Sisters

On December 27, 2000, these two became sisters.  Rebecca was just 18 months.  I can distinctly remember her kissing Caroline at the hospital and saying, "I wuv you, Tarowine."  It was the beginning of the sweetest friendship.

Caroline has just joined her sister in this new season of "teenagerhood."

They do things now like close the door to one of their rooms and tell secrets.  

Secrets that I don't get to be a part of.

Although they have their momentary scuffles, they really don't like to be at odds with one another and don't waste much time before they apologize and make things right.

They take up for one another and try to convince their daddy 

and I to give grace when the other is in trouble.

They pray for one another, and encourage one another, 

and hug each other when they part ways.

They are invited to the same parties now and have the same friends.

They are goofy and drive us batty in the car with hysterical laughter and loud, obnoxious songs.  They curl up together on one of their beds and watch teeny-bopper movies on the teeny-tiny screen of the iPad. 

Thirteen years ago, God gave us these sisters.  

I'm glad.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Caroline!

Christmas 2013

 It all started with our annual Christmas Eve-Eve feast of Thai Spice Take Out.  

And then Daddy opened his gift 

with which he found great delight!

 

 The girls exchanged their gifts to one another 

and then it was off to bed so Santa could come.

 But not before one last gift of new pajamas and boot slippers.

 The girls woke to a few fun surprises...

And then we opened the stockings...our favorite!

 Daddy snuck one last Christmas treat on their beds.

 And Rebecca found the pickle ornament 

for the third year in a row.

 Then it was off to Uncle Duke and Aunt Viki's 

for a scrumptious Christmas Eve feast with family.

 We all enjoyed every bite!

 Then we exchanged some gifts...

 ...and took the annual cousins pic.  

 When we arrived in Birmingham, 

this little chick came running for me and jumped into my arms.  

(Be still my heart.)

On Christmas morning we went to the nursing home to see Granddad Lamb 

and to sing some carols for the residents.

 

 It was a favorite time of this season.  

Sweet and fun and beautiful all wrapped into one.

 Then we came home for more presents at Nana's.  

I made quilts for a house divided.  War Eagle!

 

 And then there were more stockings.  

While we waited for lunch everyone curled up with their "devices"...

 

...much to Nana's dismay.

 

And later on we had some visitors.  

(Rosie was the life of the party.  That cutie!)

 

 And the big kids played some games.

 Nana made salad bar for Caroline's birthday (Her favorite!)...

 ... and we all sang "Happy Birthday to You!"

 Joining the crowd, the littlest cousin gravitated to her Uncle Andy.  

 Nana took Caroline for her first French manicure!

And then it was off to have lunch with some long time friends!

 

So much fun to see all our little ones piled in together.

 

Then it was off to Steel City Pops (our fave!) 

for Caroline's birthday treat.

 

 Yummy-lish!

 En route home, we got a call from our sweet neighbor 

that our tree had fallen and she had pulled off all the ornaments and propped it up.

When we arrived, the girls and I pulled off the lights and Andy drug it to the road.

 

 And just like that... Christmas was over.  (But not really.)

The End.

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

John 10:10

Grateful

For how He rescues me from the "fast and fury" and grants me quiet 

and peace when He knows I need it most.

 For their friendship, hysterical laughter, and joy they find in being sisters.

 For all the simple delights that God has brought to this season...

regardless of circumstances and expectations.

For how He prepares my heart for His coming... a desire I have laid before Him.  "...we are most prepared for Christ, for Christmas, when we confess we are mostly not prepared.  Rest here.  There is only room in us when we are done with us."  (Voskamp)

 

For the joy He has set before me.... living Christmas all year long.