Halloween nostalgia

I can’t believe another Halloween has come and gone. This being Elle’s fifth, Coco’s second (but first real one) I’m just trying to slow things down and take it all in. Even though this time of year is insane and about to get insaner-yeah I said it, I have to remember this time is fleeting. It’s not long before my relationships with the girls will change and be filled with more complications, the kinds many years of mother/daughterhood tend to collect. Yes, we have our battles-they are so head strong and stubborn. But most of them can be easily solved with a hug or a tickle. One day it won’t be as easy. Some day we won’t relate to each other in the same way. Not necessarily a bad way, just different. My mother made every Halloween, and all of the holidays, incredibly special with delicious recipes and beautiful decorations. I can still taste her toasted pumpkin seeds and I have a witch dress she made one year still hanging in my closet. My grandmother made this dress (above) and many other costumes for my brother and I and I can still see her happy face when we wore them. She was a bit of a curmudgeon, so it was always fun to see her brighten up whenever we came around. So I speak from experience when I say these times are important. Parts of them are hell for me, but they’re worth it. We’re building a foundation here after all and I don’t want to cut any corners. It’s a stressful time of year, but I’m going to do my best to remember how special it is and slow down to smell the roses. And the candy, the turkey, and the eggnog. Let the games begin. Happy Halloween!

Elle, 5, the witch.

Coco, 2, the robot.