Thankful Thursday

Since I haven't done a Thankful Thursday for a while, I thought it was about time. It's not that I haven't been thankful.... just haven't had time to actually write it out.

Today I am especially thankful for my sisters Becky and Erin. As it seems to be an unwritten rule in the "Sister Handbook" (if there were such a thing), we did have our share of disagreements and fights during our childhood, although most of them were very petty. What I remember most about our growing-up years are... hours of playing house and school, family vacations, piano recitals, tree forts in the maple tree, bunnies... and so many more I can't begin to list them all.

When God gave me two sisters, He blessed me with two of the best friends in the world. At this point in our lives, our relationship has deepened and we've become very close. I really look forward to our times together. Of course we're no longer "playing" house (unless you count their "real" babies) or school (yes, they both homeschool their kids and I'm also a teacher), but we have a lot of fun playing games, shopping, or just talking. It seems that whenever we're together, there's not a day that goes by that we don't end up crying because we're laughing so hard over something we remember from the past or something stupid that has happened recently.

I believe I speak for Erin and Becky when I say that one of our favorite things to do is buy tacky gifts for each other. You must understand that there are certain rules when determining what to give each other. The item must be very inexpensive (if it's free, that's even better!) and it must have little to no function for our everyday lives. (You can read Becky's post about tacky gifts here.) Let me show you a few of the precious treasures that demonstrate the sisterly love we share...

I think this is a lamb... I'm pretty sure it doesn't have any particular purpose, except to make me smile when I see it. (And don't tell anyone, but it actually is kinda cute!)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Becky found these beauties... there really are no words to describe them. Except that they're very turquoise !

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Becky rescued these sunglasses from her mother-in-law's garage sale table. This photo doesn't really do them justice. The 25-year-old scratches and clouded lenses are what make them really special.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *



I've never understood "gifts" like this. Would a teacher actually wear this? Maybe I haven't reached the point where I'm completely confident as a teacher, but wearing something like this would make me feel like I'm trying to draw attention to myself... Hey everyone, look at me. I'm the world's best teacher. Thanks anyway, Becky, for this "gem." The fake jewels make it all the more attractive!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *



On one of my shopping extravaganzas (yes, at the dollar store), I was extremely thrilled to find this trivet. Hoping it would bring a smile to my sisters' faces, I bought two trivets and couldn't wait for our next "tacky gift exchange." I was not disappointed... their reactions were everything I'd hoped they'd be... and more! Recently Erin and I went back to the same store and they happened to have a couple trivets left. I decided to get one for myself before they were gone, and as we were checking out, Erin bought it for me. Well, since Erin paid for it, I guess that makes it a gift... and a tacky one at that!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I do believe this receives "the most tacky gift" award. This "not-a-candle-in-a-jar-but-a-stinky-rubbery-leathery-blob-of-goop" came from Erin. Since I first received it from her, it has exchanged hands several times. We usually try to hide it someplace where the other person will find it after we're apart. It has been found under pillows, in Christmas presents, glove compartments, and suitcases... to name a few. There are not enough words to explain how terrible this "non-candle" smells. "Leather" is not a good word to describe it. It's more like skunk/sulphur/rotten eggs. One thing (and the only thing) good about this nasal offensive weapon is that it always provides a smile and giggle to the person who finds it.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

All kidding aside, I'm so grateful to God for the years we had together growing up as sisters, and I can only anticipate that we will continue to grow closer... as friends. And the tackier the gifts, the better! I love you, girls!