Passing on sisterhood: No traveling pants required

On a bright summer day, two little girls splash through the sprinkler in the backyard. They roar around the driveway on big wheels. They make tall castles in a green, turtle shaped sandbox. But they also pull hair and squabble over toys. They fight, they make-up, and they love... each other in a way only sisters can.

These are the memories of my childhood. I hope one day they will be the memories

of Grace Ann & Alexanda Lily. Two blessed, beautiful, and loved little girls. Life came full circle this week. One of my little sisters- Colleen- became a mother. Our babies are just three months apart.

As we welcome them into the world, we wait to see what their personalities will be. We wait to see if one will refuse to wear a dress, have a huge heart, and have no problem eating catepillars off the porch floor... like Colleen. Or if one will want to save the world, never stop talking, and hate to get dirty... like me. Maybe, if we are lucky, these two girls will have the best of both of us.

However they turn out to be... we will pass on the lessons of sisterhood. We will teach them to laugh, to love those who love them back, be kind, make mischief, keep their grandparents on their toes, pick out pretty dresses and play dress up, comb each other's hair (not cut it :), and play together like the sun will never set. One day, we'll watch them ride bikes together, fall down and get back up. We'll watch them go to school, learn, and become wise. We'll watch them have their heartbroken and then find the love of their lives. And maybe, just maybe, we'll be lucky enough to watch them become mothers themselves.

Sisterhood- whether it is by blood, friendship or circumstance- is a powerful, wonderful concept. Pass it on. Watch it grow. Keep in your heart.

I love you Colleen. You are already a fantastic mother. And Carol, I know one day, you will be too.