I envisioned Megan as a young woman and then as a young mother facing the challenges of life. It made me want to savor every moment with my children and not worry so much about dinner and cleaning and what is on the calendar for tomorrow. It also gave me a great desire to give my children happy memories. I want them to look back at their childhood with a big smile on their faces. I want to teach them to laugh and love life and embrace all that is good and lovely.
I remembered a story in the Ensign written by a mother who decided not to worry anymore about the hassle and time it takes to create fun memories with your children. The value of memories is greater than the time it takes to scrub dirty clothes or dirty faces. Her motto was that their family didn't make messes; they made memories.
So, I let Megan play in the sprinkler and she had a grand time! We splashed each other for a while and then I let her keep playing while I sat with Colin in the grass and just watched his face as he explored the world around him. I watched his eyes light up each time he heard a new sound. I watched him get excited every time he managed to pull a fistful of grass. And I laughed as I watched his repeated attempts to eat a leaf and the grimace he pulled when he actually tasted it.
These moments are what being a mother, being a parent are all about. Life goes by so quickly. I can't stop it or even slow it down. But I can enjoy every moment and teach my children to do the same.
Yes, I had to change Megan's clothes and clean up the water trail she left behind and dinner was a little cold, but what a small price to pay for such a great memory with my children.
So, I let Megan play in the sprinkler and she had a grand time! We splashed each other for a while and then I let her keep playing while I sat with Colin in the grass and just watched his face as he explored the world around him. I watched his eyes light up each time he heard a new sound. I watched him get excited every time he managed to pull a fistful of grass. And I laughed as I watched his repeated attempts to eat a leaf and the grimace he pulled when he actually tasted it.
These moments are what being a mother, being a parent are all about. Life goes by so quickly. I can't stop it or even slow it down. But I can enjoy every moment and teach my children to do the same.
Yes, I had to change Megan's clothes and clean up the water trail she left behind and dinner was a little cold, but what a small price to pay for such a great memory with my children.
7 comments:
well then, my family makes plenty of "memories!" i like that way of looking at things. :)
thank you for writing this post. You really gave me a good lesson that I needed right now. I hope that I can follow your example of being such a wonderful mom. Jamison has been asking for Megan. I think it's time that we got together. I'll give you a call today. We sure missed you guys.
Your Mom-in-law is a great example of creating good memories and traditions. I recall that Melissa had opened an entire gallon of cooking oil and dumped in on the kitchen floor. She was having a grand time sliding around and there was Elizabeth taking photos and laughing her head off. She often recited a poem in which the poet calls upon the dust to wait because she has children to raise.
good reminder and great pics!
Marilee...
I totally agree with you. I have had those moments several times when in my minds eye I see my boys going on their missions and wishing they were little just for a day again. I don't know if you have heard the country song "you're going to miss this" but it is about these things and Todd often sings those lyrics to me when I have had a "memory making" kind of day! Thanks for the post.
Mar you are such a good mother! Everything you said is so true. Your kids are beautiful. Colin is looking so grown up. I miss you guys. Are you coming out here for Christmas?
That's something that constantly crosses my mind too. Sometimes when I'm trying to clean and tripping over Crystal who's following me around, I keep in mind that one day she'll not want to follow me around anymore and start doing her own thing, and then I appreciate and love her instead of get annoyed. I think kids make us better people in so many ways everyday.
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