Pretty. BIG. Dreams. - Part 1

What do little girls dream of?

Welcome to the Year 2010, where little girls aspire to be much more than just pretty; they dream BIG!

The days of being consumed with thoughts of Prince Charming are, thankfully, long gone. I look around me and see a generation of girls who see themselves the way their Creator sees them: talented, strong, and full of purpose.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

I see confident girls obliterating insecurity by knowing their true worth.

These girls in my life, along with their amazing parents, are the inspiration behind my latest line: {Pretty. BIG. Dreams.}

I hope you are just as inspired as you read about each creation.

#1 The Explorer.

This girl is a searcher. She loves to freely experiment within the parameters established for her. Forget boys! The Explorer is too busy having fun to worry about them.

The Explorer is outfitted in a multi-layered tutu to add depth, just like her personality! This creation is made with about 75 yards of soft tulle (your choice of colors), and wrapped in a soft satin ribbon.

#2 The Hero.

This girl has the heart of a servant. She chooses her role models wisely and looks up to people worthy of her admiration. At the top of her list? Firefighters, Police, Military Service personnel, Nurses, Doctors, Teachers, Pastors, Missionaries, and all those who selflessly give up their lives to help others.

The Hero is outfitted in a full monochromatic TuTu. 50+ yards of the same color tulle (your choice) and satin ribbon demonstrate her simplicity and solidity. (Shown with a red bow & white stars add-on)

I've previously shared my past fear of raising children in a society that seems to be on a moral decline. Reflecting on these attributes stirs my hope for little girls everywhere...

Are you hopeful yet?

Wait til you see the others....

Preparing your Children for School

As a former Kindergarten teacher, school is close to my heart. I pray parents and teachers have an exciting new academic year filled with opportunities.

New uniforms? Check.

New backpack? Check.

New lunchbox? Check.

But, have you spent time preparing your child emotionally for school?

5 Conversations you should have with your children at the beginning of the school year:

1. Instill the love of learning:

"You're already such a smart kid, but in Mrs. Brown's class you're going to get even smarter! You already count to 10, but she's going to teach you how to count to 100. I can't wait to see all you're going to learn this year!"

Make it clear that school is a place to learn and that learning is COOL! Constantly point out things they have learned and things they have yet to learn to give them something to look forward to. Feel free to talk about your own learning experiences with them.

2. Encourage meaningful relationships:

"Today you're going to meet lots of new friends. If you see someone you don't know, smile at them and invite them to play with you." At the end of the day say, "Who did you play with today? Who shared with you today? Were you happy to see Sam today?"

An integral part of school success is how well your child gets along with others. Encourage your child to learn his or her classmates' names quickly. Get a list of those names and learn them yourself.

3. Establish expectations:

"Your teacher is going to love having you in her class because you are such a smart and obedient student. You listen, follow directions the first time, and you always do your best. I can't wait to hear from Ms. West what a great day you had!"

Talk to your children about completing their work and doing their best. Constantly remind your children about the importance of being respectful to all adults. When you get home, encourage them to be responsible with their homework as well. Model how to stay on top of things by being one step ahead yourself.

4. Describe your code of conduct:

"The school has rules to remind you of good behavior but, you already know good behavior because it's what we teach you at home."

A personal code of conduct goes above and beyond school rules and it will vary from home to home, depending on your family's values. School rules, don't encompass every single behavior. In most instances it will be up to your children's personal moral code to decide on how to act. Drive home a sense of self-discipline in your children.

5. Foster a team-work attitude:

"I've made you a healthy breakfast so your brain can be ready to work hard today. Grab your backpack and I'll get your lunchbox."

Make the beginning of school a "WE" event. When children feel like the whole family cares about what they're involved in, they're more likely to work hard and do their best. Display the school calendar in your home and be aware of what is happening at the school. Volunteer as often as you can!

When you prepare your children in advance, you set them up for success. By having these conversations ahead of time, you empower your children to make good decisions.

Every morning, you can have some of these conversations on your way to school in a light and positive way as a reminder to your children of what their roles are. Try not to sound preachy or threatening, but encouraging.

Wishing you a terrific year!

*TuTuLu*

{Photos} Family Arts Festival

A few pictures from last night's event. A BIG Thank You to all my friends who stopped by and showed me some love. It was truly a memorable night!

Photo Shoot Update

Just got done with the photos shoot today. What fun we had!! Everything went even better than I'd hoped. I had more than enough help, between amazing sitters and friends with hearts to serve, we had all our needs covered.

It was scorching HOT, but the girls were all sweet troopers. Even with big tutus, denim jackets, boots, and all the other accessories, the girls handled themselves like pros.

I enjoyed spending time with my friends and their beautiful baby dolls this afternoon.

Pictures are coming soon...in the meantime, here is the logo for my new line for the Fall:

{Sneak Peak} Pumpkin TuTu

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I've been working on a collection for the Trinity Family Arts Festival on August 11th.

It's my first time taking my work on the road, so I'm pretty psyched about it!

I have 7 TuTus finished and 3 additional ones in the works. A few of you have been asking for sneak peaks and you know with my level of excitement, you need not beg!......

I introduce you to the Fall 2010 Pumpkin TuTu:

Stay tuned for details on the entire line-up of

Pretty. Big. Dreams. by TiTi's TuTu's.