!).  I've had two huge "proud mama moments" recently:

Last week, #4 was invited to a birthday party.  He was excited to attend until he found out they were going to be attending a pg-13 movie.  (As you may or may not know, we've chosen to not watch any movie over a pg rating.)  I left the decision of whether or not to go up to him.  

There was no thinking about it.  He immediately chose not to go.  He told his friend that he didn't watch pg-13 movies but that if they did anything after, he would love to come to that.   5 minutes after the party started, the birthday boy's mom called me.  She said she felt awful.  She had been going back and forth as to whether or not to take everyone to see a pg-13 movie, and that they had changed their minds and were going bowling instead.  Yipee!  

What a testimony building experience for my son.  He learned that when you stick up for your beliefs (as hard as it may sometimes be), you are blessed for it.

I was so proud of him and extremely grateful to God for immediately showing forth the blessings of obedience.

The second moment came from this beauty.  I think it helped that Monday night we had a family night discussion on chastity and dating.  Where we reminded our older children how much easier it is to stay morally clean when you date in groups.  The next day, her test came. . . . 

#2 was invited by a boy to go out for ice cream.  Assuming it would be with a group, she accepted.  Later that evening she found out no one else was invited.  It would be just the boy and her.  She asked me what she should do.  I think she was afraid of hurting his feelings or embarrassing herself.  I once again told her it was her decision.  She would have to choose.  I gave her a couple ideas - She could blame not being able to go on her crazy mean mom and dad, or she could take her little sisters with her (my personal favorite).  

What she did totally surprised me.  She ended up flat out telling her date that she wouldn't go out with him unless he found more people to go with them, which, of course, he did.  YAY!  I was so proud of her for sticking to her standards.

Ahhh Proud Mama Moments - my heart could just burst!

In OTHER NEWS:

My oldest is trading in his Burger King attire for a blue "How May I Help You" vest!

Keeping my fingers crossed that he enjoys this new job and that all goes well.