Fashionista.

About two years ago my girls started having strong opinions about fashion.  Much to my dismay all the sudden Anna and Brynn didn't approve of the clothes I picked out.  They would get so emotional when I would make them wear something they didn't like.  Mornings became a battle.

You see I am vain.  I really care that my girls leave the house looking put together.  Don't get me wrong, I foremost want them to be nice, smart and love Jesus.  But I do care about their appearance and feel it is a reflection on me.  

I have always admired mothers who could just let their kids pick out anything and wear it.  That's what my mom did.  Her motto was if I thought I was beautiful, that is all that mattered.

I want to be that mom...but then again did I mention I'm vain?

We have come to some compromises in the Kneisley house.  Anna and Brynn can pick out the outfit, but it has to match and be weather and event appropriate.

I figure I just need to teach them.  Teach them to be little fashionistas. As their mother, I want to embrace their style and individuality.  I feel this is especially important when raising twins.

I do have one confession.  I figure that as long as I still buy the clothes I can stack the deck...or drawers if you will.  Stack them with clothes that I like.  I purged all the drawers of stuff that made me cringe when I saw them put it on.  And I have given  up on the hair bows. I love hair bows. There is nothing cuter than a little girl with a giant bow on the top of her head.  Must be the southern girl in me.  My girls oblige me sometimes.  Most days they wear them until they get to school and then take them out.  They always tell me when I pick them up that the hair bow  is in their pocket because it fell out.  Yeah right... it fell out .  Oh well.  Can't win 'em all.

Yesterday Anna and Brynn both came out in these incredible outfits that they picked out themselves.  They have blossomed into little fashionistas.  It just made me realize they are growing up so fast.  I am starting to see distinct beautiful individuals inside and out.

I have had a hard time letting go of control.  When I would ask myself why I cared so much, I always came back to my own struggle with vanity.  Not a good reason to stifle my kids creativity and so not worth the morning quarrels.

Most of all I want them to grow up to be self aware, confident girls who love Jesus with all their hearts.  Fashionistas who love Jesus!

Running.

Saturday morning, all the girls up early, Benji working , sunny skies, what to do, what to do?

Go running with 4 kids of course.

 One thing I have learned with my kiddos is that I will try anything once. It may be a disaster but it's worth a try and it sure beats sitting at home.  If it doesn't work out then we'll chalk it up as an experience.

At first the task was daunting.  Brynn didn't want to leave without her diva, bedazzled sunglasses, Anna had on 5 different pairs of shoes before she found some that tied tight enough. Caroline couldn't understand why she had to ride in the stroller.  I was thinking the whole time...come on already, let's go, and then in the same instance, what am I doing?

However, I feel so much better when I exercise and I want to impart to my girls the importance of a healthy body.

Standing on the driveway with all our hands in a pile..one- two- three-, we screamed "Kneisley Runners!" and we were off. Two toddlers in footie pajamas in a jogging stroller and Anna and Brynn running along side. 

To my surprise the girls kept up with me the whole time.  Anna actually ran ahead of me and I had to tell her to slow down.  (I'm training that girl for a college sports scholarship) Lord knows we will need all help we can get paying for college.  Brynn ran right beside me.  We laughed and encouraged each other.  I kept yelling out,  "We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength!" "We're awesome, we're awesome!" Brynn just rolled her eyes.

Caroline served as our "radio."  She sang renditions on Jingle Bells, Twinkle Twinkle, All The Single Ladies and some original numbers that she made up about people and Christmas decorations.  Her songs were hilarious.  She loved being our iPod and I loved listening to her.  Brynn not so much.  Aubrey, well we were just thankful that our little Aubs was quiet and well behaved.  She sucked on her paci and didn't scream or hit anyone the entire trip.

One great thing about Florida is that it is 65 and sunny this time of year.  Perfect running weather.  No excuse not to go out and enjoy God's creations and that's exactly what we did.

3 miles check.  We finished up our exercise session with sit ups by the couch.  Anna showed me up on that one as well. Even Aubrey got in on the action.

 The girls doing sit ups--

You never know when a fabulous family memory can be made on an ordinary day and that is exactly what happened today.

I am trying to write pages in the book of my girls lives that they will remember--  special times spent together.  I think this is one none of us will forget.

Shannon

Judgement

When I think back at the pompous individual I used to be I cringe. Ben and I were totally the DINK's (double income no kids) sitting next to all you parents at a restaurant discussing how terrible your kids were acting and how our kids would never behave in such a manner.

I was the lady walking down the aisle of the grocery store flashing an unapproving glance at the mother whose toddler was throwing a fit in the floor.

I was the one whispering to my husband to listen to those parents bribing their kids.  What a terrible way to parent I would say.  I will never do that.

Bahahahaha.

I think I have officially done absolutely everything I said I would never do in regards to parenting.

Back before I had kids I seemed to have all the answers.  It is now that I have four kids of my own that I can admit I really know nothing. I am humbled.  I have been given these treasures by the grace of God and I pray everyday that He will help me raise them.

Now I am the woman that some 20 something is glancing unapprovingly at when my toddler darts out into a parking lot or when I can't seem to make my baby sit in a high chair or my twins sass me in public.

My heart has been softened.  I totally bribe my kids at the grocery store with sweet stuff just to make the trip more pleasurable.  And you better believe I am the first person to speak to a mother with a temper tantrumed toddler in public.  I smile reassuringly and say, "I've been there," because I have.  And when I get to that place it is almost 90 percent my fault.  She is throwing a tantrum because I put her to bed late the night before or I skipped nap time to get the grocery shopping done while the others are at school.

So this is an apology.  I was judgemental.   I had no clue.  I didn't know a thing.  I'm sorry.  I still don't know most days.  I do the best I can and pray alot.  I'm learning more with each passing day and each new child.

Mothers we are in this together. Encourage other mothers.  No child is the same and what works for my child might not work for yours.  Judge not lest ye be judged.

And if you have no kids don't say a word. You don't know yet... trust me, your time will come.

And again...I'm sorry.


Shannon

Tired

Okay today I am being totally authentic, transparent and honest.

 I love my children with all my heart but I am tired of kissing boo boos, redirecting a toddler who we affectionately call tornado from emptying every cabinet in my house, stopping unnamed objects from being placed in the toilet, picking up Christmas ornaments off of the floor, acting excited about girls pooping on the potty, reacting to children's artwork like it is the Mona Lisa and should be hung in The Louvre, doing laundry, sweeping the kitchen floor for the 100th time, wiping snotty noses, reminding children to use manners, fixing meals, asking girls to put away their backpacks and finally as I sit here I can see the light revealing the dust on my furniture and I'm tired of thinking I need to dust.  Is that a run on sentence?  I'm tired.  Really tired. 

My almost 2 year old was so needy and whiny today that I finally broke down and put her in the Baby Bjorn carrier just so I could vacuum.  I haven't used that thing since she was a baby and I am fairly sure of two things, she now exceeds the recommended weight limit and I have permanently damaged my back.  But.... I got the vacuuming done and she didn't make a peep.  I'm chalking it up to my exercise for the day.

Oh and I never made it to the shower.  I cringed at the thought of the beautification process.  Today I am embodying the sweat pant mom. No makeup and all.

Okay. Phew. I'm done. I feel better now. 

Did I mention I love my children and I wouldn't trade my job for anything in the world?  A night out with the hubby would be nice though....

Rain

When it rains it pours.  I believe God calls us to dance in the rain.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”  I absolutely love this quote.  I have kinda adopted it for my life. 

In this life it will rain. Through the rain storms of life we can choose to wallow in despair or we can decide to pull ourselves us by our boot straps and move forward.  Don't get me wrong.  Take some time.  Have your pity party but don't stay there.  Don't let life's struggles define you.

When I am experiencing difficult times I have learned to stop and ask God..."What are you trying to teach me?" I have heard people say the real test of faith is not on the mountain top it is when we are in the trenches.  God created rain. Rain can help refine us.  It can open our eyes to life lessons.... if we let it. 

Also, I am a firm believer that we can take terrible things that happen to us and use them for good.  What do we do when we are in the trenches?  What witness do we bear?  We live in a fallen world and bad things will happen...count on it.  Many times there is a silver lining in life's challenges. We need to ask God to show us. The good news is that Heaven awaits.  There will not be rain in Heaven!

So here is to dancing in the rain.  Let me also say, dancing in the rain is made easier with a strong dependence on Jesus and also some great friends and supportive family members along the way.  God places people in your path for rainy seasons such as these.

This song spoke to my heart.  I hope it speaks to your too.  It has proven true for my life. What if your blessings come through raindrops?

http://youtu.be/1CSVqHcdhXQ

Sanctuary

One great thing my Mama taught me (there were many) was to create a wonderful home environment.  I always loved the feel of my house growing up, especially, around the holidays.  Mama always had decorations for every occasion, seasonal recipes and of course a wreath for every month of the year on the front door.  I remember returning home from college for fall break the first year I was at Milligan.  I pulled into the driveway and let out a deep breath. I was home.  Mama had pumpkins on the porch the smell of fall wafting through the house and she had baked my favorite pumpkin bars.  I was so thankful.  I have tried to adopt ALL of these habits in my own home. 

I have realized in my adult life how important creating a sanctuary my family is.  A place away from the harsh world where we can feel safe and comfortable.  I love to decorate and have tried to put the things I love around me.  It can be small things like a candle burning, a fresh plant or some funky curtains. 

I also try and help my girls rejuvenate.  On the days were we lounge around the house I always make my girls a bed on the couch, with their pillows and favorite blanket.  Who doesn't like to feel all warm and cozy on a lazy day.  For my husband I often make his favorite football snack during a big game.

I can honestly say that when I walk into my house it makes me smile.  I love it.  It is my sanctuary.

We decorated for Christmas yesterday which is something I absolutely adore doing.  Unfortunately, my husband does not share my enthusiasm.  The girls and I sang Christmas carols, decorated the tree. and of course placed the stockings on the mantle with care.  We were even thoughtful enough to put out a decoration for Daddy.  Some blocks the spell out "Bah Humbug!"  Appropriate.

I always want my family to love coming home.   I can't finish this blog without saying my home wouldn't be anything without the people in it. Our relationships are the important part and the surroundings are the icing on the cake.

But as I sit here in my home all decorated for Christmas I never want to underestimate the power of  my surroundings.  I work hard everyday to make them wonderful.

Sometimes I think this gets lost in our crazy society.  Maybe I was born in the wrong era.  But nonetheless, I'm bringing it back. Thanks to my Mama!

Give Thanks

This being Thanksgiving week the song "Give Thanks" has been running through my head.  You know we sing it in church often.  "Give Thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ His Son."

I was singing this while baking pies today in my mother's kitchen and it got me thinking.  Do I give thanks with a grateful heart on a daily basis? 

 I truly am one blessed soul. 

Do I live a life of thankfulness? 

I know I feel overwhelmingly thankful alot in my life.  God has richly blessed me and my family.  But do I speak it?

I want my kids to know I am thankful for the little things and the big things.  So I made a conscious effort the past few days to speak my thankfulness.  I know it sounds dorky but it constantly reminded me of my blessings.
I know it works because my sweet Caroline told me yesterday she was thankful for our umbrella and car  so we didn't have to get wet in the rain.

So let's allow our thankfulness be contagious and remember anything and everything we have to be thankful for has been given to us by the one who loved us first, Jesus Christ.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.