R*E*S*P*E*C*T My Hammmeee Downs

Maybe it is because Noah has worn uniforms for the past two years, or maybe it is because his clothes come in boxes via Postman. Whatever the reason, he loves to receive clothes! The moment a box arrives, his hands go for the scissors. He just can't wait to tear inside and see the wonderful items of clothing and though they have been worn by many, they are NEW to him. I was hoping to convince him to at least open the box where we could put the items away, (his bedroom) but I wasn't fast enough. He was pulling out and trying on clothes...throwing them here and putting them there. (Now we have a messy room to go with all the New Clothes.) "Shut your eyes mom...now open!!! What do you think?" and though the clothes came from his Aunt Helena's care, there is no mistaking...with one big whiff "Mom, these clothes still smell like the Bodines!" (He says happily and so I know that is a good thing.)

This particular package of clothing was an extra blessing. Due to unfortunate circumstances, Noah will not return to Carden Memorial this year, which means he will not be wearing a school uniform. I remember the Back to School Shopping of my day and oh how I wished I could give that to Noah.   Three days before his first day of first grade at Jordan Ridge, this box comes. One thing about Aunt Helena, she has perfect timing and amazing inspiration. I felt like my Back to School Shopping came to us. There was one pair of white Perry Ellis pants. They were definitely fancier than he has ever worn.  He felt the smooth material. His eyes big with surprise. He quickly ran behind his bed for modesty. He was so animated as he put these pants on and then he blurted out, "OOhhhh, now my dad will give me some respect...huh mom." I couldn't contain the laughter. Noah was going to get his dad's respect because he had cool duds?

For the most part, we will be fine without the uniform, in fact it may even be a fresh change. Noah is bound to keep us entertained with his determination to wear his clothes the way he likes them. I will often set out something to wear and find it still where I left it. Noah will come around the corner in his own concoction and may I say he has an eye...an eye for what... I am not sure. One Sunday morning he appeared in a maroon shirt, under a bright red sweater vest, with a pair of gray wool pants, cowboy boots and accessorized with a Santa Claus tie...mind you, it was the beginning of June. As many will tell me "Learn to pick your battles" and though this was one I was willing to fight, keeping the spirit of the Sabbath was also important. It was all I could do not to think that others were questioning my ability to parent.

There have been times when he has set out his own clothes to wear the following day. He is very meticulous and methodical about it. One of his favorite outfits was the camoflauge shirt, olive green pants and army dog tag. If he wants to be the cool of cool, he just puts on his shark tooth necklace. Noah is his own person and he has taught me to respect his choices and his hammeees (I don't know when it was that I learned it was "hand me downs" and not "hammeee downs" but that is not the point.)

What I learned from Noah: He loves new clothes no matter how old they are...he can make almost anything look handsome...and he wants a little R*E*S*P*E*C*T.