When dreams come true.
Well, it’s finally time to tell you about my dream coming true! Last Friday evening, I picked my little MacKenzie up; for those of you who are new readers, MacKenzie is a little girl I met a couple of years ago who is being solely raised by her father. He’s doing an incredible job and, in an effort to help him, I spend some girl time with her whenever possible. Miss MacKenzie just LOVES girl time and I think we all know that I’m not one to pass up any form of girl time. MacKenzie had no idea what we were doing during our couple of days together, so that made all of the surprises even better!
We began on Saturday morning with a trip to Sonic for slushies and then off to the spa for a “princess pedicure.” As you’ll see here, MacKenzie not only has her American Girl doll (better known as Julie) with us, but she’s also reading her American Girl doll magazine. She’s obsessed with all things American Girl.
Julie, of course, needed a pedicure of her own. Listen, we girls have needs, you know.
After her pedi was done, MacKenzie and I headed off on a 2.5 hour car trip. She woke up in Atlanta and was still clutching Julie in one arm with her American Girl magazines in the other arm when we pulled up at our surprise destination:
Y’all. I don’t even know where to begin to describe her reaction. She knew that AG had a store in America, but thought it was only in Chicago (the flagship location). She had asked me if I’d take her there months ago, but I explained that Chicago was just too far away for us. I then began research and discovered that, lo and behold, a new store had opened in the ATL!
We were just in time for our dinner reservations at the Bistro, so we hurried in and were seated at an adorable table. Also seated with us were Julie (with the braid) and Elizabeth, her other AG doll. I would just like to take a moment and share with y’all that I played with baby dolls until I was far too old to be doing such a thing but this? Baby dolls in high chairs at our table? I WAS IN HEAVEN.
Of course, I wasn’t the only one having a good time.
After we finished dinner, we headed into the store to look around. While I didn’t buy anything for myself, I was rather tempted by a book I found in the corner of the store:
Also, I would like for you to look at how beautiful this doll’s hair is, for crying out loud. If you come over to my house to spend the night, don’t be surprised if you find this picture taped to my bathroom mirror as hairspiration.
We spent quite a long time in the store, viewing each and every item (and I mean every item). In the end we selected a pink high chair so we could create the “dining with your dolls” magic at home. We then took Julie on her first carousel ride; you can barely see it in this picture, but if you’ll look back at the Bistro table picture, you’ll realize that Miss MacKenzie and her doll are wearing matching dresses!
Also: MacKenzie wanted me to ride the carousel with her but adults aren’t allowed; the ride operator, however, suggested I just stand beside her. This seemed like an excellent idea until the ride actually began and I nearly found myself revisiting my Beyoncé-regurgitation days right there in the mall.
As we got back into the car, MacKenzie naturally assumed that we were headed home so you can imagine her surprise when I pulled the car up to a local hotel! My girl takes after her Amy Beth and just loves hotels. But really, I’m sure you can’t tell from the following picture of her running into the hotel as fast as possible:
This is where the day gets really special. In my research I found a hotel that offers an American Girl Doll package!!! Not only do the girls (and their dolls!) have a special check-in line, they also get a really cute lollipop, a pink “credit card” (you’ll see it used in just a minute), a personalized welcome letter from the hotel manager that mentions her dolls by name, etc. The guy who checked us in was just incredible — I nearly cried watching how sweet he was to not only MacKenzie but also to her dolls, speaking to them as if they were actual people.
One of the most impressive parts of the package happened when we got a knock at our door right before bed and opened the door to find Room Service there with fresh cookies and milk for not only us BUT THE DOLLS, TOO. I almost started crying again just listening to MacKenzie talk about how she had always wanted room service to deliver something to her (I told you the girl likes hotels).
OH, AND GET THIS (can you tell I’m a wee bit excited just reliving the memories?). When we got to our room, there was AN AMERICAN GIRL DOLL BED, BLANKET AND PILLOW waiting for us. If that wasn’t enough, YOU GET TO TAKE IT HOME WITH YOU.
I awoke the next morning at an ungodly hour with “Do you want to go swimming?” being whispered into my ears. Luckily for Little One, I love to swim at any hour of the day or night so off we went. After a couple of hours of practicing underwater somersaults and headstands, we headed back to the room to get ready for breakfast in the hotel restaurant (again, a perk included in our package).
The hotel really goes all out including having an American Girl doll table set-up for our arrival! MacKenzie couldn’t get over the fact that her chocolate milk was being served in a “globlet” and that I let her have “whippeded cream” on her fruit.
The breakfast chef took a liking to us and we soon found ourselves with a very special treat:
I am not above telling you that, after I saw MacKenzie’s pancake, I asked if I too could have pancakes. He asked how many I wanted and I looked him dead in the eye and said “Just one bear-shaped one, please.” I think he thought I was joking, but HELLO, I DO NOT JOKE AROUND ABOUT CUTE PANCAKES.
While we were eating breakfast, MacKenzie put a little sugar on her bowl of strawberries and then pretended to feed them to Julie. After the doll silently consumed two strawberries, MacKenzie announced that Julie would soon be “bouncing off the walls ’cause she’s had too much sugar!” I do believe, however, that it was MacKenzie who had a little too much sugar seeing as she took it upon herself to leave me sitting at the table while she took Julie around to see various people in the restaurant. The highlights of Julie’s tour of duty included assisting the chef in preparing an omelet as well as being placed in the arms of a random elderly woman at the table in front of us. MacKenzie actually left Julie in the woman’s arms before returning to the table to explain to me that “Julie really wanted to spend some time wif those people.” That sweet woman, bless her heart, just sat there rocking Julie back and forth until MacKenzie decided she was ready to reclaim her baby and return to the trials of motherhood.
After breakfast we headed to the hotel shop where MacKenzie got to use her pink “credit card” to select a free candy bar which was one of her happiest moments of the entire trip. Please note that Julie is having an awful hair day by this point, but if you had been making omelets and keeping random women company in the hotel restaurant, you’d probably be a little frazzled yourself.
When I told you awhile back that I was going to get to fulfill one of my life dreams, a few close friends who read the blog asked me what I was going to do and then laughed when I explained where I was taking MacKenzie. I get that — I mean, after all, what 24 year old girl calls going on an American Girl doll adventure one of her “life dreams?”
It’s just that I wasn’t talking about American Girl dolls when I said I would be fulfilling one of my dreams this past weekend.
You see, my dream was to be a part of making someone else’s dream come true.
Posted: April 13th, 2009 under Uncategorized.
Comments: 47
Comments
Comment from Sarah
Time: April 13, 2009, 4:49 pm
Oh, man. Last line. That did it. Bawling.
Thinking this world needs a few more Amy Beth’s.
You’re such a blessing. To us as readers, your friends, MacKenzie, MacKenzie’s daddy, your family, the Starlite kiddos, your wee little puppies.
Thank you. For being you. For making another little girl’s dream come true.
You rock, sweet girl. You rock.
Comment from taryn in ny
Time: April 13, 2009, 4:51 pm
Amy Beth! She will remember this trip FOREVER!!!! Unbelievable. When American Girl first came out I was 10. (I will confess I played with Barbies until I was 12- shhh.) OK so American Girl at that time was mail order only and I was sort of in that too old to have a baby doll but too young not to stage if that makes sense. Needless to say my parents were middle class and those American Girl dolls even back then were priced WAY too high for what my parents could afford. I never did get an American Girl… but NOW I get to buy them for my niece… who btw on Easter showed up wearing a matching dress with her American Girl baby.
Sigh. That in itself is so worth it.
The milk and cookies and the special hotel package… that made me want to be a little girl again!
XOXOXO
Comment from Darla
Time: April 13, 2009, 5:02 pm
I love, love, love this! I just took my daughter last weekend to the AG in Chicago… and made memories for a lifetime! I’m so glad you are there for MacKenzie to give HER (and you!) those memories of a lifetime!
Awesome!
Comment from Kate
Time: April 13, 2009, 5:06 pm
Simply amazing!
Comment from Jennifer
Time: April 13, 2009, 5:07 pm
Ok, I was feeling like a little bit of a sap for tearing up at that last part until I read the first 2 comments. yay! Either I’m not a sap or I’m in good company and I’m ok with that.
Once again, I’ll join others in saying what a lucky girl MacKenzie is for having you in her life. What a fun Llama Mama you are!
Comment from Debbie
Time: April 13, 2009, 5:08 pm
I cried when I read the last line too! Such a great post!
Comment from Christy
Time: April 13, 2009, 5:10 pm
Oh just such a fun yet so beautiful post and that last line had me crying too 
I am glad you gave us a peek into your amazing weekend…it looks like Miss Mackenzie had the time of her life and she will remember this always. Not only did you make her dream come true but you gave her a memory that will be so very sweet.
(and can I tell you how very much I loved “running” into you at the mall…what a God moment….it was a pleasure to meet the girl behind the blog and ministy and I hope I can see you again face to face sometime and talk longer!!)
Comment from Michele
Time: April 13, 2009, 5:49 pm
I knew it! I guessed it from the post with the doll getting put in the pedicure bath. That is one blessed little girl to have you in her life. May God bless you 100 times over for how you bless others!
Comment from Stefanie
Time: April 13, 2009, 5:49 pm
Amy Beth, you should be sainted!! What you did was so selfless (despite the joy you derived from it!) and wonderful – you go girl!
Comment from Lauren
Time: April 13, 2009, 5:54 pm
this was absolutely adorable and touching. thank you so much for sharing this amazing day with us! she will remember it forever, and you are so sweet to make it happen
Comment from Leslie Ruth
Time: April 13, 2009, 6:00 pm
And now I’m weeping. Amy Beth, my girl, you are just too wonderful to be true. What you are investing in that sweet little one is beyond value….
Comment from Amy
Time: April 13, 2009, 6:12 pm
That is all kinds of fabulous. I just think about how wonderful it would be to have someone like you for my girls if something happened to me. ALL KINDS OF FABULOUS.
Comment from lindsey kF
Time: April 13, 2009, 6:16 pm
Oh my goodness! That is AWESOME! I would have LOVED that too. I had like three AG dolls. Still love them
Comment from stephanie
Time: April 13, 2009, 6:50 pm
Oh, that post was so sweet. It made me tear up!
First of all, because I would love to go to the American Girl store. I always wanted an AG doll growing up, but I never got one. Plus, one time when I was pregnant (with my now 2 year old little girl) I was watching Jon and Kate Plus 8 and they took their twins there for their birthday. All of a sudden I broke into tears and promised myself that someday my baby girl would get to go there!
Second of all, because that last sentence was so special!
I am glad that both of your dreams came true!
PS – I read your blog all the time, but I think I have commented only one other time. But since I am here (and this is already a super long comment) I just wanted to tell you that I love reading about your life and I think you are such a wonderful woman of God! Thank you for who you are.
Comment from Rebecca
Time: April 13, 2009, 7:23 pm
Oh my goodness…that had to be every little girls dream… I totally think any BIG girl would have loved it too… what an amazing time… I want a pink credit card!
Comment from Lindsee
Time: April 13, 2009, 7:26 pm
Girlfriend, you just made a memory of a lifetime for that girl. I love that she has someone like you that will invest in her life and pour into her when her natural mother isn’t there to do such a thing. You are so sweet, and unbelievably creative!
Comment from Chere
Time: April 13, 2009, 7:56 pm
Oh, Amy Beth. What an absolutely beautiful thing to do. I’m so glad to know that I’m not the only one of your readers who got a little teary eyed when it came to the end.
I was blessed to have people in my childhood who kind of took me into their hearts and did things for me that my mom couldn’t do or who took on a father role for me. I can STILL remember some of the things they did.
She’ll remember this for a long time, not just for the dolls and the fun, but because of the love you showed her.
Comment from Shelly W.
Time: April 13, 2009, 8:19 pm
Oh my goodness, I can’t remember when I’ve read anything so special. MacKenzie will remember your time together FOREVER. How amazing that you are having such an impact on her life.
And what a wonderful spin on your time together. Bless you.
(Shhh. Don’t tell anyone, but the AG flagship store is here in Chicago. If you ever want to visit it, I’d be happy to show you around!)
Comment from Jaclyn
Time: April 13, 2009, 8:31 pm
Amy Beth… this was an awesome thing you did! I must admit that I am jealous!! I have 5 American Girl dolls and can’t wait to share them with Katelyn… although we have a few years seeing as though she will only be 2 this summer. I can’t wait to take her to an AG store… if nothing more than to get my dolls’ hair fixed. I will have to get the info for the store and hotel from you. Hopefully, they will still be doing it in a few years!
Comment from Kim
Time: April 13, 2009, 8:55 pm
PRECIOUS! You rock girl!
Comment from Leslie
Time: April 13, 2009, 9:04 pm
Love, love, love it. What a fantastic idea.
Comment from Julia
Time: April 13, 2009, 9:11 pm
Oh my gosh!! I am so jealous!! That sounds so incredibly awesome!! I love American Girl dolls!! Growing up I had Molly and my sister had Felicity and we would play with them all the time!! Molly even had her own bedroom/classroom/living area/closet, etc in my closet with the walls decorated at her eye level and everything! That hotel sounded pretty awesome too! Thanks for sharing!!
Comment from Samantha
Time: April 13, 2009, 10:14 pm
Wow. That was an incredible thing you did.
You know, you’re a really, really good person. I hope you truly know that.
Comment from Krista
Time: April 13, 2009, 11:19 pm
I didn’t guess from the daily peek picture, but the first one on this post gave it away! So fun! I’m glad you got to go and help her out!
American Girl dolls came out when I was in the 4th grade so I was a bit too old, but I still wished I could have one. I loved to read all the books that came with them. Thankfully my library had them so I could read them!
Comment from trs
Time: April 14, 2009, 12:08 am
you are so fabulous. Such a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul!
Comment from Kelli
Time: April 14, 2009, 12:08 am
I started crying at the beginning of the post. I was just thinking about my Caroline and knowing that times like that are so important to a little girl. I can’t imagine what it is like to not have her mommy. Amy Beth she is SO blessed to have you in her life. All I keep thinking is she isn’t going to have to worry about who is going to zip up her wedding dress.
Comment from Kelly @ Love Well
Time: April 14, 2009, 12:21 am
Dang girl. I was so excited through the whole story, and then I got to that last line and I JUST ABOUT LOST IT.
You are going to be a GREAT MOM, Amy Beth.
You already are.
I’m praying right now and asking God to return His kindness to you the same way you’ve shown it to MacKenzie.
Only better.
Pingback from Ministry So Fabulous! » “But I can crawl, too!”
Time: April 14, 2009, 8:06 am
[...] Dreams come true. [...]
Comment from Nina
Time: April 14, 2009, 8:47 am
Sadly enough I didn’t even know what AG was until the other day at lunch… I know, pathetic…Thanks for introducing it…:P
Comment from Wendi
Time: April 14, 2009, 9:16 am
Wow!! SO amazing!! This is such a neat idea. Lovely post!
Comment from debbie d.
Time: April 14, 2009, 9:25 am
you go girl…
Comment from SB
Time: April 14, 2009, 9:39 am
This is all SO adorable! I can’t wait to have a little girl and do all these cute things! How special, AB!
Also, I LOVE her dresses! Kudos to MacKenzie’s dad for dressing her so cute!
Comment from Arielle
Time: April 14, 2009, 9:51 am
Oh wow. Im not really a sentimental person but you always manage to make my eyes form just one tear. (but i brush it away real fast) you are fantastic.
Comment from Amber
Time: April 14, 2009, 10:22 am
OH. MY. GOSH. Amy Beth, I must have details for my Ally. Where did you stay? What hotel? Was it expensive (sorry, but I gotta know!!!) Do they have a website? Ally would have a monkey duck fit. Yes, monkey duck.
Comment from Amanda
Time: April 14, 2009, 10:43 am
That is AWESOME!
Comment from Rachel
Time: April 14, 2009, 12:43 pm
How awesome, AB. I’m adding this to my list of things I want to do with my little girl one day, even though Atlanta is a bajillion hours away from me.
Comment from Courtney
Time: April 14, 2009, 1:05 pm
This is amazing Amy Beth! I have to know which hotel this is. I have a 5 year old Goddaughter that would be forever indebted to you for this information. ;O)
Comment from Michelle
Time: April 14, 2009, 3:00 pm
Okay girl…thanks for making me cry…what a precious story. Thank you for sharing your heart’s dreams, but more importantly making a difference in the life of a little girl whose mother isn’t able to. You are storing up treasures in heaven my friend.
Comment from Kelley
Time: April 15, 2009, 1:29 pm
Oh, AB! This is why I adore the pink polka-dots off of you!!!
Comment from Chatty Kelly
Time: April 16, 2009, 6:53 pm
This is the best story I’ve ever heard! My 9 yr old & 5 yr old and I cannot wait to make a similar trip. This was as exciting for me to read as it was for you to go (well almost).
Special, special, special. I’m talking about you, not the trip.
Comment from Lindsey
Time: April 17, 2009, 7:56 pm
Wow! What a blessing you are to Miss MacKenzie! This is something that she will talking about for months to come and will remember FOREVER!
Every little girl needs to know that they are loved. You are giving her that gift…and so many others!
Comment from Lizy
Time: April 18, 2009, 7:57 pm
No words AB, just I know that Mackenzie’s dreams really did come true! And I am very glad that you were part of that. I hope you don’t ever forget those wonderful memories.
Pingback from Posts about job as of May 10, 2009 | Shirasmane
Time: May 10, 2009, 9:50 am
[...] is distracting her from her job. Nancy is currently vice president at New Jersey trucking When dreams come true. – ministrysofabulous.com 04/13/2009 Well, it’s finally time to tell you about my dream coming [...]
Pingback from Ministry So Fabulous! » Things you’ve been asking me lately.
Time: May 27, 2009, 1:07 pm
[...] Dreams come true. [...]
Pingback from Ministry So Fabulous When dreams come true | Best Eye Cream
Time: June 7, 2009, 10:44 pm
[...] Ministry So Fabulous When dreams come true Posted by root 2 hours 26 minutes ago (http://ministrysofabulous.com) And that i let her have whippeded cream on her fruit he asked how many i wanted and i looked him dead in the eye and said just one bear shaped one please all kinds of fabulous comment from lindsey kf 2009 powered by wordpress log in design by laura at rad Discuss | Bury | News | Ministry So Fabulous When dreams come true [...]
Pingback from Ministry So Fabulous! » A party fit for our little prince…
Time: August 21, 2009, 9:04 am
[...] Dreams come true. [...]
back to Home
Comment from bessie.viola
Time: April 13, 2009, 4:46 pm
OH. I was grinning and nodding right along until that last sentence and – tears. You have such an amazing soul.
I LOVE what you did for her – she is so lucky to have you in her life. Looks like the two of you had a BLAST!