On Fridays I share things that made me happy from the week - a photo, a song, a quote, a beauty product, a recipe, a pair of cute shoes, etc. If it's a product, sometimes it's something I actually own and sometimes something I just saw online that gave me a smile. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it's silly. I suppose I believe that God is in the simple details of life and yes, I can even find Him in a tube of lipstick.
Good morning, Friends. Happy Friday! We've got a lot going on this weekend - a birthday celebration for a friend, the last weekend of college baseball for Drew, and I'll be traveling to Dallas for a conference and to see my dad. Then Drew will be finished with his first year of college on Tuesday. What in the world? I'm looking forward to having him home and grateful that he loved his first year at school, but I am completely stunned at how fast the year went.
I appreciate so much all of the love and encouragement last week when I told y'all about my decision to finally write a book. Y'all are the sweetest - my all time #1 Friday Favorites. Here are some other sweet things from the week.
1. Tomato Girl Summer Dress
Recently, I got an email from Red Dress Boutique mentioning "Tomato Girl Summer". I was so confused. I suppose this is what happens when you're 100 years old and not on the Tik Tok. I missed the news that this is the name of a trend in fashion and "lifestyle" (eyeroll) right now. According to the really hip Gen Z-ers it's actually an "aesthetic"(2nd eyeroll).
I went to the Google and looked it up and this is what it said: The "Tomato Girl" trend is all about embodying the romantic, slow-paced life that might pop into your mind when the word "tomato" is brought about: breezy walks on a European coast, afternoon swims in the ocean, etc."
The youths, y'all? Sweet Mercy. Anyway, I went ahead and looked at the Tomato Girl Summer Collection even though I wanted to send a strongly worded email telling them to STOP MAKING UP STUPID STUFF AND JUST SELL US THE CLOTHES. Let me tell you what most of my Gen X friends and I think about Gen Z trying to make us buy into their random BS:
I am now 101 years old and apparently very cranky. Tomato Girl or not, I did see some cute things.
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This bright yellow maxi dress looks adorable and comfortable for summer even if you consider yourself more of an Celery or Radish Girl. It also comes in blue or pink. I'm not sure if the tomatoes are a free gift with purchase or if they cost extra.
2. Wedge Sandals
Despite the fact that I refuse to partcipate in Tomato Girl Summer, I am pretty excited that the season for cute, relaxed dresses and sandals is upon us. I got these wedge sandals last week and they're so comfortable. They come in four different colors and are 20% off right now with code PEDIREADY.
3. Aloha Makeup Pouch
A friend of mine gave me one of these small Aloha pouches as a gift and I love it. I think it's the perfect thing to throw into a bigger tote at the beach or pool. It will hold your sunscreen, chapstick, makeup, contacts, sunglasses, etc. There are tons of great patterns and if you're looking for a larger tote, there are so many cute options here.
4. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Even though it has been on a bazillion and one best seller lists, I hesitated to read Remarkably Bright Creatures because in what universe do I want to read a book about a friendship between an old woman and an octopus? I am not one to read fantasy or sci-fi, so it seemed way out of the box for me. Then when I was in Savannah, my mother-in-law had the book and had just finished. She assured me that I would love it, and I'm not looking a gift horse/book in the mouth, so I decided to give it a shot. It's actually really great so far.
5. The Brothers that Used to Want to Kill Each Other
Because I'm not a fiction writer, most of the writing I do involves the real life stories of my family - my children in particular. For that matter, I don't think there has been a single sermon I've delivered that didn't feature an anecdote about one or all of my boys. Essentially, I write about my very ordinary life and the way my extraordinary God shows up in it to teach me how to move closer to Him through it all. To be sure, these boys have offered up a lot of material for me. This can be a tough needle to thread because I constantly have to consider the fact that some of my family's stories are our stories - meaning I don't have an exclusive right to tell them.
So today I'm going to go out on a limb and write about these two fools, risking that one or both of them will call me a liar. It's not a big risk actually. They rarely, if ever, read this blog and also, they know it's all the truth. So here goes.
These two kids smiling all sweet up there? The 2nd child and the 3rd child? There were times I thought they would hate each other forever. There were times I told myself that it was just "boys being boys" and then there were times that their bickering and smack talk and awfulness toward each other literally made me sit on the kitchen floor and cry. I could say more, but that will have to suffice.
This past weekend Kyle came to see his little brother play in his last home game of the season. He got off of work early and drove eight hours coming in a day earlier than expected. He was supportive and proud and encouraging. Drew was thrilled he was there. Oh, do not doubt, they still say some terrible things to each other, but there is always a twinkle in their eyes when they do. After the games, as we walked to the car, Kyle said something along the lines of "Man, that's a tough kid." And I tried really hard to play it cool, but it made me want to hit my knees in parking lot and sob.
They smiled and laughed and had the best time together. Basically, what I am saying is they love the fire out of each other. They really, truly do.
Sometimes, I try to be a good little Christian and pray for God's will and God's will only. I just ask that He will help me handle whatever that happens to be. And sometimes I pray specifically and boldly and pleadingly for exactly what I want to happen with no holding back. I begged God to make these three boys the best of friends one day. Begged Him. And He did it.
So Mamas of little girls and little boys who think that there is no chance that there will ever be harmony and love and true friendship among your little band of maniacs? Keep praying. Pray without ceasing. Believe in miracles. I have seen one with my own eyes.
Have a great weekend!
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2 comments:
I've not heard of the Tomato Girl trend. What? It makes no sense. I feel old. lol Those sandals are cute, I would happily wear those.
I am glad the boys are getting along now, it gives me hope for my girls.
I *loved* Remarkably Bright Creatures. It took me a looooong time to read it, then I did and wondered what took me so long! I like Red Dress a lot but you must order a size down - I got a few things last year I can't return that are simply too big. I love your joy in your boys' relationships. . .my son's GF is struggling with her family now and them not supporting her, our son said to us, with such passion, "I KNOW my siblings would NEVER treat me like this". He is right and I am so proud of all of them for their support of one another and assurance of their bonds. GOD IS SOOOOO GOOD!!!
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