Meredith Recommends Yoga Pretzels!!

I have been a fan of Barefoot Books for a few years now, but I recently made a purchase that put me over the top. I bought a box of instructional cards called Yoga Pretzels, and they are fabulous. Last night before bed, the kids and I spent about 20 wonderful minutes doing yoga poses and breathing exercises. The color coded cards are divided into different categories such as "Breathe," "Balance," "Twist & Stretch" and "Time In." Emma especially loved our "Time In" card last night which asked us to relax with eyes closed and visualize ourselves 'being' a rainbow." What a nice way to wind down in the evening.

So I am recommending these cards to those of you with children from 4 and up, but I have to say that I found them very enjoyable too. I love the words that we all read and repeated as we got into the poses. For example (for Warrior Pose I), "I step forward, breathe and focus. I plant myself firmly. I am strong. I am peaceful." This is my kind of yoga, and I love practicing it with two of my favourite people.

When she got in bed last night, Emma declared, "I have decided that when I grow up, I want to be a Yoga teacher!" We must be on to something good here.

Happy Chinese New Year to you all. Sophie tells me that the Chinese way to say this is, "Kung Hay Fat Choi." Happy Year of the Ox!!

Funny Emma

This morning I realised I had to make a trip out to the most treacherous Tesco. It had to be done even though I did not want to do it. I asked the children if either of them wanted to accompany me, knowing in advance what the answer would be. Sophie replied simply, "No thanks."

With Emma, however, nothing is simple. I heard her trudging up the stairs behind me, and this is what she said: I really appreciate you asking me, Mom. It's so kind of you, but I think I really want to just enjoy being a child right now, and I can't do that at Tesco.

I had to laugh.

Britain, You've Grown on Me.

I was talking to a friend in the States several weeks ago, and when she asked how it was going, I surprised myself a little when I responded, "I think I finally 'get it' here." Thanks to my LitePod, I have not suffered from a depression this winter, but it's not just that. Britain has grown on me and with me. I still love the good ole USA and look forward to returning there someday (probably at the end of next school year), but I've been here for more than three years now, and it has become my home. When we return to the States to visit, I already feel a bit of reverse culture shock. Even when we're in a recession, the USA seems grand and decadent to me after getting used to life here.

Since I regularly communicate with people on both sides of the pond, I realize/ realise how much my language (and spelling) has changed. Shortly after arriving in the UK, we picked up on a few word subsitutions that needed to be made: "diapers" became "nappies"; "pants" became "trousers"; "underwear" became "pants"; "lines" became "queues". I also learned that squash was a strange dilutable beverage rather than a vegetable. There are many others, of course. As George Bernard Shaw said, "England and America are two countries divided by a common language."

So...at first, I found myself mindful of my diction when I was speaking to natives. Now, not surprisingly, I have to think about things when I am communicating with American friends and family. I was recently sending my brother in law some recipes, and had to remind myself that he buys things in "cans", rather than "tins." Sometimes I surprise myself when I hear previously unfamiliar words and phrases mindlessley tumble from my lips. I often invite others to "pop in" or "come 'round for tea." Or you may hear me ask one of the children, "What are you on about now?" Fancy hearing me apologise for being daft or for having to bugger off a bit early? And please don't take the p*ss, if you think it's a bit dodgy that my all-time favourite British word might be "rubbish," a word I unconsciously use several times a day. This change in vernacular is undoubtedly due to my surrendering to and embracing of the culture...finally. That, and watching too much British telly. :) I know that you blokes and lasses out there who are my true mates won't take the Mickey too much... perhaps you'll even regard me as something of a posh and clever bird.

So to my blog readers on both sides of the Atlantic, I apologise/ apologize for my spelling and diction. Both have become a muddled combination...or perhaps they are just the best of both worlds?

Yanks and Brits alike might enjoy... Top 10 Annoying Britishisms

Inauguration Day

Yesterday afternoon the girls and I gathered 'round the television to watch the first African American man be sworn in to the office of the President. I must admit I was very moved by the occasion. Sophie was also very excited. She cwtched up beside me and asked every two minutes or so, "Is Rocco Bama president yet??" When it came time for him to take the oath of office, I looked down, and Sophie, who had been still and quiet for several minutes, was fast asleep. Too much excitment, I suppose.

Emma was very interested in seeing Obama take the oath of office. She was very impressed by the size and shiney-ness of the Lincoln Bible, and she wanted to hear what President Obama was promising to do. When it was all said and done, she said she was disappointed that the oath didn't include a promise to "compromise so that both people are happy." She said that compromising is a really important thing for a president to do so that people don't have bad arguments. I must say that I agree, especially when it comes to conflicts within our own country. That Emma IS a clever girl. I'm sure he feels the heavy weight of anticipation on him, but I hope Obama will be successful in bringing about a peaceful and positive change. I was thrilled to be able to watch the historic moment with my two children...even if only one of them was conscious and we were all thousands of miles away. What a great day for Americans!

Celebrating Everything from MLK to Blue Monday

I read an article this morning that made me chuckle. I am glad it made me laugh rather than cry. My SAD lamp is definitely doing right by me. Apparently scientists in the UK have done some sort of research to determine that today, Monday the 19th, is the most miserable and depressing day of the year. It is obvious that the writers are British and not wrapped up in the excitement of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and pre-Inauguration festivities. Anyway, you can check out the article here . The comments that follow also made me laugh.

I felt especially British today since after baking fantastic cookies last night (Oatmeal Scotchies to be precise), George and I had a "Frog and Toad Will Power" experience. After too many "last cookies," I decided they had to be gotten rid of...or shared, rather. (This is not the British part of my day.) After taking the kids to school, I chased down my friend Sonia to offer her some of my sinfully addictive cookies. (After his fifth one, George said, "These things are like crack!!") Then Sonia persuaded me to go for a brisk winter walk. I agreed that after my cookie binge, this was indeed a good idea. So, Sonia fed me a banana and we were off down the Taff Trail. (This is the British bit.) We tromped through the mud, chatted, dodged the puddles and finally commented on how lucky we were that it wasn't raining on us. Of course, moments later, the skies opened up and we were pelted with hail and rain. Ever the optomist, Sonia said, "At least we are on the way back... and besides, a walk in the rain is very good for you...something to do with positive ions." I'll give her that, but a walk in the cold rain is not really my cup of tea, for future reference.

So, I was feeling very pleased with myself for having braved the January, British elements. The moment I got home and got my wet clothes off, the sun came out and the rain ceased. It stayed sunny for the rest of the morning until I had to run out to the mini-Tesco, of course!! Such is life in Great Britain, but I am resolved NOT to have a "Blue Monday." There are too many good things going on in my life to be depressed. (Hooray Light Box, once again!!)

After school I got to resolve an argument between my children. A week from today is Chinese New Year, and Sophie declared it would be the Year of the Ox...because Her Highness, Mrs. Dickson told her so. Emma was so certain it was going to be the Year of the Horse. A quick Google search showed that Sophie and Mrs. Dickson were right on the money. The Year of the Ox is ahead of us, and according to Chinese horoscopes, it "will be an honest, candid and open-natured year." We also read further and found out that Emma is a "horse" and Sophie is a "monkey" according to the Chinese zodiac. To find out what you are, you can type in your birth year here.

When Dad is in Charge of Bathtime...

...THIS is what happens!! Bath crayons are fun...for kids and grown ups too. (Hope I don't get tagged for "inappropriate content"!)

Oh yes, the girls and I also went to St. Fagans today since it was so lovely and sunny. Here is a photo...

One for the Fridge

Nothing new to report here. We are just having another one of our lovely, relaxing weekends. We got so spoiled over our uneventful Christmas that we have been having intentionally uneventful, wonderful weekends ever since. I'm sure our sense of adventure will return in the springtime, but for now, we are enjoying quiet weekends with games, movies and cooking.

I also realized I hadn't posted any photos recently, so I just sat Emma and Sophie down in my office chair and snapped a couple. (Yes, Sophie is wearing a sun dress in January. Take it up with her if you have a problem with it.) I always think of my girls as being so very different, but boy, do they ever look alike in this picture!! They are sisters for sure.

Like Father, Like Daughter

Today I had Sophie home from school again. Fortunately when she invaded our bed last night, it was my turn to go to the guest room, so I got a semi-decent night of sleep and was a much more pleasant mommy today consequently. It was actually lovely having Sophie at home. Four is a wonderful age. I am not so secretly peeved that Wales has stolen my baby away a year early.

Anyway...Emma was not so happy this morning about having to go to school without her sister. She also knew her best pal Lili would be absent due to a dental procedure. Everything was "kinda rough on" Emma this morning. When Sophie and I found her after school today, she had a different story to tell. She had a great day and was thrilled about the fact that she was presented with a Purple Belt in Judo at the school assembly. I know absolutely nothing about Judo, except that it means "gentle way" and is a form of Japanese martial art. I am happy that Emma is enjoying it. I think her brain and body could use a little "gentle" structure. I also now know that apparently a purple belt is better than a white belt.

Emma takes after her Dad more and more every day. (David, I'm wondering if, years from now, she and Sophie be awarding each other "Dad Levels.") She told me when we got home, "Please don't tell Dad about my Judo grade. I want to play a trick on him." So, when he gets to the door tonight, George will find, taped to the front window, a hand written letter from Emma that reads, "Dear Daddy, I had a really bad day in Judo, but you can ask me about it when you come in. Love, Emma."

You know imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. George should feel thoroughly flattered when he arrives at home today.

It Isn't Cute Anymore...

Maybe I'm being punished for thinking Sophie's cold-ridden voice sounded so cute for the past few days. Of course, I was not happy that my child wasn't feeling her best, but her scratchy throat provided a very scruffy and completely cute tone in her voice. (I am reminded of that episode of Friends when Phoebe discovered she had a sexy singing voice when she had a terrible cold.)
Anyway...the cute factor faded quickly when Sophie and her cold invaded my bed at 1 AM this morning and kept me up for the rest of the night. I have kept her home from school today since she was up half the night coughing, nose blowing, asking for drinks and chatting. I assumed she would be exhausted. Of course, Little Miss Sunshine has been happy as can be and jumping on the trampoline all morning. I, on the other hand, feel and look like something the cat dragged in. I need my sleep.

The cherry on top is that Sophie and I now get to go out to the most dreaded Tesco to do the weekly shopping. So...I am going to muster some enthusiasm and carry on with the day!! I also have a read-through of the play Harvey tonight. I have been cast as Myrtle Mae Simmons in the show after telling the director I would be unavailable this spring. (He was very persuasive.) More details regarding my further adventures with the Radyr Drama Society are sure to follow! Happy Tuesday to all...hope you are feeling more rested than I am!

So Far, So Good!!

We are now well into January, and I am so pleased to report that I have NOT descended into the depths of depression, insomnia and aggravation!! I am attributing this largely to my daily use of the "LitePod," which I began using back in November. We have also had an unusually cold and sunny December. I am convinced that the sun helps me tremendously.

This is my fourth winter here in Wales, and every year so far, winter has been a dark and dismal time for me. So...hooray for the artificial sunlight! I will take it in whatever form I can get it. Still no snow, but maybe we will get some??

Instead, here is a lovely winter poem by Nikki Giovanni for you from the English teacher. It is aptly entitled "Winter Poem."

Winter Poem

once a snowflake fell

on my brow and i loved

it so much and i kissed

it and was happy and called its cousins

and brothers and a web

of snow engulfed me then

i reached to love them all

and i squeezed them and they became

a perfect spring rain and i stood perfectly

still and was a flower

Nikki Giovanni

In the Blink of an Eye

More than seven years ago, I decided I wanted a baby. I didn't give my husband much of a choice, but he was up for it. I wanted a baby. I pictured myself with a baby...an eternal baby, I think. I didn't picture having a toddler or a six year old or an adolescent...just a cute, cuddly, cooing baby.

I also remember thinking, and possibly even saying out loud, just after Emma was born, "Whew, now the hard part is over!" Was I ever stupid! The first couple of months did seem like an eternity, and I do remember scowling at a woman when I was trying to console my screaming infant at a restaurant when she stopped and said to me, "Oh, treasure this time!" But then something happened with the space-time continuum and the flux capacitor, and now my first baby is a very mature six-year-old and my youngest baby is turning five in a few short months. A five-year-old is most definitely NOT a baby. How did this happen? When did this happen?

When we were out at dinner earlier in the week, Sophie and I were discussing her next birthday party. ("Pirates and Princesses" is the theme, she has decided.) It was only then that I actually realized that she will be turning FIVE!!
Don't get me wrong, I love "five." Emma and Sophie are at such wonderful stages right now, and I am enjoying them so much, but I am not the same silly, igorant girl I was seven years ago. I KNOW how quickly they will go from being four and six to eight and ten and so on. So I am now consciously trying to take it all in and savour every moment of their childhood.

My grandmother Adeline was alive to see both of my babies when they were born. When my firstborn Emma was just a few weeks old, and I was exhausted and overwhelmed, I remember her telling me, "Just wait a year, and you won't believe how much she has changed and all of the things she will be doing." (I think it delighted her to no end that I had embarked on the great adventure of motherhood.) At that time, I wanted to wish away that first year. I wanted some sleep and a child that could talk back to me. (I got THAT wish!) But now I am not wishing any of it away. I am trying to enjoy every moment. Even the crazy ones. We have lots of those.

In story books, children are always children. Ramona Quimby will always be age 8 every time you open the book, and the next time we read her story, Annie Rose will still be having strops in the supermarket and throwing her lamb, Buttercup, out of her cot every morning...even though Shirley Hughes wrote it years ago. But this is not the way life really works. My career as a teacher before having children didn't prepare me either. Every year I'd get a fresh new batch of nine-year-olds...almost as good as an eternal baby.

I want them to grow up and be healthy, happy, wonderful adults... I just wish they didn't have to do it so fast.

"Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional." ~Chili Davis

I Don't Want It To End!!!

I am speaking of our vacation...or "stay-cation," as I recently heard someone call what we've been having, a vacation that doesn't require any packing or travel. George has to go back to work tomorrow, and the kids will be back at school on Wednesday. Boo-hoo. Last night I looked at George and said, "What day is it?" I love not knowing what day it is while on stay-cation.

We've just been hanging out. Emma and Sophie built a giant "play area" involving sheets and umbrellas upstairs today. (They had a little help from their dad.) They've also been playing Littlest Pet Shop on the Wii. (I highly recommend The Littlest Pet Shop for all of the five year old girls in your life.) George has been editing old family videos and working on a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle in the dining room. And I honestly can't tell you what I've been doing... supervising it all?? Whatever the case, it has been so enjoyable, and I am sad to see it go.

Yesterday we went to see this year's Cardiff "panto," Aladdin at the New Theatre in town. The show included several B-list British celebrities as well as a 3-D genie, which made it all the more exciting. And, of course, as with any proper pantomime, there was a fantastic drag queen, Ceri Dupree, who starred as Aladdin's flamboyant mother, the Widow Twankee. It was good fun. Afterwards we took the kids to a lovely Italian restaurant in town where I, as usual, spent half of my time in the restroom with one child or another. Next time we're having boys, and it will be George's turn to take endless trips to the bathroom with them. ha ha.

Happy 2009 to Everyone!!

Hello all, I have been away from my blog for a few days...lost in deep thought, but don't worry, I didn't hurt myself, and am back to wish you all a happy New Year! Nothing like a mid-day glass of champagne to start the new year off right!

(Of course, Emma and Sophie are drinking sparkling white grape juice...and they're still in their pajamas at lunchtime!! These girls know how to relax.)

Sophie was not a big fan of the sparkling grape juice. She claimed it was "too fuzzy." Emma said a beautiful New Year's blessing for us. We have come to accept the fact that she is our resident spiritual guru. We also dined on traditional new year's day foods... our version of hoppin' john, ham and spinach. I just can't bring myself to eat the traditional collard greens; I've tried, but we all agreed spinach was close enough...and tastier. Sophie tried my sauteed spinach with nutmeg and gave it two thumbs up. Precisely what she said was, "Actually this spinach is not bad!" (I'll take it!)

So cheers and best wishes to you all from the Carsons in Wales. We hope that 2009 will be full of new hope and bountiful blessings. We have so enjoyed spending time together as a family this holiday season and are feeling very blessed, indeed, as we start the new year!

"In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want." ~ Traditional Irish toast