Stab-wich

[NJMo]

My niece has four daughters, 12, 9, 3 1/2 and 9 months, two dogs, a newly-adopted stray cat and she babysits two little boys. Her house, as you can imagine, is total chaos. The 3 1/2 year old is Eva. Each of the three older girls has specific chores and my niece does a remarkable job teaching responsibility, manners, respect, etc. (My work is very close to their house.) Evie's chores are matching socks and folding wash cloths, but she is learning to make sandwiches, which she calls stab-wiches. She uses popsicle sticks instead of knives to spread mayo, mustard, peanut butter, etc., but she's learning. Evie invited me for lunch last Friday when Dora was over (noon) so she would make me a special stab-wich. She made me a boney (bologna) and gwape jelly stab-wich. I ate it and told her how wonderful it was, smashed bread and all! And we had milk to wash it down. My oh my, what a lunch! Sometimes a unique lunch with a three year old is better than an expensive four-course meal. Fortunately, I keep Triscuits in my desk drawer for afternoon snacks.

[lizanne]

How lucky your niece is to have an Aunt close by. And one who takes such an active interest in her and her family. My nieces (and I have lots) are all far away. I have one that has just had her second baby, another daughter and she is about three hours away from here (and from her mum). The only family she has close by is her MIL, gorgeous lady and very supportive but not the same.

Two of my grown daughters and I are planning a road trip to visit her and meet Lilly Anne (the babe) this week during the Easter break. My niece and my daughters grew up together and can't wait for the reunion.

I wish I was close enough to them to drop in for a stab-wich now and then.

[susank]

Love the aunts and nieces stories! It really is a special relationship. My aunt has a tradition with my two girls that she started when they were 3 and 5. She takes them to the Chateau Laurier for Christmas tea every year (really nice castle like Fairmont hotel). They always get new dresses and shoes for the event. They are now 15 and 18 and still look forward to it every year and still get the new dresses. They have told her that when they are older - no matter where they are - they will take her to tea and keep the tradition going.

She really is remarkable for organizing "memories". When I was young she would take me to Montreal for shopping trips and now we have a tradition of always going to the Christmas gift show together. I love our relationship - it truly is special.

Aunts are wonderful - enjoy your time with nieces because they will remember it.

[Sew So Happy]

That is so sweet! My Abby is very much like Evie. She loves to help with laundry, putting some of the dishes away and general cleaning. Much different to see her interest in it compared to how disinterested my boys were. Abby went on her first girl date with someone other than me or a grandmother the other day and had a ball. They spent the day shopping and eating! Girls are so wonderful!