Sometimes you just need a reminder.
While the boxes have been unpacked for awhile now, we are slowly going through the process and making this house our home. We have built-in bookcases in the family room, and I’ve been carefully filling it with books, photos, and objects that have meaning to us. I ordered this print for the bookcase from Zulily the other day. Every time I see it I want it to remind me of what is really important.
Sometimes you just need a reminder.
The kids and I headed off to Nashville by ourselves for a few days while Mike was out of town. It’s been a long time since I traveled with just the two of them. On the way down we checked “Visit Mythic Creatures in Louisville” off our Summer Bucket List. At various points in the trip we made sure to visit the holy grails of sweet treats: ice creams from Graeter’s and Jeni’s, popsicles from Las Paletas. We stayed out in the sun too long, stayed up too late, ate too many s’mores. On the way back we toured Mammoth Cave, our first family visit to a national park.
For so long, it felt like parenting just meant surviving from sun up until sundown. It was about making sure everyone was fed and napped and not on the verge of potential injury. It is decidedly easier now. This trip reminded me of that. It also reminded me that the byproduct of this easier stage means they are growing up.
Sometimes you just need a reminder.
My brother, who we stayed with in Nashville, called last night to say hi. He told me how much fun they had with the kids, how special he thinks they are. His kids are growing up – one in college and in another continent right now, another wrapping up high school. “We’re not ready for it to be over yet. It went by so fast,” he said. His words reminded me that one day I too will look up and wonder where the years went. I pray that I will question how time passes so quickly, but I will know that we spent them well.
Sometimes you just need a reminder.
There are the really long days, the ones when it feels like all I do is put out fires, clean up messes, referree squabbles, or nag. But even on those longest of days, the years are ticking by and there is much to be thankful for.