Fourth of July and the peacefulness of simplicity

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July and remembered the reasons why we celebrate. We didn't light any of our own fireworks because Hubby had to leave for work. But, Sophia loves the bright lights and excitment, so we sat on our front porch, eating popcicles, and enjoyed the show. I looked at my little girl sitting on the steps. Hair in piggytails, popcicle covered face...she is what I believe little girls should be. Not clad with age-inappropriate clothing with words like "Hottie" across the heiny. She wears a ruffled tank top with a little fishy on it from her Auntie. She says please and thank you and talks about babies being "precious and so tiny." She is already beginning to grasp the concept of hurting another's feelings with words and that its not good to do that. She won't wear makeup for a long time. Her nails have yet to be painted. There is nothing sweeter than a baby looking like a baby. She likes to water her own plants. She knows real joy and happiness...not just something bought from the store. Little girls belong in comfy dresses, piggytails, chasing chickens around the yard.