Moments

Like most people, I tend to get caught up in the things that don’t matter. As a mom to little ones, I get up caught up in the noises, the messes, the whining (OMG THE WHINING), the talking back, the “no’s”, the “why’s”, and, of course, the bickering.

However, my oldest is about to turn 9 (yes, 9) — and all at once, it’s hitting me like a ton of bricks. That’s HALFWAY to adulthood (although… is 18 really an adult these days?). It’s cliche, but true — the days are long, but the years are much too short — and I really need to stop thinking and nitpicking on the things that are going to drive me to the brink of insanity. I probably just need to accept that this is what being a parent is. Kids are imperfect but perfect reflections of yourself. Always.

Instead, I’m trying ( I’m REALLY TRYING) to notice the little moments. The inbetween seconds when nobody thinks anyone is looking. The moments of kindness, love, and kinship. The sly smiles. The full-body joy and happiness that seems to fade once kids drift into teenage land. After all, these are the moments we flash back to, right? These are the moments we remember and long for when we are feeling nostalgic (most of the time — too bad nobody caught a picture of my brothers chasing me around our yard with rakes, because I whacked them with my tennis racket).

So my project for the year (or however long)… is to capture and share my favorite moments each week. Maybe I’ll throw in a few of my favorite childhood moments along the way…

What moments meant/mean the most to you?

Won’t you join along?