"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Well, I'd like to say that this verse rings so true in my life. I'd like to say that each and every one of my beautiful children have been raised in an upright, perfectly Christian home and setting and that every day I have absolute assurance that each one of them is perfectly happy, healthy, wealthy and wise. NOT! On either count. I know that I am certainly full of sin, faults, worry, and frustration. And I know, too, that my children have had more than their fair share of hard times.
But, what I do have is HOPE. Yes, folks, hope. Committing your life to Christ isn't an instant cure-all for all of life's problems. But what it gives me is hope. Even though I have had major parenting fails, my children have a heavenly father that loves them and has a plan for each one of them. He will not leave them or disappoint them. He has already given them the ultimate gift of His Son. I will still worry, mess up, get angry, and yes, still sin (because of all of my humanness!). But my hope comes from the Lord!!
So, what brought all of this on? Well, after 28 years of parenting, I will be alone in September. My youngest is going to kindergarten. And, if that won't be hard enough, I have a senior in high school this year as well. My baby boy (who is actually almost 17) is going to graduate next spring. I'd like to say that I will be doing a happy dance when they all get on the bus in a couple of weeks, but I know how emotional I get, so I will probably be a wreck!!
The highlight of getting ready for back-to-school has definitely been shopping for my little girl! She's old enough to have an opinion, but still young enough that I get to have a lot of input. Yay!! I love input! (control, whatever!)
Here are a few things we have for her so far for this school year.
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| We did some great bargain shopping at Marshalls. She insisted that she needed this Peppa Pig outfit. It's sparkly and adorable, just like my girl! |
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| This dress will be perfect for her first few weeks in school. The temps stay pretty high here until October (sometimes even November and December!). Love the asymmetrical hem! |
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| This is her goofball pose. This 2 piece outfit will be perfect for chilly mornings and air-conditioned classrooms. We purchased all 3 of these outfits for under $30 at Marshalls! What a deal! |
When you save money somewhere you can splurge a little somewhere else! I love these Spunkwear dresses for my girl. They are UPF 50, moister wicking keeps her dry and comfortable, and they are made in the USA. Not to mention, they are ADORABLE!
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| This is the Girls Original Dress in Hot Pink Crab. Preppy Crab and Carolina Crab are available online. You can even get a matching dress or skort for yourself!! Use code MICHELLESHIP for free shipping! |
Enjoy your babies, one day you'll turn around and they'll be off to school!
I hope your day is full of blessings!
