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
Bibby Beth, this story just tore me up in laughter and tender tears! how sweet!!! Y’know, to me it absolutely exudes with tender love you have for Keith! aaaah… and you so not look like you could be anywhere NEAR old enuff to be a … a…. a.. grandma!?! My word, you look like a (very polished, mind!) teenager!! i *love* the smock! I’d venture to say it’s a Betty Jackson dress but it’s a wild, wild guess!
I love you so much Beth!
mariacristina
Aww Beth I love your dress (frock) Men are so funny. My hubby just got His new computer (on a side note I call it the other woman and the girl behind the counter at rite aid who is a Sister too just looked at me like You would put up with your husband with another woman until I explained it too her) I wish He would hunt to be honest with ya!
Jackson’s little outfit too cute !!!!!!!!!! My boys would love it (well not my fourteen year old ) He’s into punk christian music ! He just doesn’t wear his briches down to his knee’s his Dad said they will be on the ground LOL!
Have an awesome week and can’t wait to see Pictures from Melissa’s Wedding will be praying for ya’ll
There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING like a man in Wranglers and Justins. It’s my favorite part of being southern and married to a true southern man.
STEF
You’re too funny! I love the dress, and in fact, wore something similar this week. It was all denim, and I remember thinking, “Is this out of style because I don’t ever see anyone else wearing a dress like this?”
Thanks for making me smile.
Hi there. I just love you and your ministry. I mostly love the way you have ignited a fire in my bones for Him and His Word. For that, I will always be grateful.
Loved the pics. Family means everything to me, and so it blesses my heart to see you love on your man and your kids so lavishly. I hope that when God blesses me with my own children that I will have that same sort of lavish love for them. And, I am also hoping that God gives me the same gift-grace with my new husband that He has given you. We have TOTALLY different tastes. Glad to know it can work!
God bless you and yours!
His,
Jen
I love it!! My dear husband and I are the same way…cut from completely different cloths, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Makes life interesting! We both can enter the other’s “wardrobe world” on occasion when necessary. He has donned a tux to walk me across the Mrs. Arkansas stage (several years ago!) and I have even went fishing & hunting! True compromise!
The pictures of Jackson are darling and I love the “smock.”
Beth,
I love how you and your family share your lives with us. I laughed myself silly at this entry. The part about Keith shopping for you at the D&D Western store and getting off the exit so fast it made “Beanie’s birddog lips wrap around her head” doubled me over in a fit of giggles! Oh, and by the way, I love your make-up smock or frock– either way it’s too cute!
That is THE cutest “makeup smock” ever. I love your style! You always look so cute. 🙂
An idea: I would love to see some pictures of some of those Keith-gifts to Beth modeled ON Beth! 🙂
Only Beth Moore would put make up on lookig that stylish! 🙂
Your Jackson is so cute! Love the picture of him from behind-how precious. Grandpa doesn’t look too proud! 😉
Love you all,
Lelia
I love it! I went to seminary in Texas and was introduced to all things Texas including western wear and the beloved Wrangleers…what an adjustment for a Georgia peach. I just laughed out loud as I read this post. Thanks for sharing. Praise God for fun, laughter, and that everyone’s not like me. Blessings on you today.
What a fun post! It reminds me so much of my own husband who is “all western” and I too have the broomstick skirts in the closet, wranglers and ropers, my favorite black pair in bought in Jackson Hole. Both of us go back and forth from business attire (during the week) to western sometimes on the weekends, especially when it’s cold and we’re very comfortable in both. Living in mountains of Idaho it is appropriate however living in the midwest,not quite so but here we find ourselves and so must adjust. I also grew up on the water and so you add a mix of nautical and a love of design and I have to make a well rounded fashion decision every day! The smock is so cute and your post brought to mind some great memories. Thank you again.
Also, Jackson in is adorable in his first western “duds.” I remember the first time we dressed our boys and their first pair of boots. So priceless.
Oh, and there is just something about a tall handsome man in a great pair of wranglers and a nice riding boot- I married him! 🙂
HA!!! I love it!
Beth,
Thanks for such a fun post. And like many siestas have said, praise God for the differences! I think they keep marriage lively:)
When my husband and I met, I was the “city girl”, who was nothing short of prim and proper. I was only 14, but had loved Jesus since I was a little girl. I never had made anything but an A, and many would have termed me a “goody two shoes.” He was the total opposite. He was 18 and from “the country.” He didn’t like school and worked hard to graduate with a 1.9. The first time I saw him, he was in combat boots and camoflauge cut-off shorts…but I couldn’t keep my eyes off of him! And the thing that attracted me most was the passion and love he had for Jesus. You see, he met Christ a week before we met, and “loved much because he had been forgiven much.” Praise the Lord!
Over the years, we have grown to become more and more alike. But we often look back and praise God for where He has brought us. After 7 years of marriage, we love doing things together but always remember to praise God for how we are still different!
Hope you have a blessed weekend!
Thanks again for such a fun post and look into your lives.
Much love in Christ,
Tara
Where were you 25 years ago as I was considering divorce after 18 years of marriage to someone that the only thing we had in common was we danced well together. You have taught me so much about our LORD and if I had only trusted HIM, I would still have my marriage. I never fought for my marriage like you did and all I heard was how I was suppose to be this super wife and mother at all times and I felt I was failing so badly. God has blessed me with two wonderful children and 3 and soon to be 4 grandsons. We all have wonderful relationships but how I miss that relationship with a partner. Thank you for always being so honest and real with us.
That was one gosh-darn funny post, Beth. It was just adorable, and totally honoring to your husband, even though you were poking a little fun. Seriously – how do you do it?!
I want a make-up frock just like yours. Very, very cute.
And that little Jackson… oh! If isn’t just the most handsome little cowboy around. What I wouldn’t give to have him stomp those boots for ME!
I love it! I’m not a western girl myself either, but I can’t resist a little boy in cowboy boots. I’ve been fighting the urge to buy my own toddler his first pair of coyboy boots until he’s old enough to appreciate them.
This post is one of the reasons that I am not alone in this house when it comes to loving this blog…it makes my husband feel so much better to know that there are others like him! I loved it….and totally get it!
Hang in there Beth, the dress is way cute! Not so much on the western wear thing myself but I do declare that when I head to Ft. Worth to visit with my sister I am always a bit envious that I can’t wear it like they can!
Squeeze that little fellow…..absolutely adorable!
Enjoy!
My wonderful hubby introduced me to the designer world of hunting camo, Carhartt, and moss green. My, my, my, the Lord has a sense of humor. While none of those are my wardrobe choice, I will say that love does crazy things. When our whole family donned camo and went to the “stand”, I scored MAJOR points.
It sure is fun to realize that it doesn’t take much to WOW our men when it comes to fashion!
First of all, let me say, I LOVE YOUR “frock” or smock…whatever you want to call it. It is SOOO cute.
Second, Keith and Jackson are precious together…I love the wrangler tag.
About differences…I can so relate. I am married to the ultimate “pretty boy.” He is so funny when getting ready to go anywhere…everything has to be perfect…then there are the thirteen times, “Do I look OK?”
It’s kind of funny.
I, on the other hand, being a physical education major in college (a long time ago) and a very casual woman now, much prefer to be wearing a running suit, which by the way, my husband just can’t stand. I’m working now, teaching PE and health at a local school…I get to wear PE clothes every day and I LOVE IT! Also, enjoy getting dolled up for church or date, but our tastes are DEFINATELY DIFFERENT.
I LOVE YOU BETH!
Vicky in Jacksonville, FL
I doubled over, how funny!!! my man thought I needed camo from the army surplus store when we first got married! It still hangs in my closet (20+ years later)… never worn!
Melinda from Arkadelphia
OH MY GOSH! I love you! I am learning more about the lifestyle of a wife by reading you than over 4 bookshelves stuffed with theology on the woman’s role! Glory to God! Two personalities can marry, and be so different but so love their God !!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 🙂
Oh I needed that laugh after sobbing from the post to Melissa!Oh my goodness – the comment Keith made after you explained you were really wearing a dress not a makeup smock was so funny!
Guys crack me up!
Oh and darling Jackson with those boots, jeans and cowboy shirt!
I LOVE IT!
Praying for this week to be full of joy and many blessings!
Kim
Girl, you look sixteen years old and I mean that in the most complimentary of ways..:)
Lisa
Oh what a fun post! I can relate to having completely different tastes but yet a strong taste for each other! I’m rowing in the same boat! LOL!
Oh, and I really like your make-up frock. I gotta get me one of those! Of course, my love would prefer it in a solid color for me or possibly in a fitted button down top and tailored pants version (which defeats the whole frock thing), but I’m all about the fun flowering prints!
This is my first of many visits to your blog! I’m thrilled to have found it! I’ve done some of your studies and all I can say is that you have been a life changing influence in my life. We’re anticipating a move to the Seattle area in the Spring and I’m hoping to find a church with a ladies group that does your studies.
Thanks for all you do!
Becca
http://www.beccasfreshfruit.blogspot.com
Love the frock…and Jacksons western attire! You are just too funny sometimes…! Love it that you are so “real”! LOL! And you bless my socks off everytime you are teaching God’s truths!
Bless you!
Beth, You are too funny. Swoon away, my dear! How we love our men!
I love the dress and flats!! I say it is just perfect!!
Miss Beth: I believe that a marker of a truly stylish woman is fluidity (within reason!). You move with the years and the fashion (within reason!). And we frumpy siestas up here in New England think you’re a Glamour Doll!! When we watch Wednesdays with Beth on LT, my first comment is always about your fabulous taste!! (Followed, of course, by your inspired teaching!!!)
Some would say that a mark of a truly stylish man is his commitment to tradition. So, there’s your Keith! Such a stylish couple!!
…still in TEARS over your letter to Amanda. Prayers abound!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. I had tears running down my face due to laughter…because although my husband and I have different tastes I can TOTALLY RELATE to your experience. Thanks for sharing…I love it!!!
rebecca
Beth, you look GREAT! I love your smock and you look awesome in it. My husband and I have totally different tastes also. He is 7 years older than I am and so we almost grew up in totally different decades. He still tries to dress like the 80s (minus the “Members Only” jacket and the comb in his back pocket:)), and I try and stay up-to-date on the latest styles and fashion. I’m a 31-year-old mother of 3 that wears her high heels to the soccer field every Saturday and I am proud to do it. Girls in their younger 20s who think that 30 and older is SOOO old will say to me “Ms. Michele you are a hip mom.” My husband, without fail, almost always replies, “Oh no, don’t feed the monster or it will grow.” I just tell him he is out of style:)
Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us. I love you! Michele
Love how you included a picture of the “make-up smock” because you know every female reading this was dying to see what it looked like!
I luv the make-up frock…way too cute, you have got to post where you got it!!!!!! also, my sides are still sore from laughing…this post was such a great pick-me up!and before I forget, Jackson with his grandpa is so sweet and cute!!!
I love the “smock”. Just had to comment on the “bedazzler” clothing. I have a 5 year old daughter that won’t wear jeans that aren’t “bedazzled” and believes that moms need to be “bedazzled” too. I have half a mind to buy one so we don’t have to buy the pricier jeans and can dazzle them up ourselves.
Angie in SD
nothing but funny! thanks so much for the glimpse you give us into your lives. It makes me feel for “normal” I guess 🙂
Oh Beth, That was so great. And the pictures…are you telling me that you posted those yourself??…
I remember the time my sweet, misguided husband bought me a beautiful picture of an ORANGE sunset and expected me to hang it in our home. I looked around the living room and there was not one piece of decor in orange. Where do they come up with these things?? I loved him for it then and he just keeps getting better -and thankfully so have the gifts.
Love U Sweet Siesta!
Jax in AK
Beth I read what you wrote to Melissa I know the comments were closed but I had to tell ya ! I only wish for the day I can tell Megan My daughter the same thing she’s my only daughter and I love her . She also has a flawed Mommy too. I know with out a doubt the Lord will restore what was lost in my life.
I love you Beth and I look up to you as a Big Sister , I just turned 40 in January and I just told the Lord I feel like I’ve been walking in a desert for the first forty years of my Life.
I just talked to my Best friend who is nine years younger than I and she is getting ready to do stepping Up! She was the one that led me to read your Books and I understand why because you have such a gentle but tell it like it is honest spirit and you are some much in love with Our Lord and Savior!
Love you,
Susan -LA
I love your make-up frock! And I got to say I disagree with your husband about styles being learned early. I grew up in a cowboy family. We lived on a ranch, my brothers rode bulls, my sister and I barrel raced, and my dad is a professional horse trainer. He only rides western and only allowed us to ride western. Oh, and I was on a rodeo court in high school and had to wear the really fancy western wear. Sometimes I did at horse shows as well. And yes, we had cows and dad attempted to teach us how to rope. I’m convinced there’s a certain amount of natural gifting in that area cause he only succeeded with 1 out of 4. At least I think my older brother can rope. He may not have succeeded with any of us, which may mean he’s just not a great teacher. That’s okay, cause he’s good at lots of other things. Anyway, my point is I was practically raised in cowboy boots and I don’t remember the last time I wore a pair. I still have a pair somewhere. I just never wear them. In fact, I was just sitting behind someone in a pair of wranglers during church today. Not fake wranglers, the real wranglers with the all important patch. I was even thinking to myself, “God forbid I should ever wear a pair of those again.” So sometimes yes. But some of us eventually come into our own and realize we only did that to please our parents and we really don’t like it all that much. So it’s really not your parents fault.
Oh how do I miss these Sunday posts??? I guess I need to get online quicker!
I was rolling w/ laughter because this sounds so much like me and my Jim! Sometimes I want to ask “do you look at me?” when he buys me clothes, but then I think better of it because I believe when he looks at me – he doesn’t see clothes – he sees his wife! 🙂
Jackson is darling in his wranglers!
BTW – I am going to show the pic of you in your frock to my hubby – I want one just like it! hee hee!
Thanks, Beth, for helping us to laugh at ourselves and “choose joy”. I am a Texas gal who lives in Atlanta … but will never forget my roots. Much love and many prayers are sent daily to TX for your family!
I had to laugh! My husband is going to TX in March and is planning to bring me back cowboy boots! He has always worn his boots and his camo. My boys look like miniatures all the time. But what was the name o that store again?…Is it near Austin? Thats where he will be! Arent these men amazing. thanks or sharing!
Morgen
you look so CUTE in that pick! Jackson is a cutie too! Love you all! ive been very sick the past two weeks and have been in and out of the ER so pleaes pray for me! Love ya Beth!
Had to lol as i was reading this – it so could be my hubby backtracking about the frock/smock/dress!! And then i thought…this sounds just like “YOU”, however i didn’t know it was YOUR blog ’til i got to the pic.
Love your heart!!!
I am cracking in half over here! That is just about the prettiest makeup smock I’ve ever seen! 🙂 And I do love Jackson’s outfit. And I definitely understand about having very different taste from your man’s! My man has never gotten tired of the 80s’. And he actually told me that when he was in college, the COOL people wore socks with their sandals!
I laughed until I had tears! Thanks for your gift with words and thanks for sharing!!
I loved this post! I could just see your man looking so proud, and you loving him much more than what he gave you! And Jackson in his boots! Precious!
Oh my goodness, Hunter will be so excited that Jackson has his first “cowboy” outfit…I don’t know if Amanda has shared with you my son’s love of all things western, but pearl snap shirts, belt buckles, boots and Wranglers (size 5 slim) are the only thing I can get him to wear. He now has a brown suede vest with “lines on it” (fringe) real spurs and a real “lassaro” (lasso) that he uses to finish off the look. Not to mention he has a summer hat AND a winter hat…because no real cowboy would be caught dead in a felt hat in July, right?
Since this obsession of his is nothing new, we have his smaller shirts and wranglers set aside for Jackson…and I’m so happy to hear that the time has come to pass them on!
Tell Mr. Moore that any time he needss to get his cowboy fix, Hunter’s usually around the corner at my Mom’s house!
-Erin
I just wanted you to know that I was having a bad day, and you made me smile. Thank you so much for letting God use you even in the fun stories of life.
I am cracking up at this post! I am so happy that I got to witness the moment he got his first pair of boots and wrangler jeans! It brings me joy thinking about it right now. And Ella is still swooning, I’m certain of it.