It is Friday so time for reflections in gratitude and linking up with Bron over at Kidspot for 52 weeks of grateful.
This past week saw the arrival of my big sister as she is visiting from New York for 5 weeks. She has not seen my girls in 3 years so to say there is some cuddling going on would be an understatement. As my kids have no family nearby they just soak in the person and ignore personal space or boundaries of any kind. Alice especially loves to show love and affection and is a hugger. I am so grateful that my sister takes the time and money to travel across the world to come to the playground, eat pancakes together and read books. She will try to squeeze in a solo adventure or two, but most of her five weeks will be filled with family life instead of exotic travels and we appreciate that so much.
(Big sisters at Disney on Ice for Alice’s 9th birthday)
I am also grateful for the wonderful big sister that Alice is. She turned 9 on the weekend and is such a caring and loving big sister. Lulu spent the first 30 minutes of Alice’s birthday morning in tears. She was very upset about not being nine herself, lamenting that age old problem of ALWAYS being the younger sister. No matter how much she ages she is always stuck being younger. As a younger sister myself I could relate, but could also find loads of great things to remind her of the benefits of having a big sister. How they break in the parents so they are more relaxed when you ask permission to do things. How you always have someone who has blazed a bit of a path and can give you advice. How you get your wardrobe AND theirs to wear – evidenced by me wearing my sister’s jacket just yesterday and Lulu was in Alice’s clothes on and off all week! How they love you and want nothing more for you than you to be happy. Instead of wanting to rush into opening her birthday presents Alice was patient and caring and reassured her little sister. I am so grateful that I am here to watch and nurture their relationship as sisters, which is so important to me.
I am especially grateful for this slow week during the school holidays where I had time to reflect, rest, cuddle, play, cook, read, shop (loving my new-to-me yellow handbag that brightens the day), download and laugh with my family and friends.
What are you grateful for this week?
Find your simple,
Deb
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve only seen my big sister once in the past 3 years so I understand how special that time can be together and how it transitions into something even deeper when kidlets become part of that bond.
That’s a gorgeous photo and I love your new handbag!!
kirri recently posted..Dancing in circles
Thanks Kirri – distance can be a pain in the butt with family can’t it?
Debra Dane recently posted..When mothers return to work
I am the youngest and am lucky enough to have three big sisters to care about me. There are lots of advantages to being the youngest sister
Have a fab time with your sister Deb, it must be so lovely having her around.
Happylan recently posted..Grateful for time
Wow – 3 big sisters, sounds like your house would have been a lot of fun (and at times a bit hormonal LOL)
Debra Dane recently posted..Moving from paper to digital
Lovely post!!! Your sister sounds amazing and what a wonderful time to bond!!! And yes, isn’t the slow pace of school holidays wonderful!!!
Thanks Brenda – I hope you enjoyed the pace yourself!
Debra Dane recently posted..Slowing down
Beautiful! That sister bond is amazing! Every day I feel blessed to have sisters. And I love your new bag! xx
Elisa recently posted..The longest days
Thanks Elisa – that’s great that you feel blessed and connect with sisterhood that way. (and I am giddy in love with my yellow handbag – who knew how much it could brighten my days with its cheeriness)
Debra Dane recently posted..Starting to return to work + career Mums book giveaway
Happy birthday to Alice! She sounds like a wonderful big sister. I’m sure you’ll cherish the time with your sister too. Enjoy!
Mum of Adult Kids recently posted..Grateful for a change of pace
Thanks Lisa – loved hearing about your change of pace too – slowing down and savouring time seems to be a big theme right now.
Debra Dane recently posted..Grateful for laughter – my latest ab workout
Wow! How exciting! Sometimes having a slow pace is the best thing! We had pajama day today! Very slow. Bliss!
Tahlia – the parenting files recently posted..I am grateful for: friday family dinner
PJ day is the best isn’t it – nothing like not even getting dressed to really slow you down. Somehow you end up with a feeling of even more hours in the day.
Debra Dane recently posted..Simplify your life {Week 28: Cleaning}
Hi there lovely, how wonderful for yoou to have your sister with you. Did it make you more homesick or anything? I always dreamed of having a sister and I used to pretend that I did have one but she just didnt live with me lol.
By the way, I had a dream about you the other night. We were at dreamworld together and you lost your purse and we were trying to find it and we had to walk into a crocodile pit. Bizarre right? Hope you have been keeping well hun. Any news on coming to Sydney at all for a visit? xxx
Sonia Life Love Hiccups recently posted..How to Make The Easiest Cushions Ever!
I think this year it is easier because we are planning a visit home later this year – so all the talks of food and shopping and friends are ok knowing we are actually planning together how to introduce my girls to all things NYC!
your dream cracked me up – i had a doozy of my own this week… shared yours with the family and the kids asked – what happened once we were in the pit LOL?
I will let you know if we make it to Sydney this year – not sure right now…wish we could just jump in the car and go for a break! xxx
Debra Dane recently posted..Slowing down