It was the last day of school and we were headed to Indiana to see our cousins. My kids love to see their cousins and hate to leave them but the time spent together can be an emotional roller coaster. Although my sister and I love to see each other, we become camp directors refereeing five children (age’s five through ten). There are also teenagers but they seldom make an appearance and run for cover when they can! We both treat them all like our own both praising them and correcting them.
Trying to corral them all is like trying to corral a herd of cats! We’ve recognized a few things when we’re all together that makes things run a little smoother. First, we laugh our way through most of the circumstances, remembering how we were once kids and did the same things. Second we keep them busy. Fishing, swimming, movies, amusement parks, boating, tubing, riding quads, motorcycles, biking, Guitar Hero wii. You name it, if the age group we have can do it, WE DO IT!! Finally, obedience and respect remain important but all the “small stuff” gets thrown out the window. Not brushing teeth is tolerated. Eating fruit for breakfast is requested but donuts are fine. Wearing dirty clothes is acceptable and taking baths are at a minimum. Every night is a dessert night (even if you didn’t eat all your dinner). Staying up until midnight is the norm and if you’re cranky the next day we feed you chocolate to cheer you up!!
God is about order and discipline but I think He also encourages us to enjoy life, an abundant life. “…I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” John 10:10. When we get so caught up in what needs to be done or “whipping” our children into shape we and they can miss out on the finest moments of life!! After five days of the cousins being together, “dog” tired, filthy dirty, and breaking up arguments in the car on the way to the airport, my kids were sad, and wondering when they would see their cousins once again!!
Being with my sister is always a time of refreshment. To know someone for your whole life and have them still like you is remarkable!! We live very different lives but our love for one another binds us together and has withstood the test of time and trials. I guess we’re old enough to laugh at the past, embrace the present, and know we’ll both be there for each other for whatever the future holds! Love you Karen!!
Sweet Dreams,
Debbie
1 comment:
There are a few things we know for certain in life...one of them is THE SUMMER KIDS KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN! Glad you started summer with making such great memories with Karen's family.
And a shout out to Karen, too, who is one of the most down-to-earth, truly comfortable people to be around! Karen, we will miss seeng you and your family at Camp of the Woods this year. :) Maybe we'll be going the same week next year.
Hugs,
Sharon
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