Friday Feature: Caroline's summer journaling

The twelve weeks of Coussoule Curriculum have begun! Today's journaling topic: List 10 things you love about your sibling. Unfortunately, the two were at each other's throats apparently since about 9:00 this morning, so they weren't in a great frame of mind for this particular topic.

That periodically observed behavior, of course, is exactly why this topic was on the list. It was an epic intellectual struggle with much moaning and groaning, but the ultimate result isn't bad. John's needed quite a bit more effort - maybe next week he'll get closer to the mark. 

As much as I love her reasons she loves John, my favorite part of the journaling isn't the words: it's the picture. The way she drew them, they look more grown up than a 6 and 7 year old. Perfect way to illustrate that they really are Forever Friends. 

Signs of summer

We decided to go out for dinner tonight, and using a universally accepted practice known as "bribing your children," we told the kids that if they behaved at the restaurant, we would walk next door afterward and get frozen yogurt. The kids were reasonably well behaved, so once the bill was paid, we headed out the door toward Too Cool Frozen Yogurt.

It didn't take me and Justin three steps before we began having promiser's remorse (a first cousin to buyer's remorse). We had at least five different frozen treats in the freezer at home, and it suddenly seemed ridiculous to spend ten more dollars eating dessert out. Every once in a while, I think we must be doing something right as parents, because when we told them we would just go home and they could pick something from what we had, they didn't even argue. Much. 

Lucky for Caroline and John, we love ice cream at our house. I didn't realize the full extent to which we have already prepped for summer treats, but between the inside and outside freezers, our inventory includes:

• Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia
• Blue Bell Moo-lennium Crunch (if you've never had this, you need to find it. immediately. buy a pint, and eat the entire thing. by yourself. trust me.)
• Vanilla ice cream
• Klondike Oreo bars
• Klondike mint chocolate chip bars
• Nestle Drumsticks
• Choco Tacos (I know, right?!)
• York ice cream patties 
• Good Humor Reese's ice cream cups
• Freezer pops

Yummmmmmm....

And since it isn't truly summer yet, with oppressive heat and humidity, tonight is one of those evenings where you can't help but want to be outside. Nothing like swinging with your best friend, eating ice cream, as summer approaches. 

The best part of my day

I admit it - many days I think that my workout is the best part of my day. Really really, though, I just can't beat the moment on the days when I pull into the driveway and my kids are outside playing. Maybe it's nostalgia, maybe it's jealousy, maybe it's just the mom-satisfaction of seeing your kids playing together, but there's no doubt that I love seeing them out in the sun, having a great time. 

It struck me today when I saw what they were doing that the essence of play is timeless. My brother, sister and I spent hours playing Hot Wheels outside, making cities in the flower beds; imagining danger and intrigue; providing thrills and excitement for the objects of our play. 

Caroline and John added the element of sidewalk chalk to take it up a notch. The robot spider is clearly a villain to be reckoned with. 

 

I may be missing my chance to develop the next Major League ace or diva for the Metropolitan Opera, but that's okay. I think my kids are having a good time, anyway. 

Just a Swingin'

Spring Break week here in Arkansas, and the weather forecast isn't exactly spring-like. Last Saturday was beautiful, but the next day saw rain, gray skies, and chilly, chilly temperatures.

Monday wasn't much better, but by the time I got home at least it was dry out. Given that the kids were already bouncing off the walls, stir crazy with having been home all day, Justin had sent them outside to play in the backyard. They were happily looking through the cracks in the fence talking to the dogs next door when I looked out the window, and I got two happy waves back when they saw me.

My respite when I get home generally lasts exactly the amount of time it takes 1) for the kids to realize I'm home and 2) for them to cross whatever distance lays between us. Monday was no different; within 10 minutes of being home I had already been talked into putting my sneakers on and participating in backyard races between the fences. Strangely, I can run a marathon, but six times back and forth across the backyard, and I was winded. I was also soundly beaten by both kiddos.

I begged off, claiming too-tiredness and chilliness with the sun having gone down behind the neighbor's house. It was too cold in the shadows of late day without a coat, so off I went back inside.

I escaped inside to help Justin with dinner, but with all the windows in our kitchen, I had no problem keeping an eye on the kiddos while they kept playing outside. They eventually migrated to the playset (which, as an aside, I continually think was worth every.single.penny we spent on it - and that was a lot of pennies) to sit on the swings.

I knew what was coming - a request for me to come outside and push. I did my best to not-look; eye contact in this situation would have done me in. Kids are persistent, though, and always know what it takes to get their way - just a few minutes later, Caroline burst in the back door. Not to ask for me to come out and push John, though. Nope - bigger news.

John had finally, finally learned how to pump his legs and propel himself on the swing. This is yet another one those things you think kids Just Know. Wrong again - despite multiple efforts over the last many months, John just hasn't been able to get the rhythm down of extend the legs, bend the knees, and shift your weight back and forth to propel the swing back and forth, up and down. I guess it took his big sister explaining the concept, though, because he got it. Finally.

And both kids were happily swinging together, chattering excitedly, comparing how high they could get and talking about rocket ships.

Isn't this how we'd all like to spend the evenings? Not a care in the world, our best friend by our side. Just a swingin'.

Forever Friends

Sometimes it's hard to be the big sister. Sometimes it's hard to be the little brother. And it's almost always hard to be the parent who has to try and keep the peace between said big sister and little brother.

Then there are days like today, and nights like last night, when the kids magically get along and prefer each other's company to mine or Justin's. Last night it was a game of "Scramble" played with rules they made up.

Today it's Star Wars on the back patio.

I understand sibling rivalry - being the long suffering Middle Kid of the May family - but I also understand the precious and unique gift of a sister and a brother who are your best friends, who you love infinitely, and whose company you prefer over just about anyone else's. Which is why I'm determined that my own children, from a very early age, will see each other not just as siblings but as friends.

Don't get me wrong - there are fights. There is hitting. There is tackling. There are tears. There is a long list of typical sibling behavior that drives a parent nuts and gets on your last.damn.nerve. But when that stuff happens, I remind them - you don't have to like each other. Sometimes you won't want to play together. But no matter what, you guys are Forever Friends. No matter what, you'll always have each other.

Amazing how even at 5 and 7, that can diffuse the tension. Even when Forever seems like a really, really long time.