We can’t force our kids to like the clothes or shoes we do and we don’t want to. That’s how we ended up with pink sequins light up shoes.  

I’m not much of a girlie-girl. Frills and pink just aren’t my thing.

While I like to get dressed up once in a while, my taste is simple. I own a few pink items, but blue, gray and black dominate my wardrobe. I’m not much for jewelry so when I have it on – people notice – not because its amazing but because it is so uncommon for me to wear it.

It’s not surprising, then, that when our daughter was born her room was decorated in brown, green and cream. Still sweet. Still feminine. But not pink. And her clothes? She has pink hand-me-downs and gifts, but I had personally never bought her pink clothing – until recently.

While I may not choose pink for her, I have no intention of forcing my taste on her. 

I want her to be who SHE is – not who I am.

And trust me, this child has her own taste.

All PINK. All the time.

And sparkles? Jewelry? O yes. She gravitates towards the pink-est, sparkly-est things.

She delights in them.

I delight in her joy.

Joy looks good on her. And I’m all about fostering more joy.

Scouring garage sales for clothes and shoes in May, I came across a pair of shoes that broke my former no-pink shopping code.

They are all-girl. Pink. Covered in sequins.

They meet the only criteria I require – the right size, and velcro.

And they were in great, almost new condition. For fifty cents.

Done.

I sighed and smiled as I bought them, thinking about how she was going to laugh and squeal when she saw them. Oh yes, she giggles and laughs over clothing and shoes every single day. She puts on and takes off clothing all day. For fun. A pile of clothes is a perfect activity for her.

It’s just IN her – she didn’t learn it from me!

As I tossed the shoes in the car, I could only laugh when they LIT UP. And when I say laugh, I mean, an all-out, uncontrollable cracking-up-by-myself-on-theside-of-the-road laugh.

Yep.

They are pink, sequins, LIGHT UP shoes.

Perfect for one joy-filled, 2-year-old, sunshine girl.

As expected, she squealed and giggled when she saw them. She put them on and refused to take them off.

When she finally stomped and noticed the lights – there was an all-out belly laugh and a silly happy dance.

SHE lit up. And still does. Every. Single. Time.

They may not be my taste but since they’re hers – they’re growing on me.

They’re the gift that keeps on giving, generating smiles, giggles and happy dances with every step.

A little light-up joy never hurt anyone.

Maybe I need a pair.

Do you?