Meredith Carson... Across the Pond and Back Again...

My life has been a bit stressful and serious lately which is why Halloween came at a very convenient time this year.  It is difficult to feel gloomy when introducing a toddler to her very first jack-o-lantern.  Wouldn't you agree? (The eerie shadow on the left was totally intentional.  I am an excellent photographer.) And even though I am a self-proclaimed hater of crafts, and pumpkin carving is clearly crafty, gathering round the table with my family, each of us wielding sharp knives, made me feel very happy and loved.  With my husband's artistic pattern I was even able to carve this top notch Cookie Monster-o-lantern making my excited toddler even more excited... My nine-year-old impressed us all with her super cool dragon-lantern.  She worked tirelessly (and probably a bit too late into the school night) on this fantastic design.  She is a little bit of a rock star fireball, you know. All of this wonderfulness happened the night befor...

My favorite rock star turned nine today.  Yesterday we celebrated with bowling, homemade cake and several other rockin' nine-year-olds.  I have watched the interests of this girl evolve from pink princesses into rock stars and dragons.  In the years to come her passions will continue to change, and we will enjoy the ride. Some things have not changed like Emma's curiosity, creativity and concern for others.  She has so much love to give and she goes about showing it in very inventive ways.  Our oldest girl is a rock star with a heart of gold, and we can't wait to see what she teaches us next.  Happy Birthday, Emma! "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You." ~Dr. Seuss

Every Thursday I drive my three children plus one to church for an evening of youth activities.  There is always a theme, and it is generally lots of fun.  This past Thursday the theme was "Red Carpet," and the suggested style of dress was "dressy."  Sophia and I looked through her closet and found her prettiest spring dress with eyelet lace and a pink sash.  We pulled out faux pearls, a fancy flowery headband and her super-fabulous "high-heeled" shoes.  She was set and gorgeous.  Emma, however, had something else in mind... ultra tight black leggings, black leather boots and a short black t-shirt with a leopard print peace sign on the front.  I sighed and could not conceal the look of disapproval on my face.  "I'm not sure that's appropriate for church," I said, "And I'm also not sure that's what was meant by 'Red Carpet,' Emma." She regarded me with mirrored disapproval, "MOM!  Can't a rock star be o...