IOU one big surprise

Annabelle and Sadie have something coming their way.  They’ve had a stellar week, and I intend to reward their good behavior with a special surprise–something that the Sublett kids have shown themselves to enjoy, and will be a first for Annabelle.

Kim and I have been praying and watching as Annabelle learns to become part of the Sublett family.  Levi and Lilly are her elders, and it’s been pretty easy for her to jump into the role of the little sister.  She loves to play with them, and listens when they tell her to do this or that.  With Sadie, the relationship has been a little more tricky.  I’ve mentioned how Annabelle can get short with Sadie, or ignore her.  Meanwhile, Sadie will stand patiently by Annabelle, leaning in to kiss her cheek, doting on her.  Sadie is the younger sister who knows the family routine, understands how things work, and has more experience in our life.  I imagine that it’s tough for Annabelle.  While she’s a year older, she’s in the same grade, and has to “listen” to Sadie in many areas.

We’re trying to avoid the over-analyzing of things, but we see things like Annabelle ignoring Sadie’s affection, the fact that Annabelle rushes home from the bus-stop, leaving Sadie in the dust.  We’re not worried, but we’re intentionally trying to help them develop the close relationship of sisters.  So we’ve been praying that those two will embrace their closeness, that a special bond will develop between them, that Annabelle will enjoy having Sadie as a sister.  And she is!  This week we’ve seen some progress.

Sadie and a couple of friends were playing downstairs yesterday.  Annabelle started to get the Wii out for some MarioKart action (I think she could be addicted).  Instead of letting her play by herself, Kim had Annabelle go downstairs to join the other girls playing house.  While we recognize the need for each child to have some alone-time, Kim thought it would be good for Annabelle to play with Sadie.  And it was!  It was the highlight of their day.  Playing house is a good way for Annabelle to practice her English and learn to interact with other kids her own age.  Since she was the oldest, they let her be the Mom!

Today, I had to run Levi from XStream to musical rehearsal, right in the middle of Annabelle’s homework.  Sadie stepped in to work with Annabelle, helping her craft some sentences about things she likes for her journal.  I promised them a surprise if they were finished by the time I got back.  Sure enough, Annabelle pulled out her journal and proudly read me the finished product.  Her English is improving every day!  She’s using complete sentences, and it’s fun to watch her growing.

So what’s the surprise?

Can you keep a secret?

Smores over the firepit in the backyard!  The nights are still nippy, and a little firepit action is going to be a hoot!  I know that Annabelle has never done anything like that, and it’s a Sublett family favorite.  We’ll see how she likes it.  In the meantime, I hung a sign in the kitchen to tell them that Daddy owes them one BIG surprise.