Hand-me-down

Consignment: a fact of life.

In a family with 4 boys, the dress clothes that make it get passed down.

What seems like at least a hundred years ago, but I know was actually about 8, my super-mom and I smocked the outfit butterbain is wearing. I've almost sold it countless times at a consignment sales thinking I was not going to have any more boys (HA!).

Now I'm so glad I didn't succumb to the temptation of the easy buck. This past Sunday as we were getting dressed for church, butterbain was dancing around on my bed singing "Sheep dogs, sheep dogs, I'm wearing the sheepdogs!" I realized that he'll be the last one of my babies to wear it. Of course I'll probably share it with nephews and other friends, but this season is the last of my sheep dog seasons.

It's so strange to realize how many memories one little outfit can conjure up: sitting around the dining room table getting smocking instructions from Mamma while making it. Stringbain getting pictures in it, and lima and mexican wearing both this one and the matching bubble to a wedding. And now butterbain, with his darling song....

It's the reason I love hand-me-downs: the flood of specific memories stored up in one little thing. It's the reason I will probably never give up every single Rubbermaid tub with clothes stored in the basement. It's the reason when my boys have boys - which they most certainly will - I might have some sheep dogs waiting on those grandbabies.

Lib