My sister and I used to live half a block away from each other. Next month, it will be two years since they moved away. This time of year I get kind of nostalgic about it. Not to mention the fact that the Lost finale was last night so that just solidifies the season of goodbyes.
And my house is a mess. Used to, when my house was a mess and I needed a change of scenery, I would grab the kids and we would walk down the street and hang out with The Nester.
Only she wasn’t The Nester back then. But she still nested. Her home is always so cozy and inviting. And she makes a great iced coffee.
When you’re on the verge of losing your mommy mind, or your grown-up, work full-time mind, or whatever kind of mind you might happen to have, there is something about having a place to go. Like Cheers except without the addictions.
Something that seems so important and patient-testing when I am by myself turns comical and lighthearted when I’m with my sister. Everyone should have someone like that. And everyone should also have a jar of wooden eggs with a spoon in it. Don’t you just love her?
She only lives a few hours away now, so I really can’t complain. Still, today I’ll have to settle for these photos I took at her house. It’s not as good as the real thing, but I’ll take it.
Emily, I think everyone who knows you and your sister, even if only in Bloggyville, just falls in love with you two. You’re so genuine and real and help all of us find the best in ourselves. I can only imagine how hard it is living so far away now.
I have three older brothers, and we’re all incredibly close. Problem is, one lives in California, another in Minnesota, and still another 3 1/2 hours from me. I miss them all the time. It just never gets easier.
And yes, I think everyone should have a jar full of eggs with a wooden spoon in it. Only, I don’t. Does a miniature china cabinet sitting on top of my china cabinet count???
Blessings to you, and a big ol’ hug (imagine me sending it out) because I don’t think a girl can ever get enough hugs.
You’re right–everyone should have someone like that. And a welcoming place to turn when you need it. You’re so lucky to have each other.
Here’s hoping your day brightens!
I do not have a sister but I have dear friend who I miss so much after our move. We almost lived at each others house…one morning I came over in my robe!
sandy toe
I never realized y’all lived that close to one another. What fun that must have been. Sorry you’re so far away from one another, but we do enjoy having her around these parts. You’ll just have to move closer!
I’m so glad the two of you share such a special bond and aren’t sisters that feud and fight and gossip about one another. That wouldn’t be much fun to read about on your blogs.
Great post. I so need a friend like that!
I know what you mean….my sister and I live right beside each other and we love it! We are back and forth all the time. I’m sorry ya’ll do not live close anymore, but a couple of hours isn’t that bad. It probably makes it even better when you do see each other! Have a happy Thursday!
I agree, everyone needs a friend/sister/Mom like that. I have quiet a few I can count on but only one that lives close by. It is hard when they live far away. That’s why the wonderful world of technology comes in perfectly! I don’t always get to just get away but just talking even if it’s by email or phone can do the job too! Happy Thursday to you!
There’s a quote that says something like “a friend remebers the song in your heart and sings it back to you when you forget the words.” That’s the way my sisters are for me. Always, no matter what. I’m fortunate enough to have them both just a few minutes away. Even so, sometthere are times when I get nostalgic about them and wish they were right next door.
None of us have a jar of wooden eggs with a spoon in it, though. Maybe we should all get one!
I’ve always been so jealous of sisters, because I didn’t get any!! But when my 3 daughters came along and especially since they’ve grown up, I enjoy them so much I think it must be sorta how it feels to have a sister! I love the door on the wall, so creative, sweet post!
I love Lisa & Bee’s comments! This post is so sweet. I do love it when you two talk about each other. And I envy your relationship. Were you always close, growing up? My sister is 6 years younger… as soon as I left home we became friends. But we are so different and are not really close, and live across the continent from each other. However, I really want my kids to be close and be friends with each other when they grow up. I would love to know how to foster that in them. Thanks for the lovely post. Blessings!
Emily, I always wanted a sister. I know, so silly. Just accept what you have, right? I love my brother but it’s not the same. I wanted someone like you are describing that you can go to when you need a break, someone who gets you, someone who loves you unconditionally. It’s always nice to read about you and The Nester and see how much you care about one another. It’s really beautiful. And only makes me a wee bit sad and jealous
And makes me want to go ask someone who lives a few houses away to be my BFF.
This is such a sweet post. I feel that way about my mom. I’m the only daughter and she and I are as close as sisters. We live 1200 miles apart so I know what you mean about missing that closeness. Even if you can chat all the time on the phone (thank goodness for cell phones), it’s not quite the same and curling up the the couch and laughing together over a glass of iced coffee (or diet pepsi with lemon in our case). I love that you two have that kind of relationship. You’re very lucky!
When my house is a mess and I’m about to lose my mind, I get on the computer and look at pictures of the Nester’s house, so I can only imagine how nice it is to actually BE there.
I wish I had a sister. But I’m glad I made two sisters. I hope they are friends like the two of you.
And now I really feel the need to have a jar of wooden eggs with a spoon.
Thanks for such a sweet post.
Ah, a kindred-spirit friend. This has been on my mind a lot lately. What a beautiful gift you have in her, and she in you.
As usual, your words brighten my day and remind me to step back and enjoy. Blessings, and happy Thursday!
I hope my girls will be friends someday like you and Nester!
I can’t imagine how it must feel too miss a sister, especially a close one. However, I can imagine an ache for a sister you never had… Luckily my two girls will have each other and that helps.
I know what you mean. My sister has lived 1/4 mile from me for the past 4 years and we have great times together.
I agree that everyone needs a someone like that. How much more special that for you it is your sister!
I love your blog. I just found it and I am so glad that I did. I wish that I were neighbors with my sisters…I miss them.
I am missing my sis today too!
I so ‘get’ this post. I have 2 sisters I’m close to both of them, but particularly close to one and I have been living 4000 miles away from them in Canada. When I left Canada 4 years ago I had 1 neice; now I have 4! We are moving back to the UK in July and I can’t wait! So I really do ‘get’ it… and I loved this post.
Oh what a sweet post and one to make us appreciate having family close by…especially right now for me it’s a lifesaver since I just had another baby
She’s one week old, a miracle baby–God healed her from something that was really scary for us…go read about her! My sister and my parents all live within an hour and all help us get through this crazy time. I just read a few older posts and love the family picture! My husband is a photographer and I always say, “Babe, you’re not in ANY of our pictures!”
lovely post and makes me reflect on my sweet friends who are miles away, yet so very close to my heart… thanks for sharing!
I agree. Everyone needs a place like that. I wish I had one!
Sister,
I was away from the computer all day yesterday and came here first thing this morning. I’m so happy and sad to be reminded of how spoiled we were to live almost within shouting distance. Nobody knows.
You are the best sister in existence. Like, for real. I love you!
This is beautiful.
My sister lives four hours away and we are very, very close. I wish so much that we lived closer to each other, but when we are together it truly is the best of times. The memories we create with each other and with our children is priceless and precious.
I must get myself a jar full of wooden eggs with a spoon.
I only know your sister through her blog and came to yours through hers. I have a best friend I just moved away from and miss her so much. But so far we have kept in touch with text/picture messages on our phones and emails. We are now 3.5 hours apart, a little harder to just get up and go visit, but we plan on being creative, as she puts it. Cherish your memories and the times you do get together – I’m sure you will. God bless you both.
I cherish living near family. I will be sad the day we have to move & can’t be so close. While reading your post two quotes came to mind & just wanted to share:
“Of all the things I’ve lost I miss my mind the most”
and
“Insanity is hereditary, you get it from your children”
I get that sad, nostalgic feeling at certain times of the year. My best friend left Southern Cal to build her dream home in Nashville TN four years ago. We met when our kids were little – kindergarten/toddler years – which is the best time to meet ’cause your home a lot and you need a place to get away for just a bit, for us it was a little coffee and cheesecake bites. We first met at a Legoland field trip in the Spring. I will never forget it. I cry at Legoland now.
My sis moved away about a year and half ago too. She only moved to RDU, but she travels a lot (today she is en route from Bangledesh to Nigeria – we lead very different lives!). I miss her terribly and am in a bad mood when I know she is leaving the country again. She will be back the day after our birthday (we are twins)and we are planning a trip for just the two of us. No kids, insane giggling – and, even though we are turning 35, probably eating cereal right out of the box until we just can’t stay awake any longer!
I know no matter where she is we are connected, and that is a precious feeling. However, I am secretly hoping she finds her way back to this town one day!
I don’t have a sister, but I have a friend who could just as well be one.
We live 10 minutes away from each other, and used to hang out at each other’s houses all the time – just for company, maybe lunch and a quick trip to the consignment store. Now, we both work part-time and haven’t been able to connect for a while. I miss her, too.
What a great post- everyone needs a sister-chick- mine is in Maine and I’m in Tennessee but we manage to talk everyday- I have to or I’ll go crazy!
My sister and I fought the entire time we were growing up. We couldn’t stand each other! We didn’t become friends until we were both married… that finally gave us something in common. Over the past 25 years we have become best friends, and I cannot imagine life without her. I wish we lived closer, but I am in New Mexico and she is in Georgia. You are so fortunate to have such a close relationship with your sister and only live a few hours away.
By the way, I don’t think I’ve ever commented on your blog before, but I’ve been reading for a couple of years now, and you are always a sweet bit of sunshine in my day. You bless more people than you can imagine.
Thanks for sharing your life with us all!
What a great post, Emily! My sister just bought the house right next to me and we are loving it. The days when everything goes wrong and you could never have friends over are the days you have to have your sister over and she makes it all better. And youu just laugh. We see each other almost everyday now. It really makes me grateful that my parents gave me the gift of siblings. I have three daughters and one son myself and while I feel a twinge of sadness that the son doesn’t have a brother whenever I find out I am expecting a girl I think -”YES! Another sister!” With how much Nester moves she could be back close to you in no time!
I love the potty picture. It is so sweet and says so much about your wonderful family! A word of encouragement…..one time I had to move to California and leave my Mom, Sister and Greensborotopia….It was very sad but now….I’m Back ! So you and Nester may one day live side by side again !
I have a twin sister and we haven’t lived in the same town for probably a little over 15 years (since we graduated from High School). I would Love, Love to be able to walk down the street to Terri’s house. I guess having had that and now you don’t makes it all the more ‘miss-able’. I ‘long’ for that too!!!
oh my word. her house is gorgeous!!
I would escape there all the time if I were you!
I wish my sister lived closer, too. She has always been my voice of reason, since I have none to speak of. And our boys love to play with each other. I was so close with my cousins growing up (remember Benevolence?), I wish Kiddo and my nephew were closer. Carlyn’s smart, too. She’s the one who turned me onto Nester in the first place!
Hello there!
This is my first visit to your blog…it is so very delightful and refreshing! 
My sister and I are separate sides of the country. Her hubs is in the military and they move around quite a bit….I miss her greatly, and even though we talk often, its not the same…so I feel your pain. 
Anyway, I will be back for more! Come visit me at: http://littlebitvintage.blogspot.com/
Smiles and blessings,
Rachel