New shoes in a box

Sometimes I still get surprised when I look into their eyes.

Last week, summer weather arrived in Maine.  We were still in snow pants the week before so a quick search through our "grow into closet" revealed that one of my girls would need some spring shoes.  She had to wear inappropriate footwear on Monday.  On Tuesday, I told her that I'd buy her some sneakers.  I had to make a promise because her eyes revealed that she didn't believe me.

I took my sister to Boston (to move back to California - but that is a different post) on Tuesday.  On the way back, I swung into the outlets in Kittery.  Stride Rite store = 2 pairs of shoes for this precious treasure.  Not one but two.

I brought them home and surprisingly, this daughter was still awake.  I handed her the box with the sneakers that she'd been promised.

And then I saw those eyes.

Those eyes that express that she's not sure if this is for real.  If these are really for her - to keep.  If she is worth it (a brand new pair of sneakers that came in a BOX!).

Then, when I handed her the 2nd box with another pair of shoes ideal for the next season I saw those overwhelmed eyes that screamed:  "I couldn't possibly be valuable enough to receive 2 pairs of shoes in a BOX!"

It's the look she gets when we celebrate her birthday.  When she gets a birthday cake especially made by her Mama.  It's almost too much.

I wish I could express to her:  You are wonderfully made.  You are worth it!  You have a Prince who DIED for you.  You are WORTH it.  He gave me to you and I want you to (someday) be able to accept this love and know...you are worth it!

Love you baby girl!

And here she is sleeping in her new sneakers.  BTW, she still has the boxes in perfect condition a week later (which is a long time for most American kids of this age).

UPDATED 4/13/12:
The other twin received a new pair of shoes (in a box) today.  When I came home from work, I noticed that the box was in her bed - to the left of her pillow.  She'd slept with the box.  Boxes are IMPORTANT, I guess.  She's told everyone who has entered and exited that she has new NEW shoes.

New shoes and a NEW ($5 clearance) dress = "I'm important; I am worthy; I have value" to kiddos who have gone without.

Heaven is real

(Yes, she made a bed and slept in this box. Oh childhood fun!)

Being a FT mom and a FT employee can bring on the guilt of not being "good" enough in either role (and I'm not even a person who harbors a lot of guilt).

Thankfully, my Mom cares for my children while I work.  She had 37+ years of childcare experience prior to caring for my kids, plus a little more time as a parent.  She operated a licensed child care program and took care of up to 12 children at a time so yeah...having her here is GREAT!  And she reinforces Biblical values while I'm at work!

I came home from work on Friday and G-girl showed me something.  I asked her "Who taught you that?"  She responded:  "Mem!"

I felt that guilt.  Just a little.  Like, I wish I'd been home today to teach you that.

Then I asked:  "What has Mama taught you?"  She paused (too long) as she thought.  (I'm thinking:  "Crap, she can't remember ANYTHING I've taught her.")

She responds with:  That Heaven is for real! and with a smile on her face, she turned and walked outside to play.

Yeah.  That's the important stuff.  I smiled.

Phew.

They don't have an Auntie?!?!

3/11/12:

While watching TV with Auntie, the program highlighted each member of their family.  G-girl was disgusted that they family didn't have an Auntie.

G - "Their family doesn't have an AUNTIE?!"
J - "Nope, I guess not."
G -"That is SOO weird.
J - "Yup."
G - "We have the BEST family."

Note:  This was with facial expressions indicating her disbelief that a family wouldn't have an Auntie!

(Focus wasn't on why the family had a Daddy.  Nope, on why it didn't have an AUNTIE!  We love our Auntie.  It's going to be tough when she leaves in a week :(  )

Links to blog posts I'll want to reread

You don't have to adopt to care for orphans:
http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2011/05/you-dont-need-to-adopt-to-care-for.html

Tips for preventing eating disorders in children:

http://www.rageagainsttheminivan.com/2012/03/tips-for-preventing-eating-disorders-in.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook