Siblings...

On my drive to take "Pippin" to school this morning, I was sitting at the light and absently looking around at the morning hustle. Across the street from us there were 5 children waiting for their crosswalk sign to let them continue in their journey. They all looked to be in elementary school, probably ranging in ages 6-11 years old. The first 3 were boys, stair-stepped in height and had the same dark brown hair color. I figured them to be siblings. The other 2 children were blonde. One was a boy, maybe 10 years of age, and the other was a smaller girl, the youngest of the group. I figured these two to be siblings as well.

With my window up and cars going by, I could not hear their conversation but they were a sight to watch. The three brunette boys were pretty purposeful in their gaze and direction. They only spoke to each other when it seemed truly necessary. Maybe the dread of the Friday spelling test was floating around in each of their heads.

The two blondes were a bit different. The older brother stood with purpose in his shoulders. He watched the tale tell signs that would let him know when the time would be to use the crosswalk. As the opposing light turned from green to yellow, he reached down to take his little sister's hand. She in turn....pulled away and gave him an obvious and defiant look of, "I am not a child. I know how to walk." He took his eyes away from the light and looked down at her, saying not a single word. Their eyes met, locked, and time ticked away. Then very slowly, the little girl put her hand back into his bigger one and she timidly leaned against his side as they prepared to cross the street.

Life and relationships are all around us. It is a continual blessing. All we have to do is take the time to look.

Then and Now.....

Then....
Being two years older, "Pippin" loved being the big sister. She exercised her authority in all matters resembling big sisterhood. Little "Rosie" looked up to her big sister and absorbed all that she could. They share enough of the family blended genes that they have often been mistaken for twins. They always thought it was funny and complimentary There was even a time period when they wanted to dress alike just to have the extra advantage in confusing people.
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Over the years, there have been definite times when they got on each others nerves, wanted space and individuality. But despite those speed bumps, they have always been each others' cheering squad. Early on, they saw each other's differences, strengths, and view points and learned to respect and appreciate their uniqueness.

Now.....

13 years later, they constantly amaze me. They have different tastes in clothing and style. One prefers being a quiet observer while the other is quick to grab the microphone and say whatever comes to mind. One loves to listen to soft music and sit in the solitude of nature while the other jumps for joy at music with tons of drumming and roller coasters are the best way to relax.

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Yes, outwardly they are different as night and day. But inside, they mirror each other in every way. They are both compassionate and sensitive. They would do anything to help a person in need and they both consider spending time with God to be a highlight of their day.

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Yes, I am a proud mama.

I love my girls and wouldn't trade being a mom for anything under the sun.

Tit-For-Tat.....

Today Rosie was working on her Japanese word usage and decided to make her own flashcards with pictures. She snapped her camera with a few pictures of the fridge, milk jug, fish bowl, bed, and so on. Then she said, "Hey Pip, I need a picture that stands for "elder sister". Would you stand up, put your hands on your hips, and glare at me so I can take your picture?"

Train Tracks Are Gone....

Yesterday, my Rosie-girl had her braces removed. It has been almost 3 years since we started this song and dance waltz......
and 1 and 2 and brush again
and 1 and 2 and six week tightening
and 1 and 2 and nothing to eat that is sticky, gummy, or hard
and 1 and 2 and sore jaws
and 1 and 2 and rubberbands pop
and 1 and 2 and.....anyone who has had braces can fill in the blanks with all kinds of bothers.

Well they are now gone and she is so excited! She is blinding everyone with her smile.

Now Pippin will have to find a different way to lovingly torture her sister. She can't play the name calling game anymore. Names like.... train track face, metal mouth, brace face, reflecto head, radio head...or say things like, "Come over here so I can practice throwing my magnet darts." or "I need to hot-wire the radio, give me a smile would you?"

Yes, Rosie is super-uber pleased.