Welcome to my weekly post where we take a break from money-related posts and I give you a little peek into our life from the past week and also share things I’m pondering/learning.
Earlier this week, two of my kids were upset with me.
I had made a decision that one of them didn’t like. And I had sat the other one down to have a conversation that they didn’t want to have.
They both expressed their frustration with me in ways that really surprised me: “I feel like you’re shutting down my voice!” And, “I feel like I’m trying so hard and you’re still disappointed with me!”
Part of me that felt like a big fat mothering failure when they told me these things. But the other part of me felt so grateful.
Yes, I said grateful. Why?
Because this past year, we’ve worked hard to really communicate well with our kids and to teach them how to express their feelings and to have a voice.
I don’t want them to stuff things down or feel like they can’t tell me when they feel like I’m messing up or when they are hurt by me or upset with me. I want to know — even if it stings bad.
Because they were brave enough to be honest, it opened the door for us to have really great conversations, for me to apologize for where I’d approached things incorrectly, for me to get a peek into their hearts, and for us to have resolution and restoration in our relationship.
Don’t run from the hard and awkward and hurtful discussions with your kids. They can be some of the best discussions, if you’re willing to stay, process, hear their hearts (even when their words might come across as hurtful), and ask forgiveness for where you’ve messed up.
This picture from earlier this week makes me smile so big.
Kaitlynn hot-gluing. Crafts spread out. The coffee table moved over to make space for Silas and Kathrynne to work on math together. A random pumpkin.
This is real life. This is my life. And I want to embrace it.
I was trying to do an informal “photo shoot” of the girls wearing these sweatshirts we just launched with Cents of Style (see above.) It quickly turned into teasing and full-on uncontrollable belly laughs.
I love these girls. I love how they love life. I love how they keep me on my toes. I love how they never let me take life too seriously. And while there are many moments when they don’t get along, I love it that there are many moments like this when they just can’t get enough of each other!
I made these Sweet Potato Fries this week and I just have to say that if you haven’t tried them, you must!
Links You Should Check Out:
- You guys. These Brown Sugar Biscuit Twists are the BOMB. Get the recipe here (it’s great for the holidays!)
- Another yummy holiday recipe is these Pumpkin Crescent Rolls.
- Trying to earn free gift cards to help pay for Christmas? Here are 4 easy ways to earn more Swagbucks (which you can cash in for free gift cards!)
- Sign up for the #HolidaySelfCare Christmas Party and you could win one of my courses or a book from me!
- I loved this podcast episode from Sorta Awesome on The Critical Thing You Aren’t Getting.
Jb says
I like to make savory sweet potatoes! I cube them place in large bowl and drizzle with butter, olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pep, seasoning salt, smidge of parsley, garlic.powder, give them a stir, spread on a stone and bake at 350, stirring half way, about 30-40 min total (until soft). They’re soooo good!!! And healthy. (and my kids love them with ketchup.)
Crystal Paine says
Oh yum! Thank you for sharing!
Rosanna@ExtraordinaryEverydayMom says
I love that you are able to communicate with your children so well! That is something that I struggle with because I lecture far too easily. I know that this stops my girls, especially, from communicating with me as well.
Crystal Paine says
It has been something that I’m slowly learning and have been making a big priority this past year because I had a real wakeup call that I wasn’t doing a good job of communicating and hearing my kids’ hearts.
Luba @ Healthy with Luba says
Wow, Crystal. Communication is such an important tool in every relationship!
My mom makes those sweet potato fries, and they are delicious. I don’t make them at home because sometimes they are a tad too sweet for me.
Have a beautiful week!
Crystal Paine says
They are kind of like dessert to me, so I know what you mean!
Andrea Boyd says
Thanks Crystal
It’s all grace … from one mum in New Zealand to another on the far side of the world.
Thanks for sharing the real and being who you are in this world. Your life has impacted the thousands you don’t see.
We are all elbow deep in the ordinary while living out the astounding miraculous of a heavenly nation.
Thank you for all you do and are and for encouraging me on my life journey.
Lots of kiwi love
Andrea
Crystal Paine says
Thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement!