Most mornings I wake up all the sleepy heads in the house and sing “Rise and Shine”….
…..and tell them they are rock stars.
Just in case they forgot from the day before.
Just in case they were wondering.
Most of the time they simply roll their eyes and sigh and ignore me….
….but I know they hear it.
I think I started the whole rock star thing when fourth grade began getting a little tough….which turned into an even tougher fifth grade and now we are knee-deep in sixth grade….
….the very toughest of all.
Navigating sixth grade is kind of like Survivor where they put you on the island with a piece of flint and a few sticks and leave you to figure the rest out.
It’s challenging.
And overwhelming.
And brand-new territory.
And some days even though your mom tells you that you are a rock star….
….you just don’t believe it.
One of the twins had a day like that last week.
She came home from school and quietly put her book bag down and looked at me with a sad shrug of her shoulders.
She is my dreamer….my quiet little soul with the tiny voice and the big heart. She’s the one who fixes her sister’s hair and makes sandwiches for her brothers and rakes leaves with her dad and watches the Hallmark Channel with her mother and makes her bed every morning…..
….and would never, ever, ever step on a bug.
After a few minutes of silence and sighs…..she poured out her tale of woe.
I listened attentively.
And nodded.
And expressed righteous indignation at all the right times.
And when she was finished, she just sat there quietly….thinking it all through. And as she got up to leave I hugged her and whispered…..
“None of that matters. Because you know you are amazing…..right? And special. And wonderful. And always, always, always remember…..
….that you are a rock star.”
She didn’t roll her eyes or sigh or ignore me….instead she grinned from ear to ear.
A smile I will never forget.
A smile that said I understand.
A smile that said….no worries….I got this.
A smile of a rock star. 🙂
Thanks KariAnne~ I know a certain teenager who could use this reminder! Have a great weekend and hope you sell a lot!
I'd love a few of those t-shirts, for me and my daughters. :)
Girl, YOU are a rock star, too. Thank you, this is much needed right now. I have a third-grader who could use the reminder. She doesn't quite believe me some days. If you have any t-shirts left after the weekend, would you sell some online? Or create some more for Christmas sales? I'd love to have one under the tree for my girl. :) Thanks for all of the inspiration, joy, "misty" eyes, and giggles you give me every time I get an email from your blog! Ashley
I have a 13 year old who would love to have this reminder too. So if you decide to sell them online, I would buy one or two. Thanks.
I can relate to all the middle school moms out there. Rough week.
I was just about to say... 'You should make shirts and sell them.' But you did it before I finished reading! Looking forward to seeing you Saturday!!
How fortunate you were there when your lovely little {not so little anymore :-(} girl got home. I don't think anyone gets told enough how much they are loved and appreciated -- My kids are in their forties and I still tell them I love them every time I speak to them. I just bet you felt ten feet tall when your daughter smiled and "got it". Yes indeed, our kids don't come with instructions and sometimes all it takes is listening and instincts. So Mz Karianne -- I just want you to know you start my day with a smile -- sometimes a tear -- but never without big feelings it in my heart. Thank you for being you!! Big Hugs!
Your girls are beautiful! I love how they each put their own twist on how to wear that t-shirt, which by the way is amazing! Have a fabulous weekend at the Chapel Market...wish I lived closer, so I could go. {Trina}
Kerianne, you, my sweet, are the "rock star"! Your insight is so inspiring. Just makes me smile! Your girls are beautiful inside and out. What more can a mother want for her children. I so wish I could be at the Chapel Market. Just got off a 15 hour flight from Australia. Good thoughts are coming your way! Smiles, Alice
I have a sixth grader boy. Wish there was a boy version since basketball tryouts are going on this week and well, you know.... You are definitely a rock star mom and, though older than you, I definitely learn from you every day. Thanks for your wisdom, and the laughs. Flint and a few sticks...so true...lol.
Ahh a boy one is what I would like too! I have 3 boys 21, 14, and 12 and let me tell you it is tough for these guys too! I sing the rise and shine song too but now I will add in the "rock star" line that is a great addition. I have had the sad eyes come my way a lot lately by my 12 year old these past few weeks. He is my quiet, always there to help, straight A honor roll, always trying to do better, help everyone sorta kid. My oldest is the free spirit, lover of life, kind hearted, non-judgemental (and catches me when I don't see it in myself) and happiness is more important than financial or academic achievement and my middle well even more different yet. They are all rock stars but in very different ways....If you make boy ones I will purchase a few as well! Thanks for sharing your beautiful spirit with us all!
I LOVE this! My daughter just turned 14 and boy oh boy I try to give her this message all the time. I need a shirt for her. Will you sell them online after Chapel Market?
I would love to purchase several of the t-shirts but cannot make it to the market...will you be offering these online? I've got a house-full of Rockstars too...my oldest is 6th grade Rockstar! :)
You are totally right about navigating those teen years without a compass... Being a momma to my three... 18, 17 and 10...is the toughest thing I've done. Just when you've figured out where they're at, they move on to another stage. Telling them they are rock stars (even when they don't believe it), hugging them even when they resist, and making sure they know they're loved is the very best thing we mommas can do! I love your t-shirts! Cindy
I will be there to buy a T-Shirt if nothing gets in my way! And it better not get in my way! Lol!
Love this story, love the pictures, love the printable (I'm going to print it out now and hang it on the door of the library!) And I love you. Have a great day!
Our daughters are 33 & 35, both wonderful mothers to our most wonderful grandchildren. And still, at times, they need that same loving reminder. Trust me, 6th grade is a walk in the park compared to parenting in a world gone crazy! The good news is that what you are doing now- loving them so unconditionally & with passion- is building them to be strong, confident 30-something women! And give a hug to that twinkle-eyed drummer- our girls have said many times that the best thing we've done for them is to to clearly be so madly in love with each other! Love reading your posts each morning; they a always make me smile. Blessings for your family!
Oh, KariAnne, what a fabulous Mom you are!! I have a granddaughter in the 7th grade and I remember her Mom coming home to me with her tales of woe. Girls in middle school can be so hard on one another. I live too far from Chapel Market but if you are ever inclined to sell these t-shirts on line, I am sure there are lots of us who just know some girls in our lives who could really use that message! I am going to definitely print it off for my granddaughter who just happens to have a bedroom of black and fushia!
Beautiful story. Great mother. Inspirational. As a former educator, I believe that students would have less stress, fewer problems, and would succomb to less peer pressure if they had a parent who was always willing to give just a little time to listen just like you did. You are a rock star who will pass that attitude on to your children. Keep crafting, sharing, loving, and of course, ROCK ON! Sherry
I can't come there, but I have a lovely 11 year old granddaughter who Needs this. Would you please consider selling these by request? I would explain her pain privately, if needed. Thank you, Karianne
I love those shirts and would like to buy one if you sell them online. And your girls are just darling!
Such a lovely message to send girls. As a mom to a 6th grade boy, I would love to see one for guys available. I would definitely by one online. Good luck at the Chapel Market. Wish I lived close so I could go.
Some days we each need to hear we are "Rock Stars". Sixth grade is another stepping stone and I have a granddaughter in the heart of it also. Your girls are fortunate to have you as their mother. As I remind Arieanna, "this too shall pass". And it does. I could use a shirt for her also, I will wait to see them online. Have a great week.
Awww. It's so nice when the message gets through finally and helps the child! Then you must feel like a rockstar, I know I do! P.S. Super love the graphic and shirts! What an awesome message! They will fly off the shelves!
Another wonderful inspiring post! I'd love a rock star reminder myself! I hope the tees are available on-line. Thank you!
Great shirts...you should consider selling those online! And, great pics of your daughters...so adorable! And if you tell them they are rock stars everyday...they WILL grow up believing they can do anything! And, while that is a very important message for girls...it also applies to boys...they too need all the positive encouragement they can get! Have a super time this weekend! ;)
I would love to buy one of those shirts for a girlfriend who is going through breast cancer treatments. I hope you will sell these on line. Good luck with the show this weekend and Have A Great Day!!! Kimba
Oh my goodness, I need two of these shirts for my own little rockstars and perhaps one for me... since I am the mom of one of those rockstars who is 14 years old. After all even rockstars especially 14 year old rockstars can be a bit dare I say... moody. Gasp!!! :) I need a mommy rockstar reminder that despite the rolled eyes, "looks", and AT I TUDE, we are a family of rockstars! :) Please sell these online.
I woke up this morning and a quiet moment with a hot cup of tea.I normally dont check my emails first thing but for some reason I did today. Your post was wonderful.I am a mother of 4 girls,three are grown one is still home. I always told my girls how special they were and how loved they are. I use to sing every morning to wake them when they were little. I love your site. Oh can you tell what color pink you used on the cupboard in your office? Thanks Tracie
I would like to buy 2 of them. I have 2 granddaughters and one needs this reminder once in awhile. Tween girls can be very cruel sometimes.
WHAT A ROCK STAR YOU ARE!!!
Look at you skinny girl! You are looking amazing! What sweet photos of your daughters they are getting so big! Love the t-shirt wish I could be there! Best wishes and much success!
What beautiful daughters! You are laying the groundwork for a continued close relationship. My daughter is about to turn 17 - we've spent many an evening on the sofa discussing the inequities of being a teen....and every second was worth it!
I have always wondered where you came up with the "rock star" compliment! It is a compliment, that says you are great, you can do this, you are beautiful, YOU ROCK! All that good encouragement wrapped up into two VERY COOL words! I love your style KariAnne! Thank you for sharing your greatness, and you are a rock star!!
Sixth grade about did my son in so I know exactly what you were facing. What wonderful encouragement you are to your daughters. I pray they always listen to your voice more than that of kids, who sadly don't have parents who instill enough confidence that allows them to be kind to others! Just keep praying for your daughters, the BEST gift we can give our children! BTW, your daughters are darling....not that I need to tell YOU!
Thank you for sharing this!!! My little girl is 27 now and we all need to hear how very much we are loved! Your girls are just beautiful! So grateful to read your uplifting amazing blog everyday! Wish I was closer and could go to Chapel Market!
You rock, KariAnne! So do your girls! And so do your t-shirts! I would really love to say that I am going to The Chapel Market so that I can buy one but it's not happening this year. :( I would love to plan and go next year! And I would love to buy one of your t-shirts if you sell them after The Chapel Market. It would make a great present from me to me!!
Love the pictures of you and your daughters. They are beautiful girls. They grow up so fast.
Your words wound around these beautiful pictures of your girls and told a wonderful story. How sixth grade life is and how we can buoy the spirits of our children with some well chosen, thoughtful words. You are a great mother, Karianne. What you teach them now, what they learn from you and how they emulate your happy soul, will be a solid base from which they will grow. I'm sure they are going to be beautiful women, inside and out. Jane xx
Your daughters are beautiful and look just like their mother! Sixth grade is a tough one, you are a Rock Star Momma!
Aww.... l bet twins are so much fun :) and remember THEY are rock stars because YOU are a rock star xoxo
your daughters are just beautiful. love the tees, i wish i could run right on over to the chapel market, grab a bunch and give you a hug. i know where your sweet girls get their beauty♥
Gorgeous! Thanks for the freebie and for sharing the lovely pictures of your rockstar girls!
Your girls are little "mini-me's"! They are looking more and more like you all the time. Wish I could meet you at the Chapel this weekend, but it's my bro's birthday and I need to be home. NormaJean
I call my best friend a "rock star" since I live in Southern California, there is no possible way of me making it to Alabama in time for the Chapel Market. Are you going to be selling those t-shirts online? If so, sign me up for a few!!
Yes! Echoing other commenters...Could you sell them online?? In adult sizes too?? Wonderful graphic, awesome message. With Christmas coming up...would love to see these available. Thanks! Love your posts - you have a knack to make even a serious message funny. I laugh and smile and nod, you do rock!
Ditto on the request for online sales of the t-shirts! Your girls are so lucky to have such a loving and supportive (and crafty and funny) momma! I always look forward to reading your blog and so appreciate the positive messages you share with your readers. Thanks for being an inspiration!
Karianne, Oh poor little girl. I know school can be tough and thankfully she has great parents, and siblings. Christime
Your girls are just adorable "rock stars".... have fun at the Market!
Beautiful girls ! Lovely post ! Wonderful Mother !
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! As a mom of grown people and a former middle school teacher, a kid with a grown up in their corner bounces back better from the tough days. The confidence in them as good people and the listening ear helps so much in navigating the rocky waters of adolescence. As a former middle school soccer choice, I know your girls will have the right words at the right time for their friends and teammates because of you. Thanks for sharing and reminding us to say it out loud to the Rock Stars in our lives. Know you will be a Rock Star at Chapel Hill Market!
You and your girls are all rock stars.
Not to scare you, but in hindsight 6th grade was a breeze. 7th was the worst. 8th is currently underway and comes with its own new set of challenges that test the boundaries of right and wrong. And a few ethical questions. Somehow my son never got tangled up in that. But girls are a whole different story ...
KariAnne, I would also like purchase a few T-shirts if you will sell online - I know other little rock stars who could use a physical reminder every now and then!
My granddaughters are getting this framed for their rooms! YOU are the rock star! Thanks
First of all, your girls are beautiful and you look like their sister! I have to get on the "need to have one of those T-shirts" bandwagon. PLEASE let us all know if you are going to sell them on-line! I think every girl should have one! :)
You are a good momma and those baby-pies will grow in to splendid, secure adults because of that unending love and uplifting support you supply. I love "watching" you nuture and nudge. Makes me wish I could start over......a wee bit.........nah! I'm glad it's over! LOL Way to rock their world! Keep it up..... never give up! You will finish strongly and so will they! =)
Saw this on FB tonight and thought of your family: "Your wings already exist, all you have to do is fly." https://www.facebook.com/shootflyshoot/photos/a.338767959492431.70029.334109753291585/703027396399817/?type=1&theater
Kari Anne you are just awesome! there are no words to really express the lift i get when I read your words and the timing and serendipity of most of your posts with what is occurring in my life! I am so thankful I stumbled across your blog. Thank you thank you thank you! I have a present I would love to send to you if you are comfortable with that here is my email : tripleleaf@comcast.net just message me a shipping address for you! Happy happy day from one rock star to the Queen of Rock! Best, Elizabeth
Oh sweet KariAnne, your family and friends are so blessed by your positive attitude and heart of gold!! You my indeed are one of God's greatest ROCK STARS and impersonally am blessed by your blog, the two occasions I had to briefly meet you and hear your energetic presentations. Keep on being you and letting your light shine brightly! Ciao, Dee
Oh sweet KariAnne, your family and friends are so blessed by your positive attitude and heart of gold!! You my indeed are one of God's greatest ROCK STARS and I am personally blessed by your blog, the two occasions I had to briefly meet you and hear your energetic presentations. Keep on being you and letting your light shine brightly! Ciao, Dee
Read your post yesterday and took it with me into the day. Thought I write a comment this morning on it. Wow, what BEAUTIFUL daughters you have, they SHINE from the inside out...and from the outside in!! I will keep them in my prayers as growing up can be so difficult at times. One things for sure....they been blessed with a very wise and witty Mom. Try and enjoy these up-coming years with them. At the moment it may seem like the months and years go by at a slow rate.....however, you'll look back as tho it was a mere blink of an eyelash!! Take care! Wishing many blessing upon you all! Amy P.S. Thanks for the T-shirt decal! I know a bunch of young and old adults that would be blessed by this message too!
Thanks for the download! I wonder though iron-on or screenprint? I will have to wander over to Kinko's for help! Thanks again and have a grand time in Alabama!
You are a wonderful mother. Please adopt me. I still need mothering even though I am older than you. And my mother has passed. Love you and your family!
Dude, what Nancy Carr said. But I don't know that I want you to be my mom. I think I'd just rather have a slumber party together where we snuck out and got into all kinds of mischief together. I never print out stuff, but I couldn't help myself with this one. My kids may each get one for Christmas, famed up all cute. All the best, The Other Marian