Dear Mom,

I went to have my first mammogram today.  It was not any big deal.  As you well know, I've had issues before. That surgical biopsy in my early twenties - - countless needle aspriations during pregnancies. My breasts are not free from drama and I guess I won't complain.  

This was a little different though as my doctor found a curious place during my recent annual exam.  She ordered a diagnostic mammogram and 10 days later I found myself at the Doris Shaheen Breast Center at Piedmont Hospital.

I know, I know - I didn't even tell you.  It's just that you would have wanted to be there with me and I would have felt so sad that you physically couldn't go, so I sort of only told Dad and prayed enough for the both of us. Thankfully, I had total peace.

As I drove into the hospital parking lot this morning, I was flashing back to last October 1st when we spent most of that week at your bedside inside these very same walls.

The STROKE - - that changed everything and took you from us in so many ways.

I walked into the hospital and all I could think about was how I'm honestly still in total disbelief and still mourning the loss of you, my active mother.  The hallways, the smell, everything reminded me of those days where we learned that you would never be quite the same again.  My heart is still completely broken.

The mammogram appointment was at 10:00 and the staff was very kind.  It's a little unnerving but they do a good job of making you feel comfortable.  After my mammogram was complete, they told me that I would need to have an additional ultrasound of the area that my doctor had discovered.

The nurse walked me into a very small holding area where I was to wait my turn.  In this room with only a few chairs sat two precious ladies - a mother and daughter.  The mother was listening to her daughter share her angst, it went something like this:

Daughter: That's why I didn't want you to come! You worry too much and you make me worry more.  It's just a knot, that's all - it's nothing and you get yourself all worked up.  That's why next year, you're staying home!

Mother:  (very calm) No, I'll be right here with you.

Daughter:  You will not, you're not going to be here!  Next year, you're staying home!

Wow, what I would give to have her problem...
I took this opportunity to speak up.

Me:  I just have to tell you that I hear what you're saying but my Mom had a stroke last October.  She's alive but she's not the same and she doesn't even know I'm here today.  Be glad you have your Mom around to bother you and be in your business.  It's really a blessing.

There was no telling how they would respond but what happened next was the most surprising thing I could have imagined.  They both immediately were overcome with compassion for ME.

The mother jumped to her feet and was embracing me with tears, saying over and over, "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry".  Then, the daughter hugged me next and said she didn't mean to seem ungrateful and how she just hated to see her mother worry like this.  Of course, that makes perfect sense.

Then, they both vowed to stay with me until I knew my results and right there in that tiny room, the 3 of us - perfect strangers - were bonded for life.

"We're going to wait with you, OK -  we are not leaving.  We'll wait until you get back.  We'll be right here."

I began bawling.  Not even feeling like I needed any extra support but these two women were not interested in the brave face I was fronting.  They were not budging and Vanessa and Tamera did just what they promised, they waited for the next half hour just for me.  The sweetest gift, their time.

And then, good news!  I was able to tell them that it's a complex cyst and the radiologist wants to see me again for a follow-up ultrasound in 6 months but otherwise a good report.  Thanks be to God.

We exchanged phone numbers, shared thanksgiving for good reports and fully intend to see each other again.  I left that room walking on air, feeling completely grateful for the goodness in others and for their willingness to share it with me.

Maybe things like this were meant to happen, for strangers to share life together and for us to realize that our greatest blessings are already in our midsts.

Ever and always,
Mary

School House Rock!

The Balicki girls went back to school today.  It was bittersweet for us - we have really enjoyed our summer together as the quality time was abundant and even seemed endless for a time.  Long hours spent at the pool and playing with their friends and cousins.  We loved every moment of it.  :)

Audrey and Sloane - first day of school
(and Audrey's last year at Barksdale - 5th grade)

Big girls with Daddy (before he left for work)

Balicki girls - all 4 of us - first day of school

Walking tall on the first day

 The girls were actually looking forward to getting back into their routine and seeing all of their friends again. 

Audrey and Mrs. McKenna - first day of fifth grade

Sloane and Mrs. Benedict - first day of second grade

Gabby girl loving the fish tank at school as we left.

Gabs and I walked back to the car in silence and then she spoke up..."I miss the girls, Mommy " and I responded, "you do?" and she said, "yes, let's call them".  So sweet.  We are a tight little group.  Really glad to have Ms. Priss to stay home with me and keep me on my toes.

Lord, bless my babies.  Watch over them during this school year.  Help them to be lights that Shine for You as they learn and grow in wisdom and knowledge.  Bless their teachers and faculty as they help them along this path.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Mercy me

The kids got off the bus Monday afternoon and I immediately asked my "middle" to bring me her homework assignment.  She asked to play outside (well, of course she did, it was only 45 degrees with mega gusty winds).

No, ma’am…homework first, I replied. 

A few moments later she was standing in front of me declaring that she didn’t have her homework folder in her back pack and they must not have homework this week.

Um…I don’t see anything about that from your teacher, Sloane – are you sure?? 

Yes ma’am, she said.  We don't have any.

I was puzzled but distracted by other tasks.  We needed to leave for soccer practice in a couple of short hours.  My toddler, Miss Gabby needed to get up/get changed from her nap and then figuring out dinner before we had to leave. 

So, I stopped short of e-mailing her teacher to ask her about the lack of homework.

Fast forward 15 hours...

At 5:30AM the next morning my oldest was tapping on my elbow asking me to wake up and help her make lunches.  

Wow.  

She is my “sister wife”.  Hello, all of us need one. ;)

Help me.  I did not turn-in early enough the night before for such a wake-up call as this but she persisted.   

Begrudgingly, I threw on my favorite sweat shirt/wool socks, followed my oldest to the kitchen and tried to shake off my weariness.

Audrey and I started on the lunches (I also started on my coffee) and as we did, I checked Sloane’s back pack for her snack supply as she has to have one each day. 

For this reason, I keep a stash for the week in there at all times.  That way, she never turns up “snack less”.

As I zipped through the smaller pocket in the front of her back pack, I saw her burgundy HOMEWORK FOLDER boldly staring back at me.  What in the world???

Really???  My mouth dropped open and I immediately thanked God for the blatant help this morning.  We were up entirely early enough to complete homework over breakfast. 

I went in and got Sloaney out of bed.  She was still groggy as I expressed my disappointment over her deceitfulness. 

She didn’t argue or attempt to proclaim her innocence.  She was guilty and I knew how she felt.

My mind went to the verse from this week. 

Mercy…that I definitely don’t deserve - - giving it back - - when it isn’t deserved. 

I showed Sloane all of the mercy the Holy Spirit could muster in my frustrated heart and after her homework was complete, lunches were made, breakfast was eaten and teeth were brushed.  We prayed. 

She asked for forgiveness for blowing it and lying when she knew she had homework.  She thanked God for waking Audrey up extra early and having the time to complete her work.

We hugged and kissed and I told her she wouldn’t play after school for the rest of the week as her punishment.  She asked what else she could do for me.  Be still my heart.  

The mercy she was feeling was taking root down deep.  I reminded her that I was showing mercy because of God and the mercy He had shown me through Christ.

She smiled and it felt like she understood in her seven-year-old way.

How about this revelation:  

I am no better than Sloane.  I have hidden my homework in my back pack.  I have lied and said that I didn’t have any…I am guilty of every foolish blunder. 

Mercy takes us back to the undeniable foundation of our faith.  Forgiveness. 

Forgiveness is a rebirth of hope, a reorganization of thought, and a reconstruction of dreams. 

Once forgiving begins, dreams can be rebuilt.  When forgiving is complete, meaning has been extracted from the worst of experiences and used to create a new set of moral rules and a new interpretation of life’s events.

C.S Lewis wrote, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”

I need to be shown mercy every.single.day.

Lord, help me to be able to show mercy when it’s my turn at the mercy wheel.  

Let us use Your overwhelming mercy as our guiding example.

Thank you for this truly awesome gift in our totally undeserved mercy. 

An amazing gift.

Last Saturday, I went to Atlanta Blood Services to give platelets.  This was my 4th visit but my first time going without being able to donate for David.  Heartbreakingly, his time at the clinic had come to a close.  Knowing this, I wasn't really in the donating mood but I went in spite of myself.  Honestly, I went for David.  This is something I can do.

It didn't occur to me before I went but when I got there it hit me - hard.  David's regular clinic visits for blood and platelets were just across the elevator bank from Atlanta Blood Svcs.  I walked out of the elevator onto the 10th floor of the Tower Bldg. at Northside and a hollowness came over me.  This was the same path that David and Sheila, David and Lisa, David and Philip, David and Keith (depending on the day) had walked so many times.  I looked to my right at the clinic doors and my heart ached.  The last time I saw David he was just inside those doors.  I turned and went left toward the Atlanta Blood Services suite and thought I should stop at the restroom before my 2 hour appt.

I made my way into the ladies room and there stood a woman who was wearing a blue mask over her mouth and nose, her baldness was veiled by a scarf pulled tightly around her crown and her frame was tiny.  She never looked at me but it was clear that she wasn't giving platelets that day.  She was there to receive them.  A gift she can't buy.  I immediately thought, I'm here for her.  

I met a fellow Team Boyd member and we donated together.  Our eyes filled with tears throughout most of our appointment.  Prayers were sent for David and his family and also for our harvesting platelets that would hopefully give light and life to those that received them.

David is my 3rd friend to have blood cancer and desperately need platelets.  I'm ashamed to admit that his request was the first one that I honored.  In my visits to ABS, they have praised David and his efforts to boost donations.  They were very honest about how no one had ever rallied so many donors as David had.  I believe it.  

I called Atlanta Blood Services the day after he passed away.  My voice was shaky as I told them I wanted to make my next appointment, in honor of David Boyd.  The director of donor recruitment answered my call and he expressed his condolences and said how grateful he was to still have members of Team Boyd as allies (and several donors had to understandably cancel their appointments because of their sorrow).

They still need us, they need you and me.

Please make your appointment today, do it for the guy who would ask you himself if he still could and do it for that lady who can't live without them.

Atlanta Blood Services
http://atlantabloodservices.com/gen_eligibility.htm
404.459.8744

Platelets
Platelets are fragments of a much larger cell, the megakaryocyte, that stays in the bone marrow after it differentiates and matures from the stem cell.

The platelets leave the bone marrow and circulate throughout the body. When stimulated by substances from damaged tissue, the platelets release substances necessary to help blood clot. This helps initiate the clotting sequence and protect the integrity of the vasculature.

SuperGod

It's been almost 1 year since I learned that the eldest adorable Boyd brother was fighting lymphoma.

I joined Team Boyd, much like I did Team Caroline just a few months earlier - - without a second thought.

Both Caroline and David were "different" and always have been, even since the early days at RCHS.  Anyone who has had the privilege of knowing them knows this, they are beyond special, way beyond.  I guess cancer picks the most elite of potential prospects.

With the forming of Team Boyd came an outpouring of love and support from friends, family and total strangers.  If you heard about this family, you instantly wanted to help and so help we did in any way possible.  We were on our knees for them, gave contributions, sent treats to the hospital, donated platelets and attended Team Boyd events.

For the first eight months of the fight I heard a lot about Superman.  First, from David and then from all of us on Team Boyd.  The giant S became synonymous with David and the journey to remission.  He was strong and brave, never wavering in his ability to "kick cancer's a$$" - - even running on the treadmill at the hospital as doctors questioned whether he was actually the patient.  We affectionately referred to his bride, Lisa as Lois Lane...and so David "Superman" Boyd became our modern day hero.

In our great efforts to encourage and spur him on, something amazing happened, he spurred us on even more.  We began to see our problems and concerns as minuscule and developed an amazing gift called perspective.  His positivity was simply infectious.  We could not get enough.  Every few days, we'd check the blog or David's wall to see how his optimism would encourage us yet again and we encouraged him in return.  As we were rallying behind our amazing man of steel, Superman himself sought the God of the universe for help.

Rebekah, Andrew and I sat with him in early November as he told us how he had really come to know Christ, personally.  He explained to us,

"I mean, I've been an elder and very involved in my church but never really realized how I needed Him...that Superman stuff, it's not about me, it's about God. It's really amazing, I've never known Him like this before."

I'll forever cherish those words, what a testimony he has.  We delighted in his account of a real salvation experience.  Superman has a personal relationship with God. That day, David was no longer simply our precious longtime friend, but now, also our sweet brother in Christ.

Thank you, Lord.

In the weeks that followed, others came to know Jesus personally and shared their experience with David who was humbled by their stories, old friends were reunited in David's name, new friends were made, we gave more platelets, we watched an awesome family hurt but hunker down all the while and we continued to pray and believe for the miracle of healing - - not really realizing the miracle we already had in our midsts.

Nevertheless, the thing that stands out most for me is that our precious David is in the arms of Jesus today.  He's not hurting or suffering but totally renewed and whole.  I can't imagine the pep rally that is going on in heaven.  Really.  David was especially excited to see his grandfather again (and I hope my beloved Baba (grandmother) is also welcoming him into the fold and giving him the grand tour even now).

Thanks to David, I have learned that giving platelets is the least I can do.  Thanks to David, I have a whole new outlook on life, it's just not about me and my own abilities.  I must seek Him in all things.  Thanks to David, I have renewed a sweet friendship with the most amazing Mom on the planet, Sheila Boyd.  Thanks to David I have learned to cherish each day like it's my last.

It has been an honor my friend.  Your 37 years made an indelible mark on our hearts and if it's ok, we all want to be just like you in every way possible.  Thank you for letting us love you.  No goodbyes my friend, see you in heaven.  <3

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."   
Matthew 5:14-16               

Christmas in Dixie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GpeLlv3a5Y

Enjoy the beauty and wonder of Christmas from the eyes of my two girls.

Merry Christmas to you and yours. 

the laundry

why post the boring family updates when you can just vent.  ;) 

i've been away far too long, i know - wanting to post a long update regarding my brother's suicide attempt, what God has done in our midst and the latest on my little family but i guess that seems daunting for me.  so, how about a mindless rant about laundry? 

do you have a thing around the house that is sort of your pet chore?  i'm raising my hand as i HATE to have dirty dishes in the sink, so my chore is the dishwasher - loading/unloading and of course my dear husband doesn't mind dirty dishes.  the dishwasher is empty and the sink is too and he'll fill the sink back up instead of just putting them into the washer.  (wait. maybe he thinks i am the washer?)
anyway, i'm fine with my chore there's just one problem.  his pet chore is driving me plumb crazy!!!!    he's obsessed with the dang LAUNDRY!!!   yes, that's right!  most wives might be thrilled to find their husband totally hogging the washing machine - not me.

it doesn't matter what day of the week or whether we have company coming over on Christmas morning - this guy starts putting together a load of clothes to be washed and since i don't have a laundry room - more like a pantry, his sorting takes place in the hallway or out in the middle of the bedroom floor.  LOVELY!   moreover, he likes for the top of the dryer to be cleaned off (this is the same guy who doesn't care if the sink is slap full of dishes and YOU CAN SEE THE SINK - at least the washer/dryer has a door you can close.)

we have literally had arguments about laundry on every major holiday and as of a few weeks ago - i have officially made him put down the crack pipe!  no more laundry for him. 

ah...life is so much better.  my hampers finally know what it's like to reach the brim and i know what it's like to not worry about it.  i'm the sole laundry lady and that's just fine with me.  :))

Sam and Libby, I mean Gabby ;)

Rebekah and I both had our 3rd (and last) babies this past October.  Of course, Gabby is mine and Sam is Bek's.  Her Sam is simply precious, so sweet and chill.  If you ever hear anything about Sam it is ALWAYS complimentary - a "Baby Jesus" if you will.

Gabby isn't quite so calm and peaceful but my precious angel, nonetheless.

Today, they had a little tummy time together and thankfully we were able to capture the entire sequence.  I was in heaven watching these two little ones hang out.  Cousins (practically twins) and best friends already.  :)

Hey. . .you're kinda cute!

The paci swipe.

Come here, Baby Jesus!

Look at me - I can do Baby Jesus, too!

I told you it works, they are putty in our hands.

Stick with me, kid.  =)

Two bugs in a rug and just a taste of
many more good times between these two.  :))

Every night, after I tuck Audrey and Sloane into bed - - I bathe Gabby in the kitchen sink.  Here are a few shots of tonight's bath time.  (Chad was the photog so I'm actually pictured.  Hey--!)

What?  You've never gnawed on a baby fork? 
Well, it's more fun than it looks.

Ok, folks - thought it was bath time?

Sweet time with Daddy after I'm all fresh and clean.  I LOVE seeing her with him.  She started saying Da-da this week - first word.  He's not proud or anything.  ;)

Ok, Daddy and about that pony I mentioned.  ;)

Growing pains

When your chickens are small, your concerns are not as deep. 

Did they eat well?

Do they have on enough sunscreen? 

Are they watching too much Disney Channel? 

You know.  It's a little bit simpler. 
They don't talk back (that much) and you are a stickler with 'first time obedience'.

As they grow and mature, they begin to develop their own thoughts and feelings and you cheer them on as you watch them lay the foundation to independence.  It's supposed to be a good thing.  Only problem is that before long, a little thing called entitlement sets in like an ugly rash.

That has happened around here in the last few months but it's probably been building for quite some time.  (Unlike my childhood where any extra thing could brighten my week and make me grateful.  For example, a trip to the pool, a rare outing to eat at McDonald's, an even more rare trip to Six Flags or a sleepover with my cousins.)  I never expected any of these things and I guess that's the biggest difference.

In our attempt to provide an abundant, full childhood for our girls, I'm afraid we have spoiled them and that certainly was NOT the goal.  They expect to have sleepovers with their peeps on a regular basis (even when they haven't been invited).  They expect to eat out at their whim.  They expect to be able to decide what toppings we order on our pizza.  I want to do nice things for them because I love them, not because they're going to flip out when we can't for some reason or even worse, we can and they fully expect that we will, without any gratitude.

And, honestly - while I applaud their ability to "find their voice".  I'm sick and tired of arguing with my kids, especially my precocious, social butterfly to the hilt, almost 9 year old.  She makes me tired as I'm sure that one day, she'll make an incredible defense attorney.

I was never a fan of Nellie Olsen and maybe that sort of says it all.

For now, I'm working on cultivating my chickens and keeping them close at home.  No more sleepovers, no more eating out, no more entitlement.  Praying they'll learn to appreciate more and expect less and maybe, just maybe - - Bloom where they are planted, right here in my nest.


Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6

You never know. . .

the happiness that can be harnessed from one little thing called a date night. Chad and I had the most wonderful time this past Saturday night. Dinner at P.F. Changs, him making me belly laugh all the way through. Now I know why my dear bestie, Greer and her husband Kevin have a standing date every Wednesday night. Sure doesn't hurt!!!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE THIS MAN?

I DO!! :))

Impacting for Good

Audrey had the sweetest teacher in First Grade.  Her name is Mrs. Renehan.  She gave her heart and soul to each student and it was evident, not only to me but especially to Audrey.



First Day of First Grade

 After over 25 years of teaching Mrs. Renehan is retiring. . .and Audrey is heartbroken.  Last night, Audrey and I sat down to write her a goodbye letter and we were both sobbing by the end of it.

Here is the letter she wrote to her very special teacher:

                                                                                         May 17, 2011



Dear Mrs. Renehan-


I so enjoyed being your student. It makes me a little sad to think that you won’t be around next year. I will miss your sweet hugs and big smile in the halls at Barksdale.


First grade was very fun. You were such an awesome teacher. I learned a ton from you that year. Thank you caring the way you do. I still LOVE my special binder with all of my memories of that time in my life. You have the coolest ideas.


It’s pretty clear that you were born to teach, but I also know that you were born to enjoy your grandchildren, too. If I love you this much, I can’t imagine how they must feel.


So, enjoy your retirement and know that I will never forget all of the special times we shared. You’re my girl.


Love,


Audrey




PS- Please come back and visit us!

Happy Mother's Day, Sweet Friends!!!

Really, who needs a gift when you have a moment like this?  :))

Audrey and Sloane - Mother's Day - 2011
They had no idea I was watching them.  Preciousness. . .

Lord, thank you for moments like this. 
They are just for me, I'm sure of it.

Be still my heart ~

Big smiles for me on Mother's Day!  :)



And then, there's the sweet one with her baby's breath and sugar sweet smell,
she lights up my life. 

Gabby girl - 6 months.

So grateful for my job -

being Audrey Claire, Elizabeth Sloane and Gabriella Kathryn's mom

is truly the coolest gift imaginable.

 

Invasion of the birds and bees

Not once, have I ever thought of what this day would be like.  It's definitely one of those times that you wish your kids came with an instruction manual.  I tell this story so that you may better know what to do or not to do when the time comes with your own daughter.  (- although I suppose there is no perfect way to go about having this discussion.)

Hairbows and innocence have lately turned into specific questions about sex from Audrey.  What it is and what's the difference between sex and sexy.  Lord, why me?

It has been so hard for me to look into her eyes and avoid these questions from her sharp, intelligent mind.  For nearly a year, I have bobbed and weaved and completely evaded her on this.  With answers like, "I don't really know" and then later on "you don't really want to know, trust me".  Anything to avoid the inevitable TALK.

I vividly remember learning the truth from my Mom and being completely mortified and sick to my stomach.  Oh no!!  You and Daddy do that?  You've got to be kidding me.  I thought, surely there is some way to perform this act and remain fully clothed.  Grody to the max while completely undressed?  What?!  There must be some other way!

She is entirely more precocious than I ever was, constantly seeking answers and hearing bits and pieces from her friend with a high school-age sister (she had very limited contact with this friend for that very reason but still the curiousity was brimming).  With tears in her eyes she begged me again to TELL HER.  Ok, I want her to hear this from me and no one else, so here goes.

I explained the male desire and drive, his adoration of the female and what happens between a husband and wife.  How God created this to be a loving act to draw Mommy's and Daddy's together. 

My precious daughter began to scream in full-blown rage and say,

"why would you let Daddy do that to you!?!" 

Oh my goodness. . .I wanted to laugh and cry.  I realized that she wasn't ready at all but at this point, there was no going back.  I went on to explain the fertilization of the egg and that's where babies come from and since she has always thought of herself as the egg in my tummy, she began to gag and dry heave and said,

"That's not where babies come from - they come from God!!!  . . . So it touched me?  The sperm swam up and touched me?"

As she fought the urge to vomit, I was paralyzed with a combination of immense guilt and wanting to double over and laugh.  Her repulsed angst was so incredibly adorable to me.  We rushed to the back porch for some fresh air, where I held her close in my arms and rocked her.  Over and over again, I chanted,

"I'm so sorry, Honey.  It is a terrible thing to understand, I shouldn't have told you."

She bawled and bawled into my shoulder and through her tears, she vowed to never, ever marry or have children . . .and honestly, that's just fine with her Daddy and me!

Speaking of those kittens. . .

Well, Easter is almost here and you know what that means. . .DRESS time.

I took on the task of hitting the mall without them, trying to suit their taste and style on my own (even though they all 3 have pretty dresses they could have worn).  Of course, I wanted something a little bit crisp and new for Easter.  Hello!?!

Both of the big girls are super picky so taking this on by my lonesome was almost beyond brave.  Sloane is EVEN MORE particular than Audrey.  Getting her dressed for school is no joke, let me tell you.  (I often say, "help me Jesus" while dressing Sloane.  And then, when we finally agree Sloane always says "he helped you, Momma".)  Love her!

This year we're going a little bit "hippy chick".

Cute huh?

I thought so.  Audrey was a little unsure - saying that "it looked like a baby dress".  ("Help me, Jesus!")  We finally came to an agreement though and she LIKES IT!  Yea!!!  :))

And, drum roll please - -

Here's my baby girl's dress. 

Littlest Hippy

Finally - - I have figured out who she looks like. . .No, not Audrey and not Sloane either.  This kitty cat looks like . . .

me!

My 3 Little Kittens



Audrey, Gabby, Sloane

 I look into these 3 faces and think "what a gift".  Not just to me.  Although, they are - the greatest gift, hands down.  Even more, they are gifts to each other. 

It will go something like this:  One day, I'll royally tick Audrey off and she'll rush to the phone to call Sloane because no one will know the history or the dynamic quite like her sweet sister.  Audrey will seek comfort, validation and sanity in the words of the closest person in her life. 

Similarly - - Gabby will grab her phone in anger to dial Audrey.  The nerve of Mom and Dad - - because we're not letting her go with all her friends to the "what everyone else is doing" du jour and Audrey will be able to calm her dramatic sister with words of understanding and encouragement. 

I know, because I have lived it.

This morning, Audrey and Sloane were bickering at the breakfast table.  I think Sloane breathed the wrong way and Audrey started barking at her.  I stopped them and reminded them - - that's your best friend right there.  There is no better friend on the planet.  She understands you like no one else and likewise.

It's neat to speak from experience.  Three girls. . .oh yes, I've got this (with your help, Sweet Jesus).