New Dear's Yay!

A quick post to bring in 2014 with by way of marking the felt absence of our beloved younger sister Kirstie. Last night, New Years Eve, she flew for Maryland after spending nearly two months with us (minus her five day solo visit to Queenstown in the South Island).

I confess to have very much enjoyed observing Kirstie's daily interactions with Eden and our kids.

Our own sparring version of communication I also enjoyed and will miss, along with the more serious and considered words we managed to share on occasion :) Yes, such a thoughtful sister/sister-in-law and loving aunty is sorely missed already. This morning Zeke told me he was "feeling sad". Asked why he told me "Aunt Kirstie gone to Pop's house". Our loss is their gain although after only a few days at home in MD Kirstie will be moving to North Carolina to pursue more studies. Life goes on...but I want to say thank you Kirstie for being such a delight to have in our home. By the grace of God you live your given name Kirstie Delight. I certainly see the hand of God moving through your parents in that and it must bring them real joy to be so used by God. "Kirstie" is one of the many forms of Christine which basically means "follower of Christ". Eden and I delight in seeing you live your name out so congruently! "A good name is better than great wealth" because a good reputation runs ahead to recommend and so open doors ahead of you. Of which our door is certainly still included.

Another way I mark some occasions is by penning a poem. One specifically for Kirstie will feature here within some days. Until then I would like, in honour of all my sister-in-laws - especially those three who have visited us in NZ (here's to you Jenny, Katrina and Kirstie!) - to paste in a poem written during Jenny's 2011 trip. It references the many different and varied interactions I've seen between my seven SILs or experienced myself when swept up within the mad melee of The Sisterhood since we all first met in September 2009. Believe me it's all still happening :)

SILs.

Dancing floors

Flushing bores

Making smores

Killing snores.

Mining stores

Shopping yours.

Jabbering jaws

Cleansing pores

Sharing chores

Healing sores.

Fouling laws

Bleeding claws

Nailing gnaws

Hear me roars

Loving wars

Forcing doors.

Shocking pause;

Sister-in-Laws.

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I now grace you with a special bonus feature:

Kirstie Howard's 9-Step "How to survive travelling Down Under" guide.

Step I. Check everyone is watching.

Step II. Close your mouth.

Step III. Hold your breath.

Step IV. Generate mystery by disappearing for a time.

Step V. Be first to pop back into view.

Step VI. Avoid getting tangled in consequences.

Step VII. Do not help those who won't adapt by letting things go.

Step VIII. Relax and float along on your way because they'll probably be ok?

Step IX. Find better travelling companions!