The Kids' House

Ace has finished his first year at Baylor! Hurray! After one year living in the dormitory and eating dormitory food (quantity, not quality) he will be moving into the "kids" house with his sister Violet.
This is a rental property that I keep for the kids. When Violet moved out of the dorm five years ago, she and I had mother/daughter bonding time remodelling this cute little house. Yes, we swung hammers and refinished hardwood floors. We painted every inch of that house and hung mouldings and blinds until we were cross eyed. This little house emerged as a darling property for her to live in and to use as an income property while she attended college.

Fast forward five years. Ace's turn to move in. The bathroom had to be remodelled to accommodate his 6'4" frame (shower head and mirrors raised). The back den/bedroom had to be repainted, carpets cleaned and clutter removed so Ace could move his stuff in after he moved out of the dormitory. Ace and I had some fun mother/son bonding moments while fixing up this room. He has dubbed it as Extreme Home Makeover -- College House Edition. Hanging drapes, painting furniture, building closets have never been so much fun. So Ace is ready. His queen sized bed (he had a twin in the dorm) will be delivered today and he will probably sleep his first night in the same house as his sister for the first time in five years.

So, the house is ready for the siblings to live together again. But are the siblings ready? I seem to think that they will get along just fine. They each have strengths that will enable them to make a good roommate. Each will bring something to the table that will enrich or infuriate the other. Time will tell how this plays out. I have alerted the local police.

Violet is strong willed and wants things her way. Ace is strong willed and wants things his way. Both have first born characteristics that stress control. But, oh what a learning experience this will be for them. To learn to live with someone who can scream at you to turn the music down, or demand that it is your turn to buy the toilet paper is priceless. None of the niceties to get in the way. "I love you, you love me, now stop messing with my DVR!"

Ace will bring calmness and serenity to Violet and Violet will assist in teaching Ace general life skills. Violet takes things way too seriously and Ace doesn't take anything seriously. There must be a middle ground in there somewhere and hopefully they will find it. This is a great training opportunity for life. Their future spouses will appreciate me.

So, if you see a mushroom cloud over South Waco please steer clear. There are life lessons being learned and hopefully an adult sibling relationship beginning to take shape....they can thank me later.