Spa Day With The Kids

No, I did not pay a ton of money to take myself and my 7 1/2 and 6 year old to a fancy spa. Carson and Olivia asked for some sheets of paper and a pen. I didn't inquire too much about their plans for them. I was just glad they asked for paper along with the pen because we've had issues in the past with them writing on the wall, sheets, pillows, etc. A little while later, they came and told me they had made their room into a spa, and they wanted me to come for a visit. On their bedroom door hung an open sign that read "spoille." Although spelled incorrectly, I was so proud that they came up with such a creative name for a spa, Spoil; however, Olivia pointed to the sign and said, "Carson thought that's how you spell spa." Man, has school been out that long already. We're going to be practicing some spelling this week. Anyway, they invited me into the "spa" which was their bed draped with their comforters with an opening to enter the bottom bunk. It was like a little beach bed you might see on the beaches of Cancun or Jamaica.
They offered me a pedicure (foot rub with lotion) and a massage (back rub and scratch). Olivia said she wanted to give me a facial with mayonnaise or mud. I told her I didn't think that was a good idea, but she begged me for some cucumbers to put over my eyes. "It's not a real spa without them, Mama," she told me. The closest thing we had to cucumbers were bread and butter pickles. I told her to have Chris rinse them off and dry them. They each took turns putting one on my eyes. It didn't take long for the pickles to give me a headache with their strong aroma, but it sure was fun watching my kids be so thrilled about pampering me.

 As summer wears on, it's these creative moments that remind me just how special my kids are. They never cease to amaze me with their brilliant ideas and anti-boredom tactics. It's such a joy to watch them work together on little projects like Lego's, puzzles, and of course, the "spoille". These are the days that I will cherish forever. 

Sisters Are Forever

Now, I am the first to admit that I have not been the best big sister. I am seven and 8 1/2 years older than my sisters, so it was a shock to me, in 2nd grade, that I now had to share my parents, space, and whole world with these crying, meddling, drooly little things. I know I was bossy and controlling throughout the years. I remember telling them I would pay them $1 for every minute they rubbed my back, and I'm almost positive I never paid them a dime. I was also reminded Saturday night how I tortured them both by making them wet their pants. (Although the reminder came through Kaylee's demonstration on my own children.) Even as a high schooler and young adult, there weren't too many choices I made that I am not proud of. There are a myriad of things I did back then of which (only by the grace of God) they are not aware, but they have asked me about events in my past that I am, even now, embarrassed to admit. 

As a big sister, I should have been the leader, the positive example, the one showing them how to serve others, love without condition, make good decisions that would not negatively affect my life, and most importantly, how to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. This, however, was far from what was out there for them to see and follow. I will never forget sitting in my car after a night of eating out with an almost 16 year old Kaylee and 14 year old Morgan and fighting to get the words out that me, still unmarried, was pregnant once again. I hated looking in the back seat and seeing the hurt and disappointment in their eyes. Now, as teens, I'm not sure if that hurt and disappointment was more for me or the fact that I would still be invading their space, their time, and their teenage years that should be full of fun and friends. 

If most of us were to think about the teens we know, sacrificing for family would be nowhere near the top of a list of characteristics they display. It would probably not even find its way on to the list if we were asked for 100 things. Sacrifice...that's exactly what my sisters did for me all those years I was a single mom. They gave up having their own rooms, had to share a bathroom with three other people, and constantly babysat while I worked, went to school, and even just got out of the house for a while. As disappointed as they were in me and the choices I made, they loved me, my kids, and just gave and gave to us when they could have chosen otherwise. For this, I am so grateful.

Not only am I grateful, but I realize that no matter what our differences in opinions, personalities, and preferences, we are sisters. We have been through many trials, life lessons, and a ton of fun together, but I pray that as the last one of us gets married this January, they bless me with more nieces and nephews, we finish school, start new careers, and things all around us continue to change, we will stay close, help each other out, and not ever lose sight of how important our relationship with one another is. Our love for one another should never fade, expire, or even be in question. What a special bond sisters have. I cannot imagine what my life might have been without the love, support, and sacrifices from my little sisters. I also know that, although I have not agreed with every decision, action and behavior of theirs, I love them and pray that I will be ready, willing, and able to help them like they have helped me.