"Medium" Defined

Here is the definition of "medium," according to an online dictionary...

a. A specific kind of artistic technique or means of expression as determined by the materials used or the creative methods involved: the medium of lithography.
b. The materials used in a specific artistic technique: oils as a medium.

And here is Claire's definition...

Lydia's "Fancy Nancy" Fashion Show

So, my sweet Lydia turned seven last month. SEVEN! Lydia has a passion for dressing up. Not just the dressing up for fun either...the girl wants to look fabulous wherever she goes, even if it is a walk to the park. I tell her she can't run around in a skirt and she is quick to remind me of her skirts that have shorts built into them. She has also loved the Fancy Nancy books (I so could have written those having Lydia as my child). A friend of mine claims I stole Lydia from her, because honestly, I was a tomboy and have no fashion sense myself. I think I will be taking lessons from my daughter very soon!

Well, we were at the library checking out some Fancy Nancy books when the idea hit me. I tossed it out to Lid. "Hey, how would you like a Fancy Nancy fashion show for your birthday?" Her eyes popped bigger than ever. Obviously, she loved the idea. Score! And I thought for sure I could pull this off with very little cost. We had a small supply of dress up clothes, I was planning on asking a couple of other moms for contributions, and I knew Grandma Kanost had some dress up stuff. Well, my mom loved the idea as well and she hit the local thrift stores and found some super deals. We were in great shape! Ten girls were invited, nine came. There were plenty of clothing options for the girls to try on... as many times as they wanted. I had called the girls and reminded their moms to have them wear a leotard or swimming suit so that they could all change together. The party lasted from 1-4, but none of the girls wanted to leave when it was all finished. But best of all, Lydia had a smile planted on her face the entire time. To spend 3 hours with her friends and her "best cousin," doing the thing she loves to do the most...it was such a memorable day!Here is how we had the living room set up. There were places for jewelry, hair clips, wigs, sunglasses, shoes, fancy gloves, crowns, purses, etc. And in the corner is where the girls got to browse and select what they wanted to wear. They could change multiple times...and change, they did!

After a while, we had the girls sit down and they got to finish their party favor gift, which was a purse hand-crafted by Grandma Kanost. Each girl got to pick a pretty pin for each side of their purses. They turned out really cute! Thanks, mom, for all those knots you tied!

Next, it was time for some finger foods. Once tummies were full, we moved on to even more girly, girly moments with nail, make-up, and hair stations, getting ready for the main event!

*Here, the birthday girl is getting her hair done into the most popular style of the day...the "Spout," created by our very own Mrs. Becky Rebilas!*

We still needed to sing "Happy Birthday" and have cake (the cupcakes above were sent home with each girl). As we were getting ready to do that, Becky, who was also my photographer for the day captured this picture that I absolutely love...some tired feet! What grown up lady can't relate? Can I get an amen?!

Fancy Nancy is eclectic in her fashion statements throughout her books, so Lydia's cake took on a bit of an eclectic look as well. Time for presents...

and a quick group photo (minus Noelani, who had to leave early for a prior commitment)...

and we were ready for our fashion show! Each girl had made their final selection with their outfits (pictured in the group shot above). We had set up the karaoke machine and I let each girl take a turn announcing the next friend by name and then I did my best to describe to the crowd what they had on. Parents were coming at this point, so it was fun for the girls to be able to have somewhat of an audience. Here is Lydia's walk and her posed picture!

One last thing to mention...while it was such a fun party, I did take a few moments to talk to the girls about inner beauty and how God cares more about that than what we look like on the outside. I had written Ps. 119:139 on one of the mirrors and talked about how we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" by God and what that meant. Hopefully, that message, even as brief as it was, sank in.

Lydia, you are a beautiful, precious daughter of our God! He loves you so much! He blessed our family beyond measure when He entrusted us with the gift to take care of you. You bring such joy to our lives and we love you so much, too! We have watched you grow into such a pretty, little girl on the inside and out, and we look forward to the next seven years. But, could you please slow down a little? For your mama's sake??