The Rose-berry Bush

Last week I was tidying up the girls' room when I looked out the window and saw this:

 At first I thought, "I didn't know we had a holly bush there." Then I looked closer:

I burst out laughing. One of my children had decorated the thorns of the rosebush with berries collected from the bush by the front door. Obviously, this was the work of Annabel.

I went through the next few days telling everyone and getting a spark of delight every time I glanced at our new "rose-berry" bush. What creativity! What fun! That Annabel is a special girl!

But the story did not end there.

When I finally got around to complimenting Annabel on her artistic effort, she said, "It wasn't me. It was Alexander's idea. But he let me help."

I was floored. This was not Alexander's style, I thought. Then I remembered that, as recent incidents have pointed out to me, I may not actually know my son that well. How fantastic to learn that he has rose-berry bushes inside of him! How thoughtful of him to cover the sharp thorns with squishy-bright berries.

Once again, I am reminded that the surprises my children have in store for me will never end. I hope there are more like this one.