Motherhood carries a lot of pressure. I want to raise my children to respect and love others; to reflect kindness and goodness; to believe in themselves and go after their dreams; and many, many, many more things. I want my children to live a full life and know their love and worth. As a woman who previously battled eating struggles and a very poor self-image, I feel especially in tune to how I raise Makenzie. I would do anything I could to have her not doubt her worth and beauty as a person. I would give up everything to have her keep a healthy relationship with her body and food. I have extra sensitivity to all those things so, with good reason, I thought would shelter my little M as much as possible.

Some recent discussion has popped up on some of my favorite blogs recently about the affects things like calling little girls “cute and pretty” as a main form of compliment and the effects of all things Barbie and Princess. Back in the day, I would have said “screw all things pink” and scoffed at perpetuating the stereotypes.

Then….

I somehow ended up with the girliest of girly girls to ever exist.

When I picked Makenzie up from preschool today she promptly informed me that she wants a Belle party for her birthday.

Say what now?! Are all rising three year olds this decisive on their party themes? Girlfriend loves herself some princess action.

She also suddenly loves Barbie.

Peter brought this life-sized Barbie creature home for Makenzie. It was a "gift” from someone he works with who decided to let M have it instead of donating it. I was just about to tell Peter to stash the thing away for us to donate…until Makenzie came downstairs from her nap and her eyes lit up like she had won the biggest jackpot to ever exist.

She squeals with delight should we find any sort of Disney Princess, Barbie, Pinkilicious, My Little Pony, or Fancy Nancy book when we visit the library. She begs to watch Belle or Ariel. She wants to be “A princess! A princess! A princess!” for Halloween. I cannot peel the girl out of a tutu when we’re at home. She fights me asking her to wear pants because she wants to wear her purple polka-dotted dress so she can wear a purple bow. She gets excited when I bring home new clothes for her and immediately wants to try them all on because they are “so pretty!”.

And you know what? Instead of saying “screw pink” (or purple for that matter), I am going to say “screw preconceived notions” and let my little girl be a little girl just how she likes.

That won’t stop me from complimenting her on her kindness, intelligence, sense of humor, and cheerful attitude above all else. That won’t stop me from considering how I talk to and look at myself because I know she pays critical attention. That won’t stop me from telling her she is beautiful, just as everyone is, because God crafter her with a plan.

Instead of worrying about what messages her toys send to her, I will focus on the messages I send to her as her because I’m there as her mother. And trust that the messages from her mom will trump Barbie’s freakishly inhuman waist line. Seriously, though…Barbie is frickin’ creepy!

• What are your thoughts on little girls getting all into princesses, Barbies, and other such toys? You certainly don’t have to agree with me!
• What things impacted your self image the most when growing up?

The weekly “Sister Night” has returned on Tuesday nights!

Over the summer, our weekly sister dates don’t happen as regularly for a variety of reasons. Yet, we both know that as soon as fall television starts back up we will find our way into each others’ arms again.

For none other than our Biggest Loser tradition! For the past few years, Heather & I have had the tradition of her coming over for dinner followed up with some time on the couch to catch The Biggest Loser, eat ice cream, and watch crazy workouts and transformations happen before our very eyes, while also chatting it up during commercial breaks. Even as we both feel the show has hit some lows, we can’t stop watching and give up our weekly tradition.

Last night went much the same route as any other Tuesday night. Heather arrived for a delicious dinner of my favorite enchiladas.

Then, we worked together to put the kids to bed before settling in for our nightly programming.

We both had some skepticism with this year though. The whole Anna Kournikova as a trainer thing didn’t seem like the best move for the show. As expected, she didn’t really contribute much and annoyed us. Although, to her benefit, she annoyed us less than we anticipated.

We already love the new guy, Dolvett, though. He kicked some serious butt and I love his training style. The show definitely has places it could improve, but I know we will still watch. Although, I must admit…it’s hard to stick with The Biggest Loser.

There are too many other great options on Tuesday nights!!!

Obviously, as a musical lover, I adore the show Glee. They inspire most of my running music, after all! Plus the carefree drama and goofy plot lines make me smile.

In all honesty, I think the show Parenthood is the best television drama I have seen in a long time. I have been hooked since episode one.

I haven’t watched this one yet, but I have it recorded. I really like Zoe Deschanel and think the show looks like a cute one. I could easily see myself getting sucked in. I probably shouldn’t start watching. But I know I will.

It really seems like all my favorite shows come on on Tuesday. At least I know I have some fallback should the new set-up of The Biggest Loser turn in to an utter disappointment for my sister and I. Wonder if I could turn her into a Gleek too???

• What’s a silly tradition you have with a friend or family member?
• Did you watch anything last night? What? Was it good?