Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

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June 24, 2008

The Mic is On: It’s About Sibling Rivalries!

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:00 pm

It’s Like Open Mic Only Different

The Mic Is On

Here’s how it works.

It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.

There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.

We’re talking about love between…

siblings.jpg

We sometimes have problems with folks who share our spaces. They say “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Is that the way it was growing up for you with your siblings?

And, we’ll talk about whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)

Oh, and bring links about sibling rivalries to share!

–ME “Liz” Strauss

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200 Comments to “The Mic is On: It’s About Sibling Rivalries!”

  1. June 24th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
    isabella mori said

    I MOVED ISABELLA’S COMMENT OVER . . . SHE WAS EARLY.

    hello everyone. looks like i’m 34 minutes and 12 seconds too early but it’s my birthday today and i get to go first :)

    my sibling rivalry was (is-ish) very subtle but that didn’t take away from its strength. my sister and i couldn’t be more different. she’s VERY thing-oriented, i’m VERY idea-oriented. she’s conservative, i’m a lefty libertarian (yes, there is such a thing). she had the role of “the child”, i was “the responsible one”. the list goes on. so i think a good part of our rivalry/jealousy is around the things we did not get from our parents, simply because they were so much easier to give to the other. i got long conversations, she got the expensive sewing machine. she got coddled by my mother, i got to laugh with my father. (but i also wanted something expensive, and she also wanted to pee her pants laughing with my father!)

    and even though we don’t talk very much - we live very different lives in different continents - she is always, always in my heart.

  2. June 24th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hi Liz!

  3. June 24th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Liz!

  4. June 24th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Glenda!
    Do you have siblings? I don’t know. :)

  5. June 24th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Not quite my birthday, Glenda, but you’re close. Is it yours?

  6. June 24th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Isbella’s sister story makes me wish I had one.

  7. June 24th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    sorry, it’s Isabella’s birthday? Happy birthday Isabella and everyone!

    Liz, yes, three younger brothers.

  8. June 24th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Younger brothers! I knew that!
    Where are they?

  9. June 24th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
    isabella mori said

    thx for the birthday wish, glenda.

    yeah, i’m not surprised either that you have brothers, glenda! that feistiness of yours … :)

  10. June 24th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Happy Birthday, Isabella!
    I’m so glad you came back!

    I have brothers too, but they’re older. One was here today . . . he’s about 4 inches taller too.

  11. June 24th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Liz, unfortunately they are too far away for me to see often. I do miss them. I was probably closest to kevin, my first “baby brother”. Then Ian, he still is my “baby brother”. Neal and I didn’t spend too much time together as kids, that I distinctly remember. But there is a special bond there, somewhere, amidst the day-to-dayness.

  12. June 24th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Isabella, i found my own ways to fight back!

  13. June 24th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    That’s a writer’s way —

    there is a special bond there, somewhere, amidst the day-to-dayness.

    beautiful.

  14. June 24th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Thanks Liz. Neal is like a cactus - prickly on the outside, but if you can get beyond those, he has a tender spot inside.

    He is so shy, so not outgoing, he’d be embarrassed if he knew I was talking about him here.

  15. June 24th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    You sound like you’re a mix of them both.

  16. June 24th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    or maybe they each are a bit of you. :)

  17. June 24th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    ;) Is that good or bad, Liz?

  18. June 24th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
    Joe said

    ooouuuuuhhhh, Mushey, mushey, girley stuff… :-)
    Hey Liz, Hey all,
    Just trying to be the little brat brother that we all ha(ve)d.

  19. June 24th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Are you saying I’m a wee prickly, Liz? ;)

  20. June 24th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hey Joe!

  21. June 24th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
    Joe said

    Glenda, Glenda, Glenda…
    Watch what you say in mixed company! ;-)

  22. June 24th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    I think it’s perfect.
    I’m a lot like each of my brothers too.

  23. June 24th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
    Joe said

    Sorry, I’m not too much like my lil sis ‘cept we’re both cute and cuddley and full of it.

  24. June 24th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    And what about you, Liz? Siblings? What trouble did you find in your younger years?

  25. June 24th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    We’ll Joe,
    Does that mean that your sister is from another planet too?

  26. June 24th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    yeah, full of beans, Joe?

  27. June 24th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Hi everybody. Just for the record…. MOM LOVED ME BEST!

  28. June 24th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Do you sibling rivalry has a purpose for later in life?

  29. June 24th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Tim,
    So it was Dad, who took you out and left you in the woods as a child. :)

  30. June 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    He said it was a field trip.

  31. June 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hey Mr T!

  32. June 24th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    I know, Timmy.
    I know.

  33. June 24th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Oh Liz!

  34. June 24th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Hi Miss Glenda - yes, sibling rivalries serve a purpose later in life… how do you think we learn to manage office politics?

  35. June 24th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
    Joe said

    Yes Liz, she is from the same planet as me, only she was on the side that got the most sunshine. (I guess that is why she is so much brighter than me.)

  36. June 24th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hmm, is that why I prefer self-employment, Mr T?

  37. June 24th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Could Be Miss Glenda… but you do make a stellar dance partner.

    I know this is going to come as a shock to all of you, but I’m a youngest child.

  38. June 24th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Happy birthday, Isabella. Hi Liz and everybody. I’ve missed you.

    I’ve got a(n older) brother, Joe, so watch out.

    For years, I mistyped brother. Kept typing bother.

    It’s not a Freudian slip if you notice it, right?

  39. June 24th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
    Joe said

    Oh, by the way LIZ, that (LIZ) was the knickname my father had for my lil sis, even though her name is Kathy. No one knows why, not even her. ;-)

  40. June 24th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hey Lady Liz!
    Great to see you!

    I’ve missed having you around!

  41. June 24th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Missed being here too!

  42. June 24th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Why, thank you, Mr T.

  43. June 24th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    I’m the youngest too, Tim.
    And young enough to be an only . . . that’s why I’m lousy at office politics.

  44. June 24th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
    Liz Williams said

    can’t…reach…the..keeyboard on…the…..floor…’cuz of the shock. Tim…youngest…why didn’t I see it??

  45. June 24th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
    Joe said

    Liz W, does that mean his name is Joe too, and your name is Liz?
    Maybe we live in parallel (?) universes! :-)

  46. June 24th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Oh….nooooo…Liz… tooo. OMG!

  47. June 24th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
    Liz Williams said

    My real name is, as you all have guessed by now, Kathy. Joe I’ve missed you! But, I want to call you Dave, like I always have.

    OK with you?

  48. June 24th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Woman comes to open comment night and abruptly dies of shock . . . Film at 11

  49. June 24th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
    Liz Williams said

    I’m a youngest too. Still stunned when everyone doesn’t adore me. ‘Cuz they’re ‘posed to.

  50. June 24th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Three babies and two big kids. Hmmmm

    Isabella, I think, you’re a big kid too.

  51. June 24th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
    Liz Williams said

    LOL!

  52. June 24th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
    Joe said

    Ah-Ha, I got ya all beat, I am THE SECOND BORN! We rule the earth from the beginning of existence to the end!!!
    We don’t get caught up in the nicey, nicey “oooo look at the new baby” syndrome.
    We are the one’s who beat up guys who try to… our little sisters.
    We are the one’s who take care of business and our siblings. :-)

  53. June 24th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
    Liz Williams said

    I think it was Colonel Mustard-Isabella in the library with a broom.

  54. June 24th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Yes, I’m a youngest child, Liz (and Liz AKA Kathy). I’ll send the EMT’s over to revive you all. Where’s Erik Potter when you need him?

  55. June 24th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
    Liz Williams said

    I have a sibling confession: My brother is a sound editor in Hollywood (with an Emmy!). His weekly rate is determined by his union, with regular raises. When I first became an consultant, I realized that women tend to under-price their services, so I decided to use his weekly rate as my daily rate, and give myself a raise everytime he got one.

    13 years later, I still do this. He finds it amusing.

  56. June 24th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
    Joe said

    @Tim maybe he’s with Harry. :-)

  57. June 24th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    [sitting here quietly, try to resist throwing a Klondike wrapper at Joe or similar things]

  58. June 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Very responsible for a youngest, Tim. Thank you. Joe, what happened? Is that you kicking me?

  59. June 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Liz, I love that story.
    Will you become my manager?

  60. June 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    @Joe - actually, he’s fishing up in Minnesota.

    I’m “single parenting” at the moment. Wife is at an educational conference in Orlando.

  61. June 24th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
    Liz Williams said

    throw it, Glenda!

  62. June 24th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Liz, I’ll just hook you up with my bother. Brother - I meant brother.

  63. June 24th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    It’s more fun to drop that Klondike down the back of his shirt.

  64. June 24th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
    Joe said

    Liz (Kathy) I find it quite interesting (if that’s your real name and your b(r)others name is really Joe and not Dave) that we made it into the same Universe and didn’t cause a duality effect and blow up everything.

  65. June 24th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    You all could be the reason I am the way I am.

  66. June 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Brilliant, Liz - Drop it, Glenda!

  67. June 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Joe - are you sure we didn’t?

  68. June 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Liz W, what a fantastic idea! I haven’t raised my rates in years. Let me know next time your brother gets a raise!

  69. June 24th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
    Joe said

    [Joe ducking from all the Klondike wrappers coming in his direction from all angles]

  70. June 24th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    [looking innocently] Drop what, Liz?

  71. June 24th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
    Liz Williams said

    I just sent him (Joe/Dave) an email. If he’s online I’ll ask him.

  72. June 24th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Wrappers?!! That’s nothing! I putting the whole bar down your shirt.

  73. June 24th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
    Joe said

    Possibly, my new little sis, possibly… ;-)

  74. June 24th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Drop? Oh, no, I said prop. I’d never suggest dropping a frozen klondike…HIDE - here comes mom!

  75. June 24th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Joe, does this mean I’m an alien?

  76. June 24th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Children! If you don’t behave, we’re going to turn this open mic night around and go home right now!

  77. June 24th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Ahh, but Dad, we were only having fun.

  78. June 24th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Daaaaaaaaddd!

  79. June 24th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
    Joe said

    Who, besides me, feels like we are all family here every Tuesday Night?
    We can always have a good time at a weekly family reunion. :-)

  80. June 24th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Aunt Kathy:
    “I want you to roll over and face that wall and you to roll over and face that wall. AND I DON’T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER SOUND OUT OF THIS ROOM TONIGHT!!”

  81. June 24th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
    Liz Williams said

    (hand me a klondike, daddy’s going down)

  82. June 24th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
    Liz Williams said

    Mom: “Don’t make me come up there..”

  83. June 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    Yes, Joe, we’re a family… delightfully dysfunctional, but a family nonetheless

  84. June 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
    Joe said

    Yes, sis, it does. I’m not sure what planet we started from, but I think this is a friendly planet, just look at how well they all get along. ;-)

  85. June 24th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Mom: “Go to school and if you’re still sick when you get there, you can come home.”

  86. June 24th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
    Liz Williams said

    A family alright, and one I hate to tear myself away from. But I gotta go. Thanks for the sibling hijinks everyone.

    Liz, thanks for hosting. And - congratulations on your ebook, and other changes. I want to be like you when I grow up. You know, if I grow up.

    xxoo

  87. June 24th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Lol Liz, that brings back memories of Dad going into the boys’ room: close your eyes and go to sleep NOW. If I have to come in here one more time…

  88. June 24th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
    Liz Williams said

    (tearing herself away) Bro, I KNEW there was something you all weren’t telling me.

    I like it here.

  89. June 24th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
    Joe said

    Mom, Pop, Aunt Lorraine:
    “You’re gonna go to bed without any supper!”

  90. June 24th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    aw Liz,
    Thanks for coming.
    Thanks for the great email today!
    Thanks for buying my book. :)

  91. June 24th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
    Liz Williams said

    So welcome x 3. Bye all.

  92. June 24th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
    AmyL said

    Hi Everyone! So, no oldest children here? Am I all alone in that?

  93. June 24th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Mom during her after-school-cup-of-tea: Don’t bug me unless there is blood!

  94. June 24th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Yeah, Glenda,
    When I got older, I felt sorry for my aunt she raised six kids and I was over there a lot.

  95. June 24th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hi Amy! Yes, I’m the eldest kid.

  96. June 24th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
    AmyL said

    Oh good. So we can boss all…uhhh, I mean keep all the whipper-snappers in line together. ;)

  97. June 24th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Amy!
    Great to see a stable force joining Glenda. Us little kids were getting out of hand.

    And Joe’s the oldest, but that doesn’t count because he’s an alien. :)

  98. June 24th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
    eric : Gardenfork.tv said

    has anyone else here put there older brother in his place once you were as tall as him? i did when i was 15.

  99. June 24th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
    Timothy Johnson said

    ok, all, have to get two girls to bed. cheers to all.

  100. June 24th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Tim.

    Behave . . . remember that field trip!

  101. June 24th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Eric,
    My older brothers are two guys I never quite got as tall as.

  102. June 24th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
    Joe said

    SECOND SON! My older brother was a bit of a whimp, so I did all the dirty work! :-)

  103. June 24th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Amy, I was constantly in trouble for being Mother Hen. I never understood it. My friends got away with it. It’s just not fair!

  104. June 24th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Middle child. Joe.
    That explains so much.

  105. June 24th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
    Trish said

    I grew up as an only child but in doing so it made me all that more determined to have more than one child. Though I had a great imagination and lots of friends I always wanted a brother or a sister. Now, I have 3 kids and the two closest in age are just starting to bicker (they’re 4 and almost 3). I’m teaching them to treasure each other because they are very lucky to have each other to count on. They might not get it yet but they will when they’re older. Great photos of them in action here: http://dayngrzone.blogspot.com/

  106. June 24th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
    eric : Gardenfork.tv said

    The irony is my younger sister runs the family now. we all listen to her and do what she says.

  107. June 24th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
    Joe said

    Maybe it does, Liz, Maybe it does…
    OR I’m an Alien who invaded the earth and took the guise of Joe Hauckes, the middle child, and proceeded to try to take over the earth!!! :-)

  108. June 24th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Trish!
    I have an only child, my son. I don’t think I would feel okay with that if he were a girl. All of the only children who are guys seem okay with it, but not the women friends I have.

  109. June 24th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
    Trish said

    Hi Liz! To add an extra layer to the story, though I was raised as an only child (I was adopted) I later learned I had 4 siblings - Two older brothers and two younger. None of them are all that interested in hanging out with each other or their sister (me). I guess it’s just a guy thing.

  110. June 24th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
    Joe said

    Something to be said about sibling rivalries.
    When things come down to it, it is an improtant part of growing up.
    When important decisions have to be made, the grown up kids DO come together to do the right thing.
    Sorry for putting a bit of a damper on the convo, but I think kinship and family are that important.

  111. June 24th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
    Trish said

    Our biggest battle right now is sharing. I’m taking notes tho from all the seasoned veterans here. lol

    I’m already morphing into my mom saying things like “Don’t make me come in there.”

  112. June 24th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Yeah, Trish, it must be a guy thing. My husband has a step-father and has no desire to meet his biological dad who left when he was 3.

  113. June 24th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    I remember once my brother said to his two sons when they were about 3 and 4 and not getting along, “This is your brother. You sleep in the same room with him.”

  114. June 24th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
    Trish said

    I’ve noticed some really interesting sibling rivalry between my aunts though and the heirarchy is still in place though the oldest is in her 80s. She’s still the leader and the rest fall in line with the occasional gossiping and bickering!

  115. June 24th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Joe, you’re so right. Even though my brothers are several hours away and we don’t talk much because of day-to-dayness, I KNOW they would be here if I needed them. I was so touched when two came for my fortieth, the other was at school and couldn’t get away. Perhaps now is a good time to send them a note, eh.

  116. June 24th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
    Trish said

    Hierarchy too.. oy!

  117. June 24th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Hi, Liz! Happy birthday Isabella! Hello everyone!

    Sibling rivalry was not so evident in the case of my younger brother and me. We had different tastes, so there was not much conflict, except during bullying times. But that’s normal. :-D

  118. June 24th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
    Trish said

    Glenda,

    Notes would be the sweetest! Do it.

  119. June 24th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    It’s a good thing to know that there is family on the planet. I think that’s what hits adults the hardest when they lose a parent. That person has been on the planet all of their lives.

  120. June 24th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
    eric : Gardenfork.tv said

    my father said to my brother and I:

    “you can do whatever you want in the workshop, just don’t bleed on my floor”

    effective.

  121. June 24th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
    AmyL said

    Trish, one thing I did with the toy-sharing issue (with twins I’m VERY familiar with that battle) was to set the timer for each child’s turn. I started out with one and two minute turns when they were very small, and worked my way up from there. I had to work very hard at first, getting them to believe me that they would indeed have a time with the toy (they were less than a year old when I started). Also, handling the transition from one child to the next when the timer dinged was tough at first. Totally worth the effort though. All 4 of my boys still use the timer to manage turns when a dispute arises. The oldest ones are 10 now, and the littles are 5.

  122. June 24th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
    Joe said

    Glenda, yeah. Waiting doesn’t work, you just never know what can happen either way.

  123. June 24th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
    Trish said

    Amy,

    That is awesome advice. Definately going to try it since they always seem to want what the other has.

  124. June 24th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Amy,
    I have a friend who’s twins are grown now. She says the reason parents dress twins alike is because when you buy two you’ll always like one just a little better and who gets the one that you like the best?

  125. June 24th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
    Trish said

    I adopted @Tojosan as my brother since I don’t really have siblings and he’s the best brother ever!

  126. June 24th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Trish, I will. I think we get so into social networking, we lose touch with our own family.

  127. June 24th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Tojosan is a great brother to have. I love him. I love his voice.

  128. June 24th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    I think that’s so easy for folks to do . . . think one more minute here one less with the concrete world.

  129. June 24th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
    AmyL said

    Trish, thanks for the compliment! Parenting and all things kid is my passion. :) Happy to help. I actually wrote a post on sibling rivalry a few months ago. I’ll have to dig it up.

    Liz, I never dressed the boys alike because I was concerned about them feeling like they weren’t individual. Both sets are fraternal. Grandma still gives the boys identical items sometimes and they’re fine with it but rarely does any boy choose the same outfit as his twin on the same day.

    I’ve also been blessed with boys who have very specific opinions on what they will and will not wear, so I just buy a whole lot of options within the approved color ranges and let them have at it. So far, so good. :)

  130. June 24th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
    Trish said

    I am so guilty of dressing the Dayngrous Duo alike. I think I even posted a pic on the blog from our trip to Disney with them color coordinated. DOH!

  131. June 24th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Amy,
    I think I’d have been more like you. Lots and lots of choices and they could choose.

  132. June 24th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
    eric : Gardenfork.tv said

    re: losing our family to social networking:

    my sister and i talk each other on the phone about our twitters.

    and my parents watch my web video shows and then call me about them.

    social tools keep us talking.

  133. June 24th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
    AmyL said

    Oh dear, I wasn’t saying that it’s bad to dress them alike! It just didn’t work for me. :)

    I did look and I actually wrote 3 posts about sibling rivalry. Can’t believe I forgot that! Here’s one of them: http://tinyurl.com/6ojabm

    Liz, one of the great things about letting them choose is it is an easy way to introduce them to independent thinking.

  134. June 24th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Liz, at times it’s easier to hang out with online friends because they speak the same language. I just had a blogosphere moment and there is no way to explain it to my brothers in a way they’d appreciate it.

  135. June 24th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Eric,
    Doing an observational commentary tonight. :)

  136. June 24th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Amy,
    I agree about the independent thinking thing. I still hate to pick out my clothes in the morning.

  137. June 24th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Glenda,
    I understand that, especially since the communication is so much more fluent for you here. But we all have our reasons for finding it “easier.”

  138. June 24th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
    Trish said

    Can someone come and pick my clothes out for me in the morning? =)

  139. June 24th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
    AmyL said

    LOL. I would be up for that…I don’t mind picking out clothes, I just hate shopping for them. Last time I took the boys with me and the older ones actually had a bit of fun helping me choose. They didn’t like waiting for me to try things on though.

  140. June 24th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
    Joe said

    Why is this poem so hard to write
    When we were kids it just seemed so right

    That when the toys the other had
    We just took what we wanted, oh so bad

    Got yelled at and chastized for our behaviour
    So that with the grownups we lost all favor

    But as we grew and gained our might
    We learned what was wrong and right

    Our kinship and family did gain an edge
    That would not lead us over the ledge

    And became stable as we grew up together
    Now we feel just like a sparrows feather

    In the air just floating down to earth
    It brings us each such joy and mirth

    Siblings are family that can cause some pain
    But with them you have everything to gain.

    Burma Shave

    Nite Liz
    Nite All

  141. June 24th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    When my son was 3, he made up an incredible sign language with his fingers. I would just tell him to show the woman in the store his alphabet and spell her name. She’d get so involved in this cute little boy, that she’d babysit while I shopped. Worked every time.

  142. June 24th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    Nite Joe!

    Hi all.

  143. June 24th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good Night, Joe,
    Sleepy swell!

  144. June 24th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Rick,
    When did you sneak in here?
    Great to see you!

  145. June 24th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    Here’s an interesting page about birth order characteristics.

  146. June 24th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Just popping in to say hi!

  147. June 24th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
    Trish said

    10:30 PM here nite nite. This was fun!

  148. June 24th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Trish!
    Thanks for stopping by!

  149. June 24th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    Hi Liz,

    I just got alive enough to make it. My family’s going traditional. Usually, a child marries and they move away with their new spouse. My daughter got married. She’s moving back in here with her husband and daughter. I’m suffering from formerly-empty nest syndrome. :)

  150. June 24th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Hi Rick and Karen!

  151. June 24th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Karen!
    Waving as you drive by!

  152. June 24th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    Oooh! Karen got a new site since I’ve been around. I like it, Karen.

  153. June 24th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    Hi Glenda. Bye Trish.

  154. June 24th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    That’s a change, Rick,
    I’m not sure I could take having folks around all of the time any more.

  155. June 24th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Hi Everyone! Rick– thanks, I have a lot more I want to add but been putting it off!

  156. June 24th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Speaking of siblings, I was lucky– I was an “oops” and came along ten years after the last one. Sibling rivalry–what’s that?

  157. June 24th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    The family being here is good. Fortunately, we have the space to fix them a separate room to have friends over.

  158. June 24th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Karen,
    I so admire your cheerful disposition. You find joy!

  159. June 24th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Oh, I’m feeling good tonight. My youngest kiddo pulled off an amazing double-play and his team won the playoff. My vacation is postponed, but oh well! Next game is Saturday.

  160. June 24th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Oooo, Rick– you ok with the nest filling up again?

  161. June 24th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    You’ve got a winning son! YEA!
    I can hear your voice in your comments!

  162. June 24th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    Karen, yes I am. Our youngest son just got of the Marines. We told him to move back in if he wished, too.

    /me thinks he may need to build an addition on the house if this keeps up.

  163. June 24th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Rick, over in Japan, that’s how whole families live. Corral up the son-in-law and the son and build the addition together. :)

  164. June 24th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Rick,
    I’m beginning to think that you’re becoming like Merlin.

  165. June 24th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    Sounds like a plan to me, Karen!

  166. June 24th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Hey Glenda, re: comment 134– I completely understand. I was at a family party on Sunday and tried to explain some blogging stuff. Received blank stares in return.

  167. June 24th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    Liz - How am I becoming like Merlin? Do you see a crystal cave in my future?

  168. June 24th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    It sounds like most people here were the oldest or the youngest.

  169. June 24th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Rick,
    It’s like you’re living your life backward now. :)

  170. June 24th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Liz, congrats on the new e-book!

  171. June 24th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    It’s either that, or I get to do my do-overs while I can still remember what I did wrong the first time. :)

  172. June 24th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thank you, Karen!
    It’s getting a nice reception. Did you get a sample of it in your email?

  173. June 24th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Yeah, Karen, I bother trying to explain blogging, tweeting etc. There’s no point. That’s why getting to meet Tojosan, Suzie and others who speak the same language is so meaningful.

  174. June 24th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    That’s a great way to look it, Rick. You’re a stronger person than I.

  175. June 24th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Yes, I did, but saving it for a time when I can kick back. Right now, I’m multi-tasking between this and putting together a survey for the Hearing Aid Action blog. I have an article that is due tomorrow– oh boy!

  176. June 24th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    ooops, that should’ve been “I don’t bother”

  177. June 24th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Well, my boys are a different matter altogther! They quarrel and make up like every second they’re together. I see signs of sibling rivalry, and so as much as possible, we give equal attention, praise, criticism to both. :)

    I blogged about it one time: http://mamaisworking.blogspot.com/2008/05/mothers-apprehension.html

  178. June 24th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Glenda,
    You’re fun when you typo!

  179. June 24th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Hmmm.. i posted a message and i didn’t think it got through

    Liz, congrats on your ebook, too! :)

  180. June 24th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
    Rick Cockrum said

    It’s time for me to be off to bed. Good night Karen, Glenda.

    Thank you for the evening, Liz. See you next week.

  181. June 24th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
    Mary-Lynn said

    I just had to mention how cool my little sister is! We are only 2 years apart. Sure we had our sibling fights growing up. But now, we are truly the best of friends. We’re even working together on my Bigg Studio venture. She does video, I do audio. How cool is that?

  182. June 24th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Meikah!
    Found it and saved it from the Akismet monster!

    You’re safe now!

  183. June 24th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Good night, Rick!
    Get some great sleep tonight!

  184. June 24th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thanks Meikah for the nice words about the ebook! Tell all of your friends they need to buy it. :)

  185. June 24th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    G’night Rick.

  186. June 24th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Mary-Lynn,
    Hiya!
    It’s so great to hear cool sister stories. Thanks for bring yours here now. :)

  187. June 24th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
    Karen Putz / DeafMom said

    Goodnight to you all, I’ve got to get myself offline to get a few things done. See you next week– I’ll be writing from Christie Lake.

  188. June 24th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    You go, Lake Girl!!
    Have a great time!

  189. June 24th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Wow, thanks Liz! :)

    Rick, have a good sleep!

    How many siblings do you have, Liz? (Hope you don’t mind me asking) :)

  190. June 24th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    I have two older brothers. They’re much older than I. They live in Wyoming.

  191. June 24th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
    Glenda Watson Hyatt said

    Liz, thanks for providing the space to hang out with friends again. G’night all.

  192. June 24th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
    DaveMurr said

    I miss my sister. We are both adopted but you could never convince me that we are not related. Soon I will see her again, but not soon enough!

  193. June 24th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    G’night, Glenda!
    Sleep well tonight!

  194. June 24th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Dave!
    Welcome!
    That’s cool that you think so highly of her. Sounds like you’re really close.

  195. June 24th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    G’night Glenda!

    Wow so you’re also an only daughter like me. Betcha that was a lot of fun growing up! :)

    Is it time for you to turn in? I’ll come early next time! :)

  196. June 24th, 2008 at 10:30 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    I’m sorry, Meikah!
    I’m sleepy too.
    I think I need to say “good night.”

  197. June 24th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
    AmyL said

    Good night Liz and everyone! Hope you all have good sleeps.

  198. June 24th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
    Meikah Delid said

    Have a good sleep, Liz! :)

  199. June 24th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Thank you, Amy and Meikah!

  200. June 25th, 2008 at 6:37 am
    Standtall said

    My siblings and I were not close. I was born into a polygamous setting which is common in Nigeria. My immediate half brother is 8 yrs older than me. So, when I was growing up, I used to chil with friends and not my siblings. It wasn’t fun growing up alone though because I do envy my friends that had close ties with thier siblings.

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