As a child, school shopping was not only fun, but it was made special by my mom and grandparents, as after we shopped, we had a fashion show for Grandpa and Grandma Cole. To this day, it is one of my most cherished memories. Not only did I love school, so I was excited with anticipation for it to start, but I also enjoyed shopping and getting new clothes to begin a new year. Even though my mom was a single parent, and money tended to be an issue, she always made sure that we were able to have new school clothes each year - leaving a great memory for me and a tradition to pass on!
This past weekend Armando and I took Alina school clothes shopping all by herself. We catered to her, as she dressed in the dressing room and came out to show us how she looked and/or how items fit. She insisted that she go in the stall by herself like a big girl and grinned ear to ear each time she came out, sporting a new outfit. Daddy was so sweet, as he kept coming back to the dressing room with another outfit and another...and another.
Tonight, we had Grammie and Papa over for a fashion show! Alina was "nervous" as she got ready in her bedroom and went down the hallway, turning around...and around, in the living room and going back into her room, where she changed again. (And, again.) Brother was also included in the fun, as he needed a few outfits for school as well. As you can see by the pictures, he was quite the model - jumping all over the place. At the end, Alina wanted me to "announce," "And, for the grand finale...Rocker Girl Alina," as she modeled her favorite outfit (pictured top right).
Alina was so excited for the evening and had such a great time, but it was really my heart that was content. I am simply thankful for being able to shop with Alina and to get her ready for school. The memories of my own youth swarmed me and warmed my heart. Now, I just pray that Alina keeps the excitement and energy for school that she currently has. I hope she sees that anything truly is possible with education and that it truly is the only thing that matters.
We've gone through so many milestones already, and it seems we are constantly preparing for the next one and the next one. I pray to enjoy each and every step with my beautiful girl, as I know it won't be long and I will be looking back asking where the time went, as I am now.
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