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??

Beary Good Reminders

I recently felt God calling me to write down some of the thoughts He had given me and submit them to the lady who does the MOPS newsletter. Not having work as my mission field anymore, I have been convicted that I need to do better at being a light to those whom I am around on a normal basis. Places like the gym and the grocery store came to my mind. And then MOPS entered my mind. While MOPS is held in a church setting and I am sure many of the ladies are believers, I also would not be surprised, in a group that large, if there are some there who are searching. While I don't claim to have superior writing skills, I truly felt this was something God wanted me to do. And so I did. They are going to be using it in the April newsletter, which is 'Tea and Testimony' month. I do enjoy writing and have often toyed with the idea of doing more of it. I would love any feedback. (Oh, and thanks again, mom, for being my first editor)!


This year, the question being asked of us mothers is, “How have our lives changed since landing on Planet Mom?” One of my answers would have to be the invaluable lessons and reminders the Lord has shown me through parenting my own three children. Below is one such example...

Isn't it interesting what God uses to speak to us?
If you were to come visit me in my home on any given day, you would most likely see my toddler running around with her “extra appendage.” What would that be, you might ask? Well, when my first daughter was born, she was given a stuffed bear from two different families. Both were cute, but did she really need two very similar stuffed animals? Seeing as she could not argue the case with me at just weeks old, I made the parental decision of “no, she did not.” So, Lydia was given Chloe Bear and I gently stashed the other one away, wondering if she would one day have a sister to give it to. Fast forward three and a half years later, and that wonder became a reality. We welcomed Claire into our family and Bear #2 was taken out of storage and given to our new little girl! There must have been some divine intervention going on back in 2003 when I decided which bear Lydia would keep, because Claire's bear was meant for her! It was given the name “Beary” (unique, huh?) and from an early age, a bond was formed. Fast forward to another three years later to the present. Claire usually wants me to rest with her when I put her down for her nap. Recently, as I watched her fall asleep, clutching her most prized possession, I thought of the parallels between Claire's relationship with Beary and my relationship with God. Although I'm not pink, furry, and stuffed with fluff (ok, ok...so the stuffed with fluff may apply), I discovered I do have a few similarities to Beary. There were some distinct differences as well. Allow me to expand, if you will.

Similarity #1
Out of the plethora of stuffed animals my girls have collected over the years (despite my futile attempts to keep this number low), Claire has one favorite, and that is...you guessed it, Beary. Beary is chosen by Claire because she loves her. In the same way, Ephesians 1:4-6 tells me that God has chosen me! “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.” I am forever grateful that my God chose me and loves me!

Difference #1
When Claire first received Beary, she was spotless...fluffy fur and a soft, pink color; perfect for my brand, new, baby girl. But as you can imagine (and I know many of you can), that perfection did not last long. Because Beary is so loved, she goes just about everywhere with Claire. My only rule is that Beary has to stay in the house or the van. I'm not driving all over town for the thing! Beary has been known to sit at the table to watch Claire eat. She's been tossed to and fro on the floor. She has to be there at nap time, and her latest display of loyalty was staying by Claire's side during one of her up-chucking sessions recently. Poor Beary suffered collateral damage. Needless to say, Beary has had many a bath in the trusty ol' washing machine. Yet, no matter how many times she goes for a ride in the spin cycle, she still looks like a nasty, loved-too-much, security item. Her used-to-be-fluffy fur is now a matted mess, complete with balding spots. And her soft, pink color can be termed more accurately as dirty-pink now, especially around her face. The reality is that before we accept Christ as our Savior, we are dirty, just like Beary. Isaiah 64:6 describes us as unclean, with our “righteous acts” compared to “filthy rags.” Sin is ugly and stinky and detestable, but praise our Holy God, He gives us the opportunity to be redeemed through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. “In Him (Jesus Christ), we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” Ephesians 1:7. When we accept God's gift of grace, the Bible tells us we will be whiter than snow! Psalms 51:7

Similarity #2
Why does Claire love Beary so much? I'll never know. It's not like Beary has long, meaningful conversations with Claire. Nor does she buy her things or try to impress her with some talent or gift. Beary does nothing that could earn the love of Claire, and yet, that love is so evident. So it is, with our status with God. Don't get me wrong – God loves having a relationship with us! He cherishes our time together and is pleased to see our obedience in the areas He has called us to. He blesses our talents when we use them for His glory. However, just like Beary cannot earn the love of Claire, neither can we earn God's salvation for ourselves. Ephesians 2:8-9 sums that up pretty clearly. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. God's grace is His gift to us! There is no set formula we must follow to ensure our salvation. God gives it freely to all who will accept it. Accepting this gift means acknowledging that we are sinners (Romans 3:23) and believing that God sent His only Son to die for our sins (John 3:16). Romans 10:9-10 tell us “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

Difference #2
One problem we have with our children needing a security item is the aftermath that occurs when one gets lost. I cannot even count the number of times Beary has been misplaced. Because of the “never leaving the house/van” rule, I can guarantee she is somewhere close by. Still, many a tear has been shed at bedtime when the beloved Beary simply cannot be located. Along with that, there is always great cause for joyful celebration when she is found. The Bible refers to people as being “lost,” when talking about their need for Christ's redemption in their lives. We can never be lost once we have placed our trust in Him as our Savior! I love this passage found in Psalms 139:7-12. “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is light to you. Unlike Beary, we simply cannot hide or get lost from our Aba Father!

Similarity #3
As I mentioned in the beginning, these thoughts came to me while I was resting with Claire. She was sleeping on her side, holding Beary tucked up under her arm. It reminded me of the beautiful picture that Psalms 91:4 paints. “He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” What a comfort it is to know that even in our darkest of moments, our heavenly Father is holding us.

Difference #3
The last thought that passed through my mind was bittersweet, because it involved me picturing my baby all grown up, not needing her Beary anymore. Immediately, my mind raced to my parent's house, up to the grandkids playroom. There, in the closet, on a shelf, collecting dust, is another bear. He is missing his nose; he is no longer soft and fuzzy; he is no longer needed. You see, this bear happened to be my brother's bear when he was a little boy. My mom kept him as a keepsake, but the fact remains that my brother outgrew his favorite bear. He is 36 years old...how strange it would be to see him grasping the arm of his bear as he went about his daily routine. Sorry to get all Toy Story on you, but the thought of this reminds me that my “baby” is gonna grow up ( it's been way too fast already) and the day will come when her most prized possession is no longer useful. How grateful I am that our Father sees us differently! Philippians 1:6 says, “being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God does not use us for a season and then discard us. His desire is that we would bring Him glory our entire lives! How awesome is that...the God of the universe wants to use us as His vessel?! What a privilege! At times, I feel insignificant or under qualified to follow through with something God might be calling me to do. Just like Moses, I offer up my excuses. And just like with Moses, God reassures me. It's like He is telling me, “You're right...you can't. But I can through you.” Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds me of this promise. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Yes, it is quite interesting and sometimes, amusing, what God uses to speak to us. For me this time, God's voice took the form of the scruffy, very loved bear of my three year old. Thank you God, for Beary, and the lessons I have been reminded of from her!

Christmas pictures

Gotta love Christmas jammies...especially ones like the girls have on that I got for super cheap at Carter's at the Greene after last Christmas. They have snowmen on them and Jake's is a Star Wars theme.

Since we had the privilege of having John and Amy with us at Christmas, we only opened a few of the gifts at our house before leaving to go to my parent's house. We had a nice morning with the "York" Kanost's...

and the newly married, Rickert's, before they left for Chicago!

Jake opening his Storm Troopers mask. This was one I brought from home. I thought he and Jonathon and Matthew might like to play with it. (This was another steal...I found it brand new at a thrift store. The packaging was all torn up and the actual pieces needed to be put back together, but the thing worked in the store and I only paid $5 for it! I saw them at Target for between 30 and 40 bucks)!
Turns out my three year old loved it just as much!

Annual Christmas shot with the hubby.

Always a pleasure partying with the *Tueys* later in the afternoon. Here is Sarah and her loverly daughter, Libby. It was such a nice picture, I had to include it.

*They are really called the Coutures, but for anyone who doesn't know the story...when Joel Couture became Dr. Couture, Jake was just a youngster. When he tried to say his name, it came out "Da-er Tuey." And the name Tuey just stuck (although the spelling is up for debate).

Some of the party guests just chillin' after a big, delicious meal.

Grandma Kanost in her "spot." Love that she can make it every year.

I think he loves me?

I know he loves her!

I know I love these two "Uncle-Matt posers."

No idea?? But they were having fun.

Matthew was pretty fond of his Slinky he got as a prize from one of the games.

Libs and Claire...texting already?

Christmas tree pictures

I know these are late by about a month (seems to be my blogger pace), but better late than never. Right?

My mom offered her tree to us a couple of years ago since we have a high ceiling in the living room. As you can see from the picture below, it is a 9 footer. We decided to take her up on the offer this year and planned on trading trees. For the past few years, she has not utilized all the parts of the tree and only had it be a 7 footer. So, the trade seemed perfect. Only...it wasn't. Sorry, mom. Apparently, a section of our pre-lit tree wasn't lit. I had forgotten that Dan had to string up one strand of lights on it last year to make up for the malfuntion. Well, the point of the trade for my mom was that she really liked the idea of a pre-lit one, as hers was not (again, see picture below of Dan stringing lights). The other quality of our tree that I do like, my mom did not. My mom is a lover of colored lights and our tree had white lights. I, on the other hand, even though I grew up with colored lights, prefer white lights. I just came to this conclusion this year since we decided to try colored lights. I think white lights make the tree pop out more, including the ornaments. And this may sound strange, but the colored lights make me feel sleepy??? Or maybe mezmorized is the right term??? So, the solution...we offered my mom her tree back. Only she really still liked the idea of a pre-lit tree, so she found one...that has colored lights and rotates! Here are some shots of our decorating night...which we actually got done early this year - the day after Thanksgiving! I think that is a record for us.

Claire got a little candy cane happy.

The placement of this nutcracker makes me laugh.

A new ornament...Jake and Lydia decided to hand craft some ornaments at home. This was a mighty big one that I often moved to a less prominent place throughout the season. I lost that battle. You can spot it in the center of the tree in the picture below. Mom just laughed as that scenerio brought back memories.