I was listening to my favorite Christian radio station this morning. The morning DJs are young adults because the station wants teenagers to listen, so they give them people to whom they can relate. Actually, the music and contests are geared more towards teenagers as well, but I like the music. So, the DJs were talking about Mother’s Day and wondering what some of their listeners were planning to do for their moms. A teenage girl called in and said that her mom didn’t want anything for Mother’s Day. The DJs made a couple of suggestions, which did include housework. The... more

We adopted sisters through foster care adoption. One of the sisters was a teenager and the other was nine years old at the time of their adoptions. Since they were older, they knew all of their birth family members’ phone numbers. We also lived in the same city as all of their birth family.

For two years prior to their adoption, we were their foster family. During that time, we established an open relationship with their birth family. The girls frequently spent weekends with either, one set of their grandparents, or aunts and... more

Did I ever tell my sons that they needed to defend their sister? Not in so many words, but I guess their just loyal brothers. While it is apparently all right for them to antagonize their sister until she cries, they won’t allow others to do the same.

In April, we sent three of the teenagers to a boating safety class. Honestly, I didn’t think Lyn would pass the class, but I figured she would receive some benefit from attending it.

The sheriff’s department apparently doesn’t believe in letting anyone fail. One of the... more

A few weeks ago, my two little cousins came over to spend the night with Gracie and me to celebrate the Chinese New Year together. My mother found this poem of an anonymous writer that describes a toddler’s perspective. I could not help but to be reminded of my little cousins and Gracie when I read this poem for the first time. I am sure if you are the older sibling to a toddler brother or sister then you should be able to identify with this.

Toddler Rules of Property If I like it, it... more

While I was away on a youth trip to Schroon Lake, New York for three days Gracie missed me. My mom said she looked at my picture and asked “Where Sissy”? Mom said Gracie would call out “Sissy, Sissy”? and my mom would tell Gracie that I was away and that I was going to be back home in two days or tomorrow or whatever time frame was left on me returning. The thing I thought was most special is she wanted to sleep in my room each night I was away to help her feel like she was close to me even when I was hundreds of miles away from her.

Another... more

All siblings have their good days, their bad days, the days they are healthy, and days they are sick. Today, Gracie is sick, but even a little cold cannot stop that little girl’s energy!

My mom came into my room this morning and said Gracie woke up in the middle of the night with the croup. I woke up this morning without the sound of Gracie coming into my room to wake me up. Tired little Gracie was still asleep in her bed from the night of coughing and was still in bed when my mom and I left the house to go to school.

My... more

I have heard some of my friends say that their older brother or sister is their best friend. The problem is when their older sibling has friends over to spend the night their older brother or sister will act like their sibling is not even there. This is very hurtful to my friends that have older siblings.

I use to think that this was so mean and that the older sibling should not be able to get away with doing that to their younger sibling. I still feel that way but now that I am the older sibling I have to admit, as... more

There are times I get phone calls to baby-sit for my neighbor’s girls and for my aunt’s children. I also look after some of the little ones from my church on occasion but I do baby-sit Gracie quite a bit and I always need to know what to do in case of an emergency and I have to call 9-1-1. If you care for your younger brother or sister you too need to be prepared to know what to say if you have to call for help. Below is a general list of instructions in the event you need help in an emergency.

First off you must always remain calm when dialing... more

Snow day, snow day, snow day! Oh what joy! Those are the two most beloved words in the wintertime for many students because in our region it generally means… NO SCHOOL!!!!!! Yes! My area finally had its first snow day. Because of the hazardous road conditions our most wonderful administrator’s cancelled school for the day. Gracie being as curious as she is, looked out the window with a big smile and said “‘NOOOOOW” (snow)! She was so excited to see the snow and when I asked her if she wanted to go out and play in it she said yes right away.

I... more

I have heard my friends on occasion say their mom or dad never hear their side of the story when they get into a fight with their younger sibling. They say their sibling always blames them when they fight.

I have always heard that adults sometimes expect the older sibling to be more patient and understanding with their younger sibling. As the older sibling I am already hearing this from my own mother and father. This is so hard sometimes.

There is eleven years difference between Gracie and me and Gracie is only 2 years old... more