Padded Bikini Tops for Young Girls?

A trendy store for the younger crowd has ruffled some feathers lately. It seems they are now offering padded bikini tops for girls 8 - 14 years. My opinion on this is a little mixed. For one thing, a girl of 14 is a totally different animal than one of 8. They can't be grouped together like that. First, let's look at the 8-year-old girls.

Do we really want to rush the beast known as Puberty? I'd want my 8-year-old to look like one. Most parents feel the same way and this little clothing item will be another area they will have to go to battle with. Like they need another one. I know little girls are in a hurry to grow up, but wearing a padded top when there is obviously nothing there to begin with is pushing it a bit and would probably look ridiculous. They will spend the bigger portion of their lives wearing some type of bra and the day will come soon enough. I understand the word profit, but stores need to let children be children.

As for the 14-year-olds, I have no objection to a little padding. When jumping into cool water with some high beam action going on, I'd like to know there is something else between my daughter and the Spandex. And if a little padding makes them feel less self-conscious at that age, bring it on. Like I said, it's a good covering.

I guess my first reaction to this news was how glad I am that my own children are grown. But I do have granddaughters and I know their mothers will not adhere to a tacky fashion statement that is not age-appropriate. Let the girls play with their Barbie dolls instead of trying to turn them into one.

Happy 20th Birthday, Candice!

Yes, I have a grandchild who is 20 and I'm proud of it! Our beautiful Candice is celebrating her birthday today, definitely a milestone one. Leaving her teens behind, she is well on her way to establishing a life for herself. She's close to finishing junior college and has been accepted into a local university. And due to her high academic standing, they are offering scholarships. Go, Candice!

This busy young lady is not only working to put herself through school and keeping those marks high, she is also a brand new aunt. Candice is quite the doting aunt and loves her little niece so much, as do the rest of us. She's busily carving a permanent place in little Riley's heart. She'll do well since she had three excellent examples with her own aunts.

Have a splendid birthday, Candy Girl, and always know how proud I am of you and your achievements. You have what it takes to be whatever you want to be. I love you, Birthday Girl!

Happy Birthday, Jude!

My handsome grandson, Jude, is 9 years old today! He's getting so big, but he's just as enjoyable today as that sweet toddler with the cute bowl-cut blond hair. He captured my heart from day one.

Jude knows how to make me feel special and always has. When he was younger and saw me walking into church, he would squeal with delight. Those moments of supreme importance made me feel better than royalty. And today, he has that same knack for putting those he loves on a lofty pedestal. He gets so excited as he anticipates his birthday outing with Robin and me. He knows he will get a gift from us anyway, but the fact that his excitement includes the time being spent with us just makes me love him more. Such a special young man.

We always start with lunch at a location of his choice. He indulged in a chocolate milkshake afterwards because, hey, it's his birthday.

Papa Robin helped Jude assemble a cardboard car while waiting for lunch.

Jude picked out three sets of Legos, a hard decision considering the shelves loaded with all kinds of Lego fun. He's a master at Legos and had them completed before bedtime. He kept telling us it was the best day of his life. He knows just the right words to say that make others feel loved in his presence. Just one of the many things I love about our Jude. Have a happy birthday and know that Memaw will love you forever.