Let the Nesting Begin!
It's funny. I hadn't concentrated that closely on this pregnancy until I saw that little chap moving around inside me. It's frankly not at all like me. I normally start nesting the minute I see that positive test result. When I got through laughing at the idea that we'll be having a little boy - maintaining our family pattern - I immediately started planning sew, knitting, crocheting and painting projects.
Oddly, in my very attention deficient way, I started thinking about the next year of homeschooling and what is most important to cover with our children. Then I started dreaming about field trips we'd take, classes we'd organize, what other life changes will come our way. And then - logically - back to sewing, knitting, crocheting and painting projects.
I began thinking again about brother-sister outfits and then, co-ordinating the entire family... Something of a family uniform. As creepy as that idea may sound to some, it's dead useful when you have a large family who likes to travel a lot. This is a strategy I used extensively when our oldest three children were small. We made frequent trips, including several trans-Atlantic crossings during that time. Whenever we dressed for an outing, or packed for a trip, I planned totally co-ordinated outfits to be worn on each day. That meant if we had an escapee, I could instantly spot or identify him or her by the outift. Fortunately, I never had an escapee, but I was glad to be prepared.
I also noticed that other families who had adopted this practice exuded an air of unity - in more than just their dress. In addition, you tend to look at their faces more, rather than just passing by. It offers an opportunity to smile at someone! Although my husband likes to tease about my manic co-ordination for family portraits, he's often the first to ask what color we're wearing. Whether it's matching t-shirts printed especially for a family gathering (don't laugh I know a lady who did this!), or an actual family uniform, the effect is the same. It says "We belong together".
I know I'll get the argument that I'm squashing individuality. Truly, the entire family is consulted about tastes and styles. Fortunately, my kids tend toward the classic and modest and we can at least agree on style and cut. From there, colors are a bit more of a challenge, but we have never had a problem choosing palettes that suit the entire family.
As for economics, co-ordinating a large family can be a huge budget saver. For instance, I can buy a bolt of khaki fabric for 20% the per/yard price and make pants or shorts for the boys and dresses, skirts, or shorts for us gals. I can do the same with shirting fabrics and then the boys will choose their own ties, the girls their own jewelry or scarves to accent their outfits. We all look similar, but unique. The best part is that classic solids and cuts mean that the same garments can be worn again without looking out of place, or out of fashion.
I'm thinking I'm going to need some help to get these projects done. I make excellent Kahlua fudge brownies, if there are any volunteers!
Oddly, in my very attention deficient way, I started thinking about the next year of homeschooling and what is most important to cover with our children. Then I started dreaming about field trips we'd take, classes we'd organize, what other life changes will come our way. And then - logically - back to sewing, knitting, crocheting and painting projects.
I began thinking again about brother-sister outfits and then, co-ordinating the entire family... Something of a family uniform. As creepy as that idea may sound to some, it's dead useful when you have a large family who likes to travel a lot. This is a strategy I used extensively when our oldest three children were small. We made frequent trips, including several trans-Atlantic crossings during that time. Whenever we dressed for an outing, or packed for a trip, I planned totally co-ordinated outfits to be worn on each day. That meant if we had an escapee, I could instantly spot or identify him or her by the outift. Fortunately, I never had an escapee, but I was glad to be prepared.
I also noticed that other families who had adopted this practice exuded an air of unity - in more than just their dress. In addition, you tend to look at their faces more, rather than just passing by. It offers an opportunity to smile at someone! Although my husband likes to tease about my manic co-ordination for family portraits, he's often the first to ask what color we're wearing. Whether it's matching t-shirts printed especially for a family gathering (don't laugh I know a lady who did this!), or an actual family uniform, the effect is the same. It says "We belong together".
I know I'll get the argument that I'm squashing individuality. Truly, the entire family is consulted about tastes and styles. Fortunately, my kids tend toward the classic and modest and we can at least agree on style and cut. From there, colors are a bit more of a challenge, but we have never had a problem choosing palettes that suit the entire family.
As for economics, co-ordinating a large family can be a huge budget saver. For instance, I can buy a bolt of khaki fabric for 20% the per/yard price and make pants or shorts for the boys and dresses, skirts, or shorts for us gals. I can do the same with shirting fabrics and then the boys will choose their own ties, the girls their own jewelry or scarves to accent their outfits. We all look similar, but unique. The best part is that classic solids and cuts mean that the same garments can be worn again without looking out of place, or out of fashion.
I'm thinking I'm going to need some help to get these projects done. I make excellent Kahlua fudge brownies, if there are any volunteers!
posted by Nissa at 3:00 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home