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Time goes quickly

My husband and I are enjoying a few days in Chicago without our three kids. So what are we doing? Sitting at the House of Blues...enjoying a kid-free dinner, listening to some great live music and pulling out wallet pictures of our kids. Yep! Even miles away and a different time zone, we are still thinking of our kids. Especially, our five year old, who started kindergarten a couple weeks ago. We are looking at a picture of her at two...with her baby face and gleeful expression. Her five year old pic, which we also have makes me tear up when I compare the two. Gone are the babyish features...her face is more defined giving us a good idea of what she'll look like as she grows older. Gone is the gleeful expression replaced by a posed expressive shy smile. I look hard to see my baby in the five year old and I finally catch it in her eyes...that little spark.

I've heard it said when raising children, "the days are long and the years are short". This is so true. Wasn't it just yesterday that my first born was placed in my arms. How did five years go by, so quickly? At the time, when I was a new mom, struggling with hormones, diapers and a new human being who didn't talk, who was completely dependent on me. How would I manage? How would I figure things out? How would I know what she needed? Days went by so slowly (I thought) as I struggled with new challenges...but time moved on and I adapted. Years went by and now I'm a mom of three.

It's bitter sweet. I'm sad and happy at the same time. Where have the years gone? How did I not notice the time flying by so quickly? Why didn't I hold on to her more, memorize every baby coo and smile. Why was I so quick for her to grow up? Now I'm walking her to school, helping with homework, packing school lunches. I'm thrilled to move on to the next part of her life journey. To see her become a little more independent and confident. To watch her become grow into the woman she will be one day.

I know it's not all rainbows and sunshine. We'll deal with the attitude, the angst, fights and heartaches...but I hope I can keep in my mind's eye the picture of the 2 year old and remember time goes quickly.

So, my hubby and I will put down our to-do lists and play a little more, cuddle a little more and hold on to our kiddos as long as we can. Knowing the day is coming when they won't let us smother them with kisses in front of their friends.

This says it better than I ever could...

"You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow, they will be a little bit older than they were today. This day is a gift, breath and notice, smell and touch them; study their faces and little feet and pay attention. RELISH THE CHARMS OF THE PRESENT. Enjoy today, mama, it'll be over before you know it." by Jen Hatmaker

It's okay to play

Are you all about getting things done? You always have that list going? That is my husband and I, there is always a project or an errand to run. Sitting and just hanging with the kids doesn't happen much and we've come to realize it needs to happen. It's okay to stop and play, the projects will still be there. So what, if it takes an extra couple weeks to finish the master bathroom project. Missing out on our kids is much worse then taking an extra month to finish up a project. Down the road it's not the projects our kids will remember, it's the laughter, games, picnics, flying kites...

So, in an attempt to create these memories, we went to Busch Gardens over Labor Day weekend. I know what you are thinking..."Are you nuts"? I know, but we were lucky. We hit absolutely no traffic going there or back and the park was not super crowded. The entire family had a blast and my hubby and I enjoyed seeing the joy in our children's faces. Living through them was awesome as they were so excited to ride their first mini roller coaster, run through the splash park with their clothes on, and zoom around in kiddie size bumper cars (that my middle child called "bumpy cars). We saw a magical show with fairies, witches, gnomes, and fairy Godmothers. My kids were entranced and I had fun, too.

My hubby and I didn't make it on one single adult ride, but that is okay. We had fun riding the kiddie rides and living through our kids. Also, they didn't fight, push, yell, screech or cry the entire weekend. It was absolute bliss.

So, in my books, it's okay to take a break from the everyday and play a little, even if it is only a few hours down the road. The chores and projects will be waiting for you when you return. The memories will last a lifetime.