It's a Sisters Thing!

I have heard all kinds of stories about how wonderful and strong the bond is among Sisters! Having 4 brothers, I could only imagine what that would have been like.  I think I have come as close as I can to knowing,.. from the relationship I have with my sister-in-law Shirley; and also from the sweet relationships I have with my dear dear friends.  I can't imagine I could love them any more if they were my sisters. Then there are my close, close friends who I call my daughters and daughter in law! So I can't complain really for not having any sisters...because I think the truth is... I do have many many sisters that the Lord has blessed me with.

Yesterday I was visiting a friend of mine in the Nursing Home, while I was there 3 sisters came in and introduced themselves to me. They said that their 92 year old Mother was being transferred to this Nursing Home in a couple of hours, and that she was going to be my friend's new roommate. They were very sweet and very kind to me and to my friend. They were sorry that it was a bit loud and busy but they wanted everything to be in place before their Mother arrived. I was so impressed with their love, respect and concern for their Mom. They wanted every picture up, every thing that meant something to her, to be in plain sight so that she would feel comfortable and at home as much as possible.
I was very impressed with how kind and considerate they were with each other. You could tell they were stressed with having to have all of her things unpacked and in place before she got there. Even under these stressful conditions, I never heard a complaint or argument with one another, they all were there to make sure that their Mom felt safe and loved! It was a great insight to me of what type of Mother they must have, to honor her in this way.
Today my granddaugthers were off of school and they came and spent the day with Nana! ( me ). I have to say as I watch them play, fight, and then play some more together, it did my heart good to know that they will always have each other to count on. They will always be Sisters...that is a pretty special thing!

This was the picture of them at their Aunt Lauren's wedding reception, just one year ago! Wow, how time flies!

Here they are last week when Jenny got to go on the bus with Angie for the first time. Audrey was there hoping that they might let her on the bus too!

"Sisters, they always have your back!"

" I had that greatest friends when I was a kid, and I got to keep them for my whole life!"

Good Night dear friends!

How could she be two?

Hard to believe that 2 years ago today, Miss Audrey came into our family. She came out as a Red head and now is a totally Blondie! She has a lot of personality in that little body of hers. She has been such a treat to have around.


She is my first Granddaughter to really love her baby dolls, that has been very fun for Nana. Not that I don't mind making clothes and quilts for dinosaurs and rocks but... but it is nice to have a change for a bit and have them play with dolls!

 She had fun this year at Snowflake lane, upon Poppa's shoulders!

She loves to cook when she is over at Nana's house!

She likes to sing to her baby before putting her to bed. Yes, you are right, I am teaching her Christmas songs to sing to them! :) Can never start too early!

 Then of course she prays with her dollie before putting her to bed. Sweet! I am so grateful that her Mom and Dad are teaching her at such a young age, the importance of prayer! She will be able to use that her whole life. Some people have never been taught to pray, and don't know how to. I realize that my grandchildren have been so blessed to have families to teach them how to pray!

Happy Birthday dear sweet Audrey Jane, you have brought so much fun and happiness in our lives. Life is always a SURPISE when you are around, we never know what you will do next! But that seems to fit just perfect in your family with you and your sisters! Watch out world!

Sisters!

Sisters, well I got to go spend the day with our 3 little redheaded Sisters. I love the photos that Amy took of them in all the same dresses when they were the same age. I warned her that maybe some day she wouldn't know which photo was which. But here they are at 4 months old...too fun to see how much they look alike and yet different at the same time.
When I started to come home tonight both of the girls really wanted to come home with me so....we are doing a 2 day Sleep Over. Wish me luck!
Good night dear friends!

Here is Miss Angeline Ann at 4 months




Then we have Miss Jenny Paige at 4 months


And last but not least Miss Audrey Jane


Thought this quote was cute but we have no idea if this will be true for all or any of them.
Only time will tell!

Thanks for being my sisters!

Having been raised in a family with no sisters...I am eternally  grateful for each of you in my life. I might not have been raised up with sisters, but I am so thankful to have so many SISTERS in my life now in my adult life. Here are some photos that Lauren has taken of my two granddaughters  ( one picture she drew of them ) and it made me think of all of you...who have been like Sisters in my life! Thank you for that!
Night Sis!                          

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."

Author: Author: Marion C. Garretty

"My girlfriends are...the sisters I picked out for myself"


"Having a sister...is like having a best friend for life"

"A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life."

~ Isadora James

"When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?"

~Pam Brown  

Friends

When I was going to college, I moved out to an apartment with a few girls. I was so excited to finally be out on my own and take on responsibility of rent, food and so on. It was a scary, but yet a liberating feeling to be out on my own. I quickly made friends with the girls that were now my room-mates. One girl particularly was a favorite of mine, we actually acted like sisters from the very beginning. As time went on, I decided (since I never had any sisters) to come up with a plan. If I hooked my roommate and my brother up, then if that really worked...they'd be married, and I could have my best friend as my sister-in-law forever! And believe it or not, it worked!
So today this same sister-in-law flew in town to visit and that is what we did today, visited, went shopping and had lunch. I have really missed her, I love being around her, all we do is laugh and tease each other all the time.
That's the good news, the bad news is... I had to come right home and go to bed, and haven't been worth anything the rest of the evening. That is my life though, at least I got to go out some and for that I am grateful. There have many days that I couldn't have even done that, yes grateful is the right word.
Now I needed to take this poor worn out body and head to bed. Good night dear friends and thanks for your friendship too!

Friendship's Road

Friendship is a chain of gold,

Shaped in God's all~perfect mold;

Each link a smile, a laugh, a tear,

A grip of the hand, a word of cheer.

As steadfast as the ages roll, binding closer soul to soul;

No matter how far or heavy the load,

Sweet is the journey on Friendship's Road.

*JB Downie

"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."

" Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget."

Two Sisters One Heart

"Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while, but our hearts forever".  ~ Unknown

Today I got an email from my sister-in-law, telling me about her dear friend who just lost two of  her granddaughters this past week. I am telling you, this has been a tough couple of weeks, for so many of our friends. This grandmother, had conjoined twin granddaughters ...who at the age of 4 died, during complications from surgery.
Our little Angie is four and to be honest with you, I can't imagine anything happening to her or Jenny. Yes, life is really tough. I heard a talk in church by David A. Bednar, his talk was about how we handle a crisis in our life. Do we blame God, or do we go to Him for support and peace? Here is a quote from his talk that I found to be incredibly comforting.

Emma Joan and Taylor Nalani Bailey

September 20, 2006 - August 10, 2010

"We should not underestimate or overlook the power of the Lord’s tender mercies. The simpleness, the sweetness, and the constancy of the tender mercies of the Lord will do much to fortify and protect us in the troubled times in which we do now and will yet live. When words cannot provide the solace we need or express the joy we feel, when it is simply futile to attempt to explain that which is unexplainable, when logic and reason cannot yield adequate understanding about the injustices and inequities of life, when mortal experience and evaluation are insufficient to produce a desired outcome, and when it seems that perhaps we are so totally alone, truly we are blessed by the tender mercies of the Lord and made mighty even unto the power of deliverance."
Elder David A. Bednar

Please take time out to keep this dear family in your thoughts and prayers. Here is their blog address... if you would like to learn more about them and their sweet family. http://emmaandtaylorbailey.blogspot.com/

"

"The family unit is the most important organization in time or in eternity."   ~Bruce R. McConkie

“Our Heavenly Father has organized us into families for the purpose of helping us successfully meet the trials and challenges of life. The home also exists to bless us with the joys and privileges of family associations. Our family is our safety place, our support network, our sanctuary, and our salvation.”  ~Rex D. Pinegar

"To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die."   ~Thomas Campbell

Sisters/Friends/Daughters

"How do people make it through life without a sister?"  ~Sara Corpening
I have thought about this quote/question many times in my life. What would it have been like to have a sister? Someone who I could have confessed my deepest fears too, someone who truly understood what my life was like?
I wondered even what she would have looked like? Then many times. even though I missed having a sister to share everything with, I was grateful that I didn't have one, chances were great that she would have been abused too, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone!
So I have spent the rest of my life finding sisters, in the friends that I have made. I truly think we are as close as sisters and I know that is rare, so I am grateful for those relationships. But also I was blessed to have daughters, who have grown up to be my best friends too.

"A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend."  ~Author Unknown
Now I have granddaughters too, so I have to admit, I have been richly blessed.

Today I woke up and had breakfast with my youngest daughter Lauren who is home from college. I had forgotten how much I missed her smile and sweet compassionate spirit. She was concerned, that I had yet another night of ...not much sleep. Then I got to talk to my sweet daughter-in-law over the phone, oh how much I love that girl, she is truly my daughter and I am grateful that Bradley found her! It always brightens my day to talk to her.

Next, I called a dear friend back East, who had just had surgery to see how she was doing.I wished I lived closer so that I could be with her.
Later in my day, Amy and the girls came over...somehow I always feel better when I see them. Right before my Doctor appointment, I had two dear friends call and check up on me. They both knew I was nervous about doing this nerve test on my hand. They themselves had already had the same test, and told me after all that I had been through, this test should be nothing.

"Help one another, is part of the religion of sisterhood."  ~Louisa May Alcott

I had what they call a Nerve Conductor Test today at my Spine Specialist office. It was to determine if the pain and weakness in my right hand is from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It was a different test to say the least, they do about 8 needles  up and down your arm to test to see how the nerves react. Each time, he had to move the needle around in there and go pretty deep, to get the results he needed. That hurt, could I stand it?    Yes, but I don't know anyone that likes a needle moved around...while it's is in you! He also did a shock test up and down my arm,( sorta felt like if you have ever been shocked from an electrical outlet) he started out very mild and got stronger, did that hurt? The big ones did, but it was bearable.
I didn't really want to find out that I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, but yet I did want to find some answers from this test. The Dr. was shocked ( no pun intended ), because he thought for sure it was Carpal Tunnel ...but as far as he could tell, I didn't have that and he was puzzled at why my hand is having so much trouble. He told me that he could send me to another specialist, or we could wait and see what results I get from my new Physical Therapist. I told him, I will wait and see. She hasn't even evaluated my neck yet, maybe she will have some answers for me.
So that was my day today, not very exciting but I guess the process of elimination is one way to do it? I guess, I was just hoping to be one step closer to helping me get out of some pain, some where, but not today! I am trying YET ANOTHER dosage of my medicine tonight, I pray that I will sleep and yet not be groggy all day tomorrow. Am I asking too much? Sometimes I wonder?
Thank you for being my friends! When I count all the women in my life who have been like Sisters to me...I am feel pretty good about my life, and how lucky I am to have so many SISTERS! So "Good night Sis!" ...I always wanted to say that! :)

"Don't walk in front of me and be my leader, don't walk behind me and be my follower, but walk beside me and be my Sister."

"Sisterhood is not a destination, but a journey."  ~ Unknown

Brotherly and Sisterly Love!

My friend called the other day, to tell me that they were on their way to visit their family, for their summer vacation. It was to Grandma's house. These friends has a son, and then almost 9 years later... they had a little girl. Her son went to stay at Grandma's house by himself for a couple of weeks, and now they were going to join them. Their little girl (now 3 1/2 years old), could hardly wait to see her big brother. He in turn was missing her too. It always does my heart good to see the love between a brother and sister ( sibblings ). It should be strong and close in my opinion. I love when I hear my own kids talk to each other and go to each other for help. Yes, families really should be that way. I am grateful that my kids feel that way about each other. I was touched and reminded of this important relationship, when I read this story. I hope it makes you think about your brother or sister, and it reminds you to take the opportunity to tell them how much you love and appreciate them. That's what families should be all about!

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes, I’ll do it if it will save her.”

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away?”.

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

Written by Stephen on January 29th, 2009   http://academictips.org/blogs/category/inspirational-stories/

 

"To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time."

~Clara Ortega

"I don't believe an accident of birth makes people sisters or brothers.  It makes them siblings, gives them mutuality of parentage.  Sisterhood and brotherhood is a condition people have to work at."  ~Maya Angelou

Some Sister Time

I have 4 brothers and all my life I have wondered what it would be like to have a sister? I see other sisters share things that you don't quite share with a brother. I feel like in some ways since I have married and had girls of my own, that I sorta got part of that experience. My girls as well as my boys feel like my friends, but sometimes the things that just we girls share, has been neat. I know if you were to ask Jeff or my boys to participate in some of our conversations or activities...they would quickly so NO!

I also have had that type of feeling with so many of my dear friends, I have a lot of BEST FRIENDS! They truly are my best friend too! As far as I know, there isn't a limit to how many you can have. Also my sister-in-law and now my daughter-in-law, seem more like sisters at certain times in my life and for that I am grateful too.

Today Lee and I spent more time with these two sisters, my granddaughters. Angie is only 3 and we weren't sure how she would adjust to someone sharing her lime light, but so far she has done well. She may have a few struggles because of Jenny, but she doesn't show them too Jenny and for that we are grateful.

I loved seeing my kids interact with each other when they were all home together a few weeks ago. I love the way Amy and Lauren (though very different from each other) always seem to be there for each other. The same was with the boys. Yes, my family is my greatest treasure. Now that our family is growing I feel like the blessings are just multiplying and I feel content and truly rich!

Thanks so much to all of you out there that have been like family to me. Thanks for filling that sister void in me!

I hope each of you that has a sisters, daughter or friends... will tell them how much you appreciate the neat bond that you have between you. It is truly magical!

 

"In thee my soul shall own combined the sister and the friend."  ~Catherine Killigrew

 "While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about." -Angela Schwindt

"When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?"  ~Pam Brown