Two weeks from today 325 children, teens and adult volunteers will be participating in Power Lab VBS at our church. I am our church's VBS Director, which means things are getting a little hectic around here. Instead of everyone wondering where in the world I am, I thought I would sign off for a couple of weeks. I know that God has amazing things planned for all of us who will be involved with Power Lab. I look forward to sharing it all with you after VBS ends on the 20th. I know many of you are busy at work with your own church's VBS programs. I wish you joy along your journey. J Keep smiling – God has it all under control!
Blogging off for now …
The prettiest mommy in the world…
I am interrupting our regular programming of Amazing Mama Mondays to share this completely insane story with you. Sadly, because we live in America in 2008, it is true. This past Mother's Day Florida-based plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Salzhauer, released his first children's book, My Beautiful Mommy. This is a book for children who are confused about their mommy's upcoming plastic surgery and why she will look different. The cover is so amusing, I thought it was a joke, but alas it isn't. Isn't Mommy beautiful with her new nose, jumbo boobs and trim tummy. She is downright sparkly, just like a Disney Princess.
At first glance this book is truly comical. Want a laugh? This is what Dr. Michael looks like in real life. Take a look inside the book. This is what Dr. Michael looks like in his book. He's a super hero here to save mommies from their saggy breasts! Inflata-man here to save the day!
But a second look at this book, which was written for the 4-7 year old market, shows how truly sad and dangerous it is. On one page the Mommy explains, "Not just different honey … prettier," while she is imagining herself being crowned in a beauty pageant. The little girl looks alarmed and replies, "But you are already the prettiest mommy in the whole wide world!" I wonder if the author knows how real this interaction is. Our kids do think we are the prettiest mommy in the world. It is one of the most wonderful things about having young kids. I put on a dress, Sarah is in awe. Emily is perpetually telling me I "look pretty." What we do with this impressionable window in our daughters' lives is critical. What we teach our daughters today about self image, is what we will reap ten years from now. If our response to "Mommy you are beautiful," is "Oh if only I could lose 20 lbs," or "Well, mommy will be prettier when Dr. Michael is done with me," than Dr. Michael better get working on a second book. Here are some suggested titles for him; Mommy I Need a New Nose – preparing for your daughter's first plastic surgery or how about Saturday with Sophie – a parents guide to visiting your daughter in Eating Disorder Rehab.
Heritage Table – a great idea for weddings, reunions and family celebrations
Last week, we were in Florida for my husband's cousin's wedding. Stephanie and Danny planned out every detail of their wedding with amazing care and thought. The service was beautiful and the reception was amazing, but there was one little table that left many guests speechless. It was the Heritage Table. A small rectangular table was left empty until just before the end of the reception. Then, guests were invited to go over to the Heritage Table for a special take home treat. So what was it?
Along the table were lovely glass platters and containers of cookies. But these were no ordinary cookies. Each platter had a sign in front of it with the name of the cookie and whose recipe it was. They were the special cookie recipes from each of their grandmothers and great grandmothers. Isn't that beautiful! Really, it makes me tear up just thinking of it. Each guest was invited to fill up a small box to take home. It was the most beautiful way to honor and include the special women in their families, most of who have passed on. It was so touching seeing the older generation of guests go up to the table and see platters their own mother's peanut butter cookies or layer bars.
I love this idea, so I had to pass it on. I think it would be a wonderful inclusion at any wedding, shower, reunion or large family celebration. Thanks Steph!
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