The Ebb and Flow of Siblinghood

On a regular basis, the kids will get on each others nerves. I know this is normal, it happened with my siblings and I. But it constantly amazes me the speed at which things can change.

For example: Yesterday was my wedding anniversary. As a special day, we decided we would share it with the kids. After church, we headed to the movie theater to see Monsters Vs Aliens. It was in 3-D, so it was cool. Before we went into the movie theater, we stopped by the candy shop and purchased some candy. Caroline got some mini-gummy bears, I got hot tamales, Jason got some peanut clusters, and Jack got some kind of pop that has juice with it. Caroline wanted one, but we'd already purchased the gummy bears. After the movie she pitched a fit because we wouldn't go to the candy store to get her the same kind of candy Jack had. I remembered I still had their allowance envelope in my purse so I pulled it out and said she could by the candy with her own money. Jason got something else for Jack so it wouldn't be lop-sided. On the way out to the car, Jack hounded Caroline. And I mean HOUNDED her. Picking on her, saying things just to upset her, commenting that a bad smell from the food court was her passing gas. I was amazed at how vicious he was with his hounding. She was doing her best to just ignore it, but it was getting hard.

As we left the mall, Caroline announced that she could get the wrapper off that kept her from getting her sucker and juice. The next thing I know, I hear the all familiar crack of the candy hitting the pavement. The sucker had come off of the holder and fell on the ground. It was still in the wrapper, but a good part of the candy was scattered on the pavement. We had told her not to open it until we got to the car, and Jason even offered to help once it became clear she was going to try and open it but she insisted on opening it herself. Of course, breaking her candy upset her and Jason offered to go back, but we decided against it. We had told her to wait, but she insisted on opening it.

As we got closer to the car, Jack came up from behind her and said, "Here ya go Baby Girl. I don't really need anymore sugar." And he handed her his sucker pack.

I was amazed at the ebb and flow of their relationship. One minute they can be on each other's nerves, and do whatever, and I mean WHATEVER, it takes to irritate the other. But in a split second it can all be forgotten in one tiny, but thoughtful gesture of kindness.