Being Thankful #4

I have been thoroughly  enjoying these past few days because my little sister is here!  Yes, she also brought her hubby and my new nephew (who, by the way is the sweetest this EVER!). I really think I took my sisters for granted when I was younger.  It was one of those things I think all sibling groups go through.  When growing up you kinda tolerate your family because you are forced and it's not until you get older that you actually look forward to hanging out with them (especially when you live far apart).

There is something about sisters when you are older.  Its a kinship that you really didn't have when you were younger. Now you have gone through the hard junior high and high school awkward years, we've survived college and the weird early 20s. We have come out on the other side, more confident, wiser and mature (at least some of us).  We know who we are and, like it or not, we have accepted our sisters for who they are.  We are able to laugh at our faults and imperfections while rejoicing with the little things.  Gone are the days of sibling rivalry and petty cat fights.  Here to stay are long phone calls and laughing until your belly hurts about the "remember whens."  Before we couldn't wait to have them out of our rooms, now we count down the days until we get to see them again.

I am so glad that God chose to bless Annika with a little sister.  More often than not Annika and Taryn are the best of friends.  Creating schools, homes, zoos, pet shops and princess fairy lands.  Dressing up and dressing the same.  Sometimes I think I need to do more play dates for Annika with her school friends.  But, then I see how well her and Taryn play together and that is one of the most important things. Sisters will see you at your best and worst.  She will know your highs and lows. Friends will come and go but your sister is stuck with you no matter what.  Yes, there are times when I need to tell Annika and Taryn  to "treat your sister like you would treat a friend," but I really think they like spending time together.  I know in a few years the hormones will kick in and I will blissfully look back on these days.  Yet, I know that when the dust clears they will be the best friends again.