Believe it or not, a 23-year-old can learn a ton from younger siblings who aren’t even half her age. I was an only child up until 15, then my little sister Katie (almost nine) arrived and changed my life, in the best way. Four years later, Abby (four going on 24) made her grand entrance, and boy is she a firecracker. These two have a funny way of putting things into perspective.

Here are some things that have stuck with me over the past nine years.

1. See the joy in little things. Take a step back and just look around you, it is okay to be a kid sometimes. Appreciate the colors of a sunset, catch a snowflake on your tongue, life doesn’t always have to be so complicated. Abby & Katie wake up with utter excitement almost everyday, their eyes aren't even open for five seconds and they're already halfway down the stairs in search of Barbies. Maybe we should all see mornings in that light (no pun intended.) Well, maybe not the Barbie part, but hey who am I to judge? What I really mean is the fact that you woke up alive and well is a gift from the Lord. The sunrise is a fresh slate. I think of my sisters when I am a crab in the morning and dread getting out of bed. I am not suggesting to do a cheer upon waking and skip down the hallway, just try to see the day for what it is worth.

2. Katie is a sweet soul and her tender nature has made me more aware of how judgmental, fast-paced and bitter us adults can be sometimes. Great job, guys. Her patience and willingness to assist Abby, and pretty much anyone makes me incredibly proud. I try to channel my inner Katie, especially on the road, as I am not the most patient person to roam this earth. Work in progress.

3. If you have kids, younger siblings, little cousins, etc, watch them play. You will discover a twinkle in their innocent eyes, filled with wonder and imagination. It is a sad reality to digest one day that will fade, do not forget what it looks like. I will always remember watching the two of them lying on the floor in their Disney PJ’s playing dollhouse and softly singing along to Taylor Swift and John Mayer songs.I take all credit for their exceptional taste in music.

4. Speaking of Taylor Swift, having younger siblings taught me the meaning of her song “Never Grow Up.” I try my best to not crawl into the fetal position and bawl my eyes out upon listening. “To you, everything's funny. You got nothing to regret. I’d give all I have honey, if you could stay like that.” There is nothing I would not do for these two, and it pains me to know I cannot always protect them from the sometimes cruel world. Isn’t it something how kids always wish to be a grown up? Raise your hand if you wish you were a kid again. No bills or pressures of dating? I'm in. On second thought, you could not pay me to go through elementary school again. Ever see 5th grade me with slick backed hair? Yikes.

5. I hate the children's show "Cailou." That bald devil child. Thank goodness they are over that show. Where are all my moms at? You feel me?

6. Every time I am about to leave my mom’s house, the girls walk me to the door and hug me at least a dozen times before I can even grab my keys. I have learned to never leave without a squeeze or an “I love you,” and to remember how blessed you are if you have someone who hates to see you go.

Katie & Abby, when you read this someday I hope you realize your full potential, your ability to make others laugh, why "Cailou" is the worst and most importantly how lucky I feel to be your role model and best friend. My wish is to always live up to those two titles. A huge shout-out to my mom for raising such angels, especially me. Just kidding, sort of.