If I want to take a picture of my 11 year old daughter, all I have to do is make sure she is on horseback.

Otherwise, no deal.

Tuesday, my 11 year old got bottom braces to match her top ones. The orthodontist also added a ledge behind her front top teeth to correct her bite. The ledge, poor thing, causes her to have a very slight lisp.

Tween: My friends say I sound like Sylvester.

Me: Well, you don’t. I can barely tell the difference.

Tween: And these braces make look and sound ugly.

Me: First of all, you wanted the braces to correct the look of your teeth. And they will.

Tween: Yeah, in like a million years…

Me: No, it will only be a year. Maybe less. Besides, you ARE beautiful and you know that beauty is not just about what’s on the outside. It comes from within…

Tween: I know you love me, Mom, but please don’t give me that Chicken Soup for the Soul stuff.

I promise you I tried my hardest not to laugh.

Alas, I was unsuccessful.