The Surprise Christmas Dress

On Thursday Dec. 18th Grace had her Christmas party in Mrs. Mitchell's class. Jamie and I had decided that with him at home in the mornings and me working we would take turns going to her school events. So it was Daddy who got to go to this party. On Thursday night around 8pm Grace and I were going through the usual, "What are you going to wear to school tomorrow?" ordeal when she announced, "I'd like to wear something Christmasy, like plaids and Christmas colors." Okay, I feel at this point in the story I have to give you some background on MY background. I was raised by my dad who didn't have a care or a clue about girls' clothing. If it fit that's what I wore. I never wore frilly, lacy, velvety or shimmery type Christmas dresses. I did dress up for church somewhat with an every occasion dress or outfit, but then changed when we went to the grandparents. My family to this day never dresses up for family functions. We go for comfort not style. So you can imagine my horror that I hadn't even thought about a fancy dress for a kindergarten party. Grace was very clear in what she wanted though and I could already see the disappointment in her sweet face when she saw my face that I was worried. I went through her closet with a fine tooth comb hoping upon hope that something would miraculously appear that would fit her tough standard. We settled on a hand me down that her cousin had given her. It was a red, white and black sweater dress that was too big for her last year, but it fit now and it would have to do. It was no means fancy and glitzy like what my daughter wanted, but the practical side of me said it was "fine." I don't think of myself as a conformist. I don't typically buy into all the things that society says that I need, but this time I did conform. I caved! I put my lovey to bed and was frantic! I called Jac to talk this matter over with him and HE decided that a dress was very necessary. Daddy's and daughter's: enough said. Our only hope was finding something at Meijer (the only place open at 11pm). So if you can imagine my sweet husband going to Meijer on a mission for a beautiful dress for his only daughter after he'd work the day away. Brings tears to my eyes thinking of the love there. I knew he'd take care of it as he always does so I went off to bed. He woke me up so excited to show me what he'd purchased. He did a great job, the dress is red and black with velvet and has little sequined flowers on it. He surprised her in the morning and she was literally beside her self! Off they went to the party in her $20.oo dress, which BTW is a small price to pay for Grace's sheer happiness. She was grinning ear to ear from what I hear. She was so happy all day. She wouldn't take that dress off until it was bed time. I think she had it on for about 12 hours! She was dancing and twirling and loving herself it that darn thing! It was ssooo worth it! I still don't see the big deal in it, but her fear was not fitting in??? why?? in kindergarten already! She wants to fit in and she thought all her friends would be dressed up (a couple were, two were in PJs opps!). Isn't that what we want for our children? I want that for my kids. MY lesson was that just because it isn't a big deal to me, I have to bring myself to my 5 years olds level and go back a zillion years to remember that it is important to them. Everyone wants to fit in in life what ever that looks like to them. I can't promise that I will succumb to all the pressures of school life, but this one was easy and painless. Good job Daddy!!! Grace you looked fabulous darling!!!!!