Do you like that jacket I'm wearing?

It's actually my swimsuit.

I know, hot--right?!

For as long as I can remember, I have very much disliked showing my skin.  It's convenient that my faith dictates modesty, but I am naturally inclined to cover up even on my own terms.  There are people who hate clothes, and who could walk around in their birthday suit all day every day if they didn't get arrested. Undercover nudists, if you will.  And there are those who would shower fully dressed if it meant they still could get clean.  I'm most definitely in the latter category.  A never-nude, if you will.

No need to call the cops!  I have no idea where I get these bruises, but I usually have a few on my legs at all times from running into things.   RASH GUARD // SANDALS DAUGHTER'S OUTFIT // SIMILAR TO SON'S OUTFIT // SIMILAR TO BABY'S OUTFIT // BABY HAT

I've actually worked a lot on becoming comfortable in my skin and being brave about wearing my swimsuit when my kids and I go to a local beach or my in-laws' pool.  I have come a long way in that department. But my never-nude tendencies have become an advantage where skin cancer is concerned, because I've found a way to wear my suit and still keep covered up in order to prevent getting damaged by the sun: a rash guard! They can be a never-nude's compromise for wearing a suit.  The one I am wearing even zips up so it's easy to put on and take off, especially when you consider how a wet rash guard practically strangles its owner. (And no one is paying me for this, just so you know. Otherwise, I would have exchanged the Costco one-piece I'm wearing under the rash guard for something far cuter and more expensive.)

I've learned as a mom that I love, LOVE rash guards for my kids--or swim shirts as we call them around our home.  My children inherited my red-headed husband's skin.  That means they burn no matter how much sunscreen we put on them.  So, as much coverage as they can get helps me feel better.  We wear swim shirts, hats, AND sunscreen when we go out.  But those swim shirts really lessen the amount of sunscreen I have to apply.  And re-apply.

Did I mention we live in California? My sister pointed out on our most recent visit to Utah, that if you saw my kids out of all the cousins swimming, you wouldn't have guessed they were the ones from California.

I took that as a compliment!

I might be raising nerds, but at least they won't have skin cancer and wrinkles.  And I my fingers are crossed they'll thank me for that at some point.

One can hope.

I'm participating in a Mommy Style Monday series today, so please visit the other beautiful blogs below!  And if you'd like to participate soon, check out Madeline and Kiana's blogs to learn how to sign up.