This morning I was holding Ben up to watch the garbage truck dump our can into the back with the noisy hydraulic arm.

Katie got a jealous streak and asked to see the truck too.  When I told her it was too late she got really mad and said:

'Did you make this world, did you make everything, are you Jesus, are you?"  I was flabbergasted!  I didn't know what to say!  

I was trying so hard not to laugh!  I chased Daniel into the bathroom to share the story and he said I needed to watch what

I say around her!  The thing is, I have never said that before, she made it up herself!  What a kid!

It's moments like this when I really miss my sisters!

(go over to the virtual i-pod thing on the right and play Dan Seals: One friend while you read this)

I hear myself say it a lot: One day your sister will be your most valuable friend, be nice to her!  My little girls don't get it yet, the fact that all this fighting, sharing, crowding, hand-me-downs, and hair pulling will one day make for an unbreakable bond called sisterhood.  They don't see it now, but I do.  I tried to give them separate rooms so they could have some space and maybe fight less (plus I wanted Anna in charge of her own room, and to be able to do homework in peace) but it didn't stick!  Before long they were having slumber parties in Anna's new room and asking if Katie's room could be a play/toy room!  They just don't like to be alone!  I watch and it makes me homesick for all my brothers and sisters who used to be my bosom buddies, the ones I couldn't imagine living without.  We are scattered all over the US now, but I keep close tabs on them via e-mail, face book, and blogs.  It's not the same, but it's better than nothing.  It just can't have been that long ago when my siblings were my whole world, can it?  I wish I could tell my children how short and wonderful this time is, and not to waist it in silly fights.  I know it is a proving ground, a place to learn how to negotiate and get along with others.  They are learning life skills, so maybe the tough times are necessary, but I hate to see them running through their days unaware of the precious thing that is childhood shared.  I am glad they have each other.  I think only children are being robbed.  I am glad they will have these memories, and I wish I could time travel back to visit that time in my life just for a little while, and give my bothers and sisters hugs and forgiveness for the small stuff that never really mattered.  I love you guys, I miss you, and I am so glad I have you in my life/family!  Teach your children to cherish each other!  - Georgie aka: G.O., georgie-o, Missie-lee, joe, and big sis. (except for Dave = ] the biggest of us all) 

So there is this dreadful place called the rogue book exchange where (and this is the dreadful part) you can walk in empty handed and walk out with a (yet again) big box full of books and pay nothing.  They are all donated/second hand and my house is getting fuller all the time.  I think next time I go I will have to take a box of books with me to balance out the order of my universe such as it is!  Any how, we were there on Saturday and among other books I felt I must have (being free and all) I found "The best of Bombeck"  A treasury of works by America's favorite humorist   ( aka;  Erma Bombeck).  My Mom must have mentioned this lady because the name sounded familiar!  As I read the jacket I was convinced this was the right sort of self help book for me!  The back read "I consider ironed sheets a health hazard."  And I knew I was going to like this one!  I will have to pass it on when I am done reading it!  I'm sure I am not the only one who could use the chance to get perspective on this crazy life of the American wife and mother, even if it is a wee bit dated!  To all of you out there in cyber space who read my blog, Happy New Year!!!!