I was putting on my mascara in front of the den mirror so I could watch Good Morning America when Keith looked up at me and said cheerfully, “Well, isn’t that a cute little make-up frock.” (I think he meant smock.) I looked back at him, using my mascara wand like I pointer and said, “Honey, this is a dress. It’s what I’m wearing to work.”
“Oh!” he said.
“What’s wrong with it?” I asked.
“Nothing’s wrong with it, Baby. I see exactly what you mean now. It’s not a frock for putting on make-up. It’s a dress. And you’re wearing it to work,” he replied. He quickly went back to his newspaper.
I went back to my mascara. And then, for some reason, I got tickled. Tickled enough to nearly have tattooed my hairline with L’oreal Volume Shocking Mascara: Blackest Black. “Poor man,” I thought. He meant to come up with somebody so different than me. But, then again, this entry is not about marriage. It’s about different tastes between people who, ironically, have a strong taste for one another. Keith and I did not start out with one single shared taste. Not one. Not in denominations. Not in vacations. Not in friends. Not in hobbies. Not in jobs. And most assuredly not in wardrobe. And that one, like most of them, never changed. He is all western. I am…not. I don’t know what I am. Neither does he. No big deal except that Keith likes to buy me clothes because that was his sweet daddy’s love language to his mother.
For the first 15 years of our marriage, Keith took every special occasion to dress me like a business executive. Lots of black or navy suits with white blouses. Expensive things for our tight budget. I loved him so much that I acted thrilled but my inner man was asnore. I’d imagine how many conglomerations from Weiner’s (a low-budget, high-clutter department store back in the day) I could’ve mixed and matched for that kind of money. A whole closet full of frocks! He’d interrupt my thought process with stuff like, “I got you this because I never see you in anything like it and thought you could use it.” Where? Taking the kids to MDO? But he was so precious, I couldn’t resist him. I’d think of places to wear it, especially when I had to go somewhere I didn’t want to go. That way I could offer a sacrifice of praise.
The second set of fifteen years, he gave up on the executive look for me and took a giant step upward to western wear. Between the wide open cactus-lands of West Texas and the cold mountain air of Wyoming, my well-worn boots and scruffy leather jackets testify to his celebratory success…in the casual-wear genre. The problem is, he doesn’t just have casual western wear in mind for me. I have a closet full of fancy jackets with studs and fringe on them (a few look to have been be-dazzled) as well as a multi-colored assortment of broom skirts. Though I’m tempted to stop here and make several comments, I’m going right on to the next sentence. What doesn’t help Keith’s shopping variety is his strong propensity to be in West Texas just prior to every special occasion we have: Christmas, wedding anniversary, you name it. Since he’s not one to shop in advance, he invariably panics on the way home then, thanks-be-to-God, remembers that great Texas icon, the D&D Western Store on Interstate 10 at Seguin. (Good Heavens, I just had a flash back to all Keith has taught me about Texas hero Juan Seguin and the history of that town and actually came within a dot of thinking you’d care to hear it.) Awash with relief, Keith eagle-eyes the exit in the horizon and flies so fast that Beanie’s birddog-lips nearly wrap around her head. He then, the way I picture it, commences to have the sales woman ring up everything fancy in my size. Another occasion saved.
And sometimes they’re just darling.
And other times only he is. Every time I see one of the less worn western frocks in my closet, I feel really guilty. Right then I wish I fished or something.
Keith has a small measure of mercy on my lack of good taste since it wasn’t my fault. It was my parents’. They took too long to get to Texas. Back where I come from, western was something you were for Halloween. In Keith’s estimation, tastes are developed early which is precisely why Jackson has had a wide assortment of camouflage in every size from newborn on. Keith intentionally waited to purchase the boy’s first western wear until just last weekend, however, because it’s more sacred. He believes a soul ought to be old enough to appreciate the privilege. He walked through the door from out of town with an arm full of boxes and presented Jackson his first ensemble: a snap-up western shirt, Wranglers and Justin boots. I could have sworn I saw a tear in his eye. (Not Jackson’s. Keith’s. But I’ve had tears in my eyes on my own occasions.) Keith awarded him the prize with all the pride and emotion of a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo first-place bull rider. Praise God, it wasn’t wasted on the boy. To his Bibby’s delight, he is big on enthusiasm. Though he walked a bit strange in his boots at first (kinda like he was walking in meadow of fresh cow patties), Jackson clearly knew he was a stud. He’s already worn the ensemble to church. Amanda says he loves to put the boots on but they have to make sure they’re going somewhere he can mosey since he has to stop every few steps to stomp one foot. And make sure everybody’s watching. Especially Ella or Ava. It just makes a woman swoon every time.
I know because I did.
But that doesn’t mean I have a mind to wear them.
My make-up smock.
The big day.
Trying to get a picture of the all-important Wrangler tag.
Tags: Jackson
Love the dress! My grandfather used to buy my sister and me a new “Easter frock” every year. My boys, ages 5 and 7, both have cowboy boots they wear so proudly. I love it! We are a western gear-type of family, but I have to agree with you—I’m only western on the casual side. Good job with the pictures!!!
Mom in NC
SERIOUSLY? How spankin’ cute is that? I love little boys in boots. (Despite that we in the North East see it very little…)
I thought I had a cute story on my blog today about my husband… you, again, take the prize dear Beth.
Loved every second of your blog today. Thanks for the smiles.
Love the smock!!
And the boots and wranglers, being from Kansas.
The dress is absolutely adorable, and so is little Jackson. One thing about the Wranglers – I kept looking to see if there was a ring from the can of Skoal in the back pocket! HA. Isn’t that the sign of a true redneck cowboy?
Karen
Dripping Springs, TX
PS. I had to do this one as anonymous because it kept telling me I had the wrong password and then kept having me type the letters in the box. Did anyone else have any trouble, or am I just slow today?
Beth, Do YOU even know how hilarious you are?!! You are so funny and sweet. Cute ‘smock’ he,he.
Oh my goodnes you are so funny. I love your frock/dress so cute. I have a friend at church who wears many different styles of clothes (like your frock/dress)and I told her one day I beleive she could wear a potato sack and it look good, I do beleive you could too. You always look Great in what ever you ware. Jackson is so cute he looks so happy in his new boots and clothes. Have a blessed day.
I will be praying has you get ready for the big Day.
Cindi
I love the frock and Jackson’s duds. I too think of dressing up western for my boys an exquisite treat, but for the boys ONLY> I definitely prefer your look. Thanks for giving us a great example on “loving your man”. I cringe to think what I would get if mine did any clothes shopping. Have a blessed weekend. I am praying for you and especially for the Moore’s for Melissa’s big day.
ohmigoodness! I am “swooning” with laughter as i picture Jackson stopping to stomp his foot in those cowboy boots! What a little hoot!
Your frock is darling! And the wrangler tag, so stinkin’ cute. My son has a camo outfit for every stage of life as well. And his boots, he loves them. Two is such a fun age, when you aren’t wanting to wring their necks that is.
What an encouragement to hear that a marriage can survive, even thrive despite a magnitude of extreme differences! Needed that reminder today!
Thank you for following the promptings of the Holy Spirit even in seemingly unimportant things such as this post today….it was a direct gentle reminder to me that He is more than capable of completing that which He started! Much love to you and your ministry but even more to our awesome God and Lord!!!!
I am a frock sort of gal myself! I remember talking “frocks” with my father-in-law one time and he mistakenly thought I was referring to “FROGS” – he thought I had a thing for frogs.
You’ve come to the right place in sharing your frock-smock-frog woes… I love it!!
Ok–the dress is darling, but what I noticed first…green things in the yard and even some flowers and you are outside without a coat!!! I am SO ready for spring and SO done with this everlasting snow and cold.
There is something very special about a little boy in his first cowboy boots–they do walk differently, with a Texas swagger (even if they are from Central Illinois). My little cowboy is grown up, but his first little red boots have been spiffed up and stored for his son to wear someday.
Thanks so much for the smiles this morning!
Beth,
I look at you and sometimes still cannot believe you are a granny! You look as I’ve heard you put it so many time “darling.”
Much love \o/
Beth,
Only your siestas and others of the female persuasion would understand that the dress you had on was not a make-up smock. It is indeed a beautiful very chic dress! And the story about clothes is tremendously funny. I would not know what to do if Scott bought me something to wear – He doesn’t even know my size. But, alas, my unobservant hubby loves me just the same, and he never ever comments on what I wear except to say, “You look nice or you look pretty.” I love him so and am quite content to let him continue not to buy me clothes. He hates shopping anyway – and well Holidays are a toss up – his love language and spiritual gift is not in the area of giving. He loves receiving though, and that is good because I like giving gifts!
Blessings and thanks for sharing – You look beautiful and Jackson is a little doll.
Blessings.
You look lovely Beth! and Keith looks like he couldn’t be prouder I am surprised his shirt didn’t just burst open!
Seeing little Jackson in his boots reminded me of my own son’s first pair. I am a California girl through and through but I love a great pair of cowboy boots on a little one! He wore them so proudly too! Unfortunately he wore them ALL THE TIME!! He especially loved them with his shorts! I let him do it because as rediculous as it looked, it was just too dang cute! Now his younger brother is doing the exact same thing!
God is so very good, what a joy it is to recount these precious memories with you.
Beth, loved this post! My Dear Husband loves to shop for me too! And not always my style….try to remember the love language b/c that is certainly his thing…does it for our daughter too…she is only 10 now, but this could be dangerous in a few years.
And you frock is too cool! LOVE IT…
Adorable! And I for one, love your gray “make-ip frock.”
It is funny, as I go through my closet and can see my era’s. There is a great women’s consignment clothing store here, Bella Mode, that benefits from my annual (it seems) change in taste.
I keep saying, keep it simple, classic….and then something frilly, silly or complicated catches my eye.! ah oh….more fodder for Bella Mode, next year.
The Hub would say to me in a cute outfit like that “Wow. You look young.” But, he doesn’t say it like it’s a good thing. I’m not exactly sure why. I think I need some assertiveness training in this area because I always get self conscious and go change clothes. It’s really a shame! I have a washed denim mini skirt with cute brown suede boots and brown matching tights that I know I’ve taken off five times with intent to wear it! ARG! I suppose I’m honoring his tastes or something spiritual, but it’s not so fun.
one other thought…we are doing the Stepping Up Bible study at church, and as I started the video last week (session 5) one of the ladies said: Look Sandee, Beth has on an outfit that matches your bedroom!
And sure enough, you did! I painted my bedroom pink and brown last year. 🙂
Beth- you’re truly the epitome of a true down to earth southern gal!!! 🙂 I love reading your blogs and feel honored to be let in on glimpses of your life, it makes you seem so much more tangible and real for those of us who have never had the chance to meet you!!! Thanks for your humor, your spin on life and the christian walk that makes the wheels in our head go turning and make us think, and for just being you 🙂 With love, from one Siesta among MANY!!!! ha!!
You look precious! Tell Keith that “MeMe” on The Drew Carey Show gave smocks a VERY bad name and you are a fashion diva for sure! My grandmother loved smocks. I loved her but not the smocks so much. Reminds me of nursery workers.
Jackson is certainly a handsome cowboy. My boys both loved boots–we had several pairs and they were so proud to finally have shoes they could put/pull on themselves.
Have a fabulous weekend! =)Jill
You all look downright adorable…all tastes included..:O)
The Journey Continues ~
WHAT A JOY!
Okay, I think the outfit is cute and my husband is on Keith’s side. My husband is ” old school” Let me tell you some stories about my life with my honey of 25+ years!
Dave took all of my Victoria Secret bra’s and cut them up with scissors and told me ” No more wires, push ups,etc.. I LOVE you the way God made you” Well, you can imagine how upset I was after seeing his act. So, guess what? He bought me a bunch of new bras.
He also threw my Cinderella shoes in the middle of a swimming pool and told me he already found his princess who is queen now and didn’t need me wearing them anymore. ( they were those see through plastic high heels) He ended up buying me 3 pairs of new heels for that stunt.
He LOVES to go shopping with me ~ from Talbots to Target ~ everywhere! He finds a chair in the store or a place to lean and makes me model the clothes for him. The sales clerks always fall in love with him during the show. He comments and is such fun and then always takes me for Starbucks afterwards! Dave is VERY HONEST & UPFRONT ON EVERYTHING. So, NEVER ask his opinion especially when you are hormonal. 🙂
I love you Siesta & even the Sombrero Man Keith.
With “Heaven Bound” blessings,
Kim Safina
I loved this post!!! I too laughed out loud at your story, Beth, but also at all these great comments! Great fun!
I also have a western lovin’ husband and he’s not a Texan! Born and bred in Indiana, he grew up on the old Saturday morning westerns. When he was 5 his parents bought him a complete western outfit, which he had asked for – shirt, jeans, hat, boots AND holster. My MIL tells the story of the Sunday he wore the whole outfit to church and sang “I’m Just a Christian Cowboy” in front of the whole church! To this day he’s a Wrangler jeans man and I love it! Our oldest daughter married a Texan who is western through and through! They have a 2 yr old boy who I know will be raised with boots, hat & all and his Pawpaw is proud! My daughter recently bought him a Woody (Toy Story) hat and holster and sent me a video of him in his footed sleeper with hat and holster on! So cute!!! Love those grandbabies!!! Texas is just too far from Indiana!
Have a great weekend, Moore family, and enjoy your family time!
God bless~ Donna in IN
Beth, what made me do a “double-take” was when you said “wearing this to WORK” my reaction was “WORK?” like getiing ready for work was just not something you did…..then i heard your voice repeating over and over again teling us how blessed you are in being able to do what you love-bible study- for “work” but that is only part of it..as i read these comments i see how much your work is MULTIPLIED and how much your “work” is used and so NEEDED! I look at your caring comments (already posted-paintstirsticks) and see what a trusted servant you are…..a bondservant to the Lord…frock,smock and mascara wand! i love you and will always pray for your “work”
My goodness, I can SO relate to this! My husband, when on a clothes buying spree, usually goes straight to Ann Taylor…and I work from home. For dress-down, he loves the Rod’s Western Wear catalog…and I live in Florida, on a golf-course. Can you tell he longs for our retirement acreage in Texas? 🙂
He has finally come to accept that I’m most comfortable dressed exactly like you are dressed in the picture (darn cute frock, by the way)…fortunately, it’s my heart he loves the most.
That was so fun to read!
I am originally from Chicago where the only thing I knew western was music and that came in small doses. When I moved out west to Arizona and met the love of my life it was a quick fire submersion in all things country. On one of our first dates (horseback riding… I was pathetic!) he whipped out his ‘ol boots and I was crazy enough to ask what the stains were all about.
“Oh that’s the blood from castrating the steers and cutting their horns when I worked a ranch in high school.”
Oh you should have seen the horror!
Anyway, he’s gotten less country and I’ve gotten more. Isn’t it fun when it works that way?
Beth;
Your make up frock is sooo cute.
And Jackson looks so cute I can see why his granpa and grandma for that matter, is so proud.
Now I know you did not intend for this to be about marriage but I am glad to hear that there is another couple who is so night and day different. We have a great marriage don’t get me wrong. We just have different taste in what to wear, decorating, hobbies, ect. We do both like to ride bikes that is why we got a tandum bike. He rides way to fast for me to keep up, so with me on the same bike it goes much better.
Oh well must to get homeschooling them students of mine. Have a very bless day. Thanks for this post it is so funny and such a blessing. Kim B. in Az.
Beth,
Thank you so much for your delightful sense of humor. You are a breath of fresh air for my heart today. I laughed so at the description of Keith going back to the paper. The way you share is priceless. And how bout that Jackson!!! Giddy Up. Thanks for the post you truly have put a smile on this siesta’s face (I needed it today). Thank you for the pictures you look like a teenager in your frock. And Keith’s eyes sparkle as he holds that darling Jackson. I love ya girl.
God bless your weekend as you prepare for the wonderful celebration next weekend, that fiesty one, Melissa is in my prayers.
Celeste
OK I gotta know is Amanda there taking pictures???
Jen
My 4 year old Trevor just asked “Who’s that girl that’s got that pretty dress on?” I guess he’s got that good taste, huh!
Love you all so very much!
Rachel in Columbus, MS
You are just as cute as a button (and we all know how cute buttons are!). The gift-giving dynamics in your marriage are simply precious (and very familiar). My own dearly-loved husband gave me antique leaded glass for the first two Christmases of our marriage(his passion & hobby and I like them just fine, because he gave them with such excitement). And by the third Christmas, he was running so late, the only place open on Christmas Eve was the grocery store, so he lovingly wrapped up a bag of terro chips, an asian pear, and a bottle of perrier…”special food treats” we don’t get often. That’s still one of my favorite Christmas mornings.
My friend Renee (who reminds me so much of you) would call your style ‘bohemian chic’ at least, for the make-up frock. It’s the kind of adorable, artistic & simple dress we love!
And there’s no doubt that Mr. Jackson Sir is one dashing and stylish Tod. Love them boots! Love his proud grandpa’s face, too…so sweet!
Your make-up frock is precious! And so are Jackson’s duds. I remember my first pair of Justin boots, bought in none other than, Justin, TX. 🙂 Good times.
I am so smitten at the how very much Jackson looks like his gandpa! Praise God!
I love the pictures. Your dress is cute!
The make-up smock is divine. Too bad you can’t pair it with some D&D crushed velvet.
As a woman who has been given her own pair of snake boots, ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, I hear you Beth. I hear you.
Bless their sweet hearts.
I love the make-up “smock”. So funny. Our first married Valentine’s Day, my dear husband gave me a dress that was well….let’s just say his mother wore the same style dress. I couldn’t stand that thing but I wore it a couple of times.
Finally, he told me, he didn’t think that style dress “fit” me and where did I get it! I told him I honestly didn’t know what store it came from.
It quickly fell into the donation bag!
Praying for a peaceful and fun wedding week!!!!
blessings
stephanie
Beth….
….adorable “frock”!!! You look too cute!
….adorable Jackson
….adorable Keith…he’s so proud!
….beautiful back yard. I see why you love having your quiet time out there so often.
I can’t believe Jackson is going to turn 2!
IF you have 1 minute take a look at my blog and see my baby boy who just turned 27 on the 6th. Seems like just a couple of years ago he was wearing those cute little jeans like that.
Love you so much!
Valerie
God bless you Beth! Aren’t we lucky to have your small life moments written into such humorous and meaningful treasures that we can ALL relate to? You are amazing!
Jackson could be modeling, he’s so gorgeous.
And Keith, to say to Amanda what he said before her wedding about going to a counselor. The more I think about that, the more amazed I am at his character, humility, and godliness.
Hearing about your lives blesses me each day and helps me to be a better person. Thank you for sharing, and praise God.
PS I missed the origin of siesta. I thought a siesta was a nap?
Love the make up “frock”! Love the pic of the proud grandpa with his proud grandson! And I love the laughs it brought to me!
Yes I had the same truble took me 3 times to get it done so it was at lest 2 of us God bless from sister in Christ Victoria NC
Oh my goodness yes, the boy needs Wranglers and Justins! And he is just darling in them! And I must say Mrs. Beth… you look right fancy in that smock! My husband made the mishap of buying me western clothing one time… now he just buys gift certificates. 🙂
You are just too funny! Thanks for the laughs.
Well…the makup frock (or smock) is just as cute as a bug’s ear!!!
You ought to try living in Wyoming year round. I work for the state and the governor actually gives us a half day off for our rodeo events!! AND we’re not only allowed to wear western garb, it’s encouraged.
I’ve never been western, I don’t own anything western. I tried very hard to dress my kids in “western” stuff for Rodeo day when they were little. But all I could do was find some cute red (yes red) cowboy boots from Walmart and a cute little kerchief I put pretty things on, to make it “girly”. Mind you, I live in Sheridan, Home of King Ropes. And if you don’t know what King Ropes are, you’re not really a cowboy, you’re a poser. Dressing like a cowboy around here at Halloween….people will ask you why you didn’t put on a costume!
You stick to them fashion guns you have Beth. You always look so doggone cute. Keith is adorable too, but in a much more rugged, yehaw kind of way.
Blessing to both of you and your wardrobes!
Melana in Wyoming
I am not a snob to Walmart but if my husband buys me clothing that is where it comes from. Come to think of it if he buys anything it comes from the Walmart. He just doesn’t get that there are certain things I appreciate from Walmart and certain things I don’t. I recently heard that Walmart is going into the casket selling business so if I go first I’m sure I’ll be the one in the everyday low priced smiley faced model.
Bless his heart!
What an adorable little man you have on your hands. Nothin’ in the world is cuter than a little cowboy! Thanks for sharing the pictures! I will have to side with Keith on the clothes. Western wear just makes you feel all Dolly Parton! Sometimes it’s just what a gal needs – haha! God Bless you all and thanks again for sharing!
Well Mrs Beth, it is great to know there is hope. My husband and I have been married for 18 years with four boys, and those boys and the church are about the only things we have in common to this day! I totally know what you mean when you say Keith did not like your friends, your clothes, your makeup etc…..sometimes I still wonder? 🙂
Love it. Just love it. And I’ll try really hard the next time my husband buys me something that makes me feel like I will look like a granny instead of a hip, trendy mom – that he looks awful darlin as he hands it over to me. 🙂
I love those baby boy boots! Precious. How great that after a house full of women that don’t necessarily appreciate his fashion sense, Keith has a boy after his own mind.
Kathy
PS What are you wearing to the wedding?
Y’all are simply “darlin” in your precious “duds” and pretty dress. =)
Of course, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear anything that wasn’t cute [and mind you, always modest], as well.
I find it so incredibly funny, though, that there you are dressed up all pretty in your sweet short sleeved dress, and here we are in the northern states all bundled up in 2-3 layers of clothing all winter long, due to having high temperatures in the low 30’s, which I’ve heard are going to go down into the single digits above zero this weekend. Oh goody. =(
I guess that will have to be something I will have to ask God about someday, hey? I know that Y’all are closer to the equator and all, but He just amazes me with things like this, since there are only 1,300 miles separating us from one another…
Know that I’m praying for you, your dear family, and your ministry regularly, my dear Beth.
Love ya, “big sister” !!!
In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer O.
Southern Wisconsin